Elder Haddon's words absolutely cannot be paraphrased this morning:
"This week has been quiet the interesting week. We learned early this morning that our fellow missionary and friend Elder Mason Bailey was hit by a car last night, and didn't survive the night. He served in Västerås and was a district leader in our zone. Two weeks ago, I had the privilege and pleasure to go on exchanges with him.
"One thing that I have noticed with many missionaries that they are often afraid to speak. It's already hard to open you mouth and talk to people about religion, now throw in a new language, and now its nearly impossible. It was something I struggled with but was blessed to overcome, and it's one thing that I have tried to train and help missionaries get over. But I will tell you one thing, Elder Mason Bailey was not afraid to open his mouth. No matter what, even if his Swedish wasn't perfect, he had no fear.
"The last time I was with him he shared concern in not baptizing. I just remember telling him that he is going to very soon and all of the let downs and hardships will be worth it. On Friday, we were again privileged to go down to Västerås and do a baptismal interview for a woman they had found and taught. On Sunday morning, she was baptized.
"He called us so happy that it went through and he said that it went perfectly. He said, “That's one more on the Lords team!” And that was the last we heard from him.
"Every Sunday night, we do a little conference call to get the zone together, and everyone can have a good time. We called Västerås to get them in, but no one answered. Then we got a call from the Assistants to the President. They said, “There has been an accident, Elder Bailey is in the hospital and keep him in your prayers, and don't let anyone know until we know of his condition. Love you guys, bye. Click.” I just felt this terrible feeling in my gut, and we tried to brush it off that he would be fine.
"That's where we received a text this morning saying, “One of our own has fallen. It is with the deepest of sadness we announce that Elder Mason Lewis Bailey was killed Sunday evening in a tragic pedestrian/auto accident in Västerås.” There was instantly silence in our apartment. “One of our own has fallen.”
"We instantly came together and knelt down and had a prayer for him and his family. Directly after the prayer, I had a spiritual confirmation that he is just fine. He was one of the most fearless missionaries I have ever been in contact with and the Lord, is taking him in with his arms wide open.
I know with all certainty that this work is true, the message that the missionaries have is to help people know that the Savior suffered and died for all of us so that we can live on. Elder Bailey died for this truth.
"I love you all and for all of you members out there getting this, you know exactly what he gave his life for and you know it was worth it. And for you that aren't members or active, talk to the missionaries and find out for yourself."
Love,
Elder Haddon
What a solemn, sacred reminder about what these young men and their families sacrifice to be able to serve the Lord. Our thoughts, minds, and prayers are earnestly turned toward the Bailey family at this time and would love your support in praying for them as well. We know that our Heavenly Father has a divine plan and mission for each of us, although we might not always understand His timing, we can find comfort in knowing He is leading and guiding us.
Thank you for your love and support that you provide for our family and more importantly for Elder Haddon, there is no doubt in our minds, nor in his, that he is doing what he is supposed to at this time. Your love and support means the world to us.
Thank you for your prayers.
Elder Bailey is in the middle of this picture and back left on the couch photo.
