Departing Testimony

From June 2016 Mission Newsletter:

Week 103--Murray, UT

Hey Everyone!

Its been a pretty good week. Elder Archer and I have been pretty sick for most all of it. We are getting better though. Also the members take good care of us. 

A few days ago I had a good experience. We were just going through our plans and seeing a lot of rejection with everyone, but still pushing along. I got a prompting to go to this house that is off the road a little bit. I ignored the prompting a few times then decided to follow. Anyways we went down to the house. The lady opened the door. It turns out it was an active widow in one of our wards. Her son in law was currently there fixing something for her. We shared a message and a prayer with her. She was beaming and laughing the entire time we were there. I thought about the experience and wondered why God had prompted us to see her. We are ministers of the everlasting gospel sent to preach the first principles and ordinances of it. Typically it is those who are less active or nonmember. I realized that at that time He needed someone who would answer the call to visit a widow. Salvation is salvation. This experience gave me some foresight on a little bit of what my role will be after I return home. God will still need me to do much of the same things and it will be just as important and similar as my role now.

It's hard to press forward at the end. Thanks for the emails!

Love Y'all

Week 102--Murray, UT

This week was good. This will probably be pretty short today because I'm feeling pretty sick. I think I ate too many tacos last night....

We picked up a few new investigators. We have taught a lot of Muslims this week. It is pretty interesting. They believe in Jesus Christ as a prophet but not the Son of God. Their doctrine is very similar to ours except the absence of a few fundamental truths. My studies this week will probably be trying to figure out a way to present the doctrine in a way they will be enticed and motivated to find the truth.

The office ladies came up to me and said that apparently the iPad's have to be bought. Sorry about that. I didn't realize that we had to buy them. Y'all can have it. It's in really good condition.

Love y'all

I made crepes this week

Week 101--Murray, UT

Hey Everyone

This week was great! I have about a month left. 

Nothing too significant happened in teaching this week. We picked up a few new investigators. One is a black guy from Mississippi. He actually played in the NFL a little bit. He has concerns with blacks and the priesthood which we are trying to resolve. The Spirit really helped us in the lesson. He does have sincere desire to learn and know. We are excited for him to receive an answer to be baptized.

A few other investigators that we picked up: One is from Iraq. His name is Abbas. Another is from Venezuela. They are a couple that are going to get married at the end of the month. Abbas said that he is Muslim by birth but he said,”I eat pork. I love pork." He believes in God. He has read some of the Book of Mormon. We challenged him to pray about it. Carla, his Fiance, is also very open and friendly.

Time on the mission is coming to an end. I know now more than ever before the goodness of God and His mercy and longsuffering towards us. He anxiously awaits us to repent and come to know more happiness and also know him better.

Love y’all

Week 100--Murray, UT

The past few weeks have been good. It is somewhat scary that things are drawing to a close. I reflect often about the experiences I've had and if I have lived up to my potential. It is a scary question to ask at the end of your mission. The question: Did I fulfill my purpose?

Elder Archer and I have grown to love a man named Garrett. He is the father in a family of 4. They have two young children. His wife is a fireball with the gospel. We started teaching them a few weeks ago. We came over initially and talked about his BBQing abilities(he is ranked in the nation!). He invited us to try some so we ate dinner with him. He was very standoffish at first but eventually opened up. He agreed to be baptized last weekend. It was one of my favorite services on my mission. 

We recently started teaching a man from Moldova. He is a funny guy. He just showed up to a church and asked for a Book of Mormon on a Wednesday night. He later explained that when he first moved here he had the impression to come to church but he never did. 8 years later he got the impression to go again and this time he did. It really is a testament of the reality of God preparing souls.

It was fun to talk to everyone! Happy Mothers day Mom!

Love y'all

Elder Bass

Garrett's baptism!!

Cowboy with chins!

 Skyping with Alex:

Email from Brother Penrod

Dear Brother and Sister Bass:

My name is Mark Penrod.  I am the Ward Mission Leader in the Ridgecreek Ward in Murray, Utah.  For the past couple of months it has been my privilege to work with your son, Elder Bass, in the work of the Lord in our ward.  Your son is a very fine young man.  I can tell he was raised in a good home.  You'll be pleased to know he is very respectful,  loves the work, and works hard each day.
He is obedient to the mission rules and consistently strives to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost at all times.  He has been a great boon to the work in our part of the Lord's vineyard.  I have had many occasions to accompany him and his companion, Elder Archer, on teaching appointments.  He bears pure testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and the divinity of the Atonement of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

We were so pleased to hear that he will be staying with us for another transfer, as we need him here.  He, Elder Archer, and the Lord are working miracles in our ward and stake.  I am always strengthened after spending time with him.  I know he loves the Lord and loves serving Him here in Murray.  When the day comes for him to return to you I know he will return with honor.
Your sacrifice has made, and will make, an eternal difference in the lives of many people here.  Thank you for sending such a worthy, prepared young man to us!
Best regards,
Mark Penrod

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