On December 2, 2010 Kodi phoned the Lab where I work and shouted...."IT'S HERE!" . I knew he had received his long awaited mission call. I then phoned his mother at work and gave the good news. We frantically began phoning friends and family, and all soon gathered at our home is Stirling to witness Kodi open that all too familiar letter with the signature of a prophet of God. We all gathered in the Living Room and we called Kodi's Grandparents who were; at the time, serving a mission in Vancouver, BC. Once they were on the line Kodi took a very special Moroccan letter opener that has been in our family for decades; and had opened 3 call letters previously, and slit the top of the envelope, revealing the letter inside. He began to read:
Dear Elder Maki:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.
You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living mission rules, and following the counsel of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might , mind, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.
The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children. We place in you our confidence and pray that the Lard will help you become an effective missionary.
You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president. Please send your written acceptance promptly, endorsed by your bishop.
The letter was signed by Thomas S. Monson - President
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| I'm goin' to Fort Lauderdale, Florida! |
