Editor's Note: We asked Sister Brittany Newman to herself explain why she chose to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here is her response, dated June 13, 2011.
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — If you were to ask me ten years ago why I wanted to go on a mission, I probably would have told you something like, “because that’s what my dad did”, or “because missionaries are so cool!” I like to think I have gained some wisdom since then.
Though I still think missionaries are “cool” and I still want to follow in the footsteps of some of the most amazing missionaries I know including my grandfather, my father and two brothers, that is not why I am serving a mission.
If you were to ask me today why I am serving a mission, I would tell you something a little different. First, that I know it is something my Heavenly Father needs me to do. Second, as I have learned more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and as I have gained a testimony of its truthfulness, I want to share that truth with as many people as will hear.
I testify that God lives. I have felt his presence near me when I needed comfort, I have seen the beautiful earth He created and I have been a witness of many miracles. If you take the time to notice the world around you, I promise that you too will see that He is always near. I testify of the Book of Mormon. I have read and studied its’ pages many times and the Holy Ghost has testified that the stories contained inside were real people who did truly great things. I know that this book is a record of these great people and was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith through the power of God. I know this because I asked, kneeling in prayer to Heavenly Father, and He answered my prayers.
I promise that if you do not know for yourself that these things are true, study it out in your mind, study the scriptures, ponder about the teachings of the gospel, and pray in sincere prayer, and Heavenly Father who loves you and who hears you will answer.
These things I testify to you of in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
