I wanted to say just a little bit about why I decided to serve a mission. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me immeasurable amounts of happiness in my life. I would not be the person I am today without the knowledge that I am literally a daughter of a Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ suffered and died for my individual sake and because of Him, I am able to return to live with God again. What a blessing it is to have that knowledge!
I have always had a certain inkling to serve a mission but I never actually thought the day would come! Last summer, I had the opportunity to work at Disney World through the Disney College Program. It was life changing. While I was there I had the chance to teach with both the Sister Missionaries and the Elders. I saw people who were unhappy and without direction find the gospel and have a complete 180* turn in their life for the better. Their countenance literally changed and their whole being and aura was just SO happy! Being able to be there for this change was really inspirational for me. I just loved giving people the opportunity to have that knowledge and that happiness that I have found to be so amazing in my own life!
Being a member of the Church my whole life, I have always believed in the Book of Mormon but I had never actually gained my own personal testimony of the book. I did not have the unwavering knowledge that the book was true. This concerned me because I did not want to serve a mission, testifying that the book was true without actually having that knowledge. I kept praying to know if it was true and I was not getting an answer. So, I met with my bishop in Florida and he listened to my concern. This was a couple of weeks before General Conference and he told me that if I continued to read and pray for the knowledge, my question would be answered in listening and giving heed to the counsel of our beloved Prophet and other general authorities. So, when conference came, I listened carefully and wouldn't you know it, they told me to do what I had been doing already...very clearly! I knew that I needed to continue to have patience and that with faith, the truth would be revealed to me. I continued to read until I came across 2nd Nephi Chapter 2.
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?lang=eng
As I read the words in this chapter, I just felt so good. My whole being felt warm and I literally could not deny what I was reading. The spirit was so strong and I knew in my heart that the Book of Mormon was the word of God. In that moment I knew that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God and he translated these precious, ancient records into English. I cannot describe the feeling that I had, but I know this Gospel is true with all my heart. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's original church that has been restored through modern day Prophets. I know that the only way to return to live with our Father in Heaven is through Repentance, Baptism, Confirmation of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End. I cannot wait to share this message with the people of Peru and give them the chance to have the joy that I have been so blessed with. :)
I would LOVE to keep in touch with people when I am gone so please write me!! My addresses are as follows :)
Provo MTC (Sept-Oct 2012)
Sister Elisheva Sylvia Ali
MTC Mailbox # 355
PER-LIMS 1107
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
MTC Mailbox # 355
PER-LIMS 1107
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
Peru MTC (Oct-Nov 2012)
Sister Elisheva Sylvia Ali
Peru MTC
Centro de Capacitacion Missional
Melgarejo 159 La Molina
Lima 12
Peru
Mission Field (Nov 2012 - Feb 2014)
Hermana Elisheva Sylvia Ali
Peru Lima South Mission
Av Jorge Basadre 592, Oficina 604-A
Edificio Torre Azul, San Isidro
Lima 27
Peru
I love you ALL! See you in 18 months!
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