Elder Gardner

Elder Gardner will enter the MTC on Wednesday, June 23rd. We will keep this blog up-dated every week with his letters and pictures. If you would like to write to Elder Gardner, please click on the "write a letter" link on the right hand side for directions and his address. If you don't know much about Mormon Missions read the "about missions" page to learn more; it may help you understand some confusing terms in the letters.

About Elder Gardner

Hi! My name is Doug Gardner. I have been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been assigned to labor in the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission. I report(ed) to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on June 23, 2010. My mom will update this blog throughout my two-year mission with my weekly letters and pictures to home.
I am so excited for this opportunity to serve the Lord. When I talk to people about my mission they usually ask why I would give up two years in the prime of my life, give up my contact with friends and family, and dedicate all of my time to talking to strangers. My answer: because God loved me enough to send His only begotten Son to die for me, and the least I can do to repay Him is serve Him by bring souls unto Christ. Am I nervous? Of course I am. I don’t know Spanish; I’m not very outgoing or good at talking to people; I don’t want to be chased by dogs or get doors slammed in my face. But I know that I am on the Lord’s errand and that He will provide and strengthen me as I give my all in His service. It doesn’t matter how well I speak the language or how fast I can run, only by relying on God’s support will I be able to accomplish anything during my mission.
Thank you for supporting me and visiting this blog. I hope you enjoy reading my letters and hearing about my experiences as I spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.