Tulancingo, Mexico- Sept 19

Dear Family,

How is everyone doing? I hope that everyone is great! I am writing you all from Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo. We are visiting some cool sight-seeing places. I wanted to take this opportunity as one of my last emails to share a few things that I have learned from my mission. 

First of all, I know that most of you know that before the mission I hated reading. I'm sorry for using that strong word, but I really didn't like reading. It was always to me such a waste of time. I remember that at the end of my Senior year in High School as I started filling out my mission papers, I set a personal goal to read the whole Book of Mormon. I started with a goal of 1 chapter each night and even though I got home late from Sub Zero, (almost) every single night before going to bed I read a chapter. In the summer, I started taking my Book of Mormon to work with me. Reading still wasn't something that I loved to do but as I kept reading I got into the habit of doing it every day. When I entered the MTC I was reading in Alma chapter 30 or so. I kept reading and I started realizing the importance of the Book of Mormon. I started praying more than I ever had before. I got to the mission field and it sure was a scare, as it is for any new missionary, especially in a foreign country and speaking a new language. A few weeks into the mission I got to the end of the Book of Mormon and I prayed, prayed and prayed. I know now that the Book of Mormon is true. I knew it before, I knew it then, and I can bear my testimony now that I have no doubt that it is true. In the introduction of the Book of Mormon it says, "The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." The Book of Mormon is the keystone in these latter days to achieve Peace in this life and eternal life in the next. I know that it is another testament of Jesus Christ and that it is the word of God. I love this promise that comes from Doctrine and Covenants section 84, 

"And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
 44 For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
 45 For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
 46 And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.
 47 And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father." 

I know that this church is true. One of the greatest lessons that I have learned in the mission has been recognizing that it is the Lord´s work. His spirit has taught me and has helped me to know that, "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." (3 Nephi 5:13) I love the Lord and I know that He has called me. I know that He prepares the hearts of the people to her His message. I know that this is His church. He is our Savoir and our Redeemer. I love Him and owe everything to Him. "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" (D&C 128:22)

I love you all! Have an amazing week! 

Elder Paynter