Bryce's phone was sitting in the kitchen and his alarm went off playing his favorite song: The World at Large. Bryce would put it up to my ear when his phone would play it and tell me to listen. Here are some words to it: Ice-age heat wave, can't complain. If the world's at large, why should I remain? Walked away to another plan. Gonna find another place, maybe one I can stand. President Probst sent Bryce's final letter to him on his mission. Hope you like it as much as I do.
President Probst--Mission
What have I gained, learned and experienced in the South Africa Cape Town Mission that has blessed my life?--by Elder Bryce Kim Christensen
Well of course there are too many things that I gained, learned and experienced while serving a mission to even write down a fraction of those things so I will attempt to highlight some of the more important things, in no particular order:
• The First Presidency message on page 5 states "More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among it's children." I feel that my view of what happiness actually is has become much clearer, those things we do in our life that make a lasting impact and cause others and ourselves to change for the better, bringing peace into our lives and lasting satisfaction, a clear view of what is important. These things bring lasting happiness into our lives, and I know that it is possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
• I have really come to love my family and have gained an understanding about why families are so important. My mom has a little wall section at home with pictures of the missionaries from our family, and above the pictures the scripture 3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." As I have been able to see the effect of what the gospel and truth and light does for a family, some of my most favorite experiences have been able to communicate with my family each week and knowing that every single one of them walk in truth, with my little brother leaving for Japan to serve a mission just weeks after I get home, it just is a great feeling.
• I have learned how important it is to develop good habits as soon as possible.
• I have gained the ability to recognize quicker the temptations and traps that Satan leaves for us, and how to best avoid them. I also have come to see how Satan can destroy the greatest by small means.
• I have experienced the most difficult days and weeks of my life while serving a mission. I have also never felt the Spirit in more abundance, and have never been more aware of what Heavenly Father wants for me.
• I have learned the importance of a good first impression, and how important quiet dignity is, where ever we are whatever we are doing we are always being watched.
• I more fully came to know that God is there and he answers prayers and I have more fully come to the knowledge of how he does it.
• I have experienced the sorrow that comes from people I love choosing not to act upon that which they know is true. I have also experienced the joy that comes from seeing peoples lives change as they embrace the gospel.
• I have learned how to manage time and money and how to be self reliant.
• I have learned how to cook some crazy things.
• I have gained a love for many different cultures and a love for the country of South Africa and the saints in this great country.
• I have learned of the importance of teamwork and unity.
The list could go on and on, but I truly have gained so much from my experiences serving in the South Africa Cape Town Mission. I know that the true Church of Jesus Christ has been restored today by the prophet Joseph Smith, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that we are being led by a prophet of God today President Monson. I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and sent his son Jesus Christ to pay the price for us to return to live with Him again, I know that the Savior lives, and suffered and bled and died for me that I might live again. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
9 comments:
Wow, what an example. That letter shows what a wonderful person Bryce is. You are all in my prayers at this difficult time.
Wynette, Eva shared with me your tragic news. I am so sorry for the loss of Bryce. My heart aches for you and your family. At this point, one of my favorite thoughts seems appropriate--"The presence of Bryce's absence is everywhere."
May your tears of sadness and love flow freely. May you know that your sisters hold you dear and extend our thoughts and prayers for you and Bryce's loved ones. Peace. Jorene
Thank you for sharing this beautiful treasure with us. I hope you see that the one person he mentioned by name was you, his mom.
I am so sorry that Bryce has had to be taken so soon! Our hearts are broken for you at this time. We were able to email back and forth with Camron, (Elder Lee), last night and I wanted to share some of what he had to say to you at this time....
"let them know that i have nothing but positive memories about bryce. I always had a TON of respect for him for serving a great mission even though most of his buddies were doing other things and it would have been easy for him to do the same. He was just a good guy."
You are in our thoughts and prayers! May the knowledge you have of the gospel help you until you meet again. He will continue to be an awesome missionary!
Luvs! Kim Lee and family
Wynette and Christensen family,
So sorry to hear about Bryce. It is obvious he made a big difference in the lives he touched. He is “safely home” and off to a new assignment. Thanks for posting Bryce’s letter to his mission president. It beautifully illustrates his love of and devotion to his Savior.
Christ’s power to lift the human soul transcends even the weightiest burdens that maybe thrust upon us. Truman Madsen spoke of His comforting powers: “No human encounter, no tragic loss, no spiritual failure is beyond the pale of his present knowledge and compassion.”
He is always there. He is never found in short supply of anxious concern. He is a tender and merciful God.
Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Alma 33:23 “…may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son.”
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh my dear Wynette, my heart is just breaking for you and your wonderful family at this time. I just want to wrap my arms around you in a giant bear hug that would somehow take all the hurt away. Thank you so much for sharing Bryce's beautiful testimony with all of us. I've read through it several times since receiving the news tonight. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. God bless you and your family. I'm so grateful for the Bowen Hall reunion that gave us a chance to catch up on each other's lives.
Hi Wynette, it's Kelsey. I'm so sorry about Bryce, when I heard the news I didn't even know what to do, it didn't seem real. My heart broke for all of you, but especially for Dallin. What a difficult thing to go through without your family by your side, I'm glad that he has the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. I'm glad we all do. We'll see Bryce again, I believe that with all of my heart.
My prayers are also with you. I love your family very much and I know that Bryce had an amazing effect on those around him.
Wynette, My heart is just breaking for you. The Lord must have something pretty important and special for Brycen to do. What a special young man you have raised. We are so blessed to have an understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and know where he is. Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Love Brenda Cahoon Jessee
Wynette, My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Thanks for sharing Bryce's testimony. He was obviously fully prepared for the next leg of his journey. May the comfort the Gospel brings be with you and all who knew and loved Bryce. Love, Nan Pay
Post a Comment