testimony

Today is Tuesday,  September 24, 2019

Last week a group of about 50 of us gathered for our North America North East Area Conference just outside Rochester New York; new Mission Presidents, and companions, those of us that have been serving just over a year, and then those that are on the last nine months of their service were all in attendance.  Accommodation was in a snazzy golf course/spa all inclusive hotel nestled in a lush forest just outside Rochester, New York. It was a delightful retreat (of sorts) where we received amazing, motivational trainings for all areas of our Mission Service. We were filled to the brim by Wednesday afternoon when the Conference concluded. 

Our experience last Tuesday afternoon and evening in upstate New York was as profound as any I think we have ever had. Testifying almost daily of the first vision, as we do as missionaries, and then actually being in the Sacred Grove, and being in the log home where Moroni visited Joseph was hallowed, and unforgettable. Truly a sacred, faith-promoting experience, as we visited the sites together. Our smaller group included dear friends, the Caplin’s serving in Washington, DC South, and the Vest’s serving in the New York,Syracuse Mission, the Neilson’s (he was the Assistant Church Historian)serving in Washington, DC North, and the Haynie’s from our Area Presidency. We coaxed President Neilson to act as our tour guide, and as he shared story after story, we could tell he had earned his Church Historian designation!! 

Our highlights included visiting the Hill Cumorah, where we learned that, after the final pageant season next year 2020, they are going to return the hill to its natural beauty..the sweeping lawns will be replaced by a beautiful forest.

Following our Hill Cumorah walk, we had another walk deep into the Sacred Grove, and with each step we took, we knew we were on sacred ground. Walking with Elder Christofferson nearby was sobering. This is actually where Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. This is where the Restoration began! Again we speculated which were the 3 Witness trees?! I know this event did happen, and that is where my testimony has its roots. 

The  upstairs attic in the little (mostly) original log home was the very place Moroni visited Joseph. It was an emotional time to recreate in our minds eye that remarkable event. We felt blessed to revisit these sacred sites. We know these amazing events did indeed happen. As missionaries, we teach and testify of these events, and to be there again, and see, and feel,  confirmed the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.     

And with this testimony comes the responsibility to SHARE…and so we serve.

I will end this brief blog with my testimony that I know that all we testify is true. Joseph did see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, Moroni also appeared to Joseph and told him of plates hidden in a hill. Joseph through the power of God translated these ancient records, and since 1830 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized missionaries have been fulfilling their commission of going to all the world…and sharing the glorious truths of the Gospel. There is no greater JOY. 

Sending this off with much love,

Richard and Gayle, Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma

CTR and Keep Smiling

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO