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| Elder Foster with Pres. & Sis. Fingerle on the last day of his mission in the Germany Berlin Mission - JULY 8, 2016 |
Zum letzten Mal heiß ich euch herzlich willkommen zu meinem Brief!
What do you say in your last letter as a missionary? What do you say
in a last anything? But here it is....the last time. Maybe it is a
little relieving that I don't have to write letters anymore. Haha but
it is definitely a surreal moment. Maybe one might expect a lengthy
letter of all the things I have learned or the things I have
experienced on a mission all wrapped up just perfectly. Unfortunately
I don't know if I am capable of such a feat. However in any case I
know that I am capable of sincerity. A sincere desire to serve, a
sincere desire to change, an impact that will last forever. I believe
I have mentioned it in one of my last letters but if I came out on the
mission simply to achieve high accolades or to be here for myself or
to just have gone through the mission rather than having the mission
go through me then I am pretty sure, I would have come back
essentially empty handed. However I have received that which is most
precious a knowledge of my Savior and foundation of faith that will
forever stand in my way if I ever choose to go astray. Because what I
have learned and experienced here cannot be denied. I would have to do
exactly that what the Nephites of old did and that is not to dwindle
in unbelief, but to willfully rebel against the Gospel of Christ. But
oh how grateful I am that the Lord has blessed me so much, that I was
given this opportunity to share joy, peace, and assurance with others.
Honestly I was spectacle when I always heard that this time would be
the "best two years." But now I have learned for myself that it truly
is the greatest joy that one can have and that is to share the gospel
with others. That does not just mean with random strangers or with
your neighbors but that means with your family, your friends, and most
importantly with your spouse and children. I never would've thought
I'd love reading the scriptures, I never thought I would love teaching
the gospel or I at least thought it would always be a struggle for me
to do it. But once again this isn't just some doctrine or a book of
guidelines to live your life by or nice stories that make you feel
good, it is truth and it will fill your life with light. It filled my
life with light in the darkest of times, and it continues to fill my
life with light in the brightest of moments. It is not a habitual
repetition of things that wastes your time, maybe when done in
insincerity, but never when done with a pure heart. If you wish to
avoid this light you can it is your choice, for "I know that he
granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death
or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth
unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills,
whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction." And yes we all
seek after truth in one way or another and we are all unsure of how we
can recognize it or maybe sometimes if we even want it. However I know
that it can be found. It starts so simply, just as Joseph Smith knelt
down to pray in one sincere prayer, he received one marvelous vision,
or one marvelous answer from a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for
each and every one of us. So can we also receive such a marvelous
answer in our own lives. To simply know that he is there, what a gift
that truly is. From that simple truth comes so much hope and happiness
and peace into our lives. If there is one important thing that I
learned that needs to be uttered it is to hold firm to your belief on
Christ and God. And I do not say this to push my beliefs on others but
out of love. For being in Germany has show me a stark difference in
what it is like to live in a society where most of the inhabitants do
not have a firm belief in God. Maybe at first glance or for a few
weeks you may not notice it but as time goes on you will. I don't want
to go into that too much but needless to say, if you live in a land
filled with people that believe in God be grateful. For whether it is
in a third world or first world country, their truly is a brighter
hope to be seen in the lives of those who believe in God.
I am sorry if this is turning out to be a long speech of some sort
but I can only write that which comes to my mind. I guess if there are
moments that I am truly grateful and a sign to me of the power of God
and the truthfulness of this work. It has come through the many
opportunities I have had to give others blessings. They will forever
be manifestations to me of the power of God and his love for us. And
it also awakes in me a strong desire to be a worthy conduit of the
Lord, so that I can use his holy priesthood to help lift the burdens
of those who are around me. Whether they have been blessings of
comfort and council or blessings to the sick. That very same peaceful
feeling has followed that can only come from the Holy Ghost. I have
seen how faith in God and his power and his church can heal wounds of
all types both emotional and physical. Whether it has been a family
and their struggles in Germany, or quite literally a woman suffering
from blood problems like in the New Testament or a fellow missionary
in need, the love and power of God has been made manifest to me and to
others as I have been able to perform these blessings.
It has truly been a blessing to come on a mission, it has never once
felt like a sacrifice. I have never regretted a second that I have
spent here in Germany. Nor the time and effort it required to come out
on one. In fact I have never felt as if I have used my time more
usefully than I ever have in my entire life. Others may scoff and many
that I have met here have questioned the actual value of such an
experience at such a critical period in life. On my side however I
have never doubted its value and I have never seen more progress made
in a span of two years. Nor have I made a bigger difference in the
lives of others. Contentment does not come from selfish goals, yes it
is good to be educated, it is good to have a nice job so that you can
provide for yourself and for your family but what use is it really
when we do not "hearken unto the councils of God." I guess if there is
anything that I am trying to prove it is the value and worth of the
gospel as taught by men who are inspired and called of God. That has
been my strength on the mission and I hope with all my heart that I
can bring that with me.
Words cannot describe the loss that I feel. I hope there are still
many opportunities to serve when I return. It is harder to go home
than it is to go out on the mission. Does that mean that I don't miss
my family. No, not at all but more it is a bigger change and honestly
a greater fear. Yes the mission is something big and important in the
life of those who make that choice. But what comes after will be quite
literally the biggest decisions in my life. Haha but I feel more
prepared. I now have a certain confidence but not a confidence of the
world but one that comes from God and it is comforting. In the end my
mission is not characterized but what I learned or gained from it. It
is much more than that because everything that I have learned and
gained has come solely through serving others and coming closer to my
Lord and Savior. My joy has been in giving not in receiving. I hope to
pattern my life after the Saviors. Haha I still have a long way to go.
I would just like to thank all those who have supported me during
this long absence and those who have constantly shown their love for
me in these past years. I hope I can return that love and that
support. I can't wait to see you all. I pray for you from afar for the
very last time.
I would like to end by writing down a few words of my testimony. I
know that this work is a true work. That it comes from God. That this
church is the Church of Jesus Christ and nothing less. I know that the
Lord has always prepared the way to bring his children into his fold.
Although we always turn ourselves away from him. I know that he
prepared this very way through many of his servants but in
particularly through his son Jesus Christ and also through Joseph
Smith the prophet of the restoration. He did have a vision in a grove
of trees and he saw the Father and the Son. I also know that the Book
of Mormon, was found by the direction of God and translated through
his power. And that it not only stands next to the bible as a witness
of Christ and his gospel but it is also convincing evidence of the
calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. Through it we will find
assurance of this and of the workings of God, that his authority and
his priesthood is on the earth again and that we enjoy all blessings
of gospel that saints have enjoyed in all manner of times, which
includes the temples, prophets, continuing revelation, and the
miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost. I know God has a plan for us,
and unspeakable joy in store for us. I know that it is only possible
through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and belief on his name. I have
felt the power of the atonement in my life, I know that it is real. I
can not deny it. It is central to all things and I hope to continue to
make it the foundation of all that I do. I pray that this testimony
may reach you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
"What do we hear in the gospel that we have received? Truth out of the
earth, mercy from heaven and a voice of gladness for the living and
the dead." -Joseph Smith
Tschüss,
Elder Foster
What do you say in your last letter as a missionary? What do you say
in a last anything? But here it is....the last time. Maybe it is a
little relieving that I don't have to write letters anymore. Haha but
it is definitely a surreal moment. Maybe one might expect a lengthy
letter of all the things I have learned or the things I have
experienced on a mission all wrapped up just perfectly. Unfortunately
I don't know if I am capable of such a feat. However in any case I
know that I am capable of sincerity. A sincere desire to serve, a
sincere desire to change, an impact that will last forever. I believe
I have mentioned it in one of my last letters but if I came out on the
mission simply to achieve high accolades or to be here for myself or
to just have gone through the mission rather than having the mission
go through me then I am pretty sure, I would have come back
essentially empty handed. However I have received that which is most
precious a knowledge of my Savior and foundation of faith that will
forever stand in my way if I ever choose to go astray. Because what I
have learned and experienced here cannot be denied. I would have to do
exactly that what the Nephites of old did and that is not to dwindle
in unbelief, but to willfully rebel against the Gospel of Christ. But
oh how grateful I am that the Lord has blessed me so much, that I was
given this opportunity to share joy, peace, and assurance with others.
Honestly I was spectacle when I always heard that this time would be
the "best two years." But now I have learned for myself that it truly
is the greatest joy that one can have and that is to share the gospel
with others. That does not just mean with random strangers or with
your neighbors but that means with your family, your friends, and most
importantly with your spouse and children. I never would've thought
I'd love reading the scriptures, I never thought I would love teaching
the gospel or I at least thought it would always be a struggle for me
to do it. But once again this isn't just some doctrine or a book of
guidelines to live your life by or nice stories that make you feel
good, it is truth and it will fill your life with light. It filled my
life with light in the darkest of times, and it continues to fill my
life with light in the brightest of moments. It is not a habitual
repetition of things that wastes your time, maybe when done in
insincerity, but never when done with a pure heart. If you wish to
avoid this light you can it is your choice, for "I know that he
granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death
or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth
unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills,
whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction." And yes we all
seek after truth in one way or another and we are all unsure of how we
can recognize it or maybe sometimes if we even want it. However I know
that it can be found. It starts so simply, just as Joseph Smith knelt
down to pray in one sincere prayer, he received one marvelous vision,
or one marvelous answer from a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for
each and every one of us. So can we also receive such a marvelous
answer in our own lives. To simply know that he is there, what a gift
that truly is. From that simple truth comes so much hope and happiness
and peace into our lives. If there is one important thing that I
learned that needs to be uttered it is to hold firm to your belief on
Christ and God. And I do not say this to push my beliefs on others but
out of love. For being in Germany has show me a stark difference in
what it is like to live in a society where most of the inhabitants do
not have a firm belief in God. Maybe at first glance or for a few
weeks you may not notice it but as time goes on you will. I don't want
to go into that too much but needless to say, if you live in a land
filled with people that believe in God be grateful. For whether it is
in a third world or first world country, their truly is a brighter
hope to be seen in the lives of those who believe in God.
I am sorry if this is turning out to be a long speech of some sort
but I can only write that which comes to my mind. I guess if there are
moments that I am truly grateful and a sign to me of the power of God
and the truthfulness of this work. It has come through the many
opportunities I have had to give others blessings. They will forever
be manifestations to me of the power of God and his love for us. And
it also awakes in me a strong desire to be a worthy conduit of the
Lord, so that I can use his holy priesthood to help lift the burdens
of those who are around me. Whether they have been blessings of
comfort and council or blessings to the sick. That very same peaceful
feeling has followed that can only come from the Holy Ghost. I have
seen how faith in God and his power and his church can heal wounds of
all types both emotional and physical. Whether it has been a family
and their struggles in Germany, or quite literally a woman suffering
from blood problems like in the New Testament or a fellow missionary
in need, the love and power of God has been made manifest to me and to
others as I have been able to perform these blessings.
It has truly been a blessing to come on a mission, it has never once
felt like a sacrifice. I have never regretted a second that I have
spent here in Germany. Nor the time and effort it required to come out
on one. In fact I have never felt as if I have used my time more
usefully than I ever have in my entire life. Others may scoff and many
that I have met here have questioned the actual value of such an
experience at such a critical period in life. On my side however I
have never doubted its value and I have never seen more progress made
in a span of two years. Nor have I made a bigger difference in the
lives of others. Contentment does not come from selfish goals, yes it
is good to be educated, it is good to have a nice job so that you can
provide for yourself and for your family but what use is it really
when we do not "hearken unto the councils of God." I guess if there is
anything that I am trying to prove it is the value and worth of the
gospel as taught by men who are inspired and called of God. That has
been my strength on the mission and I hope with all my heart that I
can bring that with me.
Words cannot describe the loss that I feel. I hope there are still
many opportunities to serve when I return. It is harder to go home
than it is to go out on the mission. Does that mean that I don't miss
my family. No, not at all but more it is a bigger change and honestly
a greater fear. Yes the mission is something big and important in the
life of those who make that choice. But what comes after will be quite
literally the biggest decisions in my life. Haha but I feel more
prepared. I now have a certain confidence but not a confidence of the
world but one that comes from God and it is comforting. In the end my
mission is not characterized but what I learned or gained from it. It
is much more than that because everything that I have learned and
gained has come solely through serving others and coming closer to my
Lord and Savior. My joy has been in giving not in receiving. I hope to
pattern my life after the Saviors. Haha I still have a long way to go.
I would just like to thank all those who have supported me during
this long absence and those who have constantly shown their love for
me in these past years. I hope I can return that love and that
support. I can't wait to see you all. I pray for you from afar for the
very last time.
I would like to end by writing down a few words of my testimony. I
know that this work is a true work. That it comes from God. That this
church is the Church of Jesus Christ and nothing less. I know that the
Lord has always prepared the way to bring his children into his fold.
Although we always turn ourselves away from him. I know that he
prepared this very way through many of his servants but in
particularly through his son Jesus Christ and also through Joseph
Smith the prophet of the restoration. He did have a vision in a grove
of trees and he saw the Father and the Son. I also know that the Book
of Mormon, was found by the direction of God and translated through
his power. And that it not only stands next to the bible as a witness
of Christ and his gospel but it is also convincing evidence of the
calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. Through it we will find
assurance of this and of the workings of God, that his authority and
his priesthood is on the earth again and that we enjoy all blessings
of gospel that saints have enjoyed in all manner of times, which
includes the temples, prophets, continuing revelation, and the
miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost. I know God has a plan for us,
and unspeakable joy in store for us. I know that it is only possible
through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and belief on his name. I have
felt the power of the atonement in my life, I know that it is real. I
can not deny it. It is central to all things and I hope to continue to
make it the foundation of all that I do. I pray that this testimony
may reach you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
"What do we hear in the gospel that we have received? Truth out of the
earth, mercy from heaven and a voice of gladness for the living and
the dead." -Joseph Smith
Tschüss,
Elder Foster
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