It was Saturday morning, and General Conference was starting, promptly at 10 am, as always. My voice was gone from a nasty cold I had obtained while at University. I remember feeling the glow from the sun on my face as it shown outside my bedroom window indicating it was time for me to get out of bed. I can still recall sleepily gazing at my mom as she came in my room and flipped on the iHome radio to the station broadcasting the semi- annual General Conference, so I wouldn't miss a second of it.
As the Mormon tabernacle sang there opening hymn I was still dozing, and I had no idea that in mere moments, my entire life, and the lives of thousands of other individuals, would be changed, by a series of about 15 words spoken from a Prophets mouth.
As our beloved Prophet, Thomas Monson, stood to announce the going-ons of the Church since we met last, in April 6 months before, I was probably dreaming about what my mom was baking for breakfast paying little attention to most of the words he spoke, but the phrase, “I now turn to another matter — namely, missionary service" made my ears perk up.
As our prophet announced the change in Young Men's age requirement for missionary service, from 19 to 18, I opened my eyes and looked at the iHome that was siting parallel to my line of vision. I was shocked. And although the words had not yet been spoken, I knew that something big was about to be spoken directly to me, through that radio. And then they were.
President Monson said "Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."
I sat straight upright, and yelled "WHAT?", but nothing came out because my voice was completely lost, and then tears began to come as I realized what a blessing and a change was about to take place in my life, for good! My voice was gone, but I still wanted to yell, and proclaim for everyone to hear that I was going to serve a mission. I had no clue when, or how, but I knew I was going to.
I ran down the stairs to my mother and father and joyfully broke the news to them, saying " I am going to serve a mission".
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Looking back at that momentous day, I feel warmth, knowing that I have made the right decision. I am a missionary of God, and I feel so blessed for those 15 words that have changed my entire life.
What an inspiring revelation that our prophet was able to receive, so that this work could
hasten. The number of missionary's serving this year as compared to last is 80,000 to 58,000. And I can only imagine how many more peoples lives are being blessed because of it. How many people are being reached by our magnificent message because of it. How many young women and men, like myself will be forever blessed and changed by this unique chance to serve there God and there fellowmen. I will not forget that day, nor the blessings it has given me since then.
I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ, and I know that our Prophet, is a true Prophet of God.
If you would like to hear the words of the Prophets, spoken October 5th and 6th of 2013 visit:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?cid=HPFR100413105&lang=eng
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