Cauayan Philippines' Mission : Week of April 11, 2016

Dear friends and family,

I have been asked recently by some awaiting the mission field to write some fresh advice concerning entering the mission field. This blog will be specifically addressed to those who are awaiting to serve a mission.

Right now, as I write this letter, as I mentioned last week, I do so in my second area in the mission. Believe it or not, on the 19th of this month, I'll have been gone 8 months! The time certainly goes by fast, doesn't it? These past seven and a half months have been some of the most challenging, but rewarding months of my life. I have learned many things, both spiritual and temporal, and know that the decision to serve a mission was the best I have made in my life.

One thing that I learned in the MTC that I would like to share with you is that perhaps, the war in heaven in our pre-mortal existence wasn't fought physically, as wars are fought here on earth between nations, but was rather a war of words, a war of testimonies, and ultimately a war over souls to join one side or the other. We of course know what side we were on in the pre-mortal existence. The reason why I bring this up is because this war still continues today. As members of the Lord's church, we are all enlisted in the Lord's military force, to help bring souls unto Him. However, we are given two years in our lives to serve in our God's army on the front lines, and give everything we have to help bring the lost sheep unto Him. I am of course referring to serving a mission. I feel that this great opportunity is not only a privilege, but an obligation as those of which who have been given so much.

Of course, as members of the Lord's front line, there a certain guidelines, or rules that are given to missionaries that help protect them and make them as strong as possible as they take on the opposing side head-on. One thing many missionaries struggle with is being obedient to all of these protective guidelines. It is really saddening to see other missionaries who are sent home, or who suffer much heart-ache because of the difficulty they have following mission rules. I of course do not want this misfortune to happen to any of you so I have some advice that I think would help you all now to prepare for the exact obedience that is needed in the missionary field.

First, decide now that when you become a missionary that you will be an exactly obedient missionary. Then, start being exactly obedient to the commandments that are given to you right now. I feel that if you are strictly obedient to keeping the Sabbath day holy, going to seminary, reading the scriptures every day, etc. that you all will be that much more prepared for your missions, and you will all receive many blessings in result. As my mission president said it so well: "Until there is obedience, sacrifice doesn’t mean anything to the Lord. Selective obedience brings selective blessings."

Other than that, just keep being good kids! I just want to let you know of my very strong testimony of missionary work. There is no more important thing you could do with the next two years after high school than serving a mission. I love this wonderful opportunity I have been given to serve in the capacity that I do, and I know you will all feel the same as you serve your missions.

Have a great week and enjoy the cool weather!

Love,

Elder Pulley