Why did I go on a mission?

Hey everyone,

   I've been asked this questions many times in the last year. And don't worry I've asked myself that same question sometimes. Why would I decided that leaving my family, friends, school, and work to go to a place I've never been and to knock on people's doors and ask them if they would like to listen to the message I have to share with them.
I knew coming on a mission that not everyone would want to listen to me. That doors would be slammed on my face, that I would have really hard days that I wouldn't want to get out of bed. I would probably cry myself to sleep, and that I would not be present for a lot of special events back home.
But I've really thought about this a lot recently. "Why did I, Aubrey Phillips decide to go on a mission?"
Here is my answer:
        Everyone told me I should serve a mission, that I would be great and learn so much from my 18 months of service. I thought it sounded like a good idea but I decided to put it on the back burner, it wasn't really a high priority for me. As time went on, it was as if God was screaming at me with different signs that I should serve a mission. The historical moment of the missionary age change, everyone around me kept talking about their missions, and than I just had this burning desire to get one of those Black name tags.
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Yup, that name tag right there.

Now that sounds like a horrible reason for going on a mission. But for me I knew what that name tag would mean. That right there along my name would be my Saviors name. That was a big deal for me.
I also knew that as I grew up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, because I was apart of His church that I was waking up everyday with a purpose. That there was more to life than just waking up and going to work. But that I am important, that even though I had hard days that my Savior Jesus Christ suffered every single one of my pains. That He knew what I was feeling, that I wasn't EVER alone. Every fiber in my body wanted to be able to give that to someone else. To watch as they came to know that their sins can be washed away FOREVER. That the Gospel of Jesus Christ can answer every question you have. I wanted to share that with everyone. I wanted to stand on a mountain and yell it to everyone.

3 Nephi 5:13
    13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

Now, I can tell you all that it is worth it, every single day. (Even the bad days are worth it) because I have been able to share His message with people. I love being able to watch the Spirit touch their hearts.  I love that I have been called of God.
I know that Heavenly Father has lead me here. I'm so blessed. And I'm so grateful to be serving a mission.
I also have no doubt in my mind this is where I'm suppose to be. The people I've meet and continue to meet. My testimony as it increases everyday with the many different experiences.
Yes I've have missed some very special things back home like my little brother being called on a mission, or the birth of a niece. But I know my Heavenly Father is proud of my choice to serve. And I'm grateful he has given me this chance.

Hello everyone!

   Wow, I know it's been a while and the time is flying by faster than ever. I've been on my mission for a little over a year and I only have 6 months left of my missionary service. 
Today I wanted to take a couple minutes and share with you all my testimony of The Book of Mormon. While on my mission I strive to read from The Book of Mormon daily. Now I'll be the first to admit not everyday do I read it, sometimes we rush out the door before we have our studies and I don't end up reading it at all that whole day. But I've come to realize while on my mission how important it is to study the scriptures daily. As we read in the Bible, Matthew 6: 11

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 

Now interpret this scripture as you will, but for right now I'm going to say our "daily bread" is to pray and read our scriptures.  Why is having our daily bread important? Well honestly that is how I've gained my testimony of the Book of Mormon. By everyday taking the time to read my scriptures. Before I start I'll say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father to testify or show me that this book I'm reading is true. I'm here to tell you, that He does that. I know Book of Mormon is true. 

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.

Because I've personally done what the Introduction has invited each and every single one of us to do, I Aubrey Phillips have gained a testimony of these things. I know they are true, and I cannot ever deny that. I'm so grateful for The Book of Mormon, it has changed my life daily. I'm so blessed to be here on my mission, to meet the people I have. They have been such an impact in my growing experience.  I know that if each one of us reads The Book of Mormon with a sincere heart and real intent. That you too can find the joy and happiness that it holds. I challenge all of you to take the invitation seriously, and find out for yourself what The Book of Mormon is all about.

I say these things so humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.