I asked each of my sons as they were preparing to return home to reflect on their years of service as a full-time LDS missionary. I asked the same of my youngest and last missionary. Here are the words of:
ELDER OWEN JAMES CHRISTENSEN
For Mom,
This last week of my mission has been a little crazy, we have had zone conferences all week so we didn't have too much time in the area. But it was very special being able to hear the last testimonies of the Elders. For the last 6 months I have always had the opportunity to hear the last testimonies of every missionary that was going home… But this time was different. Maybe because it was also my turn. I could see in the eyes of these missionaries that they had changed, I had seen all of them come to the mission and now seeing them leave I know they are not going back as the same people.
I have had the same privilege to see the change in the lives of the people I have taught these two years. I have seen people that were completely ready to receive the gospel that had been completely prepared to make a covenant with their Heavenly Father. I have seen people that have fought with everything they have over the space of years finally able to enter into the waters of baptism. I have seen people come to the choice between following God or letting the natural man win, and I've seen examples of those who have chosen the latter. I have seen members come back to church, families preparing to be eternal, people finally accepting to be baptised after years. I have seen the hand of the Lord in their lives.
And I have seen it in mine.
That is the biggest change, the biggest miracle I have seen. I could sit here in this comfy chair writing for three days and not (be able) to describe all of the miracles I have seen, but the biggest is the change in my life. I know the difference between testimony and conversion. I have come to know my Savior, Jesus Christ. There are no words that can describe everything that the mission has meant to me, everything I've felt and seen. I will be forever grateful to my God for this chance to come to Argentina and serve Him and His children. I am changed, forever. I know God lives, He is real, He speaks to His children. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and He has saved and redeemed me. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the Lord chosen to restore His church in these last days, and I know that He still calls prophets and apostles today.
These two years have been the best of my life, without doubt, without question. But I promise to you, myself and to God, that they won't stay the best two years forever. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and will be forever grateful for this experience that He has seen fit to give me.
I love you Mom. Thank you for raising me well enough to get me on the mission, I can never repay that debt.
Elder Owen James Christensen
PS. sorry i was so bad about the emails but futbol on p-day was important…
