President
Thomas S. Monson has said: “Every worthy, able young man should prepare to
serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord
expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to
prepare for service as a missionary”
“As We Meet
Together Again,” Ensign, Nov. 2010
John decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because he has a testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ and has a desire to share that message with others.
Since as a family we live all over the world he was able to use google hangout to meet with all of us and open his mission call. Many people ask how missionaries receive their calling to serve. On our churches website it says, "To be called of God is to receive an appointment or invitation from him or his duly authorized Church leaders to serve him in a particular way." It also states in the scriptures in Heb 5:4 And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but
he that is called of God, as was Aaron." When John open his called it read..."Elder John Blain Gailey: You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labour in the New York, Utica Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months." The letter contains some other instructions and is then signed by President Thomas S. Monson, the prophet and president of The Church of jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We, as Latter-day Saints, believe that our prophet is called of God and holds all the keys to call others to help him in his work upon this earth, so Elder Gailey has been called of God to preach the gospel, be an example and to serve others in the Utica New York Mission.
This blog will be dedicated to his service, experiences and adventures as he serves the Lord for two years. As a 19 year old he jobs the ranks of other LDS young men and women in proclaiming truth and serving their fellowmen. He will go out as a young 19 year old and come back as a mature 21 year old with experiences, education and the dedication it takes to be a productive student, citizen, employee,husband and father. Missions for young men are training grounds to make them excellent men!