Elder Riding's Farewell

On January 29, 2017, Dillon gave his farewell address to the Heber City 14th ward, Stake President Byron Horner presiding. Due to scheduling Dillon spoke in Ward Conference.  All the Stake leadership was there and of course all his friends and family attended.  Dillon did a great job, who wouldn't be intimidated knowing all the Stake leadership was there.  The following is his talk that he delivered.

For those of you that don’t know me,  my name is Dillon Riding and I have been called to serve in the Australia Adelaide mission.  I leave for the MTC on Feb 8^th.  I’m so excited to serve the people of Australia!  When I opened my Call I couldn’t believe it!  I got a little emotional because I have always wanted to go there! And the best part is that its an English speaking mission!  YAE!   I’m anxious to experience the spirit there and hope to be able to touch and bring the gospel to those that are waiting for and seeking the gospel.

While attending the missionary classes taught by our stake leaders,  I really liked the discussions on faith and the purpose of a missionary in preach my gospel.  Many People today are searching for purpose in life. They are concerned for their families. They need the sense of Belonging that comes from the knowledge that they are children of God, and members of his eternal family.  They want “peace in this world,  in D&C 59:23 is reads “ But learn that he who doeth the works of Righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in the world, and eternal life in the world to come.”  The Gospel of Jesus Christ can do just that…. Bring Peace to our families and our lives.
As an authorized representative of Jesus Christ missionaries can teach people with power and authority that redemption cometh in and through our Savior Jesus Christ.  President Ezra Taft Benson Taught: “We are commanded by God to take this gospel to all the world. That is the cause that must unite us today.  Only the gospel will save the world from the calamity of its own self-destruction. Only the gospel will unite men of all races and nationalities in Peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family.”
When the Lord tells us the worth of souls is great in the sight of god, notice that  he  does not say that “ only some souls are worthwhile.”  The Savior’s Desire is that all of God’s Children will be given the opportunity to hear and accept the full blessings of the restored gospel.  Every Soul is so precious in the sight of God that He “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)     We want everyone to enjoy the blessings of the gospel and partake of the sweet fruits of the Savior’s Atonement.  God  is mindful of all of His children and is desirous that they will have the blessings of the gospel in their lives…… wherever and whoever they are.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have been invited to participate in this great missionary effort.  In D&C 18:16 it reads……“And  now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you  have brought unto me in the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!”The message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families.  Because of the Restoration we understand God’s purpose for families:  “ The Divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be extended beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in the holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally”I’d like to quote President Gordon B. Hinkley he said,   “ Let us glory in this wonderful season of the work of the Lord. Let us not be proud but be humbly grateful.  And let us, each one, resolve within himself or herself that we will add to the luster of this magnificent work of the almighty, that it may shine  across the earth as a beacon of strength and goodness for all the world to look upon.  If we are to hold up this Church as an ensign to the nations and a light to the world, we must take on more the luster of the life of Christ.”Taking on the Luster of the life of Christ means to obey Gods commandments and to be in tune with the Holy Spirit.  Having Faith in the Lord and sharing our testimonies of his divinity and gospel is one way we can Shine!Faith Represents sacrifice, gladly given in moving forward the work of the Lord. The gospel is            “Good News!!         It’s a message of hope, peace and love and knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father that is always there to help us return to him.
The Lord has given no greater charge to his people than sharing the gospel with our Heavenly Father’s children.  Missionaries take people out of the darkness of the world and lead them to the safety and light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To find and teach and baptize and confirm someone who has been searching for the gospel is one of the greatest services a priesthood holder can provide.
I am so grateful for all of my young men leaders, friends  and for my family that have helped me prepare to go on a mission.  I love you all so much and appreciate all your love and support!I want to leave you with my testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and that I know the gospel has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I am excited to participate in the Harvest and serve my Heavenly Father.  I know this church is true and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.