I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church and that Jesus Christ leads and guides it. I KNOW THAT THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE. I know that Christ lives. I know that every effort to follow Him IS WORTH it. I know that God loves us. I know that He wants us to be happy and loves to forgive us and loves to see us change. I've changed so much as a person. I know that Jesus Christ suffered for our sins because I feel His power and strength in my own life through applying his teachings. I've learned in this year in my mission that GOD LIVES. Faith is real and important, and that God is the same yesterday today and forever, He took upon himself our struggles to set us free. It works. BELIEVE ME.
I know a little bit of the path of Gethsemane. I know enough to say I know that I am nothing compared to our amazing Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I know that the Plan of Salvation is real. Temples are real. Joseph Smith was a prophet, Thomas S Monson is a prophet. The gospel has been restored. It's here, TODAY NOW.
There is nothing quite as satisfying as inviting people to repent and be baptized and cleansed to enter in the Kingdom of God. These things are true. I leave my name with my last year of service declaring with all of my soul.
YO SE QUE VIVE MI SENOR!
I know that my Redeemer lives.
This work is true. What an AMAZING YEAR THIS HAS BEEN. I've come to love Guatemala and the gospel and love everything in general. I was just sitting in a restaurant today and I felt just at perfect peace. I have the gospel, it has changed me, made me happy, given me peace, and rescued my soul (2 Nephi 1:15). I just want to share it. And I do. I pass out pamphlets all I can and share it. I'm only going to keep getting more determined and happier and better. I love the gospel. I love this world. I love God.
Anyway, I'm still the normal Blake. I still like to play chess, piano and eat sushi. I know in whom I have trusted (2 Nephi 4) and I can sing the song of redeeming love (Alma 5) even while I walk through this mortal world with an immortal and eternally-bound soul.
What I have learned in this last year. I cannot describe it. I've learned so many things. Humility, love, patience, hope, charity, virtue, kindness, forgiveness, and how to truly smile and the power of the atonement in my life. I've learned so many things.
I've ridden in the back of pick up trucks, been mocked, been hiking in jungles and in volcano covered lands, I've knocked on doors, said "BAAJJIC KUJ MISSIONARIOS Y KAKAJ JACHO JUNTIZ JONEM UWUK" and seen miracles come of it. I've seen my best friends enter the waters of baptism, I've baptized my best friend. I've cried with them as I say good bye and they tell me that they've found true peace in their life. I've seen strong men overcome alcoholism. I've seen the faith of missionaries revive like Lazarus.
I've seen a man become healed from a priesthood blessing, I've seen children becoming new again through the priesthood. I've seen peace enter in the lives of converts like the Sun melts the dew in the morning. I've seen power in the priesthood. I've hugged an apostle. I've learned Spanish, I've learned a little Quiche, I've eaten tons of things I'll never figure out what they even were. I've been to places I've never imagined, seen sights I've never dreamed of and met people I didn't know existed and found them to be so sincere.
I've found members living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I've seen Lamanites blossom like a flower. I've received two answers that the Book of Mormon is true. I've seen Crazy miracles. I've been consumed with love. I've seen the power of the spirit work in mighty men. Like Nephi, my heart has the rest of its life to ponder the demasiado grandes cosas he visto y oido (extremely great things I've seen and heard). I know that this year has probably been the best of my whole life. I've learned so much. But the biggest thing I've learned, the summom and bonum, the tapestry that I've woven with all of these tiny amazing, miraculous experiences... is a monument to the atonement of Jesus Christ.
I've learned Christ exists. I've learned that God loves me. I've learned that He is mighty to save, and His Grace is sufficient to guide and uphold us, each and every day of our life
Read the Book of Mormon, have more faith, repent more, be baptized in the true church, receive the gift of the holy ghost and let's all endure to the end.
I've seen miracles in following that simple plan, I invite all who hear this message to do so.
I know that the church is true and that what I've said is true. I am full of charity for each and everyone of you and for all the people I've known in my life. I'm always here to help each and every one of you and I am striving to do my best and let God to the rest.
Excited for a new year.....
I make an end to this stream of consciousness and thoughts that rambled out of my head,
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen,
Elder Young
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