%20(3).png)
Just two months into my mission, a severe health crisis brought an unexpected halt to my missionary work. My appendix ruptured, requiring immediate surgery, followed shortly by a kidney stone. Being far from my family during such a trying time was incredibly difficult. Yet, amidst the physical pain and emotional despair, a remarkable spiritual awakening occurred.
During that depressing period of my life, I'd never felt God was so distant from me. But my testimony of Him and His Atonement solidified more when I was in the hospital, lying on my bed, weak and hopeless. It was in this moment of profound weakness that a prompting came—a quiet instruction to reach for the Book of Mormon. Opening it, my eyes fell upon 1 Nephi 21:14-16. These verses speak of God's unwavering remembrance and unfailing love, declaring, ''He has graven thee upon the palms of his hands.'' This imagery, of the nail marks on Christ's hands representing an enduring, undying love, became a powerful symbol of hope and divine connection.
That experience helped me throughout my mission and even until now, being a returned missionary. Whenever I feel uneasy, doubtful, and anxious, I always remind myself that Jesus Christ has to live with scars on His hands and feet forever because of His love for us; that His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.
God truly works in mysterious ways. He knows the desires of our hearts. He knows us personally. He knows all the challenges that we are facing in our lives, even all the things we need. Some blessings come soon, some come late, but if we do trust and have faith in Him, they will surely come.
The mission profoundly shaped me, fostering my growth as a person, friend, sibling, and disciple of Jesus Christ. The principles I learned on the mission field continue to guide my life as a returned missionary, inspiring consistent efforts to serve God and His children.
ELDER AWIT
Utah Salt Lake City Mission
(August 2022 - August 2024)