In the beginning...

Dear Elder Anderson,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission.


And thus began some of the most thrilling, nerve-wracking, influential, growth-filled years of my life.

Hi. My name is Alex Anderson. In just a little over a month, that will change. For two years of my life, I will be known simply as Elder. I will wear nothing other than a white shirt, conservative dark suit and ordinary necktie. Every morning I will wake up promptly at 6:30 and every night I will retire promptly at 10:30. I will not go to school. I will not earn an income. I will use a computer for less than two hours every week. I will not see my family. I will not date. I will not party. My life will follow specific rules and guidelines.

Why would I do such a thing?

Because I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that through Him and his atonement, I can repent and have remission of my sins. I have a testimony of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel. I know the Book of Mormon is a true book; I have read it and asked the Lord regarding it's truthfulness and he has told me it is the most true book ever written. I know the Plan of Salvation; I know where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. I know that families can be sealed together for time and all eternity, to live in happiness and exaltation. I personally know of the power of the Priesthood, and the effect it can have in my life and in the lives of those I serve. I know that there is a living prophet on the Earth today who guides and directs this Church and receives revelation for the entire world.

And I want to share what I know with the world.