Chapter 92: Incredible Change

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13

A remarkable week full of intense discussion and incredible change. Moves planning week is always full of surprises and this one more so than others. Elder Kulmayer has returned home; it was his final moves planning and as such we had to discuss the future of the assistants. In the end, the change that has occurred is exciting to say the least. Through the grace of God, I have been given a new companion and a new assignment for the last transfer of my mission. Elder Draney and I have been assigned as the Traveling Assistants to the President with the responsibility to travel around the entire mission conducting exchanges and trainings with all of the missionaries.

We have been separated from the Office Assistants, who will carry on with the arrangement and management of the office-oriented affairs of the mission. Elder Lambert and Elder Yorgason will continue fulfilling that role. We will work closely together to lift the culture of the mission and help the missionaries the best we can. It is exciting to say the least.

However, with the changes ahead I must give credit to the fact that I would not be able to go and do this assignment if not for Elder Kulmayer, who has lifted and loved me for the last seven and a half months of our missions. It's been a surreal week with him preparing to go home. He has taught me much.

I've learned from Elder Kulmayer that devotion to the kingdom is really devotion to others; that God does not wish us to do some great thing, but only what we can to bless the lives of his other children. His example has been one of hyper-real sincerity with essential humility. He has shown me what it means to lay one's life down in a singular, self-aware pursuit of godliness. I've seen him grow, and he has helped me grown in turn.

I eagerly await the times that I will have as his friend in the future, but, for now, these seven weeks I have left will be my opportunity to show the Lord my willingness to devote myself to him. I have no other desire than to do what I can to be what I can be. I have faith that although my efforts will not be enough, Christ will magnify my desires to allow me to serve as an effective instrument in his more than capable hands.

I am more than grateful for the fact that this work is not up to me or my talents or abilities. It is up to Christ. He is the Completer of all that I may attempt to start. Through his merits and mercy, I know I will find peace, joy, and satisfaction in my efforts. I know you can as well.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers

Dinner with David Broadley the legend!

Ket came to see us before he goes back to China! Hotpot and Frisbee.

Dinner with Emily who visited from Aberdeen! Always great to see her; it's almost been a year since she was baptized.

Picking up Elder Draney from Dundee!

Pictures with President

Farewell to Elder Kulmayer