President's last letter

Dear California Ventura Missionaries,

I am writing you to express the love and admiration that Sister Felix and I have for each one of you.  This past week was amazing as we were able to share in the zone conference our love and testimony of the Book of Mormon and the veracity of the Living Christ.  We believe in Christ.  We loved being able to personally say goodbye to each one of you.  Thank you so much for the love and support that we have felt from you.  We hope that you will remember that we love each of you.

 

I will not be able to respond to your emails due to my limited access to IMOS this week.  If you just send a short greeting, that would be wonderful.  Your emails next Monday should be addressed to President Nakken.  They are so excited to meet you.  They are enjoying the MTC experience even as you read this.  As soon as President and Sister Nakken arrive on Thursday afternoon, he will be your mission president. 

Sister Felix and I will leave the mission on Friday morning and join our family in St. George for the weekend before arriving home on the 4^th of July.  We will speak in sacrament meeting on July 9^th.

The advice that I want to leave with you is the same as I challenged you with when you first came into the mission.  Put “Both Feet In”.  Finish your mission strong by putting aside all worldly diversions and focus on the sacred work that you have been set apart to do.  After you return home, put both feet into any worthy pursuit you engage in such as schooling, your job, your church calling and when you get married, your spouse.  Being consecrated will help you in achieving your potential.  You don’t want to be less than your potential by slacking off, giving less than your best effort, losing your priority, or giving up. 

President Eyring told us when we were called as mission president and wife that we should not judge the success of our mission by the number of baptisms we had during our mission, but by the level of spiritual activity the missionaries and their families will have in 20 years.  

Sister Felix and I have faith in who you are and the potential that you each have for an abundant, joyful and faith filled life as we prepare for the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Now is the time to set aside all worldly distractions and put every effort into this short time you have to serve Him in the Great California Ventura Mission.

With Loving Memories and Hope for the Future,

President and Sister Felix