Missionary support, Pt 2

Here is way that I have tried to repay a part of the "debt" for my mission support. This is a letter we have used for many years when we give some money to an outgoing missionary:

MICHAEL R. LEWIS MEMORIAL FUND
(February 20, 1975-August 24, 1988)
When Michael Lewis was born, doctors gave little hope for his survival because of a serious heart defect. However, as a small baby he was blessed by the priesthood to "live to fulfill the purposes of his creation," and he did survive heart surgery at two weeks of age, numerous bouts with pneumonia during his first two years, and several other major surgeries and illnesses as he grew older.

Michael loved life! He built a life for himself within the bounds his physical limitations set which was happy and fulfilling for him. He never felt sorry for himself or complained about his health, but accepted each new problem with courage and a maturity beyond his years.

From the time he was four years old he had a great love for scouting, which continued through Cubs and the Boy Scout program. When he became a scout he set a goal to become an Eagle at twelve years of age. If he had a hospital stay coming up, he made sure his requirements were done ahead so he could advance in the least amount of time. He achieved the rank of Eagle in February 1988, just a few days after his 13th birthday, and six month before he passed away. At his Eagle Court of Honor, a friend, a scout leader, a school teacher, and his cardiologist all paid tribute to him for his courage, determination, patience, and persistence.

Michael served in his Deacon's Presidency and as Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 791. As Senior Patrol Leader, he was responsible to conduct Boards of Review for other scouts as they advanced in rank. He would ask each scout the direct question, "Are you planning to go on a mission?" When the scout answered affirmatively, Michael would compliment him on having made that decision. He encouraged the other scouts to commit to serving missions. Michael felt that for an LDS scout to be doing his "duty to God" he should be planning and preparing to be a missionary.

When Michael submitted his application for the Eagle award to the Boy Scouts of America, he stated his own determination to serve a mission for the Church.

Michael was very conscientious in his school work and was on the Honor Roll at Eisenhower Junior High School. One of his favorite classes was Spanish. He wondered whether he would be called on a mission where Spanish was spoken, and was excited about developing skills in that language.

At an early age, Michael learned the usefulness of having money. He always found a way to be earning some. Before he was six years of age, he began selling greeting cards and later had several jobs mowing lawns.

In keeping with a practice we began with Michael's older brothers and sisters, we started a savings account for Michael when he was born. This account was for a mission or perhaps for college expenses. We put a small amount of money into the account each payday; Michael also contributed money to this account from his own earnings. Because of Michael's commitment to missionary work and because of his own contributions to this account, we have consecrated this money as a missionary fund, in his honor, to be used to help others take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world as Michael had hoped to do. Please accept this contribution toward your mission expenses in the name of Michael R. Lewis.

May the Lord's blessings be with you as you go about your missionary labors.

Robert and JoAnn Lewis and Family