Farewell to Berkeley

It was a privilege to hear Berkeley speak in church. The theme was obedience to commandments. Here is a rough outline of his talk:

Commandments are instruction from God, usually given through prophets.
The Ten Commandments are still in effect today.
The commandments are steps for happiness, not to restrict us but to help us progress.
Obedience helps us come closer to God.
We obey out of love, not fear.
All blessings come through obedience.
We had a choice to be obedient even before we came to earth. All we enjoy on earth can be attributed to that choice.
In this life we can have peace through obedience.
His Grandpa Andrus was a good example of obedience. When he died last winter, there was a feeling of peace and love around him because he had no regrets because of his obedience.
Obedience has contributed to preparing for his mission.
His parents were obedient in bringing up their children in the church.
The obedience of teachers and leaders have had an impact.
Alma said to plant a seed of faith and then it will grow. A leap of faith is necessary.
At age 11 he realized he knew the Book of Mormon was true. But it was a fragile knowledge and needed cultivation.
In Seminary they buried a sin (represented by a toy weapon) in the ground by the seminary building.
His mission preparation class helped him be ready to go at 18.
The Come Follow Me class in SS helped for there he felt the joy of growing closer to the Lord and hearing his friends' testimonies.
Berkeley said no mission is more important then another and he's excited to go to Ogden.
He said God loves us and wants only the best for us.

I so much agree.

His mailing address (the mission office) is:

Elder Berkeley Andrus
Utah Ogden Mission
4380 So. Orchard Ave.
South Ogden, Utah 84402

We are happy he can go and will be praying for him. His family will be blessed while he's gone.