ELI'S FAREWELL TALK!

 Thank you Amber and Chloe for singing, it was so beautiful and I really appreciate it, and I want to thank all of you who came out to support me today because I know all of you mean something to me in one way or another and I’m glad you all could make it.

Good afternoon brothers and sisters, my name is Eli Jensen and I am going to be serving in the Peru, Lima South mission, and today I am giving my talk on my experience leading up to getting my mission call and my preparation into serving a mission. I asked Brother Clark for this topic because I wanted the youth of this ward and any of my friends and family that are visiting to hopefully get more out of this and relate to it better as it’s coming from someone about to leave on a mission. Before I begin I was told by a friend of mine to not hold any emotions back, so if I cry it’s their fault.

There were many factors leading to me wanting to go on a mission. Whether it was my dad telling me all of his stories or just seeing how it changes people’s lives for the better. But the main two reasons for me wanting to serve was so I could be better prepared as a future father and husband when I come back, and so I can give others the opportunity to have eternal families and come back to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ even after death. Moses 1:39 talks about this and it says “for behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” This scripture emphasizes my main purpose for wanting to go on a mission because I believe all people deserve the chance to have eternal happiness.

I’ve always wanted to go on a mission and now that it is coming up I couldn’t be more excited, but that doesn’t mean I was always prepared for it. The baseline of my testimony to serve a mission began sophomore year of high school when I was put into Brother Daleys seminary class. I thought this year was gonna be just like freshman year where I didn’t do anything and I looked for every excuse to go to circle k or get breakfast, but I learned quickly that wasn’t gonna be the case, not because he would stop me or because I felt scared to do it, but because of his lessons. Everyday I was in that class I would always find a new scripture to mark and keep for future references no matter the lesson and my testimony began to sky rocket because of him. One lesson that will always stick out to me was the old story of the Japanese stone bowl. Brother Daley told us that the Japanese would use these stone bowls that they would use for everyday things, but overtime they would crack, or pieces would break off, and instead of throwing away the bowls, the Japanese would replace the broken pieces with gold to make the bowl stronger and more valuable, and overtime those bowls went from normal stone bowls, to super valuable and sought after. After hearing this story I finally began to understand the true meaning of Christ love in my life and how I wanna share this with others. Christ doesn’t just toss us to the side or forget about us when we break, he rebuilds us to make us stronger and more like him after trials and tribulations. After learning this lesson the baseline for my testimony was born and the foundation was made for me to keep building upon, which is why I knew it was my time to get my patriarchal blessing. After talking to my parents I got the appointment set up to get my blessing and it was one of my coolest experiences ever. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ gave me a blueprint of the man I should be and how my life will be blessed according to my blessing, and every once in a while I’ll re read my blessing because there is always something new to get out of it.

After my testimony was made and I was starting to fully grasp the significance of Christ love, me and my friends started the habit of every Thursday morning before school to go to the temple and participate in baptisms for the dead starting junior year through senior year. This decision was one of the best things all of us could have made to become better prepared for our missions and for our future lives. Even though senior year we lost a couple because they went on missions we would still go as much as possible and I am so glad we did. Junior year was the hardest year for me during high school whether it was the loss of a good friend of mine or my family going through our own trials and I couldn’t imagine how much more difficult it would’ve been without the temple. No matter what life threw at me or how much things would change I could always count on my friends texting in the group chat to be at someone’s house at 6am for the temple, and I am forever grateful for that. In saying all of this I encourage everyone listening to attend the temple as much as possible, especially the youth, and I know you’ve all heard this, but I can’t express the amount of blessings in my life I’ve received and how much my life has changed for the better, one example being how I learned how the spirit talks to me and guides me. I struggled to recognize the spirit and what it felt like but I finally learned it was through the smallest whisperings and through the people around me. I learned that with the friends I surrounded myself with and being in a position where I could feel peace I would feel the spirit as well and that’s why I love the temple and I attend it frequently. It is a place where you feel true peace and anything that weighs heavy on your mind can be eased there. In doctrine and covenants section 109, verse 13 it says, “all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the lord’s house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.” When you enter into the lords house you feel his power and with this power you can ease any burdens, this is why I encourage all of you to attend the lords house as much as possible so you can feel his power in your life.

Going into senior year things were starting to get real. All of my older friends and teammates had left on their missions and I was realizing that I need to start preparing for mine much like they did. I was still going to the temple every week, but I needed to do more, because if I am gonna represent the lord and serve for 2 years I needed to be as prepared as possible. I started preparing myself by buying a book called “Daily Joy” by President Nelson. Everyday you flip to a new page and it is a quote by President Nelson and then advice he gives relating to the church and how to be more Christlike. I love this book so much because every morning before school I would get up and read it and learn something new on how to become closer to Christ and be more like him. One of my favorite quotes from it is “be we reminded that the father did not deliver his son from grief by removing the trial. He allowed the son to finish the mission he came to perform. The son was given the ability to endure to the end.” This goes perfectly with missions because I know my mission is going to be difficult but that doesn’t mean Heavenly Father will just make things easy, it means he will give me the strength to make weak things become strong. Along with this book I started reading the Book of Mormon and praying on my knees at my bedside at night. Through all of these actions I’ve started taking I was feeling more ready than ever to go serve the lord so I started my papers.

After getting my papers submitted and waiting a week I got my call and that night was one of my best and most memorable nights of all time. I was so nervous about where I was gonna go and that I was gonna mess up while reading it, but the second I read where I was going the most overwhelming amount of peace came over me and assurity that Peru was where I was meant to go. Even with everybody clapping and cheering I just felt nothing but pure joy and it was just me and Holy Ghost in the room together and I will never forget that feeling.

Now that I had my call it was getting real even though I was still a few months away, and I made the mistake of slowing it down. I was still in baseball season and I still had to graduate, so I took things down a notch because I figured I had so much time to prepare and I already had my call so it was fine to take things down a notch. But this is where I wish I could go back in time and stay focused. I’ve always heard the stories of how Satan works extra hard once you get your call because you are doing the right thing but I always thought I was fine and I didn’t need to worry about it, but I found out real quick I was wrong. Those next few months of February till June were some of my most mentally challenging and draining months ever. Satan was so consistent with little thoughts in my head telling me I wasn’t worthy and I wasn’t doing the right thing and how I can’t leave my family and friends for 2 years, because he knows how important relationships are to me. He finds the things that are important to people and he attacks them and that’s exactly what happened to me, and I didn’t know how to stop him. I was still going to the temple but I stopped all other good habits I created because I thought I was ready and didn’t need it. So on one night that was really rough I prayed very sincerely to Heavenly Father to just help me and give me the strength I needed to push through and he reminded me of the small habits and to keep branching out and creating new relationships with good people, and I did just that, and I was pointed to a good scripture from one of my friends as well that helped with my burdens. It is John 16:33 and it says “These things I have spoken unto you, that in time ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” This scripture showed me that the tribulations are temporary and Christ overcame all tribulations so that we may have eternal peace. After this prayer I also became good friends with new people and I found more friends to go workout with and go golfing with because I love being around people I know and care for. With these new people in my life and the people I’ve been friends with for a while I was back to being mission ready and I got even more excited to serve a mission because of them.

In saying all of this I could not be more excited to start my mission and I can’t wait to see what the people of Peru have in store for me. I know how important missions are and how much they impact the lives of others and I am so excited to be a part of all of that. If any of you are thinking about a mission for the future or thinking about it now, pray about it and go to the temple about it. Go on a mission because you want to and you have the desire, and not because of peer pressure or your parents want you to. I know I am going because I can’t wait to see the man I become when I come back and the future father and husband I become because I served, and I can’t wait to see the lives I help change for the better because people come onto the lord and trust in him.

My testimony would not be this strong if it weren’t for all of you in my life. From the bottom of my heart thank you to all of my friends who have been in my life whether it’s been from junior high or starting in high school, and thank you to the recent friends I have made these past couple months, every one of you have strengthened my testimony and have made me excited to go on a mission one way or another.

Thank you to all of my baseball teammates throughout my whole high school career, you guys are my family and have all been great influences in my life and I hope you all have a great season.

Thank you to all my coaches, every single one of you have molded me into the man I am, and I know I am more prepared for my mission and life ahead of me because of your guys guidance.

Thank you Tyler for always being able to play games with me and for showing me the true meaning of brotherly love.

Thank you Tyson for letting me borrow your clothes and always putting up with me messing with you, you showed me the lesson of consistent love even when it was hard to do so.

Both of you keep being great examples to others and I can’t wait to see where the lord takes you guys on your missions, your testimonies are both stronger than you think, and I’ve loved watching it grow.

Hunter thank you for coming into our lives, you are my sisters greatest joy and I’m so excited to see the great father you will turn out to be.

Emma, thank you so much for always being there for me and always helping me no matter what it was, I could not be more thank full for all you’ve done. You are gonna be a great mom, I have no doubt about it and I can’t wait to meet my new niece when I get back.

Dad thank you for inspiring me to go on a mission and showing me the lesson of patience, you are always willing to give me second chances and you showed me what it’s like to be a great father and husband. I aspire to be just like you when I get back from my mission. You have made me the man I am today and I could not be more proud to be your son.

Mom thank you for always being my number 1 supporter and always serving others. This Christ like attribute has always shined through you and I love it so much, you show me what it’s like to love others even when it’s hard to love them, and im forever grateful for that lesson being taught to me, because I will need it on my mission.

Thank you everyone for coming out and supporting me, I love all of you and I can’t wait to go out and serve the lord, I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

MISSIONARY ADVICE FROM THE FAMILY!

 Here is the advice that everyone gave Eli at his setting apart: 

RJ:
Find ways to serve everyone around you be it your companion or whatever wards you are in. That’s where you will find true joy.

Cade:
It took me a year to learn Portuguese and get good so if you are struggling with the language so if you are struggling, just keep going cause eventually you will get it

Lucas:
to shy to give advice

Conner:
Just be a good person

Kyla:
(I couldn’t hear her on the recording)

Jennifer:
I spoke with some of your previous teachers and one of the things that stuck out was you are such a hard worker so continue to be that hard worker and  when its really hard just keep at it and that was one of the things your teacher had said was just not to give up

Kate:
Have a good time on your mission

Alyza:
Be respectful to everybody

Caryn:
Don’t stay up to late so you have that energy

Riley:
Just remember there is a reason that everything happens

Hudson:
Forget all your problems here for 2 years and just focus on serving others

Jacob:
I want to talk a little bit about the MTC and you’re going to need to fill up your spiritual canteen cause sometimes when you get out there in the field its hard to feel that spirit with the new cultural, language, and just remember that you packed all those spiritual moments at the MTC

Masen:
Pray a lot

Tyson:
Just remember why you chose to serve a mission

Nash:
Just stay focused. Don’t be talking to no ladies.

Peter:
Just make an effort (I couldn’t understand the rest)

Grandma Jensen:
Pray always and pray for the families that you’re teaching that their hearts will be softened and they will be able to receive your message and council

Grandpa Jensen:
The softness of your heart will be something that the people will remember you for a lifetime so pray that you can have that soft heart and touch the hearts of those that need to hear it

Grandma Rodgers:
Remember your manners

Grandpa Rodgers:
(couldn't understand him on the recording)

Ashley:
I remember someone telling me on my mission that it was like a magnifying glass on your life and you start seeing flaws that you didn’t even know existed and I felt like that was really applicable to me so my advice would be to remember that the atonement works for you just as much as it works for all the other people that youre teaching

Blake:
The Lord has an eternal perspective and though you have your own free will if you’ll let him take charge it will be to your benefit. He is in control so let him take care of you

Nathan:
Be consistent. Do that daily grind stuff. The days can feel long but the weeks go by quick so be consistent and do that daily grind and completing your daily goals and you will be successful but it doesn’t have to be all just grind stuff where you are killing yourself like you can have fun too

Jenn:
I imagine you’re going to have lots of opportunities but to enjoy kicking that soccer ball around with little kids

Brylee:
to shy to give an answer

Millie:
Build a strong testimony

Clarke:
Trust in the Lord because he has a reason for everything

Bryant:
Mine is consistent with Ashley’s, just say “I’m sorry” there’s going to be hard moments with your companion and ways you’re going to feel inadequate, and you can ask for forgiveness and repent regularly and you’ll find your strength you didn’t know you have

Bishop Lemieux:
Have fun but be obedient. Blessings come from obedience

Tyler:
Remember to work out and keep your muscles

Hunter:
It’s ok to feel inadequate

Emma:
For better or for worse, this is only 2 years so enjoy it while you can, but if it’s hard its only for 2 years and you can do it

Dad:
1.Follow the mission rules. I know we talked about it but it’s very important that you follow the mission rules. 2. Jesus Christ will be your best friend. Mom can’t always be there, I can’t always be there, Bishop can’t always be there, your friends can’t always be there, but Jesus Christ will always be there so get to know him.

Mom:
I was just going to say just keep being you because people love you for who you are so keep being that person that everyone loves here in Peru and just like in baseball when you wanted to quit and got frustrated, don’t quit down there, I know we’ve talked about it. And, remember I love you.  

ELI'S SETTING APART!

 After we finished racing through Eli's luncheon/open house and quickly got it all cleaned up (thanks to Sara) we raced over to the stake center for Eli's setting apart at 3:30pm! The Stake President said we could invite extended family and the room would hold 20-30 people so we invited everyone who was 12 years old and older and were worthy to have a temple recommend...we wanted to make sure the spirit was able to be there and be present for Eli. When President Rogers came in he talked to us for a few minutes and went over some at home MTC rules, etc and then he wanted everyone to go around the room and share some advice with Eli. With all the people there it was pretty amazing that everyone gave a different piece of advice...be yourself, mind your manners, love the people of Peru, remember to play soccer with them, etc. He had Jared and I go last and we both got super emotional about it and I got to look at Eli and just mouth the words, "I love you".  I wanted him to remember how much I love him and to remember to be himself while he is there because that is why people love him, is because of who he is. It was really sweet. Then he asked Eli to share his testimony again. Then he invited all the Melchezidek Priesthood holders to come up and help set him apart. After everyone was in a circle right before he started, President Rogers asked me if I could hear him and I remember that being a really sweet moment. The prayer was very long, but very amazing. 

Some of the things that stick out to me the most are: 

- Your companions will be hard, but you will be an example and they will become better men and fathers because of you

- Some companions will become eternal friends

- the Gift of Tongues

- if he follows the rules he will be mentally and physically well and he will return home whole

- There will be struggles but there will be alot of blessings too

After the prayer I got to put his name tag on for the first time as an official representative for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! Then we took some pictures and then we all headed back to our house for a big family dinner! (Veros thin crust cheese pizza, buttercrust pepperoni pizza, buttercrust bbq chicken pizza, chopped salad, vegetable, fruit and soft serve). It always so great having both our families together and especially today to honor Eli! 

Outside Jared and boys put up flag poles and we hung the mission flags from the Grandpas missions, Jared's and Elis! 

Grandpa Rodgers 
Southwest Indian Mission
1964-1966

Grandpa Jensen
Southern States Mission
1970-1972

Jared
Recife Brazil Mission
1995-1997

Eli
Lima Peru South Mission
2025-2027

MORE MISSION FAREWELL PICS!

So many pictures to capture the day! We had the best day celebrating Eli! He even got this text from Cara Roth in our ward....his missionary work is beginning! 

"Hi Eli, Cara Roth here. I want to share an epereince with you that really meant a lot to me during sacrament today. My mom has always kind of been one of the lost sheep. She loves Heavenly Father and very much knows he exists, but she really struggles committing to Him and to herself. She is not a member and in the last year she has started to come to church with us very occasionally. She doesn't live in AZ full time, but she likes to come to church sometimes with us. She randomly came today. Your talk really hit home to her. Your confidence in your testimony really REALLY helped her feel the spirit. She was feeling very inpsired by you and what you are about to do. So I just wanted to thank you for putting hear, love and you r testimony into your talk today. You are great and are definitely going to do GREAT things. I just wanted to thank you and tell you that you are already helpng those who need a little light in their life,"

Jake and Eli ended up in some of the same training classes and would pose for pictures together! During some of Eli's lunch breaks I would try and take him out to get lunch just to get him out of the house, he would just crash in the car, but at least we were together! We also celebrated Hunter's birthday 2 weeks early since he was in town!

ELI'S FAREWELL!

 It has been an amazing weekend full of family, friends and lots of emotions!! We started out the day going to Jake's farewell! He did such a great job! After that we headed back home to finish prepping for Eli's open house after his farewell. I was so anxious all morning I couldn't eat anything. The twins and Nash had bets going on how many times I would cry...they all lost...I cried too much! We were overwhelmed by all those who came to show Eli some love and support! He had baseball coaches, primary teachers from our old ward, family friends, Jensens, Rodgers, Tanya Kimball, Chad Mallory, tons of kids from ALA that hes friends with, tons of the twins friends, he wanted the people to come and they showed up!! Packed house!! I wish I had pictures with everyone. As soon as the Sacrament was over we started with a musical number by the youth and when the twins got up to sing, a couple of friends got up with them to sing and then before we knew it the first 4 rows full of the twins friends all got up and joined our ward in the musical number. Then Sister Adcox spoke and then Chloe and Amber Varvel sang, "A Missionaries Prayer". That brought on the water works! I couldn't stop crying it was so beautiful, the words and of course them singing!! They are talented beyond measure and mean the world to us! Now it was Eli's turn to speak. He didn't want Jared and I to read it ahead of time. He worked on it all week. He wanted to speak on his journey of wanting to serve a mission and getting to this point. Emma read it the night before and helped in a couple of little areas with a few minor details....but he wrote the most beautiful talk, I was so proud of him!! We are so grateful to all those who helped him get to this point...his friends, Brother Daley his seminary teacher, his mission prep teachers (Julie and Andrew Brooks), his friends parents that are like 2nd parents to him, etc. Afterwards Melissa and Michelle headed straight to our house to get the luncheon going...we served pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, veggies, fruit, chips and chocolate and vanilla soft serve ice cream!  The spirit was so strong in our ward today, it was a beautiful service!