Gratitude = Happiness 10

I get to see this amazing elder in real life TOMORROW. I just wanted to share a snippet of his last letter. It touched me, I have loved seeing an amazing change in my brother over the past 2 years. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a gospel of change and joy. 

“Because of this mission I’m somebody new. I’ve come to know what it takes to become a disciple of Christ. It’s been truly amazing and humbling to be an instrument in the lords hands to bring souls to him. There’s been blood, a whole bunch of sweat (shout-out Florida humidity) and many tears, knocking on strangers doors, being despised and rejected time after time in all ways, but it’s all nothing after seeing the fruits of labor. Seeing someone change their life and follow Christ on to the path immortality and eternal life. And any of you thinking about whether or not to serve a mission; if you want to spend 2 years refining yourself, learning the mysteries of god, witnessing miracles, feeling the spirit, and coming to personally know our savior Jesus Christ, then a mission is for you cause that’s exactly what it does. 

I’m thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, without it I would definitely not be here. It’s allowed me to change, he took me exactly where I was, asked me to drop my nets and said “Follow me” he didn’t see me from who I had been, he saw me from what I could become, he knew of my potential even though I didn’t. This process of life is very individual, but so is the Atonement of Christ. Take it, use it. I do everyday. I love each of you, I want you to know that the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith is a prophet, he restored Christ’s Church, and its being led by a prophet today. God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ is his son, he is our savior. When we come to the gates of heaven, we cannot use our names to get in, the only name we can use is Jesus Christ. He has allowed us to take it upon ourselves and become pure. 

I’m thankful to have worn 2 names on my chest for 2 years, my earthly fathers, and my savior and older brother Jesus Christ. I have tried my best to bring honor to those names that mean so much to me, it’s been a privilege. I can hardly think about taking it off without weeping. But now it’s more that that, it’s engraved inside me, it’s who I have become.

I’m so full of emotions right now, I’m so sad to leave behind this place I have come to love so much, and the people I love even more. I’m forever grateful for the Florida, Orlando Mission!! The happiest mission on earth! But I’m so excited to see each of you, and to start this new chapter of my life. Im open to advice, it would be much appreciated! Haha, I love you all! I’m so excited to see you soon!! God be with you till we meet again! -Elder Bret Barben”