Closing Time

 I have kinda been putting off sending this email. It has been bitter sweet recently as my time as a missionary, that I have loved immensely, is coming to an end.

Everything my life has been focused on has been getting to the point of servng a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have always had the goal in mind and to think that it is over is insane. 

As missionaries for the Church, we set out to find new people to teach about Jesus Christ and how His church has been restored on the Earth today and specifically how it can bless their lives 24/7 for 2 years straight. I knew that the message we spread has blessed my life and that I wanted to share it with others, but I never expected to be able to see so many people including myself be changed by the teachings of Jesus Christ and through his Atonement or sacrifice in the ways that I saw it take place first hand. I knew I would meet amazing people and grow myself, but the true Joy I have seen these things bring to people in their lives has built my testimony of the Divinity of this work and its importance. 

I often have wondered and questioned myself as to "why?" Why am I serving a mission and doing all I can to share this with others no matter how extreme the weather may be? Or why we push through the constant rejection? Why we as missionaries do all we can to sacrifice our passions and desires in life to do something that from an outside and worldly perspective we get "nothing" (monetary) out of? I have pondered on this when the moments of difficulty hit and my answer is obvious but sincere, and it is because of Jesus Christ and the true difference He can make for people. Nothing is more amazing than helping someone find direction in such a lost and confusing world. 

Because of the ways God has used me as an instrument in His hands, I know he is in the details of our lives and that He truly is there. Being able to help people realize that and take maybe even only one step closer to their Savior makes any difficulty or struggle worth it. It by far outweighs any of the difficulty into hardly anything at all.

I love the time I have had here in the Dakotas to learn and grow and help others do the same along the way. It has been an amazing and sacred experience and I'm excited to look back on these 2 years in eternity knowing that I gave it my all.

If you are looking for true and constant joy and hope in your life please talk with me! I fly in February 2nd into Salt Lake City and can't wait to see you all again soon.

The people here in the Dakotas will always have a peice of my heart 

Elder Dalton

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P.S. from proud momma-  He will speak in Rupert Idaho on Feb 12th at 12:30pm MT  If you want a zoom link sent to you please email me at scwam6@gmail.com.  He will speak in the Upland 3rd ward on Sunday March 19th at 9am PT  I don't know if they do zoom.  So happy to get to hug on this amazing kid I am privileged to call mine. Thank you for all of our support and love for him these past 2 years and more.

Honorable Release of Elder Matthew K. Dalton

 ---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: North Dakota Bismarck Mission <2012804@churchofjesuschrist.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 12, 2023 at 9:14 AM
Subject: Honorable Release of Elder Matthew K. Dalton
To: marc13christensen@gmail.com <marc13christensen@gmail.com>

Dear Bishop Christensen,

Elder Matthew Dalton will complete his missionary service on 2 Feb 2023 after faithfully serving in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. His Certificate of Honorable Release has been emailed directly to him.

Elder Dalton has been diligent in fulfilling his mission and has demonstrated in meaningful ways his love for this work and for the people he has served.    While in our care, he has labored in the following areas: Minot, ND; Thief River, MN; Belle Fourche, SD; Williston, ND; Stanley, ND; Grand Forks, ND; Black Hills, SD; Bismarck, ND; and Aberdeen, SD. Not only has he changed the lives of those he taught, but he has also been a positive influence on his fellow missionaries and church members with whom he has served.  

As he transitions into the life of an everyday missionary, we hope that he will find the support and encouragement he needs to stay on the covenant path.   Elder Dalton is committed to continuing to serve our Heavenly Father and fellow man and he understands the blessings of service that the Savior taught at His last supper, "if ye know these things, happy are you if ye do them." 

Please express to Elder Dalton how much we love and appreciate his.  We will miss him and will continue to pray for his success and happiness as he begins this exciting time in his life. We are grateful to you for preparing and recommending such a wonderful missionary.  May the Lord continue to bless you as you carry out your sacred calling.

Sincerely,

W. Bradley Camp

Mission President

WBC/lh



Attachments: Tuberculosis letter, Flight itinerary, and Assignment history

Dear Brother & Sister Dalton:

On 2 Feb 2023, Elder Dalton will complete his assignment as a missionary in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission.

He served faithfully in the execution of all his assignments. In each assignment, he worked effectively with his companions and the people in the areas where he labored. I personally enjoyed working with Elder Dalton as he served diligently and faithfully as an assistant. Elder Dalton has represented your family honorably and is a worthy representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

As Elder Dalton concludes his mission, he will need to adjust from being a full-time servant of the Lord to living his everyday life of work and school.  He has been blessed with many wonderful talents, which the Lord has helped him cultivate in the mission field. In order for him to keep utilizing those talents, will you help him continue to search for ways to serve the Lord?  Those talents have helped him gain strength and experience in the mission field that will make him a better son, a better Saint, and a better citizen.  Thank you for supporting him and sharing him with us.

May our Heavenly Father ever bless and sustain you and your family.

Sincerely,

W. Bradley Camp

Mission President

WBC:lh