But, anyway, I wanted to blog about William getting set apart to be a missionary. I want to explain first about what it means to be "set apart", so I just went to the official church web site, I looked around a bit...but decided to try to do this in my own words. (Hope I get it correct.) In the church, there is the priesthood. It is the power of God...the men who "hold" the priesthood have the power to act in the name of God. When young men are 12 years old and they are found to be worthy they are given the Aaronic priesthood, which is a lower or preparatory priesthood. With this priesthood, they serve and learn and grow. When they are around 18, 19 or so....they can then get the Melchizedek priesthood, which is a higher priesthood with more responsibilities and blessings. Before William left for college he was given the Melchizedek priesthood. He then became an "Elder" in the church. Elder is a title, and doesn't mean "elderly" or "old". The Elders of the church pretty much do everything, like blessings, leading, teaching, serving......all kinds of important things. It is a great responsibility to be an Elder. It's what the young men should be striving for. As you've probably seen missionary name tags, the missionaries all look like their first name is Elder, but that is really just their title. When you become an "Elder" and are given the priesthood, that doesn't automatically make you a full time missionary. After the young men are called to serve a mission and get their assignments, they prepare for their service. Right before they leave on their mission they are "set apart" for the work they are about to do.
Our stake president is President Brown. Everybody loves him....especially our family. One time he was talking at a youth fireside and he told a story about one of his relatives, a long ago Mormon Pioneer. Melanee had heard that same story before, told to her by Scott. After talking to President Brown, it was discovered that the relative in his story is Scott's relative also, so we are distantly related to the Browns. I don't know if that's why he invited us to his house for William's setting apart to be a missionary or not, but we all went over to the Brown's house on Memorial Day- Monday, May 28th 2012. I had my camera, but didn't exactly know how to ask for a picture, so I didn't....and now really wish I would have. But I do have this one from when William was only 12 or 13 years old and was at a Boy Scout Camp...and then "brother" Brown was there as one of the leaders.
On the night that William was set apart, just our family and Bishop Chamlee met in President Brown's front room. It was peaceful and beautiful. William was dressed in his suit and he looked like a missionary. The spirit was there with us. President Brown talked a little about his mission. He told a story of a companion who did not like being on his mission and knocking on doors, but who also knew that he would never quit and wanted to finish his mission. Scott talked a little about his mission to Colorado and even the Bishop talked about his mission. They all bore their testimonies of the gospel and of missionary service. I told William that I knew he was doing the right thing and that he was ready. Bradley even said something. Andrew passed when the conversation went to him.
Then it was time for the actual blessing. Scott, President Brown and the Bishop stood around William sitting in a chair and put their hands upon his head. I looked at them before the blessing was started and it looked exactly like one of those photos they publish for use in lessons, you know, the ones you can check out from the library or are now included in the primary binders.
President Brown gave the blessing, he was the one speaking, but the blessing was from the Lord. It was very long and very detailed...unfortunately, because of my hearing loss and the reverence of his voice, I could barely hear anything and I knew I probably shouldn't open my eyes and read his lips....but I did hear a few things. (I hope William wrote what he remembered in his missionary journal like President Brown told him to.)
- he will learn the language well
- his experience in the church and in our ward will help him
- he would be a leader
- lots of people would look up to him
- he would enjoy many baptisms
- obey the rules
- follow the spirit
That looks like a short list, so I know there was more, but it was a beautiful, powerful, special blessing. The things that were spoken were the things that Heavenly Father wanted William (Elder Guymon) to hear. I'm so glad that I could be there and even though I couldn't hear every word, I know William was listening.
Being set apart takes place as close to a missionary entering the MTC as possible because after it takes place, that young man is now an actual full time, REAL missionary. He must right then set aside the things of the world and follow all the rules that the missionaries are given.
William will be a great missionary. I didn't need to hear that in the blessing to know it, but hearing the words and feeling the spirit, was such a calming moment.
Missions are awesome for so many reasons and I am so glad that William has prepared for his, is worthy to go on his, and is willing to serve the Lord, the people of France/Belgium, and others.
The first step of an actual mission (after all the other tedious preparation items) is the setting apart. The words "set apart" can mean exactly that --- set apart from the worldly things, set apart from family, set apart to be able to focus on one thing....the work that needs to be done. I'm so thankful for this church and things like blessings, especially when the blessing blesses my family. I know how much I love William, but it's great to know that Heavenly Father loves him, too.
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