Daily prayers, daily scripture study, sacrament meeting, temple attendance – some of the most powerful ways we can live and enjoy the blessings of the gospel. When faithfully done on a regular basis, lives can be blessed. But there’s a little danger here – when these things fall into a routine, it can feel as if living the gospel is like checking items of a checklist.

There’s danger when we mumble a quick, thoughtless prayer just so we can feel at peace that we have prayed that day. There’s danger when we hastily read one chapter of scriptures a day just so we can say we’ve done our reading. It would be unfortunate if temple and sacrament attendance feel like requirements rather than privileges to help us learn more of the things of the Lord.

It’s okay to get caught up with the “must do” – it allows us to strive to do things that are pleasing to the Lord regularly. But – like the encouragement of Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf – it is necessary for us also to know the “why of the gospel.” When we understand why we are encouraged to pray and study scriptures daily, and invited to church and temple regularly, our conviction to do them will increase.

Daily Prayer Increases Our Ability to Receive Revelation

When prayers are meaningful, and when they express real intent, our ability to receive personal revelations from the heavens increases. We do not pray just so we can feel confident we have done a gospel requirement for the day. Prayer is a gift. The more we pray, the more we improve our ability to hear the Lord’s words, feel His love, and recognize His revelations for us.

President Marion G. Romney beautifully explained about the importance of daily prayers.

“The purpose of prayer, however, is not to appease a vindictive Deity; nor is it to court favors from an indulgent Father. It is to attune oneself with the spirit or light which “proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space.” (D&C 88:12.) In that light is to be found sure answers to all our needs. Prayer is the key which unlocks the door and lets Christ into our lives.”

Daily Scripture Study Allows Us to Know Christ and Heavenly Father Better

We hear the advice too often “Reading the scriptures even just for 5 minutes can bless you.” Although the advice it’s true, it can easily make us believe we only need five minutes a day, and we’re done, we’re good.

Take the time to remove the gospel checklist off your mind and focus on the real blessings of daily scripture study. When we immerse ourselves in reading; when we take the time to ponder even just a single chapter a day; we will come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better.

We can read of accounts that show Their great love for mankind. We can develop a testimony of how They bless the people who obey them. We will know what else to do to become more worthy sons and daughters of God.

Daily scripture study is more than just a heavenly requirement – it’s a heavenly privilege to bless our lives in ways we cannot imagine.

Sacrament Meeting Attendance Fortifies Us

Instead of checking off “Attended Sacrament Meeting” off of our gospel must-do’s, let’s us focus more on how Sacrament attendance actually helps us in becoming more ready for the Lord.

The Sacrament fortifies us – it lets us experience the Lord’s love for us. When we savor our Sacrament experience, we receive a deeper, more meaningful appreciation for the Atonement which can fortify us when times of challenges and temptations come.

Temple Attendance Prepares Us for Greater Things

When temple attendance feels like a routine, it’s time to once again remember the real blessings of the temple. More than just confirming our worthiness, the temple is a place of learning – whatever we get here prepares us for greater things. The temple is not just a place of peace; it’s a place of promises for both living and the dead. Look beyond the gospel checklist and understand why you want to receive and share the blessings of the temple – it can help make our temple experiences more profound.

Living the gospel is not easy, but it’s not complicated either. The gospel flourishes in its beautiful simplicity. Consistently praying, reading the scriptures, attending church, and serving in the temple can help us become more worthy of the blessings of heaven. They’re not just requirements, they’re not just items on a checklist. Let’s be obedient with real intent – this will give us real, lasting joy.

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Sharing personal experiences at church is common in an LDS congregation and is encouraged to inspire others. But do we sometimes get so caught up in sharing our experiences that we forget to reflect if others can relate to what we are sharing? When we share our experiences, we must consider that our audience is a mix of converts, people who grew up knowing the gospel, and those who are still investigating the gospel. To be able to share an experience that people can relate to, we must think about why we are sharing that experience—to inspire others and share a story that people can learn from.

One common theme that people share is the blessing of being born in the church. Sometimes our sharing is so focused on the importance of being raised in a gospel-centered home that we accidentally exclude others who did not grow up knowing the gospel. They may feel inferior, as though they have not been as blessed by the Lord, after hearing how important it is to be born in the church.

To make our experiences more relatable, we can share the important lessons we learned growing up, such as the importance of family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and how these activities built and increased our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and helped our family stick closer together through the years. These are activities that both members and non-members can do. Sharing the lessons and blessings our family has received through these activities, can inspire others to try them with their own families.

Another commonly shared source of spiritual experiences is the mission field. Returned missionaries often speak powerfully of events during their mission that helped them come closer to the Savior. However, when returned missionaries emphasize how being a full-time missionary enabled them to have that experience, it may convey a different message. Why? Because the message may come across as “the only way to have such powerful experience with the Lord is to become a full-time missionary.”

Instead, we should focus on the virtues and principles that we exercised that led to the spiritual experience. If the experience was finding an investigator who had been waiting for years to learn about the gospel, then we could share the importance of being worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and giving heed to its promptings. Everyone who has received the gift of the Holy Ghost can pick-up a lesson from our experience that they can use, as they aspire to be in-tune with its promptings. Non-members can be inspired to become worthy to receive such a gift.

Sharing our experiences is a powerful source of inspiration and learning for people around us, so when we share, we must ask ourselves what lessons we have learned from the experience that can help people in their present circumstances.  By focusing on the lessons that we have learned, we become more inclusive to those who are not of our faith, friends who are just being introduced to the gospel, and new converts who are just starting to develop their understanding of basic gospel principles.

We must learn the art of story sharing from the Master Himself, who taught Pharisees, Sadducees, Samaritans, Jews, Christians, and many more people—both those who believed in Him and those who did not. He welcomed all who wanted to listen to His words. As we seek to inspire others with our experiences, may we seek to teach with the intent of inspiring everyone who has ears to hear, like our Savior Jesus Christ.

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Receiving a testimony of the Book of Mormon is one of the most important personal revelations we need to receive in these latter days. But, what if you don’t feel the “burning [in your] bosom” after praying about the book?

What is a burning bosom?

If a burning bosom is an essential part of personal revelation, how can we truly recognize it? Though some people feel a burning in their bosom — a warm feeling that comes when we hear an impactful talk or listen to inspiring hymns — it is more than just a physical feeling. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said that a burning bosom “signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity.” A confirmation of the Book of Mormon does not just come with a fuzzy feeling – it also comes with truly knowing.

The Small Manifestations of Truth

Often, confirmation of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon does not just come in one big manifestation — it sometimes comes as a series of small impressions we feel as we read the book. If we are always looking for phenomenal revelations of truth, we may miss the small, often simple, confirmations of the Holy Ghost. Elder Bednar gave fair warning that if we, “emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations,” we may not recognize the, “small and incremental spiritual impressions,” that come to us frequently.

These small and simple spiritual impressions usually come through sincerely reading and pondering the Book of Mormon. It’s found in the quiet moments, when a certain verse just stands out and enlightens something. These small and simple spiritual impressions about the book’s truthfulness come from the daily impressions that continually bring us peace.

The Holy Ghost Communicates Differently

Personal revelation comes in different forms, from immediate and intense, to subtle and simple. So if your prayers about the Book of Mormon are not accompanied by a burning bosom, there’s no need to worry. Impressions can come to us in various ways. The confirmation of the Book of Mormon’s truthfulness may come as we recognize the positive feelings we have when we read it: love, joy, patience, faith, and meekness (see Galatians 5: 22-23).

Alma the Younger asked a series of powerful questions that can help you know if the Book of Mormon is true.  Does it “enlarge your soul?” Does it enlighten your understanding? Has it become “delicious to you,” so that you just want to read the book again and discover more truths? If you can say yes to these questions, that could be your confirmation.

No Burning Bosom but Does It Encourage You To Do Good?

When we ask to receive a testimony of the Book of Mormon, we want to receive a confirmation that it is true and it is indeed from God. How do we know if something is from God? Mormon gave a powerful answer in Moroni 7:16:

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.”

As you study the Book of Mormon, what kind of feelings come? Do these feelings help you be kinder, more charitable, more service oriented, more eager to come closer to the Lord? Do these impressions help you see the good in all things? The burning bosom may not be there but if the book helps you feel and do better, that could also be your answer, your own personal revelation.

The Holy Ghost speaks in various ways — not just with a burning bosom. As we become more acquainted with His promptings, when we become more aware of the small impressions we receive from the Book of Mormon, and when we begin to realize that reading the book everyday helps us do better, we can have a testimony of the Book of Mormon even without that warm, fuzzy feeling on our chest.

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Malaking sacrifice sa kanya ang magtrabaho ng malayo sa piling ng kanyang pamilya. Nagdecide siyang magtrabaho sa Hong Kong para makapag-aral ang kanyang mga anak.

Nabaptize siya sa simbahan noong September 18, 2011. Lubos ang pasasalamat niya sa mga biyayang kanyang natanggap nang malaman niya ang tungkol sa simbahan at sa ebanghelyo ni Jesus Christ. Pagkalipas ng isang taon ay nabinyagan din ang kanyang mga anak noong October 2012.

Nakilala niya ang church sa pamamagitan ng kanyang sister- in law. Parati siya nitong iniimbitahan tuwing first Sunday of the month para magsimba. Nagkakaroon siya ng chance na mapakinggan ang testimony ng mga miyembro ng simbahan. Hanga siya sa lakas at katatagan nila sa pagharap sa kani-kanilang mga pagsubok sa buhay.

Alam niya ang hirap at pakiramdam na mawalay sa pamilya para lamang magtrabaho at maitaguyod ang kinabukasan ng mga anak. Sa sunod na pagkakataon na pag-attend niya ng church service ay tinanggap na niya ang invitation ng mga missionary na makapag-share sa kanya.

Sa paglipas ng mga araw unti-unti niyang nalaman sa kanyang sarili na totoo ang simbahan at ang Aklat ni Mormon. Nakita niya ang mga naging pagbabago sa kanyang buhay. Naging magaan sa kanya ang pang-araw araw na trabaho at mas naramdaman niya ang kasiyahan sa kanyang buhay. Nangarap din siyang maging misyonero ang kaniyang mga anak at makatulong sa iba katulad ng kung paano binago ng ebanghelyo ni Jesucristo ang buhay niya at ng kanyang pamilya.

Hindi nagtagal ang kanyang pangarap ay nagkaroon ng katuparan. Ang isa sa kanyang mga anak ay isang misyonero na ngayon at nagseserve sa Philippines San Pablo Mission.

Isang malaking miracle para sa kanya ang matagpuan ang simbahan at tanggapin ang ebanghelyo ni Jesucristo. Alam niyang hindi madali ang mga bagay-bagay ng kanyang pagdaraanan sa buhay na ito ngunit malakas ang kanyang pananampalataya at paniniwala na hindi siya pababayaan ng Diyos. Para sa kanya hindi lamang pera ang naibigay niya sa kanyang mga anak para sa isang magandang kinabukasan ngunit pati narin ang pangespiritwal.

Maligaya siya na active ang kanyang mga anak sa simbahan at panatag ang kanyang kalooban na kahit malayo siya ay may gabay parin ang kanyang mga anak sa araw-araw.

Naniniwala siya na ang pamilya ay maaaring magkasama ng pangwalang hanggan. Patuloy din siyang umaasa ng balang araw ay malalaman din ng kanyang asawa ang katotohanan ng ebanghelyo at makakasama nila ito sa simbahan.

Masaya ako para sa naging desisyon ni Vilma at alam kong marami pang darating na biyaya sa kanyang buhay dahil sa pagsunod niya sa mga kautusan ng Diyos. Alam ko na ang ebanghelyo ni Jesucristo ang sagot sa lahat ng ating mga katanungan sa buhay at ang pagsunod natin sa kautusan ng Diyos ang magiging sagot sa lahat ng kahirapan at pagsubok sa buhay.

The post MY CONVERSION STORY: An Overseas Filipino Worker appeared first on morefaith.ph.

A testimony is a declaration of the gospel truths we know

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf counseled us to include 5 foundational truths in our testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Heavenly Father lives and we are His children.
• Jesus is the Christ. He is the Savior of the world and the Only Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh.
• Joseph Smith is a prophet of God through whom the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in our day.
• The Book of Mormon is the word of God and another testament of Jesus Christ.
• President Thomas S. Monson, his counselors, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the prophets, seers, and revelators in these latter-days.

Sharing a story is not sharing a testimony

While it is not inappropriate to share a story when we bear our testimonies, it is important for us to understand that sharing a story does not equate to sharing a testimony. We can share a relevant spiritual experience that helped build our testimonies but we can make the story brief and focus on the gospel truths we have learned from that experience. We can skip the little details such as what time we left the house or whether the sun was shining or not. We can make the story short if we identify the main event or the part of the story that led us to the obtaining of a testimony of a gospel principle.

Some experiences are not meant to be shared

Most of us, if not all, have spiritual experiences that helped us gain a testimony of the gospel. However, some of these experiences are very personal and sacred and we must ponder whether to share them with others or not. A testimony is not meant for public confessions either, so we are counseled to prayerfully consider the personal experiences we wish to share. If we are prompted to share these experiences, we can keep them general and not discuss specific details.

Tears are not a necessary part of feeling the Spirit

Some people, while bearing their testimonies, may swell up in tears because they feel the Spirit very strongly. However, we must not confuse showing a strong emotion with having a real or powerful testimony. We must understand that it is okay not to have free-flowing tears when we bear our testimonies.

Expressions of gratitude are not a testimony

We often hear people expressing gratitude for having the gospel in their lives, for their families and friends, for trials that made them stronger, etc. during testimony meetings. While there is no rule that we cannot express gratitude while bearing our testimonies, we must know that expression of gratitude is not a testimony. If we want to express our gratitude to our families, friends and Church leaders, we can personally thank them after the testimony meeting.

A testimony is not an exhortation or a sermon

When we share our testimonies, our objective is to share the gospel truths that we know by the power of the Holy Ghost. A testimony is not intended to call everyone to repentance, to live righteously, to obey the commandments, or to pay a full tithe. It is not intended to preach the congregation a doctrine either. We can do this the next time we are given the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting.

Merely saying, “I have a testimony” is not a testimony

It is not wrong to say that we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but shouldn’t we expound more on our actual testimony? We can continue by sharing the specific principles of the gospel that we know are true.

While all these tips are helpful reminders for us, the most important reminder is that spiritual truths manifested unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost can stand on their own. We do not need to make it more appealing and it is not necessary that it be eloquently worded because “[t]he things of God knoweth no man, but [by] the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11). When we bear our testimonies, the Holy Ghost will testify to the hearts of those listening that the things we have shared are true. As we continue to bear our testimonies, the testimonies of others will be strengthened as well as our own.

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Last March 6, 2016 at Buendia Chapel, the Philippines Area held an event called “Travel Back in Time: A Pioneer’s Night”.  The event is to commemorate the 50^th  Anniversary of the construction of Buendia Chapel, the first and oldest LDS church built in the country. The first fireside held similar to this happened way back in 1955 and last Sunday was only the second time it occurred in the country. The event was attended by members of the church in the Manila Area including adjacent wards and stakes. The event was presided by Ian S. Ardern, President of the Philippines Area and a member of the Quorum of the Seventy. Also in attendance was Elder Steven E. Snow, the Church Historian and also a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and Reid L. Neilson, the Assistant Church Historian, other members of the Area Presidency and the Local Mormon Pioneers.  Elder Allen D. Haynie, counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency who was conducting first recounted a brief history of the beginnings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines.

History of Local Mormon Pioneers

The highlight of the event was the testimonies of the Mormon Local Pioneers and how they took us back in time. Five pioneer members and one of the first assigned sister missionary in the Philippines shared their stories and testimonies.

First speaker was Sister Nenita R. Gapiz, baptized in November 1961, narrated his experience as an early church member. She was baptized at the Grimm’s family pool in Sta. Mesa. In 1964, the first LDS wedding in the Philippines was her marriage with Ruben Gapiz. When she was asked the question why she stayed at church for about 55 years, her answer was simple, “because I know the church is true.”

Sister Rufelia Salangad was not able to attend the fireside due to health reasons so her nephew read her remarks in her behalf. Her message focuses on her testimony about prayer. She remembered this as the first topic the missionaries taught her. She was baptized in 1963 at Angeles, Pampanga. She prayed sincerely so she could serve a mission. She served in 1966-1967. During this time Philippines is part of the Southern Far East Mission led by Elder Garner. She said that she learned to develop Christ-like attributes during her mission. She was sealed with her family in 1984. She was really grateful to Heavenly Father and testified that “money cannot buy the blessings [she] received.”

Brother Ruel Lacanienta, the son of Ruben Lacanienta bore his testimony. Their family was baptized in 1963. He encouraged everyone that the blessings their family received can be also received by anyone who accepts the Gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of the time of their baptism. He also said that “the Spirit worked on him” referring to his dad. His dad in his video message told his conversion story. The missionaries one day knocked on his door and gave him a book. After couple days, the missionaries came back and he said that he does not like reading the book because it was all about wars. He recently got back from war during that time. The missionaries patiently listened to him and asked if he knew that there was also war in heaven. He was shocked because he believed that heaven is a peaceful place so how come war occurred up there. This thought triggered his interest in listening to the missionaries. He said that he reviewed and studied diligently the book. After pondering about the book he concluded, “In a negative way, the Book of Mormon converted us.” As testified by his son, his dad’s heart was touched by the Spirit as he read the Book of Mormon.  Brother Ruben Lacanienta served as the first Stake President of the Makati and Paranaque Philippines Stakes.

Brother August A. Lim, the first Filipino General Authority addressed the congregation. After 9 months of investigating the church, he was baptized in 1964. He used to attend a Protestant School for about 10 years and felt that what he was learning from the Mormon missionaries are just the same except that they don’t have prophets. As he was studying, he read from Moroni 10:4 the invitation to read, ponder and pray about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. That verse left an impression on him and so he proceeded to read the Book of Mormon. While reading he felt that he did not want to stop. As he read, he found out the answer and testified, “I know the Book of Mormon contained the word of God as claimed by Joseph Smith.” This helped him decide to be baptized. Describing his feeling on his baptism, he said, “I felt the Spirit of God in our midst.” He felt that day was really special. He was inspired to make a promise to God that he will offer his life in serving the Lord. He concluded by testifying that “whom God calls, he qualifies and magnifies.”

Sister Mary Ellen Edmunds sent her love from the US through a video message. She was the first sister missionary in 1963 and came back as a health service missionary in 1973. She reminisced her mission in the Philippines through sharing some of the dearest experiences she had as a missionary. She remembered her first time experiences. The first baptism, first death, first time riding a jeepney, first time eating balut, 100% attendance of 6 people on Sunday, and the heartfelt prayer of Bro. Ocampo, who was a recent convert at that time. Although there were language barriers, her experience praying with Bro. Ocampo in mix English and Tagalog strengthened her testimony about God’s love and the Holy Ghost. She showed her journal and mentioned that about 75% of what’s written there was about the Philippines. He ended with an experience during their visit at a cave. She learned that just like how a candle filled the darkness in a very dark cave, they as missionaries can make a difference in the Philippines.

The last pioneer who shared her experience was Sister Milagros Emata, baptized in 1967. She emphasized the importance of a strong faith in Jesus Christ despite challenges and trials. She said that her witness of the miracles and multitudes of blessings helped her stay in the church. She also values having children reared in the light of the gospel. She remembered an experience when they were struggling financially with money. That time she specifically prayed to help her provide tuition fee for her children for the second semester. She went around the fish pond and prayed. She did this three times. And on the third round, to her astonishment, the multitudes of fishes jumped out of the water. With humor she said that the fish were telling her “do not worry, we’re just here!” Currently her family is very active in the church with her children and grandchildren serving in various church callings.

Elder Steven E. Snow in his remark emphasized the importance of keeping personal records. He said that “we are making the history”.  He also mentioned that the purpose of the said activity was to have a greater appreciation of Filipinos’ own history and to promote testimonies and faith. President Ian S. Ardern concluded the event by building on what Elder Steven Snow said about being “recorder of our own experiences.” He also quoted a famous quote, “The dullest pencil has a better memory than the sharpest mind.”  He encouraged everyone to be their “own history department” and to share what they’ve recorder to build others’ testimonies.

The members were inspired with greater appreciation of their local heritage through the pioneers’ history and a stronger commitment to be a record-keeper. Elder Raul Villanueva shared his feeling about hearing the pioneers for the first time:

I just gained a deeper appreciation for the pioneers particularly the local pioneers.  The Lord prepared them and raised them up to help in the early days of the church in the Philippines and it is inspiring to know that they are pioneers with a willing heart and mind, no doubt they will continue to serve in the church no matter what.

Sister Patricia Hernando shared her appreciation with those who lived and sacrificed before us:

As I look at the church growth here in the Philippines, I know that I will forever be grateful to the missionaries and pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in the Philippines. Because of their faith and sacrifices, I have the opportunity to enjoy the blessings of embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sister Rosie Ann Treyes shared her testimony about the activity, “This devotional not only strengthened my testimony of the value of knowing and loving our history but as well as making my life a history. A history of righteous choices and a history of service…”

Through this activity, members gained appreciation of their rich heritage, the sacrifice of the pioneers, their ancestors, and the early missionaries in the Philippines. Indeed, testimonies will be strengthened as we remember how merciful God was to everyone. Because of the histories shared by Mormon Local Pioneers, the younger generation had a greater desire to record significant current events and to take part in making the history of the church in the Philippines.

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So great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was … to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong … In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?

While he searched for truth with these thoughts in mind, he turned to the words in the Bible and he came across a verse in the Book of John that reads, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5) This verse made a very strong impression on him that he desired to ask the truth from God. In the spring of 1820, he humbled himself in prayer and supplication to know which sect to join. He wrote, continuing the verses in Joseph Smith – History chapter 1 verses 16-17, describing his experience:

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me [ … ] When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

In this vision, he was instructed not to join any denomination since none had the fullness of the gospel. This does not mean that everyone was evil and did not believed in Christ. It just means that they did not have the fullness of the gospel or the priesthood authority to baptize and perform other saving ordinances.

Like the times of old, the Lord called Joseph Smith to be the prophet of this last dispensation. He was visited and instructed by a heavenly messenger named Moroni to recover a book which contains the fullness of the gospel. Upon obtaining the book written in gold plates, he was commanded to translate the book in English language. Having these gold plates in his hands, every stratagem was devised to get the plates from him to get rich and to alter the sacred truths written on it. However, with Joseph’s faithfulness, the plates remained safe in his hands until he finished translating the book.

Joseph Smith Jr. was called by the Lord to establish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “John the Baptist appeared and conferred upon Joseph Smith and his associate Oliver Cowdery the Aaronic Priesthood, which includes the authority to perform the ordinance of baptism. Peter, James and John (three of Christ’s original Apostles) appeared and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, restoring the same authority given to Christ’s Apostles anciently.” (Preach My Gospel, p. 37) These priesthoods have been conferred to every living prophet after Joseph Smith until today.

Aside from his role in the Church, he was also a husband and a father. Although he was busy with his responsibilities as the prophet of the Church, he did not fail to give time to strengthen his relationship with his family. In times of persecution and imprisonment, his family was always in his thoughts. He exemplified the teachings of the Church on the importance of family in this life and the life to come.

He was persecuted and murdered while steadfastly holding on to the gospel of Jesus Christ that it was written of him, “”he lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and . . . has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood” (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3) He was a prophet, seer and revelator. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not worship him but recognize his faith and devotion on the restoration of the fullness of the gospel in this last dispensation. Knowing Joseph Smith brings us to an understand that there is a God and He lives and loves us and that there is a true Church He wants His children to know.

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My parents accepted the gospel before I was born, so I grew up a Mormon.  It was easy to believe and accept everything I’ve been taught my whole life and do the things Mormons do like going to seminary and not drinking coffee, etc. It all becomes second nature. However, there came a time when I started to ask questions and I started to wonder. And it was during that time that my own conversion story began.

My conversion story is very simple. It started when I began to read the Book of Mormon. Unlike other conversion stories I’ve heard, mine did not involve missionary visits or dreams or visions. I gained a testimony of the gospel as I read, pondered, and prayed about the Book of Mormon and that testimony grew as I kept the promises I’ve made with the Lord. There’s nothing dramatic about my story, but it’s as life changing as everyone else’s. It has strengthened me during challenging times and has brought comfort when everything in life looked bleak. The power of one’s conversion is not measured on how it happened, but on how it has changed one’s life.

Though our conversion stories differ, all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have received a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that is the reason why we continue to live our faith. It is the reason why we do the things we do. It has brought great happiness to our lives and that’s why we want to share it with others.

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It is an overwhelming feeling to see and hear the Apostles’ first testimonies to the public. Every single member of the Church feels the excitement from how the church is moving forward strongly. Though saddened from the passing of the previous apostle/s, everyone is strengthened by the hope that the Church can no longer experience an widespread apostasy or turning away of people from the truth. The first testimonies of the newly called apostles show the priesthood of God at work.

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