Elder Gatlin's Mission: Time for the Climax!

Well, everyone...I can't believe that it's finally here. This last week is going to be kind of a blur for me. I honestly can't think of anything else that I can tell you that I haven't already said before. I really honestly have appreciated the time that I've spent on this mission and the wonderful teachings of the Book of Mormon that I've learned. I am sincerely grateful for the blessings of the Spirit that I have received. I am thankful for the wonderful friendships that I have forged while on this mission and the wonderful opportunities that I've been given to serve amongst such amazing people and been able to serve in the capacity that I have been given. I wouldn't trade this experience nor my spiritual growth and experiences/ spiritual capacity that I've gained for anything in the world. Yes I have had my struggles and I have had times where I fell short...but I got back up, learned from my experiences, and kept pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ.

I have come to understand the doctrines of the Book of Mormon and the teachings that are inside its pages and chapters. I have come to know more about how the Holy Spirit speaks with me and how it's changed my life. I know that all of us can come to a knowledge of how the Holy Ghost speaks and interacts with each of us in our lives if one is willing to take the time to listen carefully to the still small voice and be actively seeking a greater understanding of the Spirit. I have also come to know of the Goodness of God and His mercy that He has towards His children. I know that he truly loves His children and will help all of those who ask for His divine Help. He will always come to aid those who seek after His guidance and direction.

I know for a fact that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he was an instrument in the hands of God and brought forth the Book of Mormon by the Gift and Power of God. I know that he is at the helm of this dispensation and that our current prophet Russell M. Nelson was called of God and that He holds all the keys that are necessary to lead this church on the earth today. I know that all of us can have the spirit with us as we put ourselves in a situation where we can be sensitive to the spirit and where He can dwell with us. I know that the Lord wants to teach us and He wants to teach us about His doctrine and wants to reveal to us the teachings that will allow ourselves to step up to a greater level of discipleship as we pay the price to gain that understanding of the scriptures.

I know that our hearts can be turned to God when we come to know Him, and I know that we can continue to grow in light and understanding when we ponder upon the teachings that we read from the scriptures each day. I know that we can learn and grow and become His Disciples and part of His fold as we make daily efforts to become more Christlike and as we actively seek for more opportunities to serve His children and all those around us. I know that all things are possible through Christ and that through Him can we become changed and truly born again through the Spirit. I know that the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and I know that it is true and that as we Hold fast to the Iron Rod...we can not fall away and we can not fail. God will always strengthen those who follow Him. The experiences that we get in this lifetime give us the experience to deepen our roots into discipleship.

I know these things to be true in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I sincerely have appreciated this opportunity to serve my Father in Heaven and I am also excited to come home on June 30th.

I love you all dearly and you all have helped me change so much

Stay Beefy!

Stay Foxy!

Stay Fabtabulous!

Elder Wyatt Gatlin