My last week in Tonga has come and I couldn't be more sad. This is my favorite country and I will be leaving it behind with free flowing tears and a broken heart. This past week has been good to me and we were able to reach some of our goals we set before we leave. We found 3 new investigators for the next missionaries coming in and we are so grateful. We have been struggling in our finding. We were about to give up and that is when God guided us to those who are ready to listen. A scripture that comes to my mind is D&C 4:4 "He vakai 'oku hina ae ngoue ki he ututa'u pea vakai ko ia oku ne ai ene heletu'usi aki hono tuukuingata te ne tokonaki ke oua na'a ne mate kae fakahoko ae fakamo'ui ki hono laumalie." The field is white wherever you are. There are family and friends who need this glorious Gospel and only we can invite and give it to them. There is a lot of work to do and although my time is short in Tonga I have a very long time in Utah to do this work. This work doesn't end on this earth but it is eternal. God has ended my mission here but has called me on a new one. I pray that hearts will be softened and opened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that miracles will come to pass as we take heed and go about doing good in our daily activities by living the Eternal Gospel that God has given to us. Words cannot describe the feelings in my heart for this gospel and this work. IT will go on until He comes and I will be at the front of the battle doing all I can to proclaim the words of life to all whom are willing to listen. I want to end with the "Fellowship of the Unashamed"
I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. the dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The Decision has been made.
I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST.
I won't look back. let up, slow down. or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded . I now live by Faith, lean on HIS presence, walk with patience. I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power . My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me. And when He returns for His Own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner will be clear.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of GOD unto Salvation to every one that believeth... " Romans 1:16.
The Decision has been made.
I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST.
I won't look back. let up, slow down. or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded . I now live by Faith, lean on HIS presence, walk with patience. I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power . My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me. And when He returns for His Own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner will be clear.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of GOD unto Salvation to every one that believeth... " Romans 1:16.
I have a goal and I wont stop until it is completed.
I'll see you soon.
Elder Swan
