Departure Day

Nathan was set apart last evening as a full-time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Jeffrey G. Boswell, President of the Fresno California West Stake. Thus begins Nathan's two years of full-time service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We enjoyed a nice meal together as a family including Nathan's favorite (Pot Stickers) and then the family went to the stake center to meet with President Boswell and Bishop Jan Perkins.

We are tremendously pleased with the decision Nathan has made to share the message that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Last night, Nathan bore testimony of the knowledge that he has gained that Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us. He testified that he has come to know for himself that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was called by God and His son Jesus Christ to restore the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Vivian and Nathan worked together to get Nathan all packed up and then we retired for the evening. The alarm clock went off at 4:45 a.m. this morning and Nathan got himself ready to depart. The rest of the family got up to wish Nathan well and have a family prayer together. I then was privileged to lay hands on Nathan's head and give him a priesthood blessing prior to his departure. Part of the words of that blessing were that Nathan would never be alone. He would be accompanied by angels who would go before him, be at his side, and behind him to help and bless him.

Nathan, his little brother Chase, and I then departed for the airport. Nathan got checked in without any problems and then it was time for our final goodbyes. Nathan's friend Rob Nelson from the Valentine Ward of the church came to the airport to wish Nathan well. Nathan seemed anxious to get going.

Nathan's grandparents (Don and Nadene Tuft) picked Nathan up at the airport in Salt Lake City. His Uncle Matthew Rindlisbacher also came to the Salt Lake Airport to wish Nathan well. Nathan traveled to Provo with his grandparents and they took him to lunch with his cousin, Hope Tuft, who is a freshman at BYU. His grandparents then dropped him off at the MTC at 1:15 p.m. where according to his Grandma Tuft he was greeted by what seemed to be 500 enthusiastic missionaries.

We are excited to share Nathan's experiences with you as part of this blog. Thank you for all who have so generously and kindly helped Nathan prepare for this wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord.