LAST TESTIMONY FROM THE FIELD........

Dear Family and Friends,

                This is my last email from the field. I would love to make it the most inspiring and insightful one ever, but I haven't had any time to consider what I should say. Things have been so busy. We missed email yesterday because it was a national holiday and the library was closed. We had a sweet zone activity, my last, where we had a talent show and a huge hot dog lunch. It was pretty sweet, everybody decided to just  have fun with it. Our apartment sung two hymns with one man drumming and me on guitar. I'm going out with style!

                As my mission comes to a close I remember a quote that has stuck in my head for the past two years. In the movie I, Robot, advanced-intelligence robots are subtly taking over the world and nobody seems to see it or understand except a certain Detective Spooner. He launches investigations and works his way to the bottom of the case.  After a certain incident, his chief of police comes to him and reminds him, " 'Lead By Example', it says it right on your badge." Due to the incident, the chief then seizes his badge and commands him to cease his work on the case.  But this detective had gained a personal, first-hand witness that his cause was just, and that he was in the right. In fact, I would venture to say that he had gained a TESTIMONY of it.  So he continues; not out of a self-centered drive, but simply to make the truth known.

                As a missionary, I hang a 'badge' over my chest every morning.  Except on this tag, there is emblazoned the name of a much more powerful and eternal example, even the Savior Jesus Christ. People see it every day, and they know who I represent.  And I can confidently say I have done all I could to let my example reflect that of the Savior's. The world is spiraling into the control of, not robots, but the adversary of our souls. We missionaries do all we can to make the truth known.  However, the time is very near when I will meet with the stake president, I will be released, and he will tell me to take off my missionary tag. He'll tell me my time is up, and I should move on with my life. But if I have gained a personal, first-hand witness over the past two years that my cause is just, I must continue. I have gained a TESTIMONY that this work is divine-- that is the work of salvation for the souls of men.  This restored gospel is the one and only complete truth that stands in the world.  I will continue, although it will be on a much more subtle level.  I will no longer have the name written OVER my heart, but I will have it written IN my heart.  King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon counseled, " ... I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you." (Mosiah 5: 12) That is the name of Jesus Christ.

                I have a strong testimony of the importance of our example as Latter-Day Saints.  People are always watching.  Always.  People may hear our testimonies, but it is by the example that we show where they will truly see our testimonies. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." I stand with President Joseph Fielding Smith when he said that "the reputation of the church rests on all of our shoulders".

                I can't believe its over.  Although I am leaving soon, another will be planted in my stead, and the kingdom of God will roll forth; it will fill the earth.  I am inexpressibly thankful for the chance to serve in the Lord's vineyard; to give my hand in the advancement of the truth! The sojourn has been full of sorrows, disappointments, and difficulties.  But they were just minor setbacks and they can never compare with the victories, joys, and breakthroughs I've experienced. The greatest souvenirs I will take home are the pictures, journal entries, memories, friendships, and connections I've made here. Nothing can or ever will compare with my mission experience.  I'll see you all very soon.

Hurrah for Israel!

Elder Doggett... for the last time... sigh.