Scotty Catt's Last Email of His Mission!

I just received Scotty's last email courtesy of his mom who we love. He comes home in a week. Scotty was our home teacher before he left on his mission. He was baptized right after we moved to Arizona. He came to church for 4 years before he was baptized when he turned 18. He entered the MTC on his birthday a year later. His brother, Travis, also waited until he was almost 18 (Mom gave him her blessing to get baptized a few weeks early), and he currently serves in a mission in Mexico City. We love them both.

"To my Family and Friends,

I hope this email finds you smiling. The more I think about it the more I realize just how many reasons we have to smile! This is my last email from the field. I sit here and my heart is filled with gratitude for the blessing I have had to serve a Sacred Mission.

I'm thinking back on all the wonderful experiences and blessings I have had as a Missionary as well as a member of the church. I remember back to my baptism and how that meant so much to me and how it means so much more to me as each day passes by here in Long Beach. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and to those who brought it to me. Where would I be without it? I don't want to know.

I've had a wonderful mission, the people I have served. the families I have taught, the brothers and sisters I have seen enter into the waters of baptism, are people who have changed my life. To me there is nothing more peaceful or right in the world then to be at the chapel an hour before a baptismal service and hear the font fill up.

I have been humbled time and time again, pride cannot be an issue on your mission if you want to become sanctified. I've passed through challenges, parasites, persecution, gun shots and a whole host of things that have made me stronger, more focused, and given me a greater desire to live each day to the fullest. The refiners fire is a wonderful thing!

I wondered why the Lord sent me to California of all places.... I wondered if I would be up to the challenge, if I was ready to be a missionary. We had a conversation in the MTC and all the Elders talked about how there Fathers were High Priests, I on the other hand didn't even know what a High Priest was at the time. I think that's when I realized my absolute dependence upon the Lord. That was a good decision.

Each of my areas have been so special to me, from the absolute Ghettos, (My first area had the highest crime rate in California), to the Island of the sea, I've been able to baptize people that are now anxiously preparing to go through the Temple. Some to then serve missions, others have been called to Leadership. All have been so special to me.

Each day as I testify of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, my conviction that the Lord guides this work grows, that seed that was planted long ago has sprung forth and if I were an angel I would declare it with the sound of a trump, but alas I am but one man and instead hold to the commission to shout it from the rooftops and go forth with my companion and find the elect of our Heavenly Father. I suppose I have many stories but those can wait for another day. Angels have ministered and the Lords hand has been upon me as I have tried in every way I know how to fulfill the call a Prophet of God gave me 2 years ago. I love the Lord, he really has become my best friend. I know that I am nothing, as to my strength I am weak, therefor I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things. Shall we not go on in a cause such as this? I know what I know, and cannot deny it. This churh is true. He lives! I am sad beyond measure that my time as a Missionary has come to an end, but as in all things I will trust the Lord. On to yet another adventure.

May we abide in His infinite Love,

Elder Scotty Catt
California Long Beach Mission"