The End of an Adventure

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)

Week 100 - Juan Por Fin!

This week was an unforgettable one!

On Thursday we had the privilege in going to a small city with the name of Viviate, to officially marry Juan and Soledad! The four of us rode in Perci's little red car (cautivita) an hour and a half to Viviate, where we were able be the witnesses in their marriage. We have been working with the Mendez family for about 5 months now, and we were finally able to take the last necessary step in Juan's preparation for baptism. The two have been together for more than 15 years and have 7 children together, but despite the time and experience together it was so great to see the smiles on their faces as they signed those documents to fully commit to each other and their big family. Afterwards, Juan invited us all to a delicious plate of "chicharrón de pescado" to celebrate.

Saturday was the baptism! Wow, what an amazing spiritual experience it was. All of his 7 kids were able to attend, and he gave a powerful testimony of repentance after being baptized. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to work with the Mendez family over the past few months. I have truly seen a miracle in Juan and his conversion to the Lord. Despite his rougher background and all the challenges he has had in his life, Juan has truly converted to the Lord and has changed his life. We are now working with him to recieve both the Aaronic and Melchezidek Priesthood and prepare him and his family for the temple. I have so much love for him and his family, and it will incredibly hard to say goodbye to them in the next few weeks.

Saturday morning we were able to participate in an activity that our ward put on called "missionaries for a day". All the young men and young women in our ward spent the morning and afternoon at the stake center ("MTC") learning about missionary work and what a mission is all about. Elder Ospina and I gave a lesson on the importance of the Book of Mormon to the young perspective missionaries and then had the honor to pin on their personal nametags before going out with them to do some visits. What really made the experience great was to see our recent convert Shnaider there with his scriptures and nametag ready to learn. He was able to come with us to visit some of our investigators this week and even taught the law of chastity to one of them! He is learning so much and like Ive said before, has so much love for the gospel. He will be a great missionary someday, and I cant wait to say what things he will do. I love that kid.

In these days I have just felt completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity that I have recieved from my Father in heaven to serve in this mission at this time. I love being apart of his army. I am seeing so many miracles daily that are too many to explain. It is truly amazing! I will continue working until the last minute of my mission. I love this work.

Avanza Su verdad!