06/23/2025
The St. George East Stake joyfully welcomed home two dedicated missionaries: Brother Yared Addison Patch of the 7th Ward and Brother Mason Kesterson of the 6th Ward. They both shared inspiring highlights and a powerful testimony with Stake leaders this past Sunday.
Brother Patch, who faithfully served in the Liberia Monrovia Mission (West Africa) recounted a memorable experience upon his initial arrival in Liberia, where he and other missionaries were unexpectedly left without transportation at the airport. Several individuals, recognizing them as missionaries, offered assistance and even to carry their luggage. Brother Patch, exercising caution, wisely questioned them about the Church, and none could confirm their membership. Eventually, an official mission representative arrived, providing proper identification, and safely escorted them. Despite this initial hurdle, Brother Patch felt well-prepared and enthusiastic about his service.
Throughout his mission, Brother Patch learned profound lessons about the Lord's diverse ways of working and His power to protect us. Among his mission highlights, he spoke of finding people in the jungles of Liberia. Drawn to those around him, he was able to share his testimony of Christ's love, leading many of our brothers and sisters to the waters of baptism. He also shared a powerful principle: "The Lord gives us what we want, or He gives us something better." Brother Patch fondly recalled the delicious, spicy local cuisine and noted the privilege missionaries have to speak frequently in sacrament meetings. He was particularly touched by how those who were not members of the church were very receptive to the Gospel. His parents expressed immense gratitude for his impactful service and are glad to have him home.
Brother Kesterson served in the Mozambique Maputo Mission where he spoke Portuguese. He began his mission in Seattle, Washington, while awaiting his visa, and upon its receipt, he traveled to Mozambique. Throughout his mission, Brother Kesterson emphasized learning to work with companions from diverse backgrounds. He frequently saw the Lord's hand guiding his efforts, regardless of the task or location. He shared numerous experiences that fostered closer bonds with his companions and strengthened their collective faith in Christ.
One memorable instance involved a quarantine in their apartment due to political unrest. To make the most of the situation, he and his companion ingeniously used empty bottles for a game of bowling, an activity that helped them learn from each other and grow closer to Christ. Brother Kesterson consistently sought opportunities to testify of Christ, even amidst adversity.
He firmly believed that Heavenly Father placed him in the right place at the right time, a conviction reinforced by two specific experiences: On one occasion he and his companion were temporarily housed in a hotel. While there he had the opportunity to share the gospel with hotel staff. Lastly, on his flight home from his mission he sat next to a gentleman who spoke Afrikaans. After a brief introduction and discussion about the Church, Brother Kesterson, who had purchased an Afrikaans Book of Mormon for his father, felt inspired to give it to this gentleman. Brother Kesterson's parents are immensely proud of his dedicated service and grateful for his safe return home.
We’re glad to have Brother Patch and Brother Kesterson home safely, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
