Provo MTC: Lead, Kindly Light...

The MTC...what an experience! Being surrounded by thousands of young men and women anxious to get out and preach the Gospel was amazing. But before the MTC, there was the heart breaking moments of "See ya in two years!"

Saying goodbye to the family was pretty tough, especially to my nephews and nieces. I remember dropping off one of my nephews at his school that morning and giving him a final hug. I watched him trod off slowly, his heavy backpack swaying as he moved, head sunk down crying. For anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me, you know exactly what I did...bawled like a baby. Talk about a tear jerker...

A few hours later I was thrown in the mix of the MTC, and I soon found out what my mission was going to be like. All the sadness of saying goodbye was swallowed up in the joy of meeting a group of Elders that has changed my life. I hadn't spent very much time around other active LDS people up to that point in my life. It was an eye opener to have 7 exemplary Elders show me that Mormons aren't as bad as I thought. In fact, they are pretty legit! (Confusing? maybe, but I was inactive most of my life.) My MTC experience was incredible to say the least. The growth in testimony: the friendships forged; the genuine fun had was a springboard propelling me into this awesome mission adventure.

Like I said, I wasn't very active before my mission, so I didn't know many hymns. Luckily, Elder Houston, my missionary companion in the MTC (and later on...we'll get there) is an amazing singer and introduced me to quite a few goodies. One in particular reminds me of the MTC every time I hear it: "Lead, Kindly Light".

"Lead, kindly light amid the encircling gloom; lead thou me on! The night is dark and I am far from home, lead thou me on! Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene one step enough for me."

This verse describes pretty well how I felt going into the MTC. I didn't know what to expect, and it was so hard for me to finally get there. But I wanted to do what the Lord wanted me to do. I asked for His help, and He got me there. I was finally saying to the Good Shepard, "I'll go where you want me to go..." (I still struggle with wanting to see the distant scene though...haha).

"I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou shouldst lead me on. I loved to choose and see my path; but now, lead thou me on! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, pride ruled my will. Remember not past years."

 I've said it many times before: I never wanted to go on a mission growing up. It wasn't a thought for me. I was going to do what I wanted to do, and for a long time I did. I lived a life contrary to the commandments of God, and with that came consequences that were more than I could handle alone. I thank God every day that He opened my eyes and gave me this chance to change. It was in the MTC that I gained a testimony that the only way to true joy and happiness is through Jesus Christ. I'm grateful He 'remember(s) not past years'.

"So long thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on o'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till the night is gone. And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I have loved long since, and lost a while!"

Although the MTC was incredibly fun and uplifting, it was full of challenges as well. I missed my nephews and nieces so much. I had been with them nearly every day of their lives. The thought of not seeing them for two years was difficult to say the least. This verse told me the Lord would help me endure all challenges, including being away from my best friends. He had brought me through hellish torment before, and He would get me through every trial and difficulty till the 'morn' that I will see the 'angel faces' of my nephews and nieces 'smile'. He will continue to help me until I see Him as He is. I know that for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ, and "...keep (His) commandments and endure to the end (they) shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (Doc. & Cov. 14:7)

Here is a beautiful version of this classic hymn. Lander, WY: Prayer of the Children is coming soon...stay tuned! 

Remember Him!

One year ago today, I got on a plane and came to the beautiful State of Montana. I had been in the Missionary training center in Provo, Utah for three weeks and was anxious to get out and start teaching people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The first day we got into Billings we went through a series of orientations and saw the beautiful Temple. We also filled out a bunch of paperwork and forms. One of the things they had us do was write ourselves a letter for our one year anniversary. I received mine and was surprised at what I wrote myself. I feel prompted to share it.

Elder Ika,

You better be working hard! Remember the long road it was to get back involved in the Church. Don't ever forget your Savior and what He has done for you. Remember Romans 8:16-17 and how we are all "heirs" to our Heavenly Father. Those you are teaching need to know that too. Remember to be patient, to be agreeable, and above all to be charitable. Remember the night it all changed. Remember how you cried out for deliverance and finally received it. Don't worry about the family. The Lord will watch over and take care of them. He is blessing them in ways you don't even imagine. Remember to be enthusiastic and happy. It is the Gospel of Happiness, the Great Plan of Happiness. Look for the best in others and ignore the rest. Talk less, say more. You are on the Lords time, and you only have one year left so make it count! Gird up your loins and go to work!

I have been so distracted lately. I have been distracted by my own selfish desires and weaknesses. This letter has helped me remember why I came out here. I am here because Jesus Christ has wrought a mighty change in my heart. He has given me a remission of my sins and He has given me a newness of life. He preserved me for a reason. Part of that reason was because He loves me and wants my happiness. Another part was so that I could be used as a means to help bring some of His other children back to our Father in Heaven. I'm trying to remember all those things that I told myself. I sometimes forget that I was once lost and wondering in the world, but the Lord found me and got me back on the path to our Father. I am trying to be better and do better so that others who are lost can get on the path, and that's what the Lord asks of me. He asks all of us to remember Him and submit ourselves to His will. With that, we are promised that we will have His spirit with us and that we will be happy. It's by remembering Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for us that we can escape temptation and receive peace amidst all our trials. 

So, your a missionary. What's that like?

So......My name is Elder Ika. I am a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been given the opportunity to use facebook and blogger to help me keep in touch with the people I have met.

For two years I serve away from my home sharing the things I know to be true with the great people in Montana and Wyoming. I have been serving now for about 9 months and have loved it. It's the most fun I have ever had! Something about getting out and serving others really brings out the fun in life.

That's all for now. More will come soon.