Great Missionaries in the Temple

We had a beautiful morning today, in the Santiago Temple. We have 24 wonderful missionaries who are preparing to leave to return to their homes. We have a tradition to take the outgoing group to the temple, usually the Friday morning before their Monday/Tues departures. However since the temple will be closed for the next two weeks, we had them meet us there this morning, for a lovely session together. This is what we observed....
We noticed a great outpouring of love for each one of these sweet missionaries. We are so aware of their individual personalities, talents, gifts, abilities and many of their desires are obvious by the way they worked as missionaries. We have grown to love them incredibly, and we know that the power of that love comes directly from the Savior, and His specific love for each one. We thought of how easy it is to think of these young men in a ‘group’ of 24, for the sheer numbers can be daunting as we think of the interview time required for their farewell, the meals and food quantity to prepare for them before they leave, for time for individual testimony bearing, for travel arrangements, logistics in transporting them all, luggage and baggage limits, etc. But again, we are sweetly reminded of them as individuals. The Lord knows and loves EACH one of them, not in a group of 24, but their divinity as a son of God. He atoned and made the sacrifices He did for each of us, one at a time. We too have grown to love and cherish our own relationships with them that we know will also be eternal. They will forever be ‘our missionaries.’ We also know and love them, one by one. I will list their names at the conclusion of this post for evidence of their great individuality.
We sat together in the 9am early session with them and felt of their spirits there. I was the only Hermana among us, as this whole group consists only of Elders, who are going home this change. I was amazed at the power in their deep, strong voices as they responded appropriately during the session with confidence in their answers, having served the Savior, and knowing of their commitments they have made. We were able to go into the celestial room there, to greet each one as they entered. This is a choice experience that I pray I will be allowed to remember always. As they came into the room, each one came directly over to meet Presidente May with a hug. I know that this was poignant for him, as he hugged and held each Elder in his warm abrazo/hug while he whispered into their ear how much he loves them. He told them how pleased the Savior is with their specific offering of service here in the mission. He told them that we really love them, and always will. I felt that they have made this mission great, with their contribution and that the Lord would hug them too, if He were standing in the room with them. I imagined in my mind’s eye of their parents smiling faces, many crying like I was, to see their fine son stepping off the plane, to be welcomed home after two fruitful years of service. Then as I glanced around the room, trying to memorize the scene through my tears, I noticed almost all standing again, at the ready position, with their heads bowed, some in obvious prayer and communication with our Heavenly Father, but faithful and obedient to the call they have and whatever they will receive in the future. These are outstanding men that will go on to serve the Savior faithfully in future callings, and who have strengthened their own testimonies and relationship with the Savior, that will influence their entire lives. Together these missionaries, plus our others who are staying in the mission, along with those who have gone on home before them, have helped to save thousands of souls here in the Chile Santiago North Mission. This is a direct promise in the Book of Mormon, and our missionaries have fulfilled this promise here. We recognize that through these incredible, but imperfect missionaries, the Lord was able to use them as instruments in His marvelous work here. (Alma 26:12-13) Presidente May and I feel to express like Ammon stated, after recognizing how full his joy was, in the miracles that the Lord has provided in life, “therefore, have we not great reason to rejoice?”
Although it is with a touch of sadness that we will send them home with our love and hugs goodbye we are happy they kept their promises, and for who they are. We are grateful for the privilege to work side by side with each one of them, in a variety of capacities, we will not forget, in this beautiful part of the Savior’s vineyard. We will never be the same for having had this time together.
Elders:
Argueta
Barker
Campos
Caro
Chavez
Escobar
Fuller
Hicken
King
Larson
Leatham
Lenhart
Lloyd
Mangels
Martyn
Millaqueo
Mitchell
Newton
Nicholas
Pini
Rosenlof
Skeen
Shaw
Simmons


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