My Testimony

We had zone conference this week and it was sad to give my "Departing Testimony". It is weird to leave the mission in the hands of others. All this week I have been thinking "We have to get some investigators so the elders behind us won't be so messed over." It has been weird and comforting to see Elders (and Sisters, I guess...) and now Mission Presidents rising to the occasion and controlling insurmountable problems of the restoration of the true church here in Romania. Like with the beginning of the church in America, people were prepared to find and lead the church, the many members here have received that same calling and were even taught lessons before this mortal life began, I would say. I am so grateful for the people I have come to meet on my mission and the examples I have to follow. I know the kind of member I would like to be and what qualities I would like to work for in myself.

I have a true testimony that this gospel can change lives if people will let it, and sadly I have many witnesses to state that if you do not cherish that testimony and always strive to keep it in your heart and you let the cares of the world come in, that which you had will be taken from you. It is so easy to lie to yourself if the adversary is working on you.

I am so very grateful for the questions posed by Joseph Smith that led him to his great vision. That at such a time he was able to endure such persecution and restore the Holy Priesthood and the true Church and how he strove to the end of his mortal work to bring to pass the works of God.

I have a greater understanding of the priesthood and of its functions through leaders in the church. I am so grateful that Prophets live and guide the true Church of Jesus Christ in these days and I know that the men who lead and guide this church are who they claim to be.

I know that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the words of God given to man and the same for all scripture canonized by Prophets. It is so much more of a miracle to me now that the Three Witnesses never denied their testimony of the Book of Mormon, and like them I can say that I know that book is inspired of God and that its purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ just like all of the standard works.

And finally I know that the promises of God are true if we fulfill our part. Obedience brings the Spirit and that is one of the greatest gifts we can have with us in this life. Nothing can imitate the Spirit, but we can ignore it and loose it if we are not careful.

I hope for many things in this life, especially for a better life with those I love. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.