Thank you to all of the friends and family who came to hear Elder Parrish's farewell talk in Sacrament Meeting. We were overwhelmed by the support, friendship, love, and well wishes we received that day. What a blessing to have a chapel and then a home bursting with loved ones who have had such a big role in Mitchell's life up to this point. It was a wonderful day!
Here are a few of Elder Parrish's words that day:
"I remember like it was yesterday, standing right there as a little kid singing off key in the primary program. I remember singing, 'I hope they call me on a mission when I have grown a foot or two, I hope by then I will be ready to teach and preach and work as missionaries do.' I remember sitting there as a little kid, looking at those missionaries leaving my ward. I remember listening to them bear a powerful testimony, and I remember thinking one thing, wow...they are REALLY really really old. I didn't think it was possible to be that old, yet here I stand. A few years have gone by, I think I grew a foot or two, I have been taught how to teach, and preach, and work like a missionary...I have been so blessed to have such great examples in my life. I have had bright lights teaching me and guiding me my whole life, and I am ready."
He spoke of obedience and sacrifice in such a wonderful way. We were all taught that day.
He closed with this testimony of Jesus Christ:
"There is no way I could talk about obedience and sacrifice without talking about my Savior. When talking about sacrifice and obedience, Christ is our perfect example. He was perfect in everything he did: the way he taught with power and authority, the way he loved everyone and never judged, the way he showed patience, humility, compassion, and love, the way he forgave everyone, even those who crucified him. He was completely obedient to His Father, and provided the ultimate sacrifice, the Atonement for all of us. I am so grateful for Him, and for His infinite Atonement. Christ truly did suffer and die for all of us. I know that His Atonement is real, and...infinite. Knowing this means that when we repent and are forgiven, we aren't just forgiven for a few days or for a few years or even for just this lifetime. we are forgiven for eternity. We are forgiven FOREVER. It means that no matter how far off the path we have strayed, we can always repent and be forgiven. We can have a clean slate, and Christ will remember our sins no more. Christ suffered so that if we repent, we won't have to. Christ is the center of the Plan of Salvation.... Jesus Christ provided a way for us to go HOME. Home to our Father in Heaven, to His Son, Jesus Christ, and to our families, to live with them for all eternity. All we need to do is obey His commandments and consecrate our lives to this gospel, the only true gospel on the earth."
Here are a few of Elder Parrish's words that day:
"I remember like it was yesterday, standing right there as a little kid singing off key in the primary program. I remember singing, 'I hope they call me on a mission when I have grown a foot or two, I hope by then I will be ready to teach and preach and work as missionaries do.' I remember sitting there as a little kid, looking at those missionaries leaving my ward. I remember listening to them bear a powerful testimony, and I remember thinking one thing, wow...they are REALLY really really old. I didn't think it was possible to be that old, yet here I stand. A few years have gone by, I think I grew a foot or two, I have been taught how to teach, and preach, and work like a missionary...I have been so blessed to have such great examples in my life. I have had bright lights teaching me and guiding me my whole life, and I am ready."
He spoke of obedience and sacrifice in such a wonderful way. We were all taught that day.
He closed with this testimony of Jesus Christ:
"There is no way I could talk about obedience and sacrifice without talking about my Savior. When talking about sacrifice and obedience, Christ is our perfect example. He was perfect in everything he did: the way he taught with power and authority, the way he loved everyone and never judged, the way he showed patience, humility, compassion, and love, the way he forgave everyone, even those who crucified him. He was completely obedient to His Father, and provided the ultimate sacrifice, the Atonement for all of us. I am so grateful for Him, and for His infinite Atonement. Christ truly did suffer and die for all of us. I know that His Atonement is real, and...infinite. Knowing this means that when we repent and are forgiven, we aren't just forgiven for a few days or for a few years or even for just this lifetime. we are forgiven for eternity. We are forgiven FOREVER. It means that no matter how far off the path we have strayed, we can always repent and be forgiven. We can have a clean slate, and Christ will remember our sins no more. Christ suffered so that if we repent, we won't have to. Christ is the center of the Plan of Salvation.... Jesus Christ provided a way for us to go HOME. Home to our Father in Heaven, to His Son, Jesus Christ, and to our families, to live with them for all eternity. All we need to do is obey His commandments and consecrate our lives to this gospel, the only true gospel on the earth."
It was a very special day! Thanks to all who came and for all of you who have supported Mitch in his decision to serve a mission!
