CHAPTER 1
The Seed of a Desire to Serve
Good morning brothers and sisters. It's so good to see you all here today. Thank you to all my friends and family who made it here on short notice. For those who may have forgotten, I have been called to serve the people of Colombia in Medellín in the Spanish language. I'll prepare to leave for the Mexico MTC on October 1st. Now you might be wondering why I'm giving this farewell talk so much before, I leave for the MTC.
Here's what happened. About two weeks ago, my dad put in the family group chat that my farewell will be on September 14th. Within minutes, a bunch of people replied that they couldn't make it because my cousin's wedding. The funny thing is my parents couldn't make it either. They had already bought plane tickets for that weekend. Well, I told them they could just come to my next farewell talk.
They were already on the phone with my bishop, trying to reschedule. First, they suggested the Sunday before I leave, but that's the conference. The week before that's my cousin's wedding, the week before that's Fast Sunday. So with no other option left, they made the decision to move my farewell talk up two weeks. That meant two things. A brand new topic, and since I was already halfway through procrastinating the first one, I had to start over.
That left me with only four days left to finish this talk.
Serving a mission wasn’t always something I thought I’d do. After many last minute and super boring lessons I gave in Teacher's Quorum that I totally messed up, I thought two years of this sounds miserable and it's probably not for me. And I didn't think much of it. It wasn't until I was 16 when I was working at a bike shop, that things started to change.
We had just hired someone new who wasn't religious but was curious about the church, and another coworker was preparing to leave on a mission. The two of them would often talk about our beliefs, and during those conversations I felt the spirit several times. The way my coworkers spoke with so much knowledge and passion about the gospel really struck me. It made me want to share those same feelings with others.
Those experiences, along with other moments of my life, planted a seed that I wanted to serve a mission. Brother Wilberton once told me, "You know, I never know what you're going to... I never know if you're going to do something, and then the next thing I know you're right there doing it." I took that as a compliment and I ran with it. I submitted my papers without telling anyone, and I got my call at the end of April.
It wasn't until the first week of August that I decided to tell everyone. And now I'm giving my farewell talk that same month.
CHAPTER 2
Called Where I'm Meant to Be
I had always figured that I'd serve a foreign mission, but I also know God has a sense of humor. If there's something you really don't want to do, chances are He'll put you in that exact moment to show you that you can handle it. I truly believe every missionary gets called exactly where they're supposed to be. For me, I always said I never wanted to serve a Spanish-speaking mission, which basically guaranteed I'd get called to a Spanish-speaking mission.
Looking back, I was right, and I really wish I'd paid more attention to Spanish class. But even in the moments when I struggle with the language, I know God has a plan. Every word I learn, every conversation I have will be a chance to help someone feel the love of Jesus Christ. And honestly, even if all I can say right now is "Hello, I work for the Internet Company, how much do you pay for Xfinity?" I know the Spirit will help me communicate His message in the ways that go far beyond words.
Today, I have been asked to speak about the talk, and we talk of Christ, by Gary E. Stevenson. One of the first stories that he shares is about how Christ’s light connects and transforms. He talked about going through airport customs with his wife, Lisa. He describes how the customs officer almost mechanically, with no eye contact, reached for his documents and finally stamped his passport with a heavy thud.
She wasn't happy, just focused on her job. But when she got to Lisa’s papers, something was going on. The officer suddenly looked up, made eye contact, and even gave a tender smile. Lisa smiled in return and exchanged warm words. "Surprise," Elder Stevenson asked. "What just happened?" That's when Lisa showed him what the officer had seen. A small card with an image of the Savior had slipped into her passport.
That little picture completely changed the moment. In a small moment, a single picture of a Savior completely changed the demeanor of the woman. This story would probably play out the same way in other airports where you don't speak the same language. Typically, you would just awkwardly smile, nod your head and continue on with your day. But the amazing thing about symbols and pictures is that no matter the language barrier, you can both feel and understand the same thing.
We are all connected through Christ, and his light connects and transforms.
CHAPTER 3
Finding Christ on a Difficult Day
This reminds me of a story I'd like to share that really strengthened my testimony. A while back, I was talking with a close friend who knew I had some things I needed to work through with my bishop. He encouraged me to reach out, but like I often do, I kept saying, "I'll do it tomorrow." Months later, I was on a work trip in North Carolina.
Honestly, the worst trip I've ever been on. I'll skip the rant, but the market was rough, and I was discouraged. While talking with that same friend on the phone that one morning, I told him I almost texted my bishop, but for some reason, I just didn't. I said, "I'll do it today." He just said, "Yeah, okay." I replied, "No, seriously, I'll do it today." But knowing myself, I probably would have just kept putting it off.
Later that day, I decided to take a break. I walked over to Sweet Frog and got some frozen yogurt and found a quiet bench. I put my headphones in and started watching a show, just minding my own business. That’s when two missionaries walked up and asked if they could share a message. I told them I was already a member, but I'd love to hear it anyway.
They shared how loving and forgiving the Lord is, and how nothing we can do can change that. And no matter our mistakes, he's ready to help us take the right steps to come closer to him. I'd already believed in that, but in that moment, it hit me differently. I knew I needed to take the steps I've been avoiding, so right after the conversation, I messaged the bishop.
Christ's light connected me to the Spirit and completely transformed my day. I went from being frustrated with the market, the heat, the grumpy people, to thinking only about the love of our Heavenly Father has for us. It truly felt like a miracle. Christ put those missionaries in front of me at that exact moment. The experience reminded me of a scripture I've always loved, Psalms 27.1, "The Lord is the light of my salvation, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" That day, I truly felt what it means. I didn't need to figure everything out on my own, I just needed to trust Christ. As I did, I felt peace knowing that he had already made it possible.
CHAPTER 4
Small Encounters, Lasting Change
Those missionaries likely had no idea the difference they made for me. For all I know, they might have felt discouraged that day, thinking they hadn't accomplished much, yet God used their small act to help take a big step. Looking back, it wasn't a coincidence God placed them in my path to that perfect moment. That experience strengthened my testimony and increased my desire to serve.
As I prepared to serve in Colombia, my hope is to be that same person for someone else, to show up at the right time and help them feel the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. And even during the hard and discouraging days, I hope I can remember maybe a little conversation I had, or a little talk with a member made a huge impact and keep pushing.
CHAPTER 5
Letting Our Actions Point to Him
Another principle Elder Stevenson shared is that our message and symbol should always point to Christ. That doesn't just mean in church, talks, or lessons, it applies to the way we live, the little things we do and the things people notice about us without us even realizing it. Last year, I was on a work trip in California during Thanksgiving week. I had decided to set a small goal for myself.
After the gym each day, I'd buy someone food who needed it. Being in California, it wasn't hard. There was plenty of opportunities. And every time I felt like such a small act, but I noticed I started to change my own perspective. It wasn't about me anymore. It was about what I had, what I was representing. The small acts of service became a symbol of Christ's love, even if the people I helped never knew my name or remembered me after that day.
That experience taught me that people are always watching. Not in a scary way, but in a way where our examples can point them to something greater. Every word we say, every action we take can be a symbol that connects others to Christ. As I serve in Colombia, I want to keep that in mind because even on hard days, a simple act of kindness, a smile, or just being there for someone could be the symbol that helps them feel the Savior's love.
CHAPTER 6
A Little Easter Every Week
The last point Elder Stevenson shares is that we should elevate Easter as a sacred season of Christ. Too often, Easter gets wrapped up in candies, bunnies, or even just another holiday on the calendar. But it's so much more than that. Easter is about remembering the Atonement and the resurrection and the incredible hope we have because of Jesus Christ. I've realized the same principle applies not just to Easter, but to all sacred days, especially the Sabbath.
Keeping the Sabbath holy is like having a little Easter every week. It's a chance to step back from the world and remember Christ, His sacrifice, and the joys of His resurrection. When I treat Sunday just like another day, I miss the opportunity. But when I slow down, take the sacrament, and really focus on Him, I feel the peace and strength that only He can give.
That perspective has changed how I think about holidays and sacred times. They aren't just traditions. They’re invitations to come closer to Christ. As I prepare to serve in Colombia, I hope that I can help people not only celebrate Easter in a more meaningful way, but also learn how to find the same sacred feeling every single week as they keep the Sabbath holy. Because it's in those moments of remembering Christ that we feel His love most powerfully.
Brothers and sisters, I know Jesus Christ lives. I know He knows each one of you personally and has a plan, and His light can change anyone who seeks Him. I'm grateful for the chance to serve in Colombia and share His love with others. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ,
[The supplied transcript ends here.]
