Archive of Testimonies #5

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:15)

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

Stephen Modaell ( 31/7/2002 18:23 )
From	Texas
Comments	God’s Grace and Mercy are real, my life is proof of that! Hi, my name is Stephen Modawell and I live in Arlington, TX. For 35 years I have carried some of the deepest darkest secrets know to mankind. A year ago, though the power and workings of God, I found a group of men to change all of that… I stood before this group a couple of months later and told them every dark sin that had stained my life (full confession!). For the first time I found true Christian friends and God’s unconditional love! Over the last year I have grown in my spiritual life like I had only read about in books! My walk with Christ is one of Victory, my relationship with the Holy Spirit is only of strength and honor! My first memory in life is of a sexual nature, then they just keep coming… being sexually abuse by a female family member and then being raped by 6 teenage boys at a very young age… my life has been confused to say the least. The mind is a very complex thing. One would think that being raped by the same sex would cause you to run the other direction, but that is not always the case and it wasn’t that way with me… I spent many years trying to fill voids in my life by developing male relationships. The only thing that I had been taught over the years was that if you wanted male “friends” then you had to have sexual relationships to keep them. So very far from the truth and now I have some great relationships that demonstrate the Power of Christ! God has worked in my life in ways that are mind-boggling. The burning desires that I have now, are for him. I also want others to know the TRUTH and know that there is POWER in the BLOOD, power that can bring you out of the darkest sins… even homosexuality! With my earliest memory being of a sexual nature, many folks ask… “Don’t you think you were born gay?” my honest reply… “I don’t know, but I do know that I was born a sinner! I know that my life has grieved the Holy Spirit, giving dishonor to God, but because of his Grace, I am free of that darkness… and my life does honor him now! God is calling me to share my story with those that will listen, I have Churches that have asked me to come and speak! God has done great things in the past year and NOW THAT I AM LISTENING!!! I can’t wait to see what he does in 2003! Because of Grace, Stephen Modawell
Mark Pack ( 2/8/2002 16:30 )
From	Missouri
Comments	My Testimonial started back in late December of 1997, or January of 1998 I can’t remember for sure, I was watching T.V. and several times I noticed an ad for a free Bible. Just call the 1-800 number and they would deliver me a Free Bible, with no cost or obligation. Every time I saw the ad I thought about my old bible on the shelf. The Cover was badly worn, but the contents were like new (Due to lack of use). And those of you that know me know I can’t pass up anything for FREE. So after seeing the ad several times from Some Church group” I decided to give them a call. What could it hurt anyway? I was secure in my beliefs A few days later 2 young women came knocking on my door, with my new FREE Bible. They came into our home and I was very impressed with these two young women, who braved the snow and cold to bring me my Bible. They discussed several things about “Their Church”. But I really wasn’t interested but again I was only interested in my FREE Bible. I sort of half listened, they also gave me another free Book, “The book of Mormon”, and they asked me to read a few passages. I had never heard of the book before so I was a bit curious, I started to read bits and pieces of the book (in my favorite reading area, the bathroom). I sort of half listened as they came back time after time but some things didn’t quite click for me as; Why didn’t Nephi just get back into the boat and leave the new world, If he had so many problems? I threw up roadblock after roadblock. When the two young ladies came to the discussion on the “Word of Wisdom” Well, There was no way I was going to give up my Beer, Cigars, Ice Tea, and Coffee etc. I wasn’t going to do it No way, No how. End of discussion. I couldn’t seem to get it across to the 2 young women how impossible it would be for me to do. You might as well have asked me to fly to the moon, it wasn’t going to happen To prove the point I challenged one of the young ladies to give up one of her favorite things “Chocolate” for 6 weeks during Easter, I figured if she could do it, so could I. I think she learned what a challenge it was to ask someone to give up something that they have had most of your life. I also enjoyed teasing her with chocolates when she came over for the lessons (Cookies, Candy, Brownies, Ice Cream etc.). These two young women became apart of our family. I really looked forward to their coming over (But I didn’t let them know it) and I even enjoyed challenging them with off the wall questions, but Sister Durrant held steadfast and her favorite answer was “Ask Him when you see him”. (Boy have I made quite a list of questions for Our Heavenly Father). They even had our family scheduled for baptism; But We weren’t ready and slowly fell away. In January of 1999, I was transferred to the Quad City Area (On the Mississippi River) and we moved to Iowa. Sister Durrant Came Out once from Utah as she was passing through. Things were not bad for a couple of years until I lost my job of 16 years. I turned to my wife Carrie and said what’s keeping us in Iowa, no family, few friends and no job and it was COLD! So we packed up our things and moved to Florida. In Florida it was real ruff, things seemed to go from bad to worse, No jobs, No money, No friends and it seemed we were just flushing ourselves down the drain. Spiraling-downward with no relief in sight. Sure we went to church. And prayed, I think we both prayed allot during that time. Until one day a knock came upon the door and my wife Carrie answered it, it was two young Missionaries, She Looked at the two young men and said Thanks, but NO Thanks, and slammed the door on their face. She came back into the room and began to cry and she stated “I’ve been Praying to god to help us and I think I just slammed the door on him”. I told her to run outside and try to catch them (this might have been the answer to my prayers also), she ran outside but they were no where in sight. We went outside to work in the yard (I think we were both hoping to see the missionaries again). I noticed the two missionaries walking down the street. I signaled to Carrie and she ran to offer them something to cool to drink. They came over and we apologized for our rudeness. And Asked them to come in (Where it was cool) as it was about 90 degrees outside. They came into our home and started the discussions and again they gave us a Bible and another “Book of Mormon” Again they were FREE. How could we go wrong? Again at my favorite price “FREE”, this time I started to listen (At least a little bit) they began coming over and doing discussion with my wife and children. And they prayed with us. And asked us to pray to our Heavenly Father for Help. I still had a problem with the “Word of wisdom” Stuff. But I think it wasn’t giving up the things that I was afraid of, but I was more afraid of not being able to do it, that was the problem. Again some things still didn’t quite line up. (But I was willing to listen). About this time I received a Job offer, then another, it seemed God finally was answering our prayers. I came to the Detroit area for a job interview and to be tested just before Thanksgiving. And a few days later I was on my way to Michigan and back into the world of the employed. I had to leave my family which was extremely difficult for me, but I kept reminding myself it was for the good of the family. For several months I traveled From Michigan to Florida and back. During this time Carrie and all the children (Except Johnny) were baptized. I was a bit jealous at not being there and not being able to take part, but again I remembered the “Word of Wisdom” and got over it. In Mid-February, I found a house and rented it sight unseen by Carrie and the rest of the family. In March my family finally moved to Warren MI., It was Friday before Easter. I was working 12 hours a day, So Carrie and the children went to church on their own. A couple of days later I came home and found 2 young men on my porch talking to Carrie, They introduced themselves as Elder Griffiths and Elder Jones. It seemed like I knew these 2 young men my whole life. Again we started the discussions and again I threw up roadblocks, asking questions I knew there was no possible answer. They again asked me to read and pray, this time I said I would. I prayed for several days and read several passages out of The Book of Mormon. I wanted God to let me know that what these 2 Elders were saying was true, and this WAS the true church of God. I had a rare couple of days off and was flipping through the channels on the T.V. and I seem to stop on and old black and white movie. And then I realized it was the Movie “Brigham Young”. So I looked up and said” I suppose you want me to watch this? So I watched it, and felt very enlightened. To the point I said to myself I wish I could have seen the whole movie as I missed the first 20 minutes or so. I read more that ever, wanting to know more and more, not quite sure why. The next day I again was flipping through the T.V. Channels and guess what I found on the old movie channel “Brigham Young” and it was just starting, this time I knew it was a message from God, sent directly to me. So I watched it again, this time from beginning to end, I was memorized by the movie I continued with the lessons, with a few less roadblocks but still having problems with the “Words of Wisdom” Elder Griffiths gave me a jar of Postum to replace Coffee, Carrie started buying Non-Alcoholic Beer, They weren’t exactly the same but it was livable. But I Still smoked 3-4 cigars a day, I held out no hope as I smoked for more than 15 years. I still had some Problems and Questions that just didn’t make since to me. When I asked the Elders, They told me to pray and God would answer. So I did, I Continued to read the book of Mormon (a few chapters here and a few there) but it still didn’t come together. I prayed night after night asking God for enlightenment. One evening after work I again was flipping through the T.V. Channels (To The History Channel) A Documentary came on about the Lost Tribes of Israel, as I watched it felt like God again was answering my prayers, and talking directly to ME. I had to know more, I was in Information overload, and it was like everything clicked to the ON position. I had to talk to someone, anyone about what god had shown me. I had Carrie Call the Elders; it was ~11:00 at night, (it was also Elder Jones Last Day as he was being transferred). And we talked for about an hour. All My questions were answered, and I felt God has truly Blessed Me with the knowledge he has given to me. On June 2, 2002 my son Johnny and I were baptized. On June 9th, 2002 I was Ordained to the Office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. As to the “Words of Wisdom” Not a Problem, No Alcohol, No Cigars, No Tea, No, Coffee, and Thanks to Gods grace I had no Problem giving these things up. I don’t even miss it or even desire it. I would like to Personally Thank the following People without whose help I wouldn’t be here right now: Sister Durrant Sister Hemming Elder Meldrum Elder Cannon Elder Griffiths Elder Jones Elder Allred I would like to leave you with one final thought: Even the mighty oak tree once started out as a seed, not every seed grows right away, but it will never grow until you plant it. May God Bless you as he has blessed me, Mark Pack Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints Amen
Nikki ( 10/8/2002 10:40 )
From	USA
Comments	I love the Lord with all my heart. I just got back from girl’s camp and it was the most spiritual experience I’ve ever had. We did an iron rod activity where we were blindfolded and had to hold on to a rope until someone physically pulled our hands off the rope. There were tempters and encouragers all around me. Many girls fell off and heard someone say something like, “Satan hates you. He wants you to fail. Heavenly Father loves you. Hold on to the rod.” They then tried again. I was really scared, but when the blindfold was removed, there were four people in white robes. Behind them was a tree decked in white lights. One lady gave me a hug and said in a soft voice, “You’re home.” A man told me “good job.” I was one of the first girls there and waited about two hours before everyone got there. Almost everytime I saw someone receive a hug, I broke into tears. I didn’t have a sister there, and was quite sad. But I heard a voice say, “These are your sisters.” I hope somebody was touched by my testimony. I love the Lord and this Church.
Delsa ( 6/10/2002 13:48 )
From	Utah
Comments	I have been a member of this church all of my life, but it wasn’t until recently that I was really converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I attended all of my meeting while growing up but after I got married, I stopped going altogether. As my children grew, I would once in a while take them to church. But it was not until my youngest daughter was in young women’s that I was asked to be my ward camp director. Going to camp that first summer was the most wonderful time in my life. I didn’t know camping could be such a spiritual event. I started wanting to learn all I could about my Heavenly Father and my older brother, Jesus Christ. I read the Book of Mormon for the first time and then ask my Heavenly Father if it was really true. I have never felt such a wonderful feeling. I wish I could express how it feels to know that God answered my prayer and that He is there for me all the time and that He loves me because I am his daughter. I know that He will always love me no matter what I do. He might be disappointed in some of the things that I do but I can always go to Him for everything. He is there for me and He is there for you. I know that he sent Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world and that He gave His life for all of us. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so much. I also know that Joseph Smith was truly a prophet. I know that Gordon B Hinkley is a prophet today and he has the awesome task of bringing the Lord’s word to us. I love him and support all that he does. He is a wonderful man. I have a simply testimony of the gospel. I know God lives. I know He loves me. I know He hears and answers when I pray. I know His Son is my Redeemer and that He died for me, that I might live with Him one day. I want to share this testimony with everyone I meet because it has made me so happy. It has brought joy to my life and to the lives of my children and their families. I will close in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen
Doreen Lameko ( 17/10/2002 10:03 )
From	New Zealand
Comments	I am so grateful for the great testimonies that have been borne. Tomorrow is the very final day of Seminary. This years study was the Book of Mormon. As tradition our ward called me as the Seminary teacher as they knew that i was preparing to serve a mission. At first negative thoughts crossed my mind as the thought of waking up at the crack of dawn did not play very well with me..i taught upto 20 great kids this year & some of them I even grew up with in my Youth days..so it was easy for us all to get along. My love for the scriptures has soared. Instead of just believing that the church is true. I KNOW that it is with everything that I am. I have been a member all my life and you could say that i never strayed too far away from the iron rod…but in my last year of highschool..it was like Satan had been saving up all his fiery darts for me & unleashed them. I’m so grateful for my Saviour Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. I am forever indebted to him. When your’e this happy the only satisfying want you have is to share it…so I want the whole world to know just how happy I truly am being a part of this wonderful Gospel…this truth & light. I love my Heavenly Father & Saviour Jesus Christ. As a final assignment for my Seminary class I had them record their testimonies & i promised them that I would share it with the world. Here’s one way i can help accomplish that. Forever grateful.
Jennifer ( 2/11/2002 06:02 )
From	Utah
Comments	I know that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I don’t belive it–I know it!!! I am SO very grateful to have the gospel in my life. I could NOT live without it! I know that the power of the priesthood is real, and that things are possible when we have faith in our loving Heavenly Father and brother Jesus Christ!!! I know that the scriptures are true. I know that our lives are just an open book test, and that we can find answers to our questions in the scriptures!!! I know that prayer is real and that our Father in Heaven hears and answers our prayers!!! I know that families are forever and that families can be together forever–for eternity by going through the temple! I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that he atoned for our sins!!! I know that He loves each and everyone of us and wants us to return to live with him someday! I know that Gordon B. Hinckley is a true prophet!!! I am SO grateful for him and for his words. He is my hero! I love him. I look up to him and his counselors.
Robyn ( 3/12/2002 07:24 )
From	New Zealand
Comments	I would like to share my testimony and love for this church and what it teaches us. I am grateful to be a convert member of this church. I know that this is the true church, Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God, to restore his church upon the earth, that he did see a vision of Heavenly Father and his beloved son Jesus Christ. I believe that we are beloved children of God, Jesus the Christ is our beloved brother and died for us upon the cross. He atoned for our sins that we may be able to return to live with our Father in Heaven as eternal families
Bruce Pobanz ( 24/12/2002 03:19 )
From	Georgia
Comments	“The Hangman” aka: Bruce Pobanz is a Christian Evangelist, Movie Actor and a Retired Pro-Wrestler. The following story is an example of just a few ways the Lord has used him in his last 46 years. There are more ways and photos being posted on his website. The URL is at the end of the story. ——————————— Hang In There by Bruce Pobanz Here is the story of my life experiences over my 24 years as a Pro-Wrestler. A question was posed to me so I decided to post my answer. The question was “If I know now what I knew then, would I do it again?” To begin the story, almost not a day goes by when the pain doesn’t creep into this road weary body from the years of abuse inflicted in the ring. As I look back, I remember many of my battle scars including 23 or so operations (nine surgeries alone trying to rebuild my knees.) There were broken bones, concussions, and my skull was broken 20 or 30 times. I had a few heart surgeries and even suffered a major stroke. I was even declared legally dead on two different occasions. I feel very blessed that I was given the chances that I had. Unlike the thousands of other wrestlers who never get a push, I received a few pushes here and there. In fact, my talents have blessed me to branch out into other interesting adventures including radio, TV, movies, and I even broke into film directing. Ask many of the workers (wrestlers) in our business why they do this and there will be many answers. I know of workers who have been forced to have multiple hip replacements, new knees, new joints, multiple screws, pins and plates just to hold us together, all thanks to our business. There are wrestlers who are now paralyzed and a few more have died doing what they love. In my case, I put my life on the line everyday for the fans. Laughingly it is not for the money. How many workers besides me have spent $40 on expenses to make $20, just to perform? Some times we made a few thousand for a gig. We “old timers” remember our carny/gypsy type lifestyle when 3 or 4 guys would travel, cramped in a car, journeying from town to town just for the love of the business. Sometimes we made good money, sometimes we broke even, and there were times when promoters stiffed us. (Sorry, that is a whole another horror story that almost every worker has faced at one time or another.) Back to my pain riddled body. Yes, painkillers are our lifeblood, but that is not all. You see, I tried to visit children’s hospitals, senior centers, orphanages, and veteran’s hospitals whenever I came to a town. The smile on their faces when they shook my hand made everything worth it, and it reminded me that what I do is for the fans. About 15 years ago, I suffered a major stroke. I could not walk or talk and the doctors gave me less than one and one-half years to live. Talk about depression. A few days prior, I’m performing in front of thousands of screaming fans, and today I’m buzzing for morphine and a bedpan. It was NOT a happy site! The doctors all said my stroke was caused from my time in the ring and one too many chair shots to the head. Jokingly but being serious, I told my doctors that since they used shock paddles to bring me back to life two other times, that if they find me dead again, to take those paddles and shove them. I said I paid my dues on earth and am not coming back. The doctors all laughed knowing what just happened to me. My name in the ring is “The Hangman.” I try to sign all my autographs with these three words, “Hang In There.” For years I have spoken with children, runaway’s, seniors, etc., and always told them, no matter how bad it looks, hang in there. But now I was telling myself to hang in there. It is easy to give advice but hard to take it! My mind flashed pictures of the veterans I met that had their arms or legs blown away, those children that are struggling everyday to stay alive, and those seniors that society and more importantly, their own families had forgotten. It was hard to see a young child, about 7-years-old, lying in the hospital bed with only days or hours to live. Their courage helped pull me through, and made what I do that much more important. An example I wish to share is I was visiting a hospital and the word quickly spread that “The Hangman” was here. I would visit with the children and give out autographed pictures and some mini nooses. Well, this family heard about me and sent the nurse to track me down and ask if I would visit their child. (NOTE: I’m in tears at this moment writing this story, because what happened will always be with me.) You see the child was 8 years old and a huge wrestling fan. He never got to meet a wrestler, face to face, and this was a dream of his. The nurse brought me to the IC ward and we met his parents in the hallway. They told me about their child’s wish and his condition. Asked if I could please step in and say hello to him. Their emotions hit me hard and there was no way I could say no. I learned this boy was dying and the doctors did not expect him to make it through the night. For at least the next hour, I sat on the hospital bed with that boy. We talked, laughed, hugged and shared a most intimate moment together. When it was time for me to run to make it to the show that night, I reluctantly bid farewell. The young man was beaming with pride, clutching his new autographed picture and his hangman’s noose. His father walked me out to the hall while his mother stayed at their son’s side. His father hugged me and thanked me for taking time out to visit with their son. We both shed tears as we said good-bye and I made my way down the hall. That evening I was called out of the dressing room by security. I was told someone had to see me. I walked with security and I saw the boy’s father. I learned his son had passed away a few hours after I left. He filled me in on how the boy bragged to the nurses and doctors of how “The Hangman” came to see him. He showed them his autographed picture and the noose. The news that hit me the hardest was when I learned the boys dying request was to have his father tell me (The Hangman) thank you for coming by the hospital to visit with him. That night was the hardest time I ever had going into a match. So to try and answer the question “If I knew then what I know now, would I do it again?” Let’s just say, that incident with that young man made every pain I felt worthwhile. And YES, I would gladly do it all over again! Hang In There, “The Hangman”, Bruce Pobanz
Pete ( 10/1/2003 18:29 )
From	Utah
Comments	I know the Church is true!
Sarah ( 13/1/2003 09:46 )
From	Idaho
Comments	I was born and raised in the church. I had an experience when I was 14 (legal driving age in ID). Mom and I were driving to the neighboring town & I had a strong feeling to pull off the road. That particular place was a blind hill. I pulled over & when I did, a vehicle was passing a slower vehicle (double yellow lines) over this blind hill. Had I not listened to the spirit, my mother and I would have probably been killed. On the way home from this town, on the exact hill, I was prompted to pull over. Again, a vehicle was passing illegally. Our lives were saved by the power of the Holy Ghost prompting me to obey his words. I’ve always known the church was true but I went down many wrong paths for quite a few years and disregarded the promises I made when I was baptized. Now, I know what direction I’m going. I’m going to be temple worthy someday-soon. I’ve got a few obstacles to overcome, but I know in my heart my Heavenly Father is happy with the progress that I’ve made. I know that as I keep my mistakes in my past, I can be forgiven. It is so incredible to think that we have a prophet that talks to God…in this day and age! Just like Moses or Abraham, we have the power of the priesthood, prophets, apostles and an organized church. I’m so blessed to have the membership of the true gospel in my life. I can tell how much happier I am, compared to the times when I had the burdens of sin on my shoulders. I hold my head higher now that I’ve repented of the things I’ve done that were wrong. I’m blessed to be a teacher for the Sunbeam class. They are so sweet. They bring out the very best in me. They are challenging, but they are so innocent and sweet. I hope the man who God has intended for me to marry can cross my path. I can’t wait to be a mother and raise great kids. I have to have major surgery soon, but I know that my spiritual needs will be handled by my Heavenly Father. What a joy to know that He loves me unconditionally. I strive to have the same kind of love towards my fellow man. I’m grateful to have a Bishop who listens to the spirit & is able to provide blessings when I need them. I have a wonderful family that I love and I love their children as my own. I’m glad to belong to the only true church on this earth & to help usher in the millenium where Christ will reign on earth. This is my testimony.
Scott ( 25/1/2003 03:37 )
From	Utah
Comments	This is a magnificent opportunity. I love the Lord so very much. His Atonement is the single most miraculous event known to mankind. To make it useful in our lives…we must participate by repenting !!! No joy is quite as full as the joy of forgiveness. Our Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us. The truths contained in The Book Of Mormon will change your life. God hears and answers our prayers. I testify that God lives, that Jesus Christ is his only begotten son. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and I, through his crucifixion and glorious resurrection. He lives this is the most wonderful news I can express !! He lives and loves us all. The Prophet Joseph Smith did indeed see God the Eternal Father and his son Jesus Christ. He did restore all of the gospel truths and organization as they were in Jesus’ time . I TESTIFY OF THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS AND INVITE ALL TO INVESTIGATE, READ AND ASK GOD OUR FATHER, IN HUMBLE PRAY AND HE WILL REVEAL THE TRUTH TO YOU BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST !!!! MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.
Missy Tungate ( 29/1/2003 12:26 )
From	Indiana
Comments	I was feeling very depressed, maybe even a little suicidal. I came to this page for some inspiration. You see I have been inactive for 6 months and never realized how much I need the church until I hit rock bottom. Thanks for your web site. I am leaving here feeling a little better about myself.
Katrina ( 3/3/2003 08:50 )
From	Nevada
Comments	I would be truly ungrateful if I did not share my testimony with all of you this day. I knw that this wonderful church is true, and it has helped me do much in my life/ I’m a convert and have only been a member for 2 1/2 years. I am the only member of my family for as far back as I know of, and I joined the church on my own. I had many trials and temptations along the way, but my leaders helped me when I needed it. I so grateful for our older brother, Jesus Christ, and all that he gave to us. I am grateful for the missionary work of this church. Without the missionary work I would not have the gospel in my life, and without the gospel in my life, I don’t want to think about the person I would be today. The church has blessed my life do much, and I strive harder each day to better myself. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. I know that Gordon B Hinkley is a prophet that leads and guides Christ’s true church in these Latter-Days. He is a messenger for Heavenly Father, and the council he gives us is given to us for a reason. The standards that he gives us are set by the Lord. The standards are high for a reason, and you should never feel sorry for having high standards. I am very grateful for my ward family and all of the support I have gotten from all of my friends and leaders. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me, and I will answer your question to the best of my ability. If I don’t know the answer, I will find it for you.
Nathan Figueira ( 7/3/2003 23:45 )
From	Hawai’i
Comments	I want to say that I believe in Heavenly Father and in the Plan of Salvation. I know that He lives and that Jesus Christ, my elder brother, died for my sins and through His sacrifice I can at sometime return home to be with them. The scriptures are our guide posts and map to help us to return home. The Gospel plan is design for the weakest of us here on earth to follow the straight path home. Because Heavenly Father loves us he has also given us living prophets today to, along with the scriptures,helps find and stay on the path home. I know this to be true with every fiber of my being. I love my Father in Heaven and my brother Jesus Christ. I owe them a debt that I can never repay. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ ~ Amen.
Clark Herlin ( 25/3/2003 22:22 )
From	Pennsylvania
Comments	I, Clark LeRay Herlin, herby solemnly testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ, the truthfulness of the Bible and Book of Mormon, and the divinity of Joseph Smith’s mission as a prophet. Gordon B. Hinkley is a true prophet today. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
BRAD JENNINGS ( 26/3/2003 21:42 )
From	CALIFORNIA
Comments	GOD LIVES, JESUS IS THE CHRIST & THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD RESTORED, OF THIS I KNOW, OF THIS I TESTIFY, NOT A ONE TIME KNOWLEDGE, A DAILY JOY AND AN ETERNAL BLESSING, I THANK GOD FOR MAKING ME SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW THESE TRUTHS..
Nathan Figueira ( 29/3/2003 22:24 )
From	Utah
Comments	I love to go walking in the woods and listen to the birds singing and the winds rustling through the trees. I make walkinging sticks. I draw and paint. I read the scriptures for inspiration and strength for each and every day I am here on this earth.
KP ( 21/4/2003 09:14 )
Comments	Although I am not a member of the LDS faith, I had an experience of faith. My best friend in the entire world is Mormon, and I’ve known that he’s going to serve a mission ever since I’ve known him. Up until this past March, I never understood the mission, and I didn’t want him to go. I went to visit him at BYU, and I attended two of his Sharing the Gospel classes. Just the small amount of time I spent in those classes completely opened my eyes. The brother talked about missions, and I started to realize what a mission actually is, and instead of not wanting him to go, I am very happy for him, and I hope he has a completely positive experience. He leaves in a few short months for the MTC, and although I know it’ll be hard to say “good bye” for two years, it will be a happy, hard good-bye, because I know that he has a lot of wonderful things in store for him.
Karen L Olson ( 8/5/2003 05:10 )
From	Wisconsin
Comments	I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints for about 2 1/2 years now. i am grateful for the gospel and for my membership in Christ’s church. I know that the church is the true church. I know of the power within the pages of the Book of Mormon. I was raised in the Assemblies of God church. i was very active in that church for 34 years. i was Sunday school superintendent and children’s church teacher and missionette teacher. i have known of my Heavenly Father’s love for me all of my life but i always knew there was a higher level here on earth that i just could not find. i was married 2 times which i did not pray about before marrying either of these men. all i wanted was a normal happy home and marriage. when i started dating my present husband i was very much afraid of messing up again. by outward appearances it did not seem like a relationship that could possibly last. my husband was an alcoholic drinking 2 cases of vodka a week. when he wanted to start dating i told him i would not even consider it unless he cut his alcohol consumption in half. when he did this it impressed me to give him a chance. as our relationship continued i knew it was getting more serious by the day. thinking i would use God as my reason for the breakup i prayed to God about if we should continue to date. every time i prayed about it i got this warm feeling deep inside. this made me nervous because my first husband was an alcoholic. then came the day my husband asked me to marry him…..that night i told God to send me a sign that was unmistakable as to whether we should marry or not. i had a dream where i saw my husband and myself sitting in church and at perfect peace with each other. from that day on i knew if God was our base of our marriage we could survive. my next trouble was that going to church did not convict my husband of his need to quit drinking. 5 years into our marriage i became despirate to find this church which would give us this happy marriage i saw in my dream. this is when i found the church thru an email ad i found on the net. the past 2 1/2 years have been far more than even my dream could show me. i joined the church first then my husband and my son. my son is now serving a mission and my husband and i are ward missionaries. i have never been so happy in my entire life. Heavenly Father has blessed all of us far greater than any of us deserve or hoped for. the LDS church has answered so man of the questions i have had nearly all my life. any one looking for true happiness and joy will find it in the scriptures and in joining the church and living a righteous life. we were all sealed together for time and eternity last summer and this has also brought a huge peace in these trying time in which we live. to know that we will be together again even after this life is passed away. i say these things in the Name of Jesus Christ my savior
Romy Brown ( 10/5/2003 07:38 )
Comments	I would like to say that I do know that the church is true in its fullness. I didn’t not gain a full testimony of the gospel untill shortly before I got married in the temple. When friend or strangers would come to me after I would tell them that I’m Mormon and try to get me to change my faith and thy would tell me that Mormons were not very good people I did not have the ability to say anything to them in my defense. But after reading all my scriptures thoroughly I realized that there is a heck of a lot of stuff in the Bible that only Mormons believe in, or if any other religions believe in small portions of it. For instance: In 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 it says 1. For though there be that are gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 2. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. That scripture clearly tells us that there are many other gods, but only to us on this planet there is only one god. In Jeremiah 1:4-5 it It talks about the pre-mortal existence. It reads 4. Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. 5. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained the a prophet unto the nation. That saying states that we lived before we came to earth. It states in Luke 24:39 That the resurrected body will be of flesh and bone. It says: Jesus replys after his resurection saying Behold my hands and my feet that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have. So we know that Christ’s resurrected body is made up of flesh and bone. Since we believe that are Heavenly Father lived on a earthly planet before he became our god he too has a body of flesh and bone. Now when it comes down to The Father, Son, Holy, Ghost, We learn from the revelations that have been given that there are three separate persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. From latterday revelation we learn that the Father, and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bone, and that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit without flesh and bone.When one speaks of God, it is generally the Father who is referred to as Elohim. All mankind are his children. The personage known as Jehovah in usually identified in the Old Testament as LORD, is the Son, known as Jesus Christ, and who is also a God. Jesus works under the direction of the Father and is in complete harmony with him. All mankind are his brethren and sisters, he being the eldest of the spirit children of Elohim. Many things that the scriptures says were done by god were actually done by the LORD Jesus. Thus the scriptures says that “God created the heaven and the earth” but we know that it was actually the LORD Jesus who was the creator (John 1:3,10), or as Paul said, God created all things by Christ Jesus (Eph.3:9). The Holy Ghost is also a God and is variously called the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, etc Although God created all things and is the ruler of the universe. Man kind has a special relationship to him that differentiates man from all other created things: man is literally God’s offspring, made in his image, whereas all other things are but the work of his hands (Acts 17:28-29). The God of the scriptures is a holy being. Man is commanded to be holy because God is holy (Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2) God can be known only by revelation. He must be revealed , or forever unknown (Mosiah 4:9). God first revealed himself to Adam and has repeatedly made himself known by revelation to chosen Patriarchs and prophets since that time. The present translation of John 1:18 and1 Jn 4:12 I know misleading, when it says that no man has ever seen God, and also that Jesus Christ is the only Way to God. God the Father and his Son have been manifested by voice, sight, or otherwise at various times as at the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17); the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8); to Stephen (Acts 7:55-56); and to the Nephites in the book of mormon. The father and the son visited Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, in the spring of 1820, near Manchester, New York, in the opening of the dispensation of the fullness of times Latter-day revelation knows that the biblical account of God as the literal father of the human family as a being who is concerned for the welfare of mankind, and a Personage who hears and answers prayers. I really believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet called upon by God. He was a righteous boy who wanted to know the truth and it says in James 1:5-6 5. 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 6.But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. I believe that Joseph Smith did get a visit from god the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. The Father Pointed to the other saying : “This is my beloved Son, Hear Him!” Joseph wanted to know which of all churches were right , that he may know which to join. than he asked the Personages who stood above him in the light, which above all churches was right -and which to join. He was answered that he must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed him said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt:that; “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” Another reason for my feelings about the church is that in the after life we will be judged according to what we did while we were on Earth and if we did the best that we could. And if we did not receive the gosple while on earth we will be waiting for our temple work to be done by our decendents, and as long as we accept the gosple we can move on. We also believe in marriege for time and all eternity for it states in Matt. 16:19 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. That clearly states eternal marriege. After we are judged in the after life we are devided into three kingdoms in 1 cor. 15:40-41 it says 40. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: But the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41. There is one glory of the sun and another glory of the moon, and another of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. The Celestial Kingdom is devided up into three catagory’s. From Book of Mormon scriptures we believe that in order to make it in the top catagory you must be married in the temple. In 2 Corinthians 12:2 it says 2. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. so there are 1, 2, 3 heavens, or in other words what heaven is made up of. It goes into much more details in the Book of Mormon. I truly believe all these things, and I’ve prayed about it, and nothing else feels more true. When anyone says anything false to me about the church and criticizes me for being lds I just tell them that they can say what they want but I won’t say anything back because I’m trying to be like Jesus Doesn’t the Golden rule Clearly say; “Do unto others and you would have others do unto you. Also one of the 10 commandments in Exodus 20:16 it reads 16.Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. I just feel that criticizing the Mormons for what we believe without really learning about our beliefs by going to our church, learning from the missionaries, or learning from a active member, to me is bearing false witness, and that is very wrong insight of god. Well, anyways after reading the Book of Mormon though and really studying the book I know these things are true: Moroni 10:4–7 reads: And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father in the name of Christ, if these things are not true: and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is. And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the powere of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.
Zi ( 10/5/2003 12:32 )
From	Canada
Comments	I’m 16. I do not have the permission of my parents to get baptized, and in fact, I am very discouraged by them to have faith in the church that I know is true. I see that people on this website constantly talk about how the church is false, and a lie, but let me tell you something, someone very important in my life once told me… (i took this from a story I once wrote… so that’s why it sounds the way it does… and i changed the name for privacy’s sake.) I told Brother Ward that I was having some huge issues with non-members making fun of me for having an interest in the religion… and he told me something that I don’t think I will ever forget… He say that if I were a Catholic and decided I wanted to be a Protestant, a Baptist, a Jew, or some other type of Christian faith, they would totally support me… but the moment I say the word Mormon, it will all change. They will get me information on why it is wrong, and tell you stories and all that jazz… but if you come to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a non-member, they will welcome you. If you later decided that the church is false, they won’t make fun of you or anything… they’ll just let you go on your way. (I changed this so it sounds the way that I heard it. I know that not all Catholics will judge, nor will all Mormons support, however, this is what I too have come to know during my quest, for the most part.) He continued on saying that him as a member views it as… I know the church is true, and when people tell me things to try and lead me away from it, they are acting as though Satan would. The devil doesn’t want you to know the true church, so he will try and lead and misguide you away from it. All I can say is pray to God to know if the church is true… I promise he’ll answer all sincere prayers. I know the Church is true, and I know that God has an amazing plan for us. I am thankful for my many MANY blessing, and I would like to say these things in the name, of my best friend, Lord Jesus Christ… Amen.
Vanesssa ( 22/5/2003 21:50 )
From	Germany
Comments	Hello, im Vanessa 15years old and I am searching for my dad, all information that I have are in my homepage. Please take a minute and read it, maybe you can help me! Here is my homepage: http://www.freehomepage.de/members/vanessafreier
carra ( 31/5/2003 07:02 )
From	England
Comments	hey there, well there doesn’t seem to many english testimonies here so i am going to add mine 🙂 altho i haven’t been a member for very long… i love the church so much and i don’t know what i’d do without it now. as i’m only 16 i’ve had to give up alot of things etc partying drinking that sorta thing. But it’s all worth it because i know the church is true and Joseph Smith was a true prophet and we have living prophets on this earth. i know that Jesus Christ is my Saviour and my Redeemer. i know that he lives and we have been chosen to come to this earth at a very important time. to prepare for the second coming.. i leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Emma ( 16/7/2003 13:07 )
Comments	I have a concrete yet simple testimony of the Gospel. I had changed my life from one of iniquity to a life of self-respect, love and a burning desire to improve every faculty of my being. I had been born again….born to the dust of humility so that I could use the atonement to rid my soul of the heavy baggage that is sin. The gospel brings out the best in those that seek it…it is true…it is real and the power of prayer will change every relationship, every thought and every intention into one that is filled with love, peace and joy. Believe it!! I do 🙂