Last Updated on October 9, 2018 4:34 pm by Steven

Elder Pastor Name Tag

Sam’s Farwell Talk

Dear Brothers and Sisters. Before I joined the church, I grew up on a beautiful island called Guam. All I knew was the small island. I didn’t know about the rest of the world or the U.S.A. When I moved to the states with the Loosle’s, I had a lot of opportunities. I learned about scouts, school, and I started attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I didn’t know about Jesus Christ or that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I’d seen missionaries on Guam before, but I didn’t know who they were.

The missionaries in Texas taught me about Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, other prophets and how to pray. The missionaries seemed mysterious and the church seemed exciting. I decided to join the church and was baptized.

Sam (Elder Pastor) and Mission President

My testimony has grown a lot since then. I’m excited to be a mysterious missionary in the Salt Lake City Headquarters Mission.

I would like to thank Bishop for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye to you all and of course for giving me the opportunity to speak about being Steadfast and Immovable. I am using the 2008 January Ensign article explaining the mutual theme for that year.

Steadfast and Immovable.

Steadfast and Immovable. What do these two words mean? Well, the first word: Steadfast means: to be firmly fixed and not subject to change, to be firm in belief, determination, and to be loyal and faithful.

The other word: Immovable. Immovable means to be unyielding and incapable of being moved or diverted.

Jesus Christ is our example of Steadfast and Immovable. He is our perfect example of one who stands steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works. Other good examples are our living prophets and apostles, they too stand firm. Family, teachers, and friends also can be good examples. In the scriptures, there are many more good examples.

One of my favorite people in the scriptures, who is a good example to me is Captain Moroni. In the Book of Mormon, Alma 48:11-13

And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

In these words of Alma, he describes Moroni as a mighty man; he was a man of perfect understanding; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, etc.

I would love to make a “Title of Liberty” carry it around Salt Lake and maybe be on TV, while on my mission, but I know that’s not what Heavenly Father wants for my mission, but maybe I’ll pray about it anyway. But seriously, Captain Moroni was a good leader and was kind to everyone. He was always doing his best – I want to follow Captain Moroni’s example with these things while I’m on my mission. Even though he had some struggles, he kept being faithful and strong and following Heavenly Father.  Alma 48:17

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

Saying Goodbye to Sam (Elder Pastor)

That was deep. What would the world be like if all of us could be like him?

It’s Father’s Day so I’d also like to say my Dad is a good example to me for being steadfast and immovable. He’s helped me in scouts and forced me to finish my Eagle. It was a good experience and it’s helped me to get a job and will help prepare for things later in life. He is a good example of service. He helps with fast offerings, helps me prepare for possible troubles ahead and is a good worker. Sometimes he’s hilarious. I’m grateful he’s helped me and been a good example to prepare me for my mission.

I want to be a good example to others like my Dad, that’s one reason I’m serving a mission. I think good missionaries are steadfast and immovable. They are strictly obedient, faithful in their service, completely faithful in praying, studying their scriptures, living the word of wisdom, attending church meetings, being pure in their thoughts and actions, always kind to family and friends, and they honor their Priesthood.

Testimony

I’d like to bear my testimony that I know I’m steadfast and immovable by choosing to go on a mission, to serve and teach what I believe.

I know the Book of Mormon is a true book. That Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet. I know Heavenly Father loves me and is always watching out for me. He knows our struggles and pains. I know He wants to help us.

I know Jesus Christ lives. He is a good, kind, loving, brother who gave his life for all of us.

I know when I go to the temple I feel the Spirit. The warm, pure, kindness and love of Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost. I know the Church is true, I love my family, I will try to miss you, but I know I’m going to have a great time serving the Lord.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.