Letter December 17, 2009

Hey fam,
I just wanted to let you know my feelings about this work and what the Savior means to me. This has been a unique experience and one that I am not regretting. It has been full of ups and downs but it's amazing to see the Lord's hand in everything. Some nights when we plan for the next day we have no idea what to do but we are almost always led to know where to go. The spirit is truly behind us, just like it says without the spirit, you cannot teach. I said this many times and probably anyone who has served can say the same thing. The time has flown by, I'm not sure it has for you, but it has to me. I do not regret this decision but I'm so thankful for it.
I have truly seen the confusion among the people out there, I can understand why Joseph Smith was so confused at all the churches. I can clearly see the fruits of the great apostasy, but above all, I know that Christ's church has been restored in its fulness. I can truly testify to that. I know by the Holy Ghost that these things are true and I know the Book of Mormon is true. It clearly teaches of Christ and it is the fruit of a prophet. I now have an understanding of Moroni's challenge. I know this to be true.
I know that Jesus Christ lives and that he is truly God's son. It's only through him we can be saved. I now know the power of his Atonement and I am so grateful for that. He truly knows what each of us need and he wants to help. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. "The Son of man hat descended below them all. Art though greater than He?" D&C 123:8, means a lot to me. He is truly in our trials. Opposition truly does strengthen us. It is for our good.
I know I am meant to be here. For I have been called of God to labor among his children here in Virginia. I would like to close with a scripture in 3 Nephi 5:13. "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have Everlasting Life." Thank you for helping me prepare for this. I am truly thankful.

Your Son, Elder Steven Johnson