THE OHIO COLUMBUS MISSION REUNION

Last night I attended a mission reunion in South Jordan. It was a wonderful experience for all of us. Better yet, our President and his wife were there. The Gillilands are the most incredible people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. I can't fully express in words the experience I had serving under them in the land of Joseph. They inspired us to rise to new heights and change the culture in the mission. I saw that culture rise, and it helped me to become a better missionary.

And to make it better, each of them took about 15 minutes and talked about their experiences since the end of their service. They have exactly the same spirit as they did 3 years ago, and like Moses of old, their natural force is not abated. They took a mission that was slowly on the rise (after years of turmoil) and turned into a part of the Lord's true vineyard. The changes I saw during their tenure were both powerful and successful. I know that they were called to go to Ohio for that reason. My love for them will never diminish, but will only grow as the years go on. They are full of charity, humility, and humor. Some say President Gilliland is small in stature. I matters not to me because he is mighty in spirit. As he testified last night, that same transcendent spirit I felt so many times in the mission, filled the room and each of us with a feeling of love and unity that is stronger then death. It will outlast the world. God bless them for their service.

My only wish is that more of us could have been there. I was able to see two of my companions: David Johnston and Travis Stanley (and of course my fellow brother of Thunder Eric Chantry...we carpooled, along with his lovely wife Carol). But it was enough, seeing all those good and faithful brothers and sisters that I had the honor to serve with or around.

Something happens to you when you serve a mission. It's truly amazing. One can only gain it when he or she dedicates him/herself to serving others and bringing them the gospel. I believe it is a gift from the Lord, one of the highest and most sacred gifts we can receive in this life. Like I have stated above, it welds people together in a way nothing else can. There is such a feeling of love and belonging that comes upon one's self. As all of us were talking and mingling in the gym, I thought of the 138th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verse 12: "And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they had lived in mortality. Even after this life is over, we will continue to mingle and rejoice together in the next.

The two years I spent in Ohio were the most rewarding of my life, and I know I am speaking for all my mission alumni when I say that all of us will carry these friendships in the next world and beyond. The love among us will never be obliterated. It is more powerful then just about anything in this mortal life. I am so thankful to my God that I was able to be a servant in His hands. God bless the missionaries of the Ohio Columbus Mission, whether still in Ohio or still serving the Lord in many places around the world. I love all of you.