ONE

“I grew up in a home with good parents who taught me the Gospel. My parents are both devoted members of The Church, but I did not value what I was taught at home and church. The Gospel never sunk deep into my heart.

In high school, I got involved with people and things that got between Christ and me. Eventually, some of the events in my life made me angry with God, and for a time, I turned my back on him. I turned to the world for happiness, and slowly I wandered off the path that leads to eternal life. Before I knew it, I found myself in darkness. The joy I was convinced the world had to offer was empty and fleeting. I felt more alone than I had ever experienced in my short life.

One night, high on a mountain top, far from God, family, and home, I felt I could no longer bear the weight of my sins, and it drove me to my knees. For the first time in my life, I knelt with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and reached out to God as if my life depended on it. I knew there was no one else I could turn to for relief. That night God manifested his love to me in a way that changed me forever. I had experienced the power of Jesus Christ’s atonement. I was pierced to the very core by the spirit, and my heart softened. My anger and my pain melted away entirely and were replaced by overwhelming love and inexplicable joy. That night, my life changed.

For the next year and a half, I fought to overcome my weaknesses. My time spent away from the covenant path was not without consequence. But in all my struggles, I gained a testimony of Jesus Christ and his Gospel. Finally, after overcoming much opposition internally and externally, I was worthy enough to serve a mission. I did, and in my experience, I have seen the gospel change people; I have seen It change me.

I know that God is real, I know that Jesus Christ lives, and I know that the fullness of his power and teachings are here, in The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints. I know a complete understanding of Jesus Christ and his Gospel can only be found here, in this, His Church. I know, through this knowledge and obedience, I can be guaranteed eternal life with my family.”