Well this is it, my last email as a missionary. . . I
have been so blessed to see so many great miracles at the end of my missionary service;
this is the greatest one of all!
Brother Kenny Pauley was able to get baptized this last
week. A brief conversion story for brother Pauley: he was taught by
missionaries fifteen years ago, close to Washington DC. He almost got baptized
there, but failed at living the Word of Wisdom. He was super close at the time,
he even went to the DC temple and toured the visitor’s center with the
missionaries, but then soon lost contact with them after he felt like he could
not succeed in the gospel. Well fast forward fifteen years later in little
Richlands, Virginia. Kenny saw us from outside his trailer and was thrilled! He
came out and stopped us and we pretty much picked up where the last
missionaries left off. The previous Sunday, we had fasted for a miracle and we
received one! After teaching him multiple times in the first week, being brief
with every lesson, Kenny committed to being baptized just one month after he
was found and this time nothing got in his way!
It was a great service and he had a lot of support from the branch that was very much needed. He asked me to perform the ordinance, which I was honored to do. Before we went back to the font, we walked past a window and outside it was storming, in fact it was raining so hard Brother Pauley said maybe we should just walk outside and do this. Well, we went down into the font and came back out after he was baptized and looked out the same window and it was clear and the birds were out singing! Brother Pauley took it as a sign and he was very happy and really feeling the spirit. He got confirmed the next day in sacrament meeting and that was a good day! The biggest miracle of all came after all was said and done. We took brother Pauley to start doing his family history and once we got rolling with it, we discovered that someone had done almost all the work on his dad’s side of the family and all that was needed to be done was the actual temple work. Through one man repenting of his sins and being baptized, it brought hundreds of precious souls that have been waiting to have someone do their work. To see what the Lord has done! To think this whole process started out with a simple fast of my companion and I that we could find someone who would be ready to be baptized. I am so thankful that we were worthy of such a blessing. Brother Pauley was found and baptized in just thirty days. Miracles do exist. God loves his children, Kenny was prepared long before we found him. What an example of “the field is white already to harvest."
I have learned so much in the last two years, more than I could ever write about. I am so thankful for the companions I have had to serve with (more like brothers.) I have learned so much from each of them and have had so many great times laboring in the Lord’s vineyard. I am so grateful they have been patient with me and always encouraged me to do my best. I have made the best friends I have ever had while being out in the field. I have a testimony that we’re called to go out two by two! I am also thankful for my parents who have helped carry me through my mission, being my greatest support. I love them and will be eternally grateful for them.
I have such a deep testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know he lives and loves us. I picture my mission as He personally led me day by day and night by night. HE has always been there for me and for my companions in this work. Multiple times I have seen the promise in D&C 84:88. His angels have always been there to bear me up in trial in places of danger and in the times I was in need to call down blessings from heaven. I love him and will always serve him.
The greatest lesson I have learned is how much God loves his children. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, God’s love is equal everywhere. He wants all of his children to know him and return to live with him. He loves us so much he has given us a chance to become like him if we only follow his son’s example. I love the people here in West Virginia and Virginia. They have won over my heart as I have worked myself almost to my breaking points to try to help them escape from the evils of this world and of the ones who have repented and who were changed, how great their joy has been. I love this work and this gospel and always will! How fun it will be to see what lies ahead. Keep going and keep trusting because there is always miracles around the corner. "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you."
My Father made a motto for his mission in Mexico to "Keep the Faith." I have also kept the faith and can say I have done all I could and I have done my very best--what a great feeling, the Lord has magnified my efforts and it was only possible through Him. May we all Keep the Faith!
Much Love!
Elder L. Kaleb Bingham
A Final Message~Dear Kaleb, We are so proud of you! You were an exemplary missionary, leader, friend, and disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ! You tried your hardest every day to listen to the spirit and follow the promptings that were given to you to help those that Heavenly Father sent your way. As you taught your "friends" you learned to recognize and appreciate the daily miracles that come with being a missionary. They are the works of our Heavenly Father that you helped bring to his children. So many times you were in the "right place at the right time" - all of them true miracles! You always have such a positive attitude and were always able to see the good in what was happening, no matter the challenge. You were like Nephi who, at the end of his life, was able to recognize that even after "seeing many afflictions in the course of my days," he saw himself as "highly favored of the Lord in all my days." And just as you learned to recognize the miracles that happen all around us, you were able to teach your friends to recognize the miracles in their lives. We are so grateful for your service and the many blessings that we received as a family for your efforts. You are such a great example to us all, especially to your siblings and for that we are truly grateful. In this process, you have truly been converted yourself. You understand the atonement and what the sacrifices that Jesus Christ made for us really mean. You have come home with such a valiant testimony and our testimonies were strengthened as you shared your "miracles." Your mission was a success and we know that your mission will continue to serve you throughout your life. Please continue to come back to this book and remember how you felt as a missionary, and remember the love that you felt from your Heavenly Father. We have a testimony of Jesus Christ and know that this is his work and that he is pleased with your sacrifice. We love you with all of our hearts!
Love, Mom and Dad
Always Keep the Faith!
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