Mom's Love and Testimony

From Elder Marcus Auna's setting apart

*Mom sent this beautiful letter with Elder Auna for him to read on the plane, as well as to be a comfort and guide to him throughout his mission.*

Marcus,
I want you to know how much I appreciate Heavenly Father’s love for me and your father. He has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity to be a part of your life here upon the earth.

You have brought more joy and happiness than you can ever imagine and we are very proud of you with all that you have accomplished and is yet to accomplish.

Having your sister Jacelyn and your brother Aaron and his family, has filled our lives with much joy and happiness too.

You will be entering into a part of the Lord’s vineyard to bless those souls who are waiting to receive the wonderful blessings of this Wonderful Gospel and to feel the love of our Heavenly Father!

Marcus, use your talents to touch their hearts, use that beautiful voice of yours to invite the spirit into their hearts, for this is your true gift! Bless those you come in contact with your testimony and teach them the wonderful Plan that our Heavenly Father has for all those who will come unto Him!

Teach them about our Savior’s love for us and all, that he has done for us, so we may live with our Father again someday!

Teach them the wonderful blessings they will receive when they enter into the waters of baptism.

Teach them about the blessings they will receive through the Holy Ghost.

Teach them that “Families Are Forever!”

Teach them of that young man, who diligently sought after the true church here upon the earth, and how significant it was that the Gospel was restored through him and how the scriptures teach us these things.

Teach them of the Priesthood authority, you are blessed with, and how the Book of Mormon is yet another true testament of this Gospel.

Teach them of our Prophet Joseph Smith and of his love for us!

Teach them how we are still being blessed through wonderful leaders, especially through having a living Prophet, President Monson. Share with those you teach how, as an Apostle, President Monson ordained your great-grandfather to the office of a High Priest.

Marcus, I have a testimony and I know this Gospel is true. I know that our Heavenly Fathers loves us all. I know that Jesus died that we may live again and that it is all part of God’s Great Plan!

I know that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet and was called of God to restore the Gospel and the Priesthood here upon the earth and to bring forth the Book of Mormon, to bless us in this dispensation. And we continue to receive blessings through great leaders, especially through our living Prophet, President Monson.

Today, I place my trust and faith in our Heavenly Father, our Savior and in the Holy Ghost that you will be protected and guided always.

Today, I place my trust in you! I know that you will be a great disciple in the Lord’s vineyard and that you will be successful in all that you do!

Today, your family will be blessed a million times over and all will be well with us! Remember what I said, “As long as you’re ok, I will be fine!”

Today and always, my love will be with you and you will be in our prayers! I am so proud of you, Elder Marcus Kaawai Auna! I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.