June 3, 2104
The night before she reported to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah, Ashley was set apart as a missionary by our stake president (local church leader). Being set apart means, “To be selected and consecrated for holy purposes. This appointment is to a specific service within the Church organization by the laying on of hands by someone who has the proper authority." Once she was set apart, her mission officially started. She received the right and privilege to represent the Lord. She also received a ministerial certificate to verify her authority to government institutions.
One of our prophets, Spencer W. Kimball said, "The setting apart may be taken literally; it is a setting apart from sin, apart from the carnal; apart from everything which is crude, low, vicious, cheap, or vulgar; set apart from the world to a higher plane of thought and activity."
Essentially, Ashley is leaving behind all worldly and personal affairs and dedicating the next 18 months solely to serving the Lord and the people around her. As a family, we were excited to be with her as became "Sister Alley": full time missionary.
