Well, it has been a crazy, and heart-wrenching week.
I am honestly without words. I never expected there to be more tears in returning home than there was when I left home. I am extremely grateful to my Father in heaven for this wonderful blessing that I have had to serve here in the Peru Piura mission. I can truly say it has been the best experience of my life. I have learned so much in these two years, and I will never forget the countless miracles that I have seen, and the hand of the Lord in each and every day. My mission has marked my life, and has set the course for who and what I want to be. I am grateful for the people I have met, the lives I have seen change, and the person I have become.
In ending my mission, I would like to share some of the last words from my great great great great grandfather, Edmund Bird, who was also ending his mission in England in the year 1865:
"As for myself, I am trying to fill my mission according to the spirit of God which has been given me. And I can truly say He has blessed me in my labors. He has given me health and strength to labor and to walk. He has given me wisdom and light to impart to the people. I commenced in weakness and by being humble I have been able to speak the glorious truths of the Gospel in simplicity. And if I have done any good, I thank my Heavenly Father. Also, for the privilege of bearing my testimony in this land. For I can say these have been my happiest days. Still I look forward with anticipation of joy when I again have the privilege of associating with by brethren in the valleys of the mountains. ...I am trying to do right, and I have confidence God will help me to do so...
Your brother in the cause of truth, E.F.B.” (Edmund Fuller Bird)
Now, as a missionary many generations later, I too can say that these have been my happiest days. I will never forget my time here in this wonderful land as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. I testify that God is our loving heavenly father, that Jesus is the Christ, and that this is their kingdom established once again upon the earth. I am a witness that this gospel brings true peace and happiness. I have seen it in myself, and in the lives of others for the past two years. I am ready to return home and to keep serving my Father in heaven in this great work.
Por la última vez,
Avanza Su verdad!
Elder Benjamin Matthew Bailey
Misión Perú Piura 2017-2019
"Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Alma 26:24)
