Wow. I can't believe it's here. It's been two years! They've been the most amazing years of my life. It's been the hardest, greatest thing I've ever had the chance to do. Granted, I know my life hasn't been that long, but it's still the most incredible experience.
I think it's funny how Las Vegas has become the home of my greatest spiritual experiences. What some people call Sin City has become holy ground to me! I have loved my time serving the Lord here. I can't really describe how much I love the people and the memories I've made. I could try, but it would take years. 2 years, actually. Maybe more! I've watched the Savior work miracles in so many peoples lives. I've watched a mother who was broken from the suicide of her son and the abandonment of her family rebuild her life on faith in Christ as she read the Book of Mormon. I've seen a man relieved from his guilt of 15 years in prison as he learned about repentance and baptism. I've watched a 15 year old son lead his father to follow the Savior like he had, and another father do the same for his son. I've made so many wonderful friends here that have changed my life for the better. I'm so thankful for the technology of this era that allows me to stay friends with them for my whole life. I can absolutely testify that the Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families. I know that this Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the perfect organization to dispense the gospel to the world. I have a testimony of revelation from inspired priesthood leaders. On my mission, I've had such sacred experiences. I testify that I know from God that the Book of Mormon is true. I also know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and so is Thomas S. Monson. I testify that God answers prayers and the grace of our Savior has the power to enable us to do good. I've felt him lift me through trials that I felt were breaking me. I've had the privilege of facing heavy persecution for the sake of bearing Christ's name. I've had the opportunity to learn how to lead, how to teach, and how to love. Seriously, I could go on for years.
This week was a great benediction to my mission. I got to go back to Henderson for the baptism of a good friend, Sister Carlyine Michaelis. She's the sweetest old lady you'll ever meet. She's from Cleveland, Ohio. Her husband, Phil, who's a member, introduced her to the Church and we got to teach her! I remember when she bore her first testimony to us. She said that she was pondering on the kindness and love she felt from the Church. She thought of the members who left their homes to travel across the valley to visit her husband in the hospital. She thought of the work of the missionaries and how we paid to come out in the blazing hot sun to talk to people about the Savior. She said "as I thought of these things, I realized that no one would do any of this if it wasn't true. It had to be true!" And then she said "I felt something in my heart then, and I knew that it was all true." What a beautiful experience.
Also, this week I had a few tender moments through the Spirit. As we were pulling out of a trailer park, I saw a UHaul truck by one of the trailers. That little voice inside said "stop." We stopped and I asked the lady there if she needed help unloading. She broke down crying and praised the Lord. She explained that she had just been praying and pleading for help. The people that were supposed to help her didn't show up. She had pulled her back and was losing hope. I love being an answer to someone else's prayer. That's why I love being a missionary. I pray that I'll have these experiences throughout my life. I want to stay a missionary, even if I'm not a full-time one. This mission has changed eternity for me. How grateful I am for the privilege and the Call to Serve.
I bear my witness that it's true! In the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder Matthew Norton
