Elder Jordan Mark Merrill and the 'Pinakamakapangyarihan' Legazpi, Philippines Mission: Week 104

Closing Testimony:
Throughout my mission, its seemed to be emphasized a lot on how a pure testimony should sound. It has been taught by general authorities, mission presidents, and even us, at the time, as full time missionaries. The power of a pure simple and even short testimony can have a much greater effect on the hearts of those who are hearing it than of a testimony with endless stories. We all like to have a short experience we can share and somehow relate our testimony to that, and I’ll admit it makes it seem a little easier adding an ice breaker into the situation. But for now I’d like to bear my full and pure testimony about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know this church to be true with all my heart and from what I’ve gone through personally. We all have a different story and each one is unique but in the end we all end up with the same prize which is eternal life. I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and it contains the fullness of the Gospel and like Joseph Smith said, if we take its precepts in to our lives we can draw nearer to God. All we need to do is read it. I know Joseph Smith to be a true Prophet of God and everything he has said to be true, that he did see Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I know that we have a true Prophet here on earth today and that only he can receive revelation for us. I know that God lives and has a body just like ours and that his plan for us is perfect. Jesus Christ also has a body as ours and he gave his life for us that we too can have eternal life. I know missionary work to be God’s work and from personal experience I can say that it’s not easy but it’s totally worth it. It can change lives. I would know because it’s changed mine! I would just like to close by saying that our Heavenly Father truly loves us and is more than excited to see us again in his presence.

I’d like to leave all these things in Jesus name. Amen.

July 27, 2017 Social media post from mom: I just got the notification that his final flight has departed! The house is clean, the fridge/pantry is full, the signs are made, the balloons are up, we are all in the car driving to SLC, and I can barely contain myself!

Maria Egbert, one of the five Legazpi mom's - the other three are all in Arizona: Shawna Baker, Naomi Robinson, & Dannette Waite (Downing)

Flight tracking app showing airplane over Brigham City!

Elder Egbert from Cache Valley & Elder Merrill from the same batch - since day one at the MTC

Below is a video of Hinckley and Jordan reuniting!
(It is funny at the end too, as he takes off his shoes you can hear him saying "awwww" and the camera stops but that is when he goes and rolls on the carpet heaven.)