Two years of missionary service in the beautiful islands of Indonesia quickly comes to a close. Many life long lessons and memories were made and have prepared me for the beginning of a new future. I thank all who followed along on the journey whether in the field or reading the letters. It all truly means a lot to me. The mission has taught me that "when you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are truly in the service of your God." Heavenly Father has a unique plan for all of us. For me, part of that plan was to serve his children in Indonesia to bring them the sweet Gospel. His plan is perfect and when we are obedient to His commandments we will receive the blessings that we want. I am a first witness to this eternal principle.
As I reflect on what has taken place over the course of the time, lots of fond and precious memories come to mind; the food, the people, the heat, the hardships, the lessons learned, the floods, the fixing of bikes, the ridiculous traffic, the studying, the stress, the joy, and much more. Not in a second would I replace what went on these past 2 years for anything in this world!
Over the past two years, I have developed life-long relationships with others and caught a glimpse of what is really out in the world. The world is a place that can be scary and tough. When we follow the council of a Book of Mormon prophet, we don't need to worry. "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty stormshall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
This whole journey started several years ago with the decision to serve and commenced officially on July 2nd, 2014 where I met one of the greatest groups of missionaries in the Provo Missionary Training Center. We struggled with the language together and prepared ourselves but with full faith, left to help others. Upon arrival in Indonesia until the date we came home we served with not even looking back one second, in other words, "full heart. might, mind, and strength." All of us saw many miracles that became very personal to each of us.
Occasionally, the miracle of the day was the fact that it rained or that Golden person that asks, "when is my baptism, Elder? Or maybe that saving McD's meal that was delivered." Whatever the miracle may be, they are tender mercies from the Lord and we learn form Elder David A. Bednar that the tender mercies of the Lord are never late and never too early. We have been the tender mercies to so many people.
I will indeed miss my time as a missionary especially in Indonesia which now holds a big place in my heart. However, these 2 years have prepared me for what is up next. I know that this Gospel has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith in these the latter days. We have a living Prophet this day in age to lead and guide us pointing us in the direction of Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ performed his infinite Atonement so that every person in the entire world could have the opportunity to become washed clean of their sins. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love us. I love this work and all of you!
Terima kasih semuanya! Sampai Jumpa!
Elder Hayes
