MERRY CHRISTMAS

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

ETERNAL FAMILIES

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce; second marriages 60 to 67 percent and third marriages 73 to 74 percent. 

A modern Apostle of Jesus Christ, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, shared: 

"We live in a world in which the whole concept of marriage is in peril and where divorce is commonplace. The concept that society has a strong interest in preserving marriages for the common good as well as the good of the couple and their children has been replaced for many by the idea that marriage is only a private relationship between consenting adults, terminable at the will of either. "The weakening of the concept that marriages are permanent and precious has far-reaching consequences. Influenced by their own parents’ divorce or by popular notions that marriage is a ball and chain that prevents personal fulfillment, some young people shun marriage. Many who marry withhold full commitment, poised to flee at the first serious challenge. In contrast, modern prophets have warned that looking upon marriage “as a mere contract that may be entered into at pleasure … and severed at the first difficulty … is an evil meriting severe condemnation,” especially where children are made to suffer." -Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Divorce

However, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we can overcome the hardships of marriage and family life, rise above the smog of the world, and build an eternal family; one that will last beyond the grave.

I grew up in a suburb community.  Being seventh of eleven children, I always had a friend and always knew my family loved me.

My parents centered our home on Christ.  Through small and simple things, our parents taught us how to love, listen to, and serve the Lord and each other.

For example, each morning at 6 a.m. Mother and Daddy would divide and conquer to wake up ornery children for scripture studies.  However, it never was perfect and it was never easy:

We all had trouble staying awake; Mother outlawed blankets for our early morning scripture read.

We didn't pay attention to a word we read; Mother began to have quizzes at the end of each study.

We refused to participate; Mother said we could choose to come or not, but we couldn't choose the consequence: a week of dish duty.

The irony is, back then, I would give anything to stay in bed and sleep.  Now, I would give anything to be with all of my family reading the word of God.

It was these sorts of small activities that helped each of us 11 children gain a relationship with our Savior: family prayer, family night each Monday, family dinner, family vacations, and family councils.  My parents made sure we knew they had a testimony of their Savior, Jesus Christ and of His restored Gospel and church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Everything decision they made was based on that testimony and all of us children benefited more than any of us can know.

We were not perfect.  There were lots of sibling arguments and fights, a  few broken doors and walls, ungrateful teenagers,  surgeries and sickness, financial struggles, and burnt food.  But, because my parents allowed the Savior to be the head of our home, we are able to overcome all obstacles 

Today we are all grown up.  Many of us have families of our own and all of us have testimonies of Christ's Gospel of our own. In the pictures below, my siblings are all holding up pictures that say "Happy Birthday" to my little brother, Elder Morgan Muhlestein, who is also serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Botswana.

Will
Age: 2 Years
Occupation: Mimicker

I feel good about Jesus

 Clara

Age: 5

Occupation: Kindergarten Student

 I know Jesus loves me and I know he will take care of me and help me do things.

Lucas
Age: 3
Occupation: Pre-school Student

I love to play with Jesus and sing songs about Jesus. Jesus makes me feel better.

 Crystal

Age: 30

Occupation: Mother, Craftsmen, 

Exercise Scientist

 I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, my Savior. One small part of my knowledge of the Savior, is that everything is easier when you are on the Lord's side. Our trials are easier to bear, are burdens are lightened, and we have a perspective that gives us so much hope and peace. All of that comes through faith in Jesus Christ and through the Atonement.

Lexi
Age: 2
Occupation: Quiet Hero

Nicholas

Age: 4

Occupation: Mommy's Boy

I want to share my testimony.  I believe in Jesus.  I believe the church is true.  I think Jesus loves us and wants us to be happy.

Jordan
Age: 32
Occupation: Dad,
Hospital Administrator

I know Christ is my Savior, and I am so grateful for his unending love and patience and forgiveness for me. Our current prophet, President Thomas S. Monson said, "Your future is as bright as your faith." I know when I put my faith in Christ, my future is wonderful, because Christ promises us if we come to Him, He will make everything in life better. I love Him.

 George

Age: 16

Occupation: Student, 

Swimmer, Debater

David
Age: 30
Occupation: Father, Policy Consultant,
Paintball Professional

I know that we are here on the earth for a reason.  We have the opportunity to live, learn and progress to become like our Heavenly Father.  Since we make mistakes and come up short, we have a Savior that will help us overcome our sins and has also provided a perfect example for us to follow.  As we follow Him, and listen to His prophet on the earth, we will receive the direction and inspiration we need to live our lives each day.  Through this, we'll find hope, happiness and peace, no matter the storms of life we must endure.

 Harry

Age: 5

Occupation: First Grade Student

Maren
Age: 28
Occupation: Mother, Nurse

Megan

Age: 30

Occupation: Mother,

Concert Pianist

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior.  I can feel his presence as I pray.  I can see his hand in my life each and every day.  Through His atonement I am buoyed up and forgiven of my sins so that I can go home - home to my Heavenly Father and to my brother Jesus Christ along with my family.  We are meant to have joy in this life and I know true happiness comes through obedience to, and knowledge of God and His Son. 

Frank (honorary brother, he served a mission in Japan with Michael)

Age: 27

Occupation: 

Foreign Exchange Student,

Business Student

Joseph
Age: 28
Occupation: Father, Doctor

I am very grateful to know that Jesus Christ lives, was foreordained to be my Savior and has now successfully fulfilled the atonement and continues to serve as the head of the church and will one day assume his rightful place as King of Kings to all the world.  I know these truths through revelation and the spirit and know that it is only through faith, given as a gift of the spirit, that anyone can come to the same knowledge.  I am grateful for the Book of Mormon which is a powerful book of scripture and a physical, tangible evidence of the latter-day restoration.  I also know that the Lords house is one of order, and the greatest blessings we can have in this life and the life to come will be through sacred and binding covenants, officiated by and sealed by the authorized and duly ordained holders of the priesthood of God.  I accept that the limitations of mortality and sin are such that I will not come to a perfect understanding of God's plan, ways and means during this life, but have faith and spiritual affirmations that these limitations are not eternal and I will one day comprehend the actions of my God and have the chance to become like Him by following His Son.  It is my intention and desire to develop my faith and enter into and keep covenants with God so to one day be able to regain the presence and embrace of my Eternal Father and with Him live with him, my family, and as many others of my brothers and sisters from this life as possible.

Mother

Age: 58

Occupation: 

World's Best Mother

Tanner
Age: 18
Occupation: SBO, Basketball Player, Football Player

Daddy

Age: 57

Occupation: World's Best Daddy,

Cardiologist

“I want the world to know that I know that Jesus Christ lives and is my savior. He knows and loves me personally, as he does all of us. Because of that love, he willingly sacrificed himself and suffered greatly that I might not have to suffer myself. He has provided a way for me to return to live with my Father in Heaven together with all of my family. This opportunity only requires that I do my very best to live his commandments. Because of his atonement, I do not have to be perfect right now. I only have to try to become perfect. I can take advantage of his atoning sacrifice and repent of my sins and weaknesses over and over and over again until finally, maybe not even in this life, I too can become perfect as he and our Father in Heaven are perfect. Then I can live with him and my family forever.”

Larissa (honorary sister)
Age: 16
Occupation:
Foreign Exchange Student, Swimmer

Elisabeth

Age: 23

Occupation: Mother,

French Linguist

I know that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, and that He came to earth and lived a perfect life. I know that He payed the price for all the pain, suffering, and sins of the world, and that if I follow Him, I will have the best life I possibly can! I know that Jesus Christ knows and loves me personally, and I feel His love daily!

Josh
Age: 25
Occupation: Computer Scientist,
Everything man

Natalie

Age: 25

Occupation: Mother,

Physicist

Fay
Age: 1
Occupation: Tinker Bell

Adam

Age: 1 Day

Occupation: Cutest Little 

Thing

Michael
Age: 27
Occupation: Doctoral Student in Mechanical Engineering

I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father.  He loves us so much, that he sent his son, his only perfect son, to die for us.  But even more than to die for us, his son, Jesus Christ, was sent to live again for us.  And he lives.  I know this.

Kathryn

Age: 25

Occupation: Graphic Designer

Deep, deep down in my heart—with more conviction that I feel about anything else in my life—I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that His church has been restored. The only way I have ever been able to find true peace has been through seeking to be close to Him and keep His commandments. I know I can trust Him with my whole heart and that He will lead me safely through every part of life, and back home again.

Mary

Age: 15

Occupation: Performer

Sister Christina Muhlestein
Age: 21
Occupation: Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Christ is the Savior of the world.  It is is only through living His gospel that we can return to live with him.  I know that I am called by a Prophet of God to be His representative as a missionary and that the message we share is necessary for us to return to live with our Father in Heaven.  That is why we are sharing it.

Elder Morgan Muhlestein

Age: 20

Occupation: Missionary for 

The Church of Jesus Christ of 

Latter-Day Saints

I know that Jesus lives.  The more I learn about him, and the more I pray and see my prayers answered, the more I know it.  I love him, and I know he loves me.  I have felt the power of his atonement.  I have a glimpse of my eternal opportunities because of him.

"Within the family, people experience many of life’s greatest joys and sorrows. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and is central to God’s eternal plan for the salvation of His children. The means by which mortal life is created is divinely appointed and is safeguarded by marriage. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to endure beyond the grave.

"Marriage, however, can be eternal only when authorized priesthood holders perform the sealing ordinance in sacred temples and when husbands and wives who have been sealed together keep the covenants they have made.

"Husbands and wives are to love each other. As they keep the commandments and live gospel principles, they are to honor their marital vows with complete fidelity (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” see also D&C 42:22). Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and when parents make their family their highest priority. “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). Together, parents are to teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them live it.

"Satan is making a concentrated attack on families. Years ago Church leaders set aside Monday evening as a time for family home evening. Parents should use this time to teach their children the gospel, strengthen their relationships with them, and have fun together. Other ways of strengthening the family include daily family prayer and scripture study, worshiping at church as a family, and serving others. Heaven is a continuation of the ideal home. Through priesthood ordinances and righteous living, we can live as families in God’s presence eternally."- Preach My Gospel

trans·fer  (trns-fûr, trnsfr)

v. trans·ferred, trans·fer·ring, trans·fers

v.tr.

1. To convey or cause to pass from one place, person, or thing to another.

v.intr.

2. To move oneself from one location or job to another.

For Mormon Missionaries, transfers means a possibility of change. 

Every six weeks our mission president prayerfully arranges our mission assignments. 

A missionary and their companion are assigned to a specific geographic area and are, in part, responsible for the missionary efforts that accompany the congregations in that area. 

To find where a congregation near you meets, click here.

This go-round, my assignment was changed from serving in Phoenix, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ.  That is a 50 degree and 5,786 foot elevation difference.  Each morning as we run (slash mostly walk)--part of the missionary daily schedule--I think my lungs are going to explode. 

However, I know the Lord called me to Flagstaff and that there is good to be done here.

Everyone has the ability to know the will of the Lord for themselves.  In fact, that is all missionaries ask--that you will read the Book of Mormon and Bible and pray to know for yourself if what we are teaching is true.  

I promise, as a representative of Jesus Christ, that you will receive Heavens aid and Heavenly Father will show you the way you should go and witness that what we teach is true.  

HOW A MISSIONARY IS TRAINED

This is a picture of some Elders (what they young men missionaries are called) who also serve in Phoenix Arizona.  We were in "Zone Meeting" this day.  Obviously it was a really good meeting (see expression in photo above).

In these meetings we are trained as we practice teaching, share ideas, "tighten-up" our obedience to commandments and mission rules, receive information from leaders, etc.
Above are some of the Elders (usually 18-20 year old men who serve missions) who also serve in Phoenix Arizona.

But let's back up. You are probably wondering (or at least you should be because it is pretty interesting) how missionaries even get to this stage.  Well LOOK NO FURTHER!  Just keep reading.



To be a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, you must be a baptized member and attend Church meetings regularly. Missionaries are also required to live  high moral, physical, mental, and emotional standards that are outlined in the scriptures and further adapted for our day in For The Strength of Youth.  They are required to be living these standards long before they begin their missionary application. Obviously, we are not perfect, and so each missionary repents and makes the necessary changes in their lives to prepare them to serve.




Many missionaries have the opportunity of additional training in seminary and institutes of religion during high school and young adult years.  In addition, the youth Sunday school curriculum was inspired and created to help parents and leaders teach youth to "establish patterns of personal prayer, scripture study, and obedience that will lead them to conversion" (The First Presidency Statement).







After a mission call is extended, missionaries enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC) where they are taught by returned missionaries from Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service. At the MTC missionaries also learn different proselyting, public speaking, and teaching techniques. Many missionaries will also learn a foreign language during their MTC stay.  Depending on the difficulty of their mission language, missionaries stay at the MTC two to nine weeks.

Once out in the "mission field," we are assigned a proselyting companion to be our "trainer."  For 12 week our trainers--obedient, experienced missionaries--teach us further from Preach My Gospel and The First 12 Weeks (clever title).  We are immediately submerged in the work and much of what we learn is "on the job training" that is specific to the culture of where we serve.

Now we are a full-time missionary. Yay!

Our training does not stop there.  An apostle of Jesus Christ stated, "There are few things more fulfilling and fun than learning something new. Great happiness, satisfaction, and financial rewards come from this. An education is not limited to formal study. Lifelong learning can increase our ability to appreciate and relish the workings and beauty of the world around us" (Elder Dallin H. Oaks).

Hence, we have training meetings as described above.  These meeting occur weekly with additional training when necessary.

WE SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

We, as missionaries, are out here to share the glad news that Christ is not dead, but lives.  His gospel, church, priesthood, and power He has brought back to the Earth and His people.  From 6:30am to 9:00 pm, seven days a week, we have been given the opportunity to share this message for 18 months to two years.  

EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY

Age: 24
Member for 24 years

Bio: I love to learn new things. Be it rock climbing, ballroom dancing, or ceramics, I'm up for learning just about anything.

Why I do Missionary Work: I've been blessed to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ my entire life. And while I've always known it's true, I've also had a really hard time sharing it with people, for many reasons. I've never really had a problem with other people sharing it, that's fine. (Go missionaries!) But doing it myself? No thanks. At this time in my life though, I feel like it's really important to have a testimony of missionary work, to understand why it's so important, and to have the courage to do it. I have faith that if I ask for a testimony of something, God will give me an opportunity to learn it. But I also have to put in the work and effort to gain it. I do missionary work, with the hope that I'll gain a testimony of the work, and the desire to freely share this Gospel, that has given me so much happiness, with the rest of God's children.