Archive of Testimonies #3

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16)

Please leave your comment on the main testimony page not on this page. Thanks!

Allen ( 6/10/2000 07:35 )
Comments	I am grateful for the love of Jesus Christ. As I think of his suffering in the garden and on the cross, I realize he didn’t do that for himself — he did it for me, that as I come to him in repentance, his suffering, through his grace, cleanses me from my sins! I’m grateful for his example in daily living. He is my mentor in life! He is my Savior and Redeemer! I know that he lives with God in the heavens!
Robert Hutton ( 9/10/2000 18:21 )
From	Scotland
Comments	It is a great blessing to be able to share a testimony with others and I am not one to decline such an invitation. I am grateful for sites such a this Allen and wish you success with it. I know the gospel is TRUE. I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ. Joseph Smith conversed with deity, even Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in that amazing grove of trees. The priesthood has been restored to the earth and I am proud to hold those priesthoods. The Book of Mormon is TRUE and is the Word of God in very deed. Why do I know this? Not because I am clever, because I am foolish and errant. Not because I have a DEGREE, but simply because I asked fervently with sincere intent and with a promise in my heart. To my eternal benefit, the Holy Ghost burned His confirmation in my heart and soul. In will NEVER EVER forget that night in my own personal grove of trees. Gordon Bitner Hinckley is a living prophet and BOY am I glad. Thank you Lord for finding me. Thank you Jeffrey Bryant Putnam, Larry Blaine Hoopes Jnr, Bill Croxall et al. Your loyal mission was not in vain. I love you guys and all the others who popped in to keep me on the rails. Life is tough and so are we. Stay VALIANT brothers and sisters, the adversary cannot win.
adam smith ( 14/10/2000 15:30 )
From	PA
Comments	I’ve been found after 34 years by my 1/2 brother (same father) i and my mother were left when i was born. i was raised without religion. my new brother and his family are Mormon, if our father was Mormon what does that make me? this is too sensitive to get into without some knowledge . i read the LDS WEBSITE and got some questions answered but not that one. does being a bastard son of a wayward Mormon father make me Mormon also . p.s. – my catholic wife says yes by default but im not catholic either please help
Sarah ( 18/10/2000 18:16 )
From	California
Comments	I have a testimony of the Gospel. It has brought me so much joy in my life. To know that Jesus died for my sins, and suffered unimaginable pains for my sake, makes me feel so grateful and humble for the sacrifices made for me. I have a testimony of the Atonement, and the fact that, if I can turn away from my mistakes, and repent of them, Heavenly Father will “remember them no more.” I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without my Ward Family, I would be lost. I am so grateful for my own family, who has put up with me for so very long. I have made them cry so many times, and hurt them so much. I am so grateful that they love me enough to forgive me. I am grateful for the sacrament, and the ability to re-cleanse my heart every week for the mistakes I make on a seemingly constant basis. I am grateful for my leaders; they guide and instruct me in such a way that I am led to the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ. My life would be empty without it’s truths. I am grateful for the chance to bear my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
SHELBY ( 9/11/2000 22:20 )
From	USA
Comments	JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY NO MAN COMES TO THE FATHER BUT THRU THE SON. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE NOT OF OURSELVES OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AS FILTHY RAGS THANK GOD FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THE LAMB OF GOD HIS SON JESUS CHRIST..
Carole ( 12/11/2000 13:13 )
From	New Zealand
Comments	I attended CCNZ (Mormon College) for 2 yrs and had extensive study & remained confused on many issues. 20 years later I met Jesus Christ, my Lord & Saviour who is God, Creator (all things were created through Him & for Him), Redeemer, Messiah & my dearest friend. I discovered that the Bible indeed is reliable and the final authority. If God said it – I believe it – & that settles it. I also discovered that salvation is nothing to do with Religion and a church , its about a personal relationship with Jesus and accepting his atonement for ALL my sins on the cross – that Hell is indeed a very real place and we have to make our choice now – its too late when we die, we don’t get another chance ( choose this day whom you sall serve) & (it is appointed for man to die ONCE & then comes judgement) Jesus suffered to save me from Hell & for that I am eternally grateful. I love Him & adore Him. He is King & reigns forever. He was, is and always will be God, from everlasting to everlasting, without begining & without end, the Alpha & Omega. I don’t need a burning in my stomach, when I have Jesus in my heart. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty – the ONE and only true God. He has turned my world upside down, my husband & 3 teens are all following him too, it is a priveledge to be called by Him & adopted as his children – born again – Spirit filled, and head over heels in-love. I believe in the Church – the body of believers, regardless of the name over the door. There is no salvation in a church – only in Jesus. He is the way, door,key, truth & life. He is not a god – He is God. No man will be “as he is now”. He is righteous & holy, and the only righteousness we will ever have is in Him – only His blood cleanses. I don’t believe Joseph Smith has got anything to do with our salvation – he was , like all mankind, just a sinner in need of a Saviour, I only hope he found Jesus before he died, as I hope all who don’t know him – who only know of Him do. God loves us totally and provided the ONLY way back to Him – JESUS CHRIST His ONLY Son. His grace is sufficient – His sacrifice total & complete – His plan perfect. He came to save us all. To atone for all our sins – not just Adams. The Bible is so full of amazing mysteries and truths that the Holy Spirit reveals – it is an awesome book, and you can get around the translation thing with a Greek & Hebrew concordance, which is fantastic for getting a deeper understanding of the meanings of some words. All I can say is – Jesus GOD BLESS YOU ALL
KASANDRA ( 15/11/2000 17:11 )
From	ARIZONA
Comments	I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE GOSPEL AND SHARING AND SPREADING THE WORD WITH ALL THAT I KNOW AND COME TO KNOW. I HAVE MADE MANY VERY CLOSE AND SPECIAL FRIENDS THAT MEAN A LOT TO ME. THE CHURCH AND THE LOVE OF GOD AND JESUS CHRIST HAVE HELPED ME THROUGH THE TOUGHEST TIMES OF MY LIFE. AND MY TRIALS AND ILLNESS. THE BISHOP OF THE CHURCH IS JUST WONDERFUL. AND THOUGH I AM NOT A CURRENT MEMBER AND HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED I AWAIT THAT DAY WITH JOY AND THE DAY THAT I CAN GO INTO THE TEMPLE. I WENT TO THE VISITORS CENTER, AND I FELT SO MUCH PEACE AS I WALKED OUTSIDE BY THE REFLECTING POOL AND LOOKED AT THE BIG TEMPLE I JUST FELT THE POWER I FELT THE SPIRIT COMING OVER ME CALLING ME I WANTED TO WALK INTO THE TEMPLE RIGHT THEN AND THERE I DIDN’T WANT TO WALK AWAY. I STOOD THERE FOR A GOOD 10 MINUTES JUST STARING AT IT. I WANT TO THANK THE MISSIONARIES AND EVERYBODY FROM THE CHURCH AND THE BISHOP AND ALL MY FRIENDS FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH MY TRIALS AND FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH ME AND CHANGING MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER.
Jillian ( 1/12/2000 18:15 )
From	Virginia
Comments	I became a member in February of 1999. I love the church and all of it’s members. I go to Girls Camp and enjoy myself. The only two times that I’ve borne my testimony are at Girls Camp. I like to talk but, not really in front of a lot of people. In June my home teacher Ben died in a fatal motorcycle accident. It hurt me as well as a lot of other people inside. I miss him so much and I took it really hard. He was only 21 and he got his mission call to go to Brazil. I think that if he was worthy enough to go on a mission then he was worthy enough to be in the Celestial Kingdom with Heavenly Father. I have been unable to attend church in a while because I work on Sunday mornings which hopefully will change this weekend. I regret that. Church is very important and so are holding up your standards. In the world today there are a lot of pressures that you could give in to if you really wanted to but those who don’t are super people to me. Yes, I admit that it is very hard to keep up with school and work (if you have a job) and young womens or young mens activities but those who do it have their priorities set. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Colton ( 8/12/2000 18:48 )
From	Utah
Comments	I just want to share my undying testimony, that Christ lives, and I will return to live with my Father in Heaven. I love this church so much I am so grateful to have seminary during school, and that at times in seminary I can bare my testimony to my friends. Through seminary I have come to realize the trueness of of our Saviour Jesus Christ,and how his sacrifice will save all who will believe. I am so geartfull that I have the opportunity to serve a mission. I don’t know what great thing I did In the pre-existence to be born into this faith, but I do thank my Father in Heaven for it. Again, I bare testimony that this is the true church, and my love for it will never end, and I promise you that if you read the scriptures to know this church is true, the answer will come and it will burn down in you so strong and so deep, that there is no denying it. “And by the power of the holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” Moroni 10:5
Calandra ( 11/12/2000 12:00 )
From	Indiana
Comments	I would like to know more about the Mormon religion.
Sadie ( 9/1/2001 23:31 )
Comments	I was wondering why you have pictures up of Jesus Christ and say you accept him as your Lord and Savior, when the LDS do not think his blood can cleans every sin? And that you must work hard to gain your place in a heaven when God just asks for us to face up to our sin believe in him and ask for forgiveness?Hello Sadie, You didn’t leave an email address, so I’ve chosen to attach a reply to your posting. You stated that LDS do not believe that the blood of Christ cleanses every sin. We do believe that His blood cleanses every sin except those committed by the sons of perdition. In fact, we believe that it is only through His blood that our sins can be forgiven or removed. You also stated that we believe that we must work hard to gain our place in heaven. We do believe that we must be obedient to God. We believe, as the Bible clearly teaches, that when the Judgment of God comes, we will be rewarded for our works. I will not give scriptures here to support those Biblical teachings; you can refer to my essays and book that are posted in my web site. We believe that forgiveness of sins, i.e. cleansing from sin, comes only through the grace of God. Our works do not bring forgiveness. Only Christ’s suffering in the garden and on the cross brings forgiveness. We believe that we must repent and turn from sin before Christ will allow his atonement to cleanse us. That is, our works are the doorway through which Christ allows his Atonement to cleanse us. You also believe that, in concept, because you believe that one must have faith in and confess Christ to be saved, that is, that we must exert works of faith and confession to be saved. Thus, it seems that our differences are more of degree than of concept. Let me repeat myself so I won’t be misunderstood. Mormons believe that salvation, both from sin and from the grave, comes only through the grace of God. We can not work our way to heaven. We can not gain forgiveness by our works. Forgiveness comes only through the gift of Christ as the pascal lamb, the Messiah, the Redeemer. In order to receive the effects of that Atonement, though, we must repent and keep God’s commandments. As it says in Luke, Except ye repent ye shall likewise perish. There are many Biblical scriptures that teach obedience. Christ provided the Atonement through his suffering. He gives it to us conditionally. From your viewpoint, the conditions are faith and confession. From our viewpoint, the conditions are those plus repentance and obedience to God. You and I both believe that Christ gives the Atonement conditionally! This testimony page is not the place for debate. I decided to post an answer to you, because I felt you should receive answers to your concerns, and I couldn’t email you directly. If you would like to discuss this further in a spirit of love, not contention, please email me directly. Unfortunately, I do not have a message board in my site.
Skylara ( 10/1/2001 21:22 )
From	Ohio
Comments	I am not Mormon… yet. I still have a ways to go before I am acceptable for Temple. But I am getting there, and soon… I’ll be home. Anyhow… this is my testimony and I’m so happy to be able to share with you and hope you welcome me. I would dearly love to be able to talk to others. ************************************** Growing up, I was subject to “preaching.” Teachers standing before me, putting out their information; preachers standing before me, expounding their teachings; parents and influential adults standing before me, shoving their beliefs and ideals down my throat. I pulled away. A fish is still a fish, God is still God, lying is still bad. But the form these facts were presented to me turned me off. I was never one to sit and listen and learn by rote. I craved involvement. I crave intellectual and spiritual stimulation. I didn’t get it… and I pulled away. Then, as if in answer to my silent pleas, I was placed into the “fast track” at school. My schedule was finally filled with teachers that knew how to get us involved. Hands-on projects, students preparing and presenting lessons. Teachers with charisma who made learning the facts fun. Teachers who kept our attention. Teachers who brought out the best in us. I returned, craving more. My family and other adults, after seeing the change in me, answered my silent pleas. Finally coming to understand me, they realized that I would learn life’s lessons best with a gentle guiding touch as I made my way through my own experiences and my own mistakes. Instead of lecturing, they waited until I approached them for advice. Instead of force-feeding me life… they let me live it. I turned to them, eager for their guidance and approval. But spiritually, I still drifted in a dull haze of lectures. Even Sunday School was a passive experience. More preaching, no thinking. Our crafts were even pre-planned and limited – 5 minutes and a few drops of glue later and our childlike joy was shelved once again. Never were we given the option to ask questions to help us better understand God and Jesus Christ. Never did they gently guide us towards the light and the love. And I pulled away. At the age of 12, after my family finally realized that I learned best by learning on my own and making my own decisions… I made a life-altering decision. A decision that had I not made, may never had sent me down the road towards who I am now. I chose not to go the our Church’s Easter Program… and from that point forward, left the church altogether. At the age of 12, I chose my own path and walked it – away from the light. When asked by my great-grandfather, a Protestant preacher for the church I left… why I walked away… my three words left him speechless. “I am agnostic.” Imagine, a 12-year-old telling a man that she was agnostic… and that child fully understanding the meaning of the word as she spoke it. And he saw in this child… in me… what his church had cultivated… the power of doubt. Through this pulling away, I searched for the tangible. The beauty of the full moon, of the smallest flower, of the sunset. Content of lying upon a grassy hill, making sense of the shapes of the clouds. Going for quiet, introspective walks in the soothing shadows of the night. If I could see it, touch it, smell it – it was real – it was my paradise – it was what I believed in. Then, while preparing a report for school, information she stumbled across gave her hope. And then for nine years, I walked the path of a Wiccan. Nature-lover, believer of a Goddess, believer of reincarnation. That path gave me a measure of happiness… because it let me follow what I already loved… my love for nature and it’s creatures. But it never really left me feeling… at peace… as if it had been the right path to take… or just the easiest. Then I met him. A man who was able to rebuild my faith in love and trust… the intangible. And through this trust, I agreed to go to church with him. To see what it was that gave the man that had laid claim to my heart such peace and happiness… and to see if it could do the same for me. And from my first visit, I knew. As if in a blinding flash of understanding, I knew. Yes, God does exist. Yes, Jesus Christ had walked upon this earth and still to this days lives in our hearts. And I wondered to myself how this knowledge could have come to me so suddenly? This church – they cared about how the facts were presented. They made it a point to get their members involved. They made learning the facts enjoyable and not a mechanical, passive experience. But there had to be something else. Why did this way succeed when others had failed? Why? It’s simple really… because it’s the truth. The true church, the true way… And they brought me “home.” And I returned.
RHONDA OVERGARD ( 2/2/2001 09:17 )
From	WYOMING/but moved to Canada
Comments	I want to begin this with a thankfulness in my heart for the gift of repentance! In the last 15 months, i did about every thing i could to ruin my life! I left my family, (husband, son and daughter) because of an affair i had. I didn’t give my family a chance to accept what i did, or a chance to forgive me, i just ran! I was very lucky in one aspect though, i found a wonderful man that would do all he could to keep me very happy, even join the church, happily too. But when i left, i hurt my children and husband very deeply, my marriage was a rocky one, some abuse, control, and communication problems were there. I went in two weeks ago for my disciplinary counsel, I felt sooooo wonderful after i confessed my sins, i felt very loved by my bishopric. They didn’t want to make a hasty decision that night, they wanted to pray and ponder their decision, and ask if they could meet with me the following Tuesday. The following Tuesday i was told i was to be disfellowshipped, it was a wonderful relief, i was sure i was going to be ex-communicated, but the Lord knew i had spent a year repenting and going to church. One of the bishopric gave me a book, “The Worth Of A Soul” by Steven Cramer it was about a man that was ex-communicated, his life was awful, and i related so well to him, i went through alot of the things he did, and the same feelings too, i soon understood how and why i was feeling the way i was. I feel stronger, wiser, and ready to do the right thing in the chruch now, no more straddling the fence, i have a second chance and i am going to take it! I would leave u with my testimony, but one of the stipulations of my disfellowshipping is that i can not give my testimony in public, but be assured, i love this church, and Heavenly Father with all my heart!
Rose Gagnon ( 4/2/2001 20:51 )
From	Nevada
Comments	I am imperfect and not always a good Mormon, but I know with complete certainty that this religion was given as a gift to restore the gospel to all. I believe it is the greatest chance we have to know God and grow to the state of being that we need to be. In spite of all of the imperfect humans that have caused this religion to be and to grow, it has become a cornerstone of faith and is recognized as one of the major religions. I say this in Jesus name, Amen
Chris Hurley ( 22/2/2001 03:16 )
From	Texas
Comments	Art and Music. Also trying to prove myself worthy while here on earth. – People, the time fast approaches when we will be asked to make an accounting of our lives. Are we preparing? Will our report be joyful or full of sorrow? Hint: Let’s repent today and clear the slate now…let Christ lift that weight from off your shoulders so we may smile again! It feels much better than carrying our burdens around and frowning. Love – Chris
nate jensen ( 24/2/2001 23:32 )
Comments	I love this network of Mormon sites
Christine Earnshaw ( 19/3/2001 17:03 )
From	Canada
Comments	I came to Christ in 1997 when my first child was born. I had a normal pregnancy and 3 day’s before my due date at 3:50 am I started hemorrhaging. I was immediately rushed to the hospital where the doctor on call said that my baby was in distress and they needed to do an emergency c-section. I was so scared, and at that time I hadn’t accepted Christ so I had no one to lean on. The nurse put me under and when I woke she told me that I had had a girl. She was born at 4:50 am. We named her Victoria. At that time I had no idea what the name meant, and how it would fit into her life. When I got to finally see her it was about 9 am and my mother met me in the hall and warned me not to be surprised by her appearance. She had so many wires and monitors hooked up to her that the only thing I could do was cry. She was alive, but the doctors had to revive her when she was born. What happened was my placenta had separated which prevented oxygen from getting to the uterus. She was without oxygen for an hour or more. This caused her to have seizures. The only way we could tell she was having them was to watch a monitor, there was no movement. The doctors would not even let me touch her for fear that she could have another seizure. That was the first day. The next morning I was informed she was being moved to another hospital because the one she was in did not have the resources to help her. She was now in an oxygen tent and still comatose. They took her around noon and I could not ride in the ambulance with her. I was discharged later and went to the other hospital that evening. When I was admitted and settled in my room I was finally allowed to see Victoria. She had gotten worse and was not able to breath on her own. The doctors had also done a brain scan to determine the amount of brain activity and there was none. My husband and I were then called into a room and 2 doctors and Victoria’s nurse were there. We sat down and that was when they suggested we should let her die (take her off the machines). After realizing the life she would have if we didn’t, and pressure from the doctors we reluctantly agreed. It was then that the nurse asked me if I wanted to hold my baby. All I could do was cry. I was so mad at God for this happening. I don’t feel this way now because I’m saved but then I was MAD. I held my baby for the first time. She was just like a doll, tubes in her and she was so small. I don’t know how long I held her but I cherished every minute of it. This was the end of the second day. The next morning when I went to see her the doctors had already begun to wean her off the medicine for the seizures (which she was still having) and the life support systems. This would take all day so it would not be such a shock to her system. I can’t quite describe the feeling of knowing that your only child was going to die. I felt guilty- who wouldn’t. All day I wondered if there wasn’t any thing else we could have done. A doctor had suggested putting an oxygen mask on her if it looked like she was going, but this really would not help her-only prolong the inevitable. We opted not to use the mask. I had asked the chaplain to bless her before the machines were taken off and she came that evening to do it. Later around supper time everyone had left to eat because we still had a few hours to go. About 10 minutes later I got a call from the nurse saying they took her off and she had only 30 minutes to live. Well, we immediately tried to get a hold of everyone and when we did, we all met in a little room just off the nursery. The nurse had dressed Victoria in a dress my cousin had bought for her birth,and she brought her to us and we all took turns holding her and taking pictures and crying. Twice in that first hour we thought she was going to die and slowly everyone left either because they couldn’t take any more ro because they were tired. At 3 am I was still holding her and she was still alive. My nurse made me go to bed because I was still recovering from the c-section. I was so afraid that if I let her go then she would die. This was the end of the third day. The next morning I called the nursery and she was not there. I freaked, I thought she died and they didn’t tell me. Then someone came through my door with an isolette and Victoria inside. She was still alive. She was in the isolette because she was having trouble keeping her body temperature up and this would help. She had not had a seizure since the afternoon before and she was opening her eyes and moving a bit and she even cried when I had to change her diaper. I had never heard a more beautiful sound. It was then that I took Jesus in my heart and thanked God for this miracle. It was an absolute miracle. And her name means Victorious. A few days later the doctors did another brain scan and it revealed all sorts of brain activity. Its been explained that the medicine for the seizures was doing this , but I know it was God. She never had another seizure and now she is a happy healthy 3 year old. She is a little behind due to the brain damage, but she is doing very well for a child who was supposed to die, or be a vegetable if she lived. I just wanted to share this testimony so that people know that miracles happen every day, and when you come to Christ, you see with new eyes and you notice the little miracles as well as the big ones. Sometimes it takes the big ones to bring us to Him, so we can appreciate the little ones. I still find myself thanking God every day for her being here.
Cari Hayward ( 3/4/2001 12:17 )
From	Washington
Comments	I just found this page today, and I am thankful that I did. I have been a member of the church my whole life, but it wasn’t until about 1 yr ago that I found my testimony. I always believed that the church was true, but I never really knew. About a yr ago, I finally got my life totally together, and got to go to the temple for the first time. I Know that I will never doubt the truth again. My husband and I are going to be sealed in just a few weeks, and I am more greatful for that then anything else in this world. I know that the church is true, and that God loves us. I know that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that we can be forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
James Green ( 7/4/2001 22:09 )
From	Iowa
Comments	I am a 28 year old that lives in Iowa. I am also a convert to the church. My testimony of the church will be in an upcoming Ensign. My conversion came after a long struggle with alcohol. My wife was growing tired of my drinking and put me out. I was staying with a life long friend who was a member but inactive. I was there about a week, I just got off work and was drinking a beer. My friend’s sister got off the phone and jerked the beer out my hand and was dumping it down the sink. I asked her what she was thinking and she said the Elders were coming. This meant nothing to me at the time. But she was still active in the church and I could see that it meant a lot to her. She was nice enough to clean our apartment every week so I helped. It was my job to hide the vast sea of empty beer cans while she hid all the signs that a smoker lived there. About the time we were finished the door bell rang. She told me to answer it. When I got there it was two young kids wearing suits and packing back packs. The more outgoing of the two stuck his hand out and said. “Hi. I’m Elder Bennett how are you?” I thought to myself that I was in no mood to talk to this kid. My wife just put me out, I was depressed and half drunk. At any other time I would have told him to get out of my face. But for some reason that day I didn’t have it in me. But I still lied to him and said I would love to talk to him but I was on my way out the door. Without taking the smile off his face he said, “Well that’s good. We can’t stay anyway. But we can set up another time to visit.” To get him to go I agreed on the following Tuesday with every intention of standing them up. I watched him write out our appointment on his piece of blue paper and shake my hand along with Elder Becker and they said their farewells and walked out the door. That following Tuesday I didn’t need an excuse, I had a reason. Where I worked had got a lot of new patients and I had to work late. So I called them up and told them I could not make it. When I hung up the phone I realized I had made another appointment rather than just canceling it. So the following Wednesday they were at my place teaching me the first discussion and giving me courtesy laughs at stupid jokes. We read from the Book of Mormon together. I heard about Joseph Smith and the restoration. Then they left after about three hours and I began reading an assignment that they had given me that was in Moroni. After my home work was done I still wanted to read and I was in the middle of the book. So I started at the beginning of the book and read that night and the following day. That Friday and Saturday I was taught the second and third discussions and that Sunday I was in church. By the time the Word of Wisdom lesson came around I had already quit drinking. I went back home to my wife and she had been reading the bible. She was agnostic. And I thought it would be hard for her to believe what I was starting to believe. While I was deciding whether or not the Book of Mormon was true she was deciding whether there was a God and if the Bible was true. She met the Elders through me and began to learn. After six discussions for her and nine for me, we were baptized on June 29 of 1999 and have been active since. The church has changed our lives. We have since been sealed as an eternal family and both enjoy callings.
Paul Schneider ( 22/5/2001 19:59 )
From	Florida
Comments	I know with out a doubt in my mind that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is the restored Gospel. I know that I am a chosen son of God to be here in these latter days, I know that I will be there for the first morning of the First day of the Second coming. I Know. My patriarchal Blessing has no lies in it. I know that I will do the things which the lord has commanded of me and that I will serve a mission and that I will Be there on that wonderful Day. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, The holy ghost can not lie and no one can tell me otherwise. I know That I would rather Die than Deny the truth of this holy church. I have a mission on this earth and it is to get as Close as I can to heavenly father and to prove myself worthy to be in his glorious Kingdom. I know it, and think of it every day of my life. I have been blessed to have the Teachings of Christ and his disciples ready for me to partake of. I know it. I Fear the wrath of God, I compare it to no other. For the wrath of God is all we have to Fear, the rest is just obstacles. Obstacles are there so that we learn to watch our Step and not give up when we first fall from the obstacles. I know I have fallen before, and will again, But I have made a Promise to god to come back Nothing will stand in the path of my goal. We all will fall sooner or later, its just a matter if we get up and not fall over the same Stump! I leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Michael Rankin ( 27/5/2001 13:07 )
From	England
Comments	I have a testimony of the restored gospel and the dispensation of the fulness of times if these hadn’t have happened i would not be here sending this email all the great discoveries have been made since then, all the advances in medicine, science, technology radio, computers all these were kept back for this dispensation. Joseph Smith was a remarkable young man who through his faith entered into the grove of trees to offer his prayer I know that he had the revelations that lead to the gospel being restored on the earth I am thankful for this and that I am in the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jenny B. ( 23/6/2001 22:10 )
From	Oregon
Comments	Just to say that I’m incredibly grateful for this church. I know the true power that prayer can bring and I am so grateful for it. I truly believe that it can bless all those who believe in it. It will help what ever is needed in your life (trust me!)!!!
Tanda ( 2/8/2001 08:32 )
From	Kansas
Comments	I am so happy to be able to share my testimony. As a teenager I had many years of inactivity in the church. When I got married I shared with my nonmember husband how important it was for me to be married in the temple. Slowly we started going to church. Then in January of 2000 my husband left myself and our 6 month old son for 6 months to join the Army (he had to go to Basic Training and AIT). It was a long 6 months. I guess that during our time of separation and loneliness the spirit was very strong for both of us. My husband called me one week before we were to go see him graduate from Basic Training and told me that he was going to be baptized while I was there. It was a very humbling experience for me. I knew that he had grown to love the Savior and the gospel. We worked very hard for the next year to become temple worthy. On June 1, 2001 we celebrated our 5th anniversary. It was the best anniversary that we have had so far. We were sealed as a family for time and all eternity in the St. Louis Temple. I have born my testimony in Sacrament telling the youth how important the church is and I feel that very strongly. I don’t know where I would be in my life without the church. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet, and that Gordon B. Hinckley is our current prophet. I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation and for the opportunity that I have to be here on earth and to learn and grow so that some day I can be with my Heavenly Father, and now I can also be with my husband and children forever also. I bear my testimony that I know the church is true and that we are all children of God. I do this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Stephan Gerlach ( 12/10/2001 06:37 )
From	Germany
Comments	I just finished a mission for the Church. I was for two years in the England Birmingham Mission. During the two years I learned a lot. The two main things I learned are 1. Jesus Christ lives and he loves us 2. The Church is true Many people asked me to prove that the Book of Mormon and the church are true. I usually told them: “I can`t prove it to you. I can only prove it to myself. The only person who can prove that to you is you. I can help you to prove it.” But they didn`t want that help. I know that the Church of Jesus Chrit is the only church on this earth with all the truth. Joseph Smith was called by God and Jesus Christ to restore the everlasting gosple. Gordon B. Hinkley is the living prophet on earth. The Book of Mormon is true. It was written by prophets of old for our time. I know it not because my parents or some churchleaders told me but because I asked the source of truth. God. He knows what is right and what is wrong. We can ask him in prayer and he will answer us. He will answer us with the Holy Ghost. We will get feeling we can`t explain, good feelings. But when we get the feelings, we know where they come from and what they mean. Every person need to do that on her/his own. People can help each other to prepare for that, but in the end it is our own job. I want to invite everyone to do it now. If member or not. Please kneel down and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true, If Joseph Smith was a prophet and if the Church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN
stephanie ( 7/12/2001 11:05 )
Comments	I am thankful for the opportunity to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. This is neat that there is an internet site where people can share their testimonies. I know that this church is true and that Joseph Smith is a true and real prophet.
Allen ( 16/12/2001 16:11 )
Comments	As we approach the time at which we remember the birth of our Savior, I’m grateful for him. I’m grateful for his love, his grace for us. I’m grateful for his example to us of how to live our lives in love and service to others. Since September 11, people have been searching for peace. Let us remember that it is only through Jesus Christ that true peace will come, after we have the “change of heart” spoken of in the Book of Mormon. After the Savior visited them, as recorded in 4 Nephi, the Nephites lived for about 170 years with no hate, no crime, no evil among them, because of the love in their hearts. I pray that the time will come when we have a society like that!
Elder Michael Ross Maitland ( 25/1/2002 13:12 )
From	Scotland
Comments	Well, I’m not a Missionary yet, but I will be very very very soon. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is the only true Church on the earth today. I know this because it has been instilled into my soul. I have had a revelation through the Holy Ghost that God does live. Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. I know this to be true. I also know, through the power of the Holy Ghost, that I was foreordained to go on a Mission to Leeds, England. I know this because I felt the Spirit whisper into my heart as I read the mission call aloud to myself. I know God wants me to do this. As I received my testimony through someone bearing their testimony, it is my prayer that when I bear my own testimony someone will be humble enough to hear my words and feel of the love that Heavenly Father has for us, and receive revelation as I did. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Eric ( 21/2/2002 01:31 )
From	Phoenix
Comments	When I was fourteen years old, I remember being frightened one night. There was something out there in the dark. Something that seemed to suck in the pitch black darkness that was already there. As I sat there I remember thinking back to when I was a small child in primary. I remembered singing lots of songs with other children during that time. What had stuck out in my memory was what my primary teacher had said, “If you are ever alone or scared, sing a song.” I grabbed hold to that idea and thought to myself, “What songs do I remember?’ I couldn’t remember any as hard as I could try. I could remember how the melody to, “I am a Child of God” though. I began praying, “Father I remember my primary teacher telling me to sing a song if I am afraid, I don’t remember any, but I do remember the melody to “I am a Child of God.” Help me to remember the song so I can sing it. As I began to sing, little by little the words came to me. Then all of a sudden I felt this overwhelming feeling, a feeling of peace, a feeling of great love that our Father has for us. My fears quickly subsided and disappeared. That time I remember I felt like nothing could harm me. I could do anything. That night was one of the most beautiful nights of my life. Later on in my life I went to live with a foster family on the Indian placement program that the church had at that time. I learned a little more of the church. When I graduated from high school I joined the United States Marine Corps. During boot camp I prayed a lot. I felt alone, I was different than other recruits. I did not cuss, or talk demeaning of women. I felt left out many times. Soon some of the recruits would make fun of me. After boot camp graduation, I went to MCT Marine Combat Training. I fell ill, for two weeks I had a head ache that seem to pound with my heart beat and every step I took, I had the runs and was constipated at the same time. I think those MRE’s did it. I had the flu. I was shivering because of it. When someone touched me I felt an unpleasant chill run throughout my body. Hand to hand combat was not fun during this time. Later I went to Marine Corps Air Station in 29 Palms, Ca. I continued to refuse to drink cuss and the whole nine yards. Instead of partying I was in the Barracks or doing things on my own. At Camp Kinser Okinawa Japan, I still felt left out. I wanted so much for someone to share fun and stuff with. Then came a time that we had come back from Korea and we had just gone through tons of hard times. One Marine at a club offered to buy me a drink and I thought, “We went through a bunch of stuff together, this Marine wants to relax and have some company.” So for the first time I agreed to drink. That first drink was hard to drink, it tasted awful. After the third bottle I was buzzed and I decided to find out how it felt to get wasted. I did and the MP’s had to come pick me up because I had past out in front of the club. I had Navajo friends there who partied during the weekends and for the first time I partied. It was fun. I was mingling and having fun with other people. At the time it was awesome. I found myself thinking one day, I am drinking to much. So I decided to quit, and I picked up the Book of Mormon and started reading it. It was hard to understand at first, but as I continued reading as days went by it became easier to understand. For some reason I decided I would read the whole book. Somewhere between starting and ending the book, I felt I had to repent and start going to church. Again I felt left out, But I started going to church. Around this time I was getting ready to head back to the United States. I was ready to get onboard the Freedom Bird. When I got to my next duty station at Camp Pendleton 14 area, I tried to find a LDS church to go to. I looked in the phone book and there were tons listed, the only problem was I had no idea where the streets were. Since I didn’t have a car I walked out to town and walked the streets hoping I would find one. Two weeks later I found one. I started going. I thought now I will be able to have friends that don’t drink and stuff. Well I found the members didn’t seem all that excited to see me. I felt left out, Every time I went to church I would come back to the barracks feeling worse than before I had gone. Nevertheless I went to church every weekend. It was hard and it hurt every time I went. As time went on though I found friends. My first one I met in a bicycle shop. He was not a member at the time. But he started going and we became friends. Soon I had tons of friends and I was a lot happier. I talked with the bishop and confessed all my sins. One night as I was lying in bed these words came to me, “Thy sins are forgiven.” I sat up and pondered about it. I felt clean and refreshed. For a couple years or so I continued going. I couldn’t wait to get out of the Marines so I could go serve a mission. One day I woke up and felt different. A few weeks later I felt like our father wasn’t there anymore. I got out of the Marines and went on my mission. I would experience feelings I never had experienced before. They were awful, it took everything I had to serve my mission. There were nights where I prayed for hours to be comforted. I couldn’t sleep because of those feelings. After my mission about six months later I began chewing again because I couldn’t get rid of those feelings and it felt like no matter how hard I tried to pray for help, it didn’t come. So I felt our Father wasn’t there anymore. a year later I started drinking again because it was those times I could have fun. I quit once again and started going to church. It was hard, then one day I met the most beautiful girl that I had ever seen in my life. I didn’t always think that even though she is attractive. I fell for this young lady, but she wasn’t interested in me in that way. SO again I was plunged into a great depression. I began to wonder how I could feel better. I was going to church and one day I picked up the Book of Mormon and like it was meant for me I read this. 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. 9 For this, the waters of Noah unto me, for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee. 10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. 11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee. 15 Behold, they shall surely gather together against thee, not by me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. 16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. 17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. I felt pretty good afterwards, then one night I felt pretty bad again and couldn’t sleep. I decided maybe I should read the scriptures. I picked up the Book of Mormon and it flopped open to the same scriptures, and this time I was being promised by our Father. I had always wondered why our Father allowed the Native Americans to suffer and to be smitten. I always thought, “My grandfathers didn’t do anything wrong, why did we endure through these things, it wasn’t our fault. Why must we suffer these things because of what Lamen and Lemuel did?” A reply from the spirit came to me. “You or your grandfathers didn’t do anything to suffer these things, but you also didn’t do anything to inherit the great blessings given to your forefathers Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and you.” That was pretty neat to me. There is a thing called a Sundance performed by Native Americans. At one point we go without food and water for four days. During this time we experience great trials and sufferings, We don’t do it for ourselves. We do it for a loved one. We suffer and cry for them. What makes it possible for us to suffer this is we have great love for who we are doing it for. The bond between the dancer and the one being dance for gets stronger. Love can make you do anything, it makes you superman, you can over come all things with it. Just like the Sundance, our Savior Jesus Christ had great love for us. Because he had that love, he was able to endure all that he did for us. He suffered, he was betrayed, he died because he loved us. He did the ultimate Sundance. Love is what makes us do the impossible. When I bless the sacrament I start crying because I know this I know that this church is the only true living church on this planet. I know that God and Jesus Christ do live. I know that they love us. I can never deny this because it is true. Even the birds and trees testify of this truth. I know that like Christ we all must continue to no matter how rocky the trail. If we follow the two great commands to love god and our neighbor we too can overcome all things. You must first have love and charity. When you are ever sad, sing a song. Walk out to mother nature where all things testify of our Creator, You will notice that the trees, the flowers stand up taller, they say, “look, a child of God is in our presence, lets make our selves more beautiful so that he or she may enjoy what the our creator has created for him or her.” The birds say the same thing and sing their best songs, the mountains stand taller and the spirit comes to embrace us. In your sadness you might see this and your eyes will become waterfalls and then their will be a rainbow in your soul. I say this in the name of our beloved brother, the son of the almighty and highest, Our Savior and friend, the one who suffered for us, he who bled from every pore, Our advocate with the father, Jesus Christ amen.:)