On sharing the spiritual.

I (Elder Bellomy's dad) have been pondering for a while about the nature of this blog. So far, it has been mostly a travel log about his experiences. By design, we have not shared too much detail on the spiritual nature of his mission.

Elder Bellomy has mostly non-LDS relatives and many non-member friends. There is a concern on our part that an overly-religious blog may not be well received, understood, or appreciated by some. So, out of respect we keep the blog on the lighter side.

Yet, the whole purpose of a mission is to be and to serve the spiritual. At points along the way, we want to share the deeply religious nature of his devotion to the Savior and his service to him. Hopefully, we can do this in a manner that is respectful and sensitive.

I'd like to say that Elder Bellomy is undergoing what seems to be a life-changing spiritual journey. His desire to teach and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is evident in every letter home. His love of the people he is teaching is deep and touching. Each week, he tells a few stories of the people he is teaching. The sweet invitations to accept the Gospel, follow the Savior, and be baptized in his name. Some of these stories are so personal we choose not to share them here...but they are very much the core and purpose of his mission.

LDS tradition has it that a missionary's home congregation places a plaque honoring a serving missionary in the lobby of the chapel. The plaque features a photo, a map of the mission, and the missionary's favorite passage of scripture. Elder Bellomy did not take care of this before he left. We have been nagging him for over six months to tell us what his favorite passage of scripture is. Finally, two weeks ago the sent home his favorite passage...

Doctrine and Covenants 130: 20 and 21 — There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated. And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

Latter Day Saints love our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. Dedicated Latter Day Saints devote our lives to the Gospel. For the pure in heart, there is only a desire to serve the Lord. We believe that as we obey God, he blesses us in the work of the kingdom. For Elder Bellomy to choose this passage of scripture as representative if his mission is significant. (Being a former LDS missionary, my Daddy heart understands what Eldrew is feeling.) Andrew has fully devoted himself to serving the Lord. The blessings he counts on his mission is the opportunity to serve others and bring them the Gospel. When he obeys the commandments, the mission rules, the spirit of missionary work, has pure desires...the Lord promises to bless and consecrate his efforts. His love of this passage is a demonstration of his commitment to his mission.

I hope that those who visit and read this blog can imagine the great love that Elder Bellomy has for his Savior, his thankfulness for the atonement, and his desires to share the Gospel.
I also hope that we will be excused if we don't always share some of the deeper and more personally spiritual moments on this blog. Please understand that we intend to share with family, friends, and other visitors as much as we can...this blog may never quite capture the deep spiritual aspect of the experience Eldrew is having.

Please keep Eldrew in your hearts. If you are ever prompted with a desire to study Mormonism, nothing would make him happier. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.