Editor’s Note: Elder Alex Anderson of Fillmore, Utah, returned home to Utah honorably 18 months ago after completing his two year assignment to labor in the Washington D.C. South Mission. On Monday of last week, he died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. Hundreds gathered in his chapel in Fillmore, Utah, on Saturday morning to share an out-pouring of love at his funeral service. We share below Elder Anderson’s letter written to his mission president after serving just 8 months in the mission field.
Dear President,
I would like to share part of my conversion story with you, now that I have been in the mission field for almost 8 months. I have always enjoyed attending church and learning about the gospel. I faithfully attended my church and mutual meetings, and learned a lot in seminary. I have wanted to serve a full-time mission since I was a young boy.
In my teen years, I tried to always do what my leaders asked of me in order to be a better prepared missionary. I attended all my classes and read my scriptures, but when I found myself in the MTC, I still felt very overwhelmed and unprepared. I still feel that way now, even after serving in the mission field all these months!
But I have felt a growing change in my heart and attitude by regularly studying the scriptures and praying every morning and evening. It is making a huge difference in my service and in my personal testimony so far. It sometimes feels like I have learned more about myself and about the scriptures in just eight months than in all the prior years combined.
Recently while I was eating breakfast, I started to ponder over what I was going to be studying during our morning study time. As I thought about my scripture studies, I started to become excited to start reading and feasting in the scriptures! I knew how the spirit would enlighten my mind and edify my Spirit. I am beginning to hunger and thirst for more scripture knowledge and to become more righteous and obedient.
In summary, these are what I see as my greatest changes since becoming a full-time missionary–my increased love for the scriptures, for the gospel, for the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the people here in Northern Virginia who we are asked to serve and help.
Much Love,
Elder Alex Anderson
Michelle Van GinkelMarch 23, 2015
I admire the testimony of this young man. His mission here on earth was short but he really left quite a legacy with the righteous life that he left.
Tami WarnerMarch 19, 2015
I too wish the term :"fallen" wasnt used. gives the wrong impression.