This has been a great last week to end my service as a full
time missionary in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I won't
spend this email getting sentimental, but I am very grateful for the time that
the Lord has granted to me to serve the people of the Philippines.
This last week we had the baptism of Aries and Jambie Bron!
It was an amazing baptismal service, and the Spirit was felt strongly by all
who were in attendance. As we stepped outside to take pictures before the
actual service started, the sky was so beautiful as we could see huge beams of
sunlight breaking through the clouds, almost as a testimony from God himself to
Aries and Jambie that their decision to be baptized was right. I had the
opportunity of baptizing Aries, and Elder Abrigo baptized Jambie. As Jambie
came up out of the water she had tears in her eyes and told us that she felt so
much lighter and peaceful about her entire life.
Elder Villegas and I were also able to find an AMAZING
family yesterday, and they were very very excited to learn about Joseph Smith
and the Book of Mormon. They were actually taught by missionaries about two
years ago, and they still remember Nephi and Lehi's dream about the tree of
life. They had many questions, and they even want to come to church this next
Sunday. I won't be there to see them, but I hope that things go well for Elder
Villegas in this area when I'm gone.
Anyways, I'm very excited to come home this next week! I
always thought that if you have been a successful missionary, then you will be
sad to go home. I almost believed that it was required for good missionaries.
So I started to feel a lot of sadness about two weeks ago, but then I realized
that I don't have to be sad, and that the Lord wants me to be happy and at
peace about the work that I have done for Him on my mission. So now I've chosen
to be happy instead. Funny how happiness is a choice right? So I am excited to
see all of you again, especially my family and close friends. I'm excited to
continue life as I return home to Las Vegas.
I know this church is true, as is the Book of Mormon. Joseph
Smith was the Prophet chosen to restore the Gospel here in earth, and President
Nelson is the living Prophet chosen to guide us in these times. God lives and
loves us, as does His Son, Jesus Christ. I love you all and will see you in a
short couple of days!Elder Austin Cook
