Bitter Sweet Good-byes

Elder Pierce with Heather, Titan, Terry and Ira Lee

Elder Pierce with Titan Lee

Ira Lee with Elder Scott

Elder Bischoff, Elder Pierce and Elder Bischoff...Really?

President and Sister Killpack

Last Letter as a Missionary

Family, I don't think I ever really considered that this time would truly happen, but its my last email. I wont get another chance as a missionary to email my family.. SO!

The baptism went great. I'm so happy I got the opportunity to help Alex and Sheryl, they are amazing people. That last Saturday was one of the highlights of my mission. A final 2 baptisms on my last weekend. There were so many people there we had to move it from the relief Society room to the chapel. Just an abundance of people. The spirit was so strong there it gave me the goosebumps. Then not to mention the Delicious refreshments. There was a three course meal of Mexican food and deserts. So good. It was pretty much what every missionary could hope to see as they depart this Missionary Life. An awesome baptism then leave with a full stomach.

I have enjoyed my last 2 years as a missionary so much.I know my Heavenly Father is pleased with me and my service. Yesterday after church, we went home and I was sitting outside on our porch by myself, and I just had this overwhelming feeling that I had done good... a "well done, my good and faithful servant" feeling. It was amazing. I'm so happy I have the gospel in my life and more importantly I was able to do my part and bring it into the lives of others.

WOW, I'm going to miss this, these were some good times, you know, just take a look around and you will see the Lord blessing us in every aspect of our lives. Big and small things, The Lord is in it. I'm gonna miss this.

I love you all family, see you Tomorrow!

Elder Pierce

March 19, 2012

Well my lovely family, how is life treating you? Life is treating us very well here in Clifton/Morenci. It has been snowing for roughly 5 hours now. Its quite gross if you ask me. I was ready for it to be warm and toasty but it seems the weather has a different plan for us up here. I think you all know how I feel about snow...yuck.

And unfortunately I have injured myself quite good this time around. 2 weeks ago, I sprained my ankle playing basketball. It sucked. And now, after 2 weeks of tending to it, I thought it was healed enough for me to play more sports...wrong. We played racket ball on Saturday and messed it up AGAIN!! Quite an unfortunate series of events. But it is alright. As long as it hasn't hindered our missionary work I don't care. Besides, I will have my momma soon to nurse me back to health.

Well this past week was awesome. Alex and Sheryl are progressing right along towards baptism. They have come such a long way. I am so proud of them and their decision to follow Christ. Their Love that has grown for the gospel. It is awesome to see. They were both interviewed as well and that went just great. Alex was telling us he read/listened to the Book of Mormon for 3 hours the other night, studying and writing down questions along with favorite scriptures. They are so great. Our baptism is the 24th at 10 o' clock. I am looking forward to it so much. My very last baptism and weekend as a missionary. How sad...

Well I love you all so much. Sorry there wasn't much to email this week. Have a good one.

Elder Pierce

March 12,2012

Well family. Another great P-day today. Just getting things started and taking care of B'iness.

A short miracle I would like to share with you today is of events that happened long ago when I served in the Gila Valley. I was serving in the Gila Valley on the institute. The Singles wards. While I was there, we were teaching these two football players Kamu and D'zack. They were really cool guys that were introduced to us by their friend who was also a football player. Very cool individuals. Well, we were teaching them and things went well. D'zack lost interest after a few lessons but we continued to teach Kamu and he accepted what we taught him but had a harder time keeping commitments like coming to church. Eventually I got transferred and I didn't know what happened to Kamu after that. Well a few nights ago, we were teaching Alex and Sheryl and the Arringtons were over there. Well I knew that Sione, the football player who introduced us to Kamu, was Sis. Arringtons brother. She looked at me during the lesson and said...
"Elder Pierce, do you remember my brother Sione? Well he was telling me that he invited you over to teach two other football players one time, do you remember them? Well, he wanted me to tell you that he was talking to Kamu the other day and told me that he moved to Texas and got baptized down there. He said that he continued to read the Book Of Mormon after you left and found the missionaries in Texas and asked them if he could be baptized."

I was in shock. It was such an uplifting piece of news that did my heart good. Kamu was such a cool guy and I'm so happy for him to hear that he finally accepted the gospel. Our influence as missionaries and members extends farther than we realize. We can touch the lives of so many through our good example and diligent efforts in teaching them and extending an invitation to learn more. I'm so thankful everyday for the chance I have to serve and help others who are searching.

Love, Elder Pierce

March 5, 2011

Hello family, Hope everything is going well.

Quick miracle I would like to share with you today is one that touched my heart. To see someones willingness to learn from the word of God. To take of the seed that was planted long ago and nourish it. Just like in Alma 32, The seed of the gospel touches all in their heart.

We met a man this last week named Robert. Robert has had encounters with the church for most of his life. His wife is a member of the church and he has been multiple times. Though some time ago, his wife was offended by a few missionaries and it has been years since they have been to church. We talked with Robert on his doorstep and he lit up when we invited him to church and to read from the Book of Mormon. His wife came out while we were talking and with a little persistence she opened up and told us what had happened in the past. She then looked to Robert who was holding the Book of Mormon and said "Oh, I have one of those, its OK, you don't need to take that one." We butt in and said that it was fine if he kept it and then he spoke up as well and said "I know you have one, but can I keep this one anyways??? I want to read it!".  All I could do was stand there and smile and literally see the desire of his heart. He wants to know its true. I can feel it every time we talk to him.

To see the Word of the Lord truly touch someones life, to see it physically change them, that's why I'm a missionary. That is why I have spent the last 2 years of my life preaching this good news. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored so that we can have it in our day. Our Heavenly Father loves us and desires for us ALL to be happy. I know this is true, no question about it. I love you all and I hope you all have the opportunity to partake of the Goodness that we have been blessed with. We have been given the tools in this life to obtain that which is precious above all.

Elder Pierce