Mission President Seminar, Provo, Utah

The past five days at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah has been one of the most spiritually rewarding experiences of my life. To feel, in a very literal and direct way, the very personal love that God has for each of us makes me both happy and humble. And then to accept the responsibility that has been given to me, that to share this Good News to all who will be receptive is exciting and daunting. It is now our opportunity to invite others to come to Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentence, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

Joyce and I joined 116 other new Missionary President couples from all around the world in an intense training program called the Mission President Seminar. We were instructed by Apostles and others as to our responsibilities and duties. I cannot think of a better way to spend my time, talents and energy for the next three years. This is a wonderful thing.

Leaving Redmond

The time has finally come. We leave Redmond today for Salt Lake City. The cupboards are empty, the cars are sold, our bags are packed, let's hit the road.

We'll enter the Missionary Training Center on June 25 for 5 days of intensive training and spiritual uplift. Then off to Philadelphia to immerse ourselves in missionary work for the next three years.

I'm writing this from my home office at our farm. The fields are green and beautiful. There is a gentle breeze caressing the leaves on the trees outside my window. It's a perfect day. The next time I sit here, over three years will have passed by. While the fields will most likely look the same, will I be the same?