Letter to the Meadow View Youth

Hey Meadow View Ward,

The mission is honestly so amazing. And this is coming from a guy who has had fleas, blisters, brown water, warm water, cold water, salmonella, and horrible Montezuma’s revenge, if you know what I mean.  And even a sublingual cyst. And so much more too.  Looking back at all of this it would all be worth it if even one or just myself grew closer to Jesus Christ.  Fortunately, many people have come unto Him while I have been serving on my mission.  The difference that the gospel makes in someone’s life is breathtaking.  One experience that stands out to me is from the area I am in now.  When my companion and I opened the area there was no one to teach.  I was also a trainer and district leader.  There was a lot of new pressure on me having new responsibilities of teaching my kid (what we call new missionaries) and helping the missionaries in my district which happened to be all Hermana’s.  We were doing our best to find new people to teach but not many people accepted us, and those that did seemed to disappear.  We kept praying for God’s guidance and help. Ultimately, we fasted.  Following the week of the fast, we received three referenced from Salt Lake City which I had never seen happen the entire time I have been out on my mission.  We were able to teach 13 people from those references.  It was such a great testament of faith, prayer, and fasting. We were able to help one of those references, Brandon, with his progress in his relationship with Jesus Christ.  From his first prayer, all the way to him becoming married, and today his baptism, we were able to see his increase in faith and love for God.  As I confirmed the Holy Ghost upon him today, I felt the holy spirit testify to me that he was following God the best way. And now Brandon’s family on the other side of the veil and his future family have the potential to become eternal.  I look forward with joy the day that he and his new wife will be sealed together in the temple.  I know that two years may seem long, and that you will feel far away from home, but with Heavenly Father on our side we can accomplish the impossible.  And because of the changes He makes in us, every moment is worth it, even the bad ones.  Heavenly Father loves us, and he wants to talk to us.  He will guide us and succor us. (Alma 7:12) in the very moment we need.  He lives, He knows us, He loves us.  If any of you are wondering if you should serve a mission DO IT.  I promise you will never regret it, I sure haven’t.  In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Love you all

Elder Snow

PS:  For all of you leaving soon, my advice for you is to live the gospel, not just do the gospel.