I served a full-time mission for the church from 1974 - 1976, in Minnesota while waiting for my visa, and then, starting in July 1975 when my visa finally came through, in the Sao Paulo Brazil South Mission.
It was a great time in my life, a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord by sharing in his goal to bring to pass the exaltation and eternal life of man. It was great to share the gospel with those who did not know of it, in its fullness.
It was not always easy. There were times of discouragement, illness, and even not getting along as well as I should have with my companion. There were many who rejected our message, most often without even beginning to listen.
Though the stated goal was to serve others, there was a great deal of growth that occurred in me. I learned to be more reliant on the Lord, to be reliable in my service, to get along better with others, to honor my priesthood, to recognize the promptings of the spirit, and many other lessons that have been a great blessing to me since that time.
These lessons and this growth has provided a base or foundation for the rest of my life. It has enabled me to serve better in family, church, and career.
More recently, two of my children have served and been blessed in many of these same ways. I see it as a great blessing that my children love the Lord, and act like they love Him.
In the future, if circumstances allow, after I retire, Janet and I plan to serve a mission together.
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