It Has Been an Honor

¡Hola!                                                                                                                      

On Tuesday, I achieved one of my mission goals which was to preach the gospel in the snow! It got pretty cold and then, out of nowhere, snowflakes started to fall. How beautiful it was! It made me realize that I’ve certainly missed the snow.  It was such a great feeling to be walking around, preaching the gospel, in the snow.  Nothing stuck to the ground, but now the Andes Mountains, which surround Mendoza, are covered with snow.

            Finally, on Sunday, Estela and Nazarero, were able to attend church with us.  It was nice to see all of our hard work pay off.  It’s always a blessing to have the members help with the investigators by developing a friendship with them.  Nazarero already looks like a future missionary.

            The funny moment of the week occurred during a lesson we had with a new investigator who is a young kid. At the end of the lesson we invited him to get baptized and he said, “I can’t get baptized.  I’m a sinner! I smoke. I drink. I sin a lot!” It was a classic! I will never forget his reaction to our invitation. 

            Despite this rejection, we had another great week. It was pretty cold but that just meant people were at home, waiting for us to knock on their door. 

            Since this is my final letter as a missionary, I’m provided with a chance to reflect on all that has happened over the past two years. It truly has been such a privilege to serve a mission and be a representative of Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful to have a Heavenly Father who loves me and has trusted me enough to give me a piece of his vineyard in the Argentina Mendoza Mission.  Wearing a missionary nametag is such an honor and it’s an experience I will never take for granted. 

            I had the blessing of growing up in the Church and therefore, serving a mission was always a dream of mine. Now, this dream has been completed.  When I arrived in Argentina, I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I was nervous, lost, and I didn’t know the language but I kept going because I knew I had received my answer.  God answered my prayers and I knew I just had to keep moving forward.  Now, I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. 

            I love Argentina.  Over the course of my time here I’ve fallen in love with the country, the culture and especially the people who have invited me into their homes and taken care of me like one of their own children. The people in Argentina have so much faith and they believe in God.  During my mission, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel across the mission area and come to know people in different regions. The Cuyo Region of Argentina, the Providence of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis are sacred ground for me and will always hold a special place in my heart. 

I have met people who have truly changed my life. I know God prepared the way for us to find each other in Mendoza, Argentina.  

            I know this is the work of the Lord and working in His vineyard has been the best decision I have ever made.  While sharing the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with God’s children, I have never been happier.  I have played in big sports games, in big stadiums, with thousands of people watching but over the course of my mission I have been told that the message I shared was an answer to prayers (whether by a member, a less-active or an investigator) and that is the best feeling I’ve ever felt.  It beats a pick-6 or a game-winning touchdown!  

Over the past two years, I’ve never been happier and I’ve never been so sad, frustrated, disappointed, relieved and excited. I’ve never cried harder in my life but I also haven’t ever felt Christ’s love so powerfully. I know He has been by my side during every moment. He knows my weaknesses and my strengths, my imperfections and what I do well. I know I am nothing without Him.  As a missionary, I have just been an instrument in the Lord’s hands.  Through me, He has helped a few more of His children receive the Restored Gospel.  I am so grateful that the Lord called me on this mission and has used me to be an instrument in His hands.  

            I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ’s church on the earth today.  It was restored almost 200 years ago through Joseph Smith, a 14-year old boy who had a question.  The Book of Mormon is the word of God.  I have read it multiple times and with ever page I turn, it illuminates my mind.  I know Christ lives and is our Savior.  Repentance is a change of heart that we can make at any moment. Faith is a principle of power and the baptismal waters are the doors that open the path that leads us back to the presence of our Heavenly Father.  I love this gospel! It has changed my life and it motivates me to improve each day.  It has been an honor to share what I love with the people of Mendoza over the past two years. 

Peace out, 

Elder Roderick 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.

For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will beyour rearward.

 Isaiah 52: 7, 10-12