We had an interesting experience this week with a brother
from the ward who was going to accompany us in a few lessons, who called us and
said he wouldn't be able to come because he was sick and wanted a priesthood
blessing. We went to his house and gave him the blessing. I'm pretty sure I had
one of the most spiritual learning experiences of my life. I know that the
Priesthood power I hold is the power of God. I know that the Lord works
according to the faith of men. How many times do we see people ask for
priesthood blessings saying they have faith that they will be healed, receive
the blessing, and retire back to bed saying "I'm sure I'll feel better
tomorrow." "How is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to
do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that
they exercise faith in him (1 Nephi 7:12)?" I have a firm testimony that if
we have faith enough to be healed tomorrow, we will be healed tomorrow. If we
have faith enough to be healed in an instant, we will be healed in an instant.
When the Master healed, we read in the Bible that He often commanded someone to
be healed, and then extended His hand to raise them up. Do we have faith to
take His hand? "Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith
without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works (James
2:18)." I came to some very important conclusions from this experience and
my scripture study, but I'll let you all come to your own.
Yesterday was a great day because Beto (Hermano Escobar)
received the priesthood and was ordained a Priest. The Bishop invited Elder
Lopez and I to participate in the ordination, and it was a really great
experience. It is so incredible to see how the Gospel completely changes lives.
Yesterday was also Fast and Testimony Meeting, so I'd like
to share my testimony. I know that God loves each and every one of us, because
I pray to Him. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, because I
read it. I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore His church,
because I have read and do read the Book of Mormon and I pray and ask Him if it
is true. I know that we have a prophet in this day because I have listened to
him. I know that missionary work is important because I'm doing it. I know that
the Gospel is true because I am doing my best to live it. The Lord in the
scriptures often asks us to test Him to know the truth of all things. "If
any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God,
or whether I speak of myself (John 7:17)." I testify that if we test Him,
we can gain our own spiritual witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel and
the reality that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church.
However, don't take my word for it, I challenge each of you to find out for
yourselves, and I know that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know
the truth of all things (Moroni 10:3-5)."
Love,
Elder John William Garrett
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