Mission Comps

On Sunday, the teachers quorum discussed why we should serve missions. This was on my mind as I read about Alma and Amulek today.  I want to share a little about one thing we didn't discuss - mission companions. 

I benefitted immensely from my experiences with my companions. At the very least, I learned ways to make the best of a difficult relationship. At best, I gained a brother for life. I believe that Alma and Amulek had a lot of brotherly love for each other. Their mission to Ammonihah was really difficult. I think the fact that they did it together created the strong bond that made them bros for life. 

A couple months ago, I shot a message to my MTC companion. I heard back from him today. His recollection was "Last I recall seeing you, you had a bad case of pink eye and were on a train headed north to Paris."  It has been more than 15 years since that day and probably close to as long since we've heard from each other at all, but I still feel a strong bond of brotherhood with him. Even though that type of relationship is difficult to build, it is common on missions. 

D&C 18 tells us:

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

Our mission companions will likely be among those souls who we help and who help us back to heaven. They are a source of joy in our lives. I know it will be a joyous reunion because of how I feel even now when I think of many of them. 

We'll all soon read one of the best examples of this in Alma 17:

1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.

2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord;

And Alma 26:

16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.

17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.

18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.

I hope that all of the Cortaro Ward young men seize the opportunity to feel this joy. I have felt it in part and expect it to be even greater when we reunite in God's kingdom.