Hey everybody!
Good to be writing again. I know I say this every week, but it flew by. This week we continued to find some new investigators who are progressing really well. We're seeing a lot of great success right now, and the Lord is really blessing our area. We have three investigators with a baptismal date and we're hoping that they can continue towards their set dates. We're seeing a lot of wonderful things as we're exercising faith and trusting in the Lord.
On this day two years ago, I opened a letter that changed my life forever. I opened a letter with nervous hands and pulled out a letter that stated, "you have been called to labor in the Korea Busan Mission." It will a call that I didn't expect, but I knew that it was where I was suppose to be, and over the time I've been here, the Holy Ghost has confirmed it to me over and over again.
At this time of year, I know that mission calls are coming, and missionaries are preparing to serve their missions. Each week I hear of the new calls that are coming in to great friends of mine and I'm so excited for all of them. This week, looking back on that memory two years ago, I went snooping into all my papers to find my mission call. I went snooping through all my papers, and found it near the bottom. Along with my call, there was a small piece of paper that sat on top it. Not recalling what it was, I opened it and found tears in my eyes as I remembered exactly what it was. This is what it says:
Dear 타이슨
I think that is Tyson in Korean, but if not you will get a good laugh. How is Korea? I bet it's great. I am very jealous. We miss you back home. I miss your example that was great. I hope I can be the kind of man you are. Life is great soccer just started and I'm pretty excited it's going to be a good year for us.
Ethan Winter
The tears welled in my eyes, as I thought of this great friend of mine. It was a handwritten letter from him from a few months ago before he killed in an accident. He's been on my mind, and in my heart for months. To me, it's no coincidence either that Ethan too, has received his mission call to serve with a loving Heavenly Father. I sat down this week, with gratitude in my heart, and thought of a friend I dearly miss, wrote down a few of my thoughts that I'd like to share with you today.
Called To Serve
Out driving with a friend on a cold winter's night,
Under bright moonlit stars that were shining so bright,
Pushing through ice and snow as far as my eyes could see,
I lost all control and my truck slipped suddenly.
Off I went and down we fell, through all worldly sorrow and earthly travail,
No pain, no concern, no worry, no sound,
When I broke the mortal chains to which I was bound.
Upward my soul traveled leaving earth's thorn-laid trail,
Where quickly I passed through the heavenly veil.
I saw my life pass before me in the blink of an eye,
As I continued moving forward into God's paradise.
My friends, family, and all left behind,
As I was called to serve in God's kingdom on high.
Time seemed to stop and I found myself on my knees,
I looked upward to see the Savior standing above me.
He gently reached down and wrapped His hands in mine,
The nail prints in His hands still undaunted by time.
He lifted me up off my weak, feeble knees,
Where questions and concerns began to overcome me.
I looked in His eyes and started to weep,
And through question-filled sobs asked, "Lord, why me?"
"I'm leaving all my good close friends there behind,
Where I was never given a chance to say last goodbyes.
And what about soccer, my team needed me,
My dad even needed me to captain the team.
And Father, oh my mission, I was starting to prepare.
You know to get ready I even cut my long hair.
And what about my siblings, I was the oldest you know,
What will they do when I don't come home?
And lastly, mom and dad, oh the fear in their heart,
When they find out the veil has split us apart.
I'm sorry to question, I'm wondering you see,
I just want to know... Lord, why me?"
With light in His eyes, His gaze met mine,
And lovingly asked, "You want to know why?
My son, I love you, and because I love thee,
You have been called to serve on this side with me.
your friends will miss you during this time,
But forever grateful that you blessed their life.
Their tears will run free and so will their fears,
But no need to worry, we both will be near.
And as for soccer you can hang up your cleats,
For you have been called to captain my team.
I know that your dad made you a deal,
But now you've been called to lead even holier fields.
And your mission, my son, don't worry you see,
Because you've already served so valiantly,
There's no need to wait, pack, travel, or prepare,
For I could wait no longer for you to be here.
You've been called to serve beyond the heavenly veil,
Where with me together, forever we'll dwell.
As for your siblings, the times may be hard,
But heaven won't ever seem to be far.
They will face all of earth's great troubles and frights,
But they're never alone with you on their left and their right.
An angel to bear them up in their times of need,
Where in you they will find all heavenly peace.
And lastly, your mom and dad," He said with tears in His eyes,
"They know you're with me here in paradise.
The days will be long, the nights will be hard,
But because of their faith, they know you're not far.
With full trust they'll let your eternity begin,
Knowing that they will be with you again.
So although the veil has split you apart,
Forever, and always, you're with them in heart.
My son, you know I will lead you and them through,
Knowing that now, will you accept this call given to you?"
The spirit filled my soul, and light filled my mind,
As I reflected on my short life one last time.
I looked at my Savior, my Lord, and my King,
Hands stretched out forth beckoning to me.
I gave one last glance and turned my back on it all,
And walked in with my Savior, to answer my call.
I know the Savior lives. He has a plan, and has called each of us to be His disciples. On this side of the veil, or even on that side, every call is as real as we make it. I'm so grateful for His plan. I'm grateful for my great friend Ethan, who I dearly miss who truly taught me lessons of a lifetime. I'm grateful for a loving Savior who offers such a perfect plan for all of us.
Love you all and miss you dearly. I can't wait for next week. Have a perfect week!
Elder Roper
