Elder Jordan McGrath
Elder Jordan McGrath of Ooltewah honorably completed a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The term elder is a priesthood office in the Melchizedek priesthood, and not a term indicative of age. Jordan is 21 yeas old.
Jordan served in the Salta Argentina Mission, one of 421 missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world. The Argentina Salta Mission is Spanish-speaking. Situated at the bottom of the Andes mountains, Salta was founded by a Spanish explorer in 1582, and settled by Spanish, Italian and Arab immigrants in the early 19th and 20th centuries. Known as Argentina’s artistic gem, it is filled with distinct culture, foods, beautiful architecture, museums and folklore music.
After leaving behind his family and friends for two years to serve without pay, Elder McGrath was welcomed back to Chattanooga by his parents, Phil and Susie McGrath, and his siblings, including Bryan, Logan, Megan, and Ethan. Bryan served a mission in Ghana. Logan served in the Republic of Congo, and is married to Heidi Jorgensen of Florida. Megan is married to Brian McEwan, and they live in Utah. Younger brother, Ethan, is a student at Ooltewah High School and swims on the Special Olympics swim team.
Elder McGrath attends the Harrison Bay ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spoke in Sunday service about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He said the best part of his mission was teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people understand how much God loves them. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane, died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day, as Elder McGrath taught. Through His Atonement, He made it possible for us to be together with our families forever. We invite all to come unto Christ – to accept His doctrine and follow the laws and covenants of His gospel because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus Christ is the True and Living Son of the True and Living God. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
“I am grateful to have served as His servant for the past two years,” Elder McGrath said. “True happiness comes from following Him forever. I feel blessed to have shared His message and His doctrine with the people I met. The people of Argentina are very big-hearted and hospitable, and I am a better man for having known them and for having shared the good news and glad tidings of Jesus Christ.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known for its missionary program. “Mormon” missionaries can be seen on the streets of major cities across the globe. The Church has more than 67,000 missionaries, 15 training centers, 30,506 congregations and a total church membership of over 16 million.
In Ooltewah, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at 3067 Ooltewah Ringgold Road, with services on Sunday beginning at 9 and 11 a.m. All are welcome.