Montana Heads to South Dakota

On Wednesday, July 25, Montana Hollowell, 3^rd of four sons of Bob and Carol Hollowell, will enter the MTC in preparation for two years of service in the South Dakota Rapid City Spanish-speaking Mission which encompasses North and South Dakota and “bits and pieces” of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. 

“Why would any normal man take this extraordinary leap of faith?” asked Montana in farewell remarks to Church members of the Bloomington 7^th Ward.  “Especially a young man who has been inactive for more than 8 years.  Why would 52,500 young men and women commit to a complete change of lifestyle – no dating, music choices limited to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and a boring uniform of white shirts and ties – for two years?  It’s because of our testimony and our love for our Savior!”

Calling the Bloomington 7^th Ward “an oasis in the desert,” Montana credits the love of ward members for rescuing his family.  “You were not asked to be missionaries to us (his family) when we moved here, but you were!  You encouraged me and supported me in many ways.  Thank you especially, Bishop Goldhardt and Peter Bown.”

Montana admits he was very surprised to receive a call to serve in the United States.  “My mom really, really wanted me to serve a foreign mission so I think she was more disappointed than I was, but in a way as a Spanish-speaking missionary, it is kind of like a foreign mission.”

Montana will remain in the MTC until early September before traveling to his field of service.                     .