I love to hear others share what God has done for them. Hearing my fellow man, on the same journey I am on, bear witness of the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ, strengthens my own faith in Him.
The other day I was reading in the 14th chapter of the book of Acts. It gives the account of Paul calling together the members of the Church in Antioch, and there recounting all that the Lord had done with them in preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. I don't know about you, but I would love to have heard the Apostle Paul share his conversion story, and his testimony of the purifying power of Gethsemane. In other words, the change the Gospel has had on his life. Like Paul, I too wish to share with you my testimony.
I grew up a member of this Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Never once did I doubt it, countless times I took it for granted. I enjoyed the Book of Mormon. It's teachings, and the stories contained were wonderful to me. But not well understood. My copy rested on my headboard and collected a fair amount of dust. Regardless, I had many occasions where the restored Gospel brought intense amounts of joy. Entering into the House of the Lord and there receiving the ordinances that will enable my family to be bound for all eternity, was the greatest moment of my life. The Spirit of God was there in great abundance. In my heart I knew that my God smiled from His courts above on my little family. I will never forget that day. Shortly thereafter life went on. The Spiritual high, unfortunately, came to an end. High school and it's various activities encompassed my every thought. My relationship with my Savior, was unrealized. The most sincere prayers uttered were from the batter's box of a baseball field, or from the free throw line in a win or lose situation. Nevertheless, I knew these things to be true. And I chose to go on a mission shortly after graduating high school. There, like Paul, I saw the God of Heaven and Earth work miracles in the hearts of men. Especially, in mine.
After being a missionary for almost a year, now, I have come to realize some eternal truths. First, I've realized this, which can be summarized in the 16th verse of John chapter 3. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God loves ALL of His children. He has used me and other missionaries around me to reach out to people in need, and bring the love of God into their life. His Son, was a difficult sacrifice for Him to make. That sacrifice, was the greatest act of love ever committed on this planet. I know that He suffered for my sins, and for yours. The agony felt in the Garden and on the cross also included our every pain. His Atonement has brought incomprehensible amounts of blessings and strength into my life. The love of God changes lives. I know, because it has changed mine.
I have been deeply humbled by realizing my weaknesses. Far more important than that, I now know that He has given us the strength and means needed to overcome them. I am nothing without my Savior. With Him, I can accomplish all that He desires of me to do.
I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to be a Prophet in these, the latter days. He went through great amounts of suffering to do the work of the Lord. The Book of Momon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, is the word of God. It contains the words of Christ. As we treasure up these words, He becomes more real in our lives. Peace and love settle in the places in our souls where pain once resided. If you believe in Christ, you will believe in the Book of Mormon, for it testifies of Him.
I am now 20 years old. My greatest desire is to be a Man of God. I know what it takes to become such, and I will do anything to achieve it. I am happy while living the principles of the Gospel. This joy, 'no man taketh from me.' I will be eternally greatful for this mission. My faith is becoming unshakeable. And I am finally converting to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel is, the pearl of great price. And the Savior, is my everything. I love Him. And when I stand before His judgment bar I hope with all of my heart that He says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." These words I have spoken, are true. The Spirit of God, the Spirit of TRUTH, has born witness of them in my heart. As you open yours, He will do the same for you. I love you all. Stay classy.
Elder Hill
The other day I was reading in the 14th chapter of the book of Acts. It gives the account of Paul calling together the members of the Church in Antioch, and there recounting all that the Lord had done with them in preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. I don't know about you, but I would love to have heard the Apostle Paul share his conversion story, and his testimony of the purifying power of Gethsemane. In other words, the change the Gospel has had on his life. Like Paul, I too wish to share with you my testimony.
I grew up a member of this Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Never once did I doubt it, countless times I took it for granted. I enjoyed the Book of Mormon. It's teachings, and the stories contained were wonderful to me. But not well understood. My copy rested on my headboard and collected a fair amount of dust. Regardless, I had many occasions where the restored Gospel brought intense amounts of joy. Entering into the House of the Lord and there receiving the ordinances that will enable my family to be bound for all eternity, was the greatest moment of my life. The Spirit of God was there in great abundance. In my heart I knew that my God smiled from His courts above on my little family. I will never forget that day. Shortly thereafter life went on. The Spiritual high, unfortunately, came to an end. High school and it's various activities encompassed my every thought. My relationship with my Savior, was unrealized. The most sincere prayers uttered were from the batter's box of a baseball field, or from the free throw line in a win or lose situation. Nevertheless, I knew these things to be true. And I chose to go on a mission shortly after graduating high school. There, like Paul, I saw the God of Heaven and Earth work miracles in the hearts of men. Especially, in mine.
After being a missionary for almost a year, now, I have come to realize some eternal truths. First, I've realized this, which can be summarized in the 16th verse of John chapter 3. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God loves ALL of His children. He has used me and other missionaries around me to reach out to people in need, and bring the love of God into their life. His Son, was a difficult sacrifice for Him to make. That sacrifice, was the greatest act of love ever committed on this planet. I know that He suffered for my sins, and for yours. The agony felt in the Garden and on the cross also included our every pain. His Atonement has brought incomprehensible amounts of blessings and strength into my life. The love of God changes lives. I know, because it has changed mine.
I have been deeply humbled by realizing my weaknesses. Far more important than that, I now know that He has given us the strength and means needed to overcome them. I am nothing without my Savior. With Him, I can accomplish all that He desires of me to do.
I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to be a Prophet in these, the latter days. He went through great amounts of suffering to do the work of the Lord. The Book of Momon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, is the word of God. It contains the words of Christ. As we treasure up these words, He becomes more real in our lives. Peace and love settle in the places in our souls where pain once resided. If you believe in Christ, you will believe in the Book of Mormon, for it testifies of Him.
I am now 20 years old. My greatest desire is to be a Man of God. I know what it takes to become such, and I will do anything to achieve it. I am happy while living the principles of the Gospel. This joy, 'no man taketh from me.' I will be eternally greatful for this mission. My faith is becoming unshakeable. And I am finally converting to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel is, the pearl of great price. And the Savior, is my everything. I love Him. And when I stand before His judgment bar I hope with all of my heart that He says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." These words I have spoken, are true. The Spirit of God, the Spirit of TRUTH, has born witness of them in my heart. As you open yours, He will do the same for you. I love you all. Stay classy.
Elder Hill
