Missionary Farewell Address

Sun, March 29, 2020 15:55 PM

Good afternoon brothers and sisters. The following is a message from soon-to-be Elder Seth Gifford. We will miss him and will be praying for his welfare in these uncertain times.

“Hello! My name is Seth Gifford. I have been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I report on March 31st! How unique is it that I get to deliver my farewell talk electronically! To be honest, I was a bit sad at first that I wouldn’t have your typical farewell, but I am so grateful to be able to still share my thoughts. My talk will be very brief, but I hope that what I have written will have a positive impact on you. I hope that the Spirit can carry my message to your hearts and I hope that as a result, you are able to come closer to Jesus Christ and find peace and hope in Him.

To start off, I just want to say that life is hard! It is noteasy. We live in a world full of negativity; in a world full of chaos. There are so many differing opinions and so many paths to choose. We face so much disappointment, fear, pain, and heartache every single day. Every day is like a battle, and to be honest, it can get pretty discouraging!

But, it doesn’t have to be this way!

In John 16:33, Christ says: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Isn’t that so comforting? How wonderful is it to know that Jesus Christ has overcome the world, and that because of it, we don’t have to be alone! Because of our Savior, we can get through anything that life throws our way, whether it’s the death of a loved one, or a scary pandemic. Remember, all things are possible through Him! That thought brings me so much comfort.

Another thought that brings me comfort is that Heavenly Father has a plan for me. For all of us! He is truly in control. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want it any other way! Heavenly Father is not only all knowing and all powerful, but He is literally our Father in Heaven and He loves us so deeply and is completely aware of each of us. He is on our side! I know that if I tried to follow my own path, I would never progress. None of us would!

But Heavenly Father has a plan! And it is called the Plan of Happiness. His plan has quite a few names but this one is my favorite. It reminds me that God wants us to be happy; to have joy! When I think about what brings me the most joy, it is my family. Without them, I could never be fully happy. That is why the family is central to God’s plan. His plan makes it possible for us to see all of our loved ones that have passed on, and to spend eternity with our families. How wonderful is that?

But, the only way for all of this to work was for Jesus Christ to come to earth, live a perfect life, and then to suffer the pains of all mankind, pay the price for all of our sins, and die for all of us. I’m here to tell you that He not only did all of that, but He also overcame death itself. We won’t ever have to worry about whether or not Heavenly Father’s plan is going to work because it will work! It isworking! I know it is.

Jesus Christ made it all possible. I love Him! I love my Heavenly Father! I know that they live and love us so deeply. I know that if we will follow Jesus Christ, and align our will with Heavenly Father’s, He will lead us through this life back to Him. He may test our faith, and He may let us pass through deep waters, but He will never lead us astray. He will always be there for us.

God has given us everything we need to get back to Him. He has given us a knowledge of the truth, He has given us the scriptures (especially the Book of Mormon), He has given us our families, and He has given us a living prophet! Let us use the tools He has given us! Let us use to Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Let us choose to follow Him! Jesus Christ is the light. He is the way! I know that the Book of Mormon is true! It is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that President Nelson is God’s living prophet on the earth today and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His church on the earth and I know that it is true!

As we follow Jesus Christ, we will find peace and hope amidst our trials. I testify of these things, and I know that they’re true, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.