Called to Serve

 On Tuesday, June 14th, Chase came to me and said, "Mom, my mission call is here." 

Heart freezes. Breath stops. 

What the heck, are you sure?

Yes, Chase's mission call came just two weeks after his mission papers were resubmitted. He knew because suddenly his online missionary account was activated, and I guess that's the sign that your call has arrived and is ready to open. I don't know how he got himself to wait the whole day before opening it and finding out where he would be serving. I myself went into some sort of adrenaline charged cleaning mode and had a hard time breathing all day.

That evening around 6:30 friends and family gathered. Sam and Noah were there, as well as Troy's mom. Our bishop and his family were there, and a group of friends who came up from Provo. We also started a zoom call where my siblings called in, along with many many friends.

Chase stood before us on the back porch and opened his email where he read:

Dear Elder Preslar:

June 14, 2022

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance, keep the commandments, and follow the counsel of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.

Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who will hear His message.

You are assigned to labor in the Washington Spokane Mission and will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. You will begin your missionary training on Monday, September 19, 2022, after being set apart by your stake president. Please see the Missionary Portal for additional information on your training experience. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

Our Heavenly Father will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more joy than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children. We place our confidence in you and pray that the Lord will help you become an effective missionary.

Sincerely,

Russel M. Nelson

President

Holy Smokes. At first I know I was a little sad he wasn't going to a foreign mission. But the longer time goes on the better I feel about this mission. I know it's the place where Chase is supposed to serve. I spent some time with some missionaries in my very own neighborhood and it was a power experience. I feel like Chase will have stronger experiences than I did on my mission because the language won't be a barrier. I have heard over and over how wonderful this mission is. I'm incredibly grateful for his willingness and desire to serve, and for this call that came to him.