Trinidad, Port of Spain: November 2018

Marissa's Family

Marissa- I know God lives. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and was chosen to restore Christ’s true Church to the Earth in these latter days. Through the restored Priesthood power, families can be sealed for eternity. I believe the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and that man truly can come closer to God by reading it and living by its precepts than by any other book. Jesus Christ atoned, suffered, and died for us. He is our advocate with the Father. The atonement is real and available to us all. I know that God is always watching over us, even when He may seem far away. He hears our prayers and loves us more than we can comprehend.

My testimony is one of the things I hold most dear. Thank you for raising me in the church and teaching me Gospel truths. I love you both!

Greg- I believe in Jesus Christ. I know He died and suffered for me personally. Because of Him i can be forgiven. I know that He unlocked the gates of death and made possible immortality and eternal life. Because of Him death has no sting. I believe Joseph Smith saw Jesus Christ on the right hand of the Father. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and lays bare the true meaning of this life. I know that God’s church is led by a prophet who receives continual revelation. I truly believe that if anyone is keen enough, God will make himself known to them.

Julianne's Family

Marielle's Family

Jon's Family

We know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on earth. It is Christ's church. We have a loving Heavenly Father who loves us, answers our prayers, and sent his son to die for us. We bear testimony of our Heavenly Father's and Christ's love for each one of us. We have felt their presence near and love poured upon us during trials in our lives and while we lived away from home. We feel it now, as strong as ever, as we continue to live in accordance with Christ's teachings and follow his example. We're grateful for wonderful parents who have taught us how to love, laugh, and cry, but most importantly taught us how to live a Christ-centered life. It is through him that we will live as an eternal family. Because of him we can become clean again. We testify that he lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. As we follow his example our love grows for one another. We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the happiness it brings each one of us.

Love,

Jon, Jenny, Rylee, Bo, and Britton

Nic's Family

Nic - I feel so undeserving yet so grateful the blessings in my life. I truly “feel my Saviors love in all the world around me,” for that, I am grateful. I’m eternally grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice so we can be forgiven, forgive others and be comforted in times of need. It brings peace to my life to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. I believe there is safety and peace if we keep the commandments.

I’m grateful to be part of such a wonderful, blessed family. I love and am grateful for my family, my parents, my brothers and sisters and the closeness and authenticity our relationships. There is love at home and we truly are a happy family!

I’m grateful, blessed and feel lucky for my eternal companion in marriage, her forgiveness, humility and love. Our children Luke, Paigey and Liam are the most precious blessings in my life and bring true happiness in to the world. I’m grateful for their health and love and God’s willingness and trust to allow Heather and I to raise them. I hope and pray my family knows and feels I truly try to be the most loving son, brother, father and husband I’m capable of being. I hope and pray I can live a life worthy of an eternal family.

Heather - Life is full of ups and downs, it is full of challenges and hardships. Unfortunately we all have or will have trials and they will all be different. One of our greatest blessings is the power of prayer. The ability to talk to and have a relationship with our father in heaven. The spirit and peace you can feel throughout the most difficult times in life is invaluable! Having someone to cry to and who is all knowing that will love you no matter what is humbling. He is there-He will ALWAYS be there. Our Father in Heaven is real, our brother Jesus Christ is real, peace, hope and love are real. Forgiveness is REAL. I could go on and on about my love for our Father and his son Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for a peaceful life, for my beautiful children, for my amazing husband and for our families. How blessed are we! I love you Greg and Lauri. I will always be grateful for your love, kindness, support and forgiveness. Thank you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Luke - I grateful for all of my many blessings. I’m grateful to be part of such a wonderful, blessed family. I’m grateful for primary because it makes me feel good. I’m grateful for the church because it teaches me about Jesus. I’m grateful for my family because I love spending time together. I’m grateful Grammy and Poppa are home from their mission. They are a good example for me.

Paigey - I love Jesus, I love the temple, I love the church, I love my Mom and I love my dad and I love my brothers. I’m grateful for all my blessings.

Liam - Me love Jesus, me love nursery, me love and Grammy and Poppa and Momma, Dada, Luke and Paigey.

Cam's Family

Thank You!

Mom and Dad,

We can't thank you enough for all you have done, and continue to do for each of our families. Our testimonies were indeed strengthened, we felt God's love for us, and know that He watched over us while you were away. Thank you for serving Him with "all your might, mind, and strength." There is no greater gift you could give us than your testimony and knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In return, here are our testimonies. We will strive to strengthen them every day as we live in accordance to the principles of the gospel. We love you.

Welcome Home- June 30th, 2018

"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7

The Final Entry

Dear Family and Friends,

How do you sum up three years in one last journal entry? Our last tour through the mission was tender and bittersweet as we said goodbye to missionaries, members and investigators that had become a part of our very souls. What a blessing it was to experience the cultures, languages, and testimonies of these wonderful children of God. Although it was the hardest fun we ever had, it was also immensely rewarding and testimony building.

We learned more about our Savior by serving his children in Trinidad, Tobago, Suriname, Guyana, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. They will forever be imprinted in our hearts and we are better for having known them. They taught us the meaning of meekness, humility and willingness to consecrate all they had for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our missionaries were the best of the best and it was a joy to watch them mature and spiritually change, through exact obedience and dedication to their calling as a disciple of the Lord. The blessings of the atonement became obvious in their countenances and blessed the work in the Trinidad Port of Spain Mission.

As each missionary returned home, they were given a temple recommend holder with our mission scripture.

“Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness… then is His grace is sufficient for you.” Moroni 10:32

We saw His grace in action daily and will never forget our mission experience. It was a privilege to serve and we pray that we may all stay true to the covenants and promises we have made, so that He may say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord." Matthew 25:21

We are grateful for our six children and 15 grandchildren whose prayers were tangibly felt as we were away serving. We want them to know that we can do hard things and so can they, especially when called by the Lord.

"And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands, for my namesake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19:29

May our family continue to stay strong in our testimonies of a loving Heavenly Father, of His son Jesus Christ, and in His atonement, so that we can be together eternally.

We love you so much,

Trini and Dad