Faith.Ph

What a marvelous and wonderful thing is prayer. Think of it. We can actually speak with our Father in Heaven. He will hear and respond, but we need to listen to that response. Nothing is too serious and nothing too unimportant to share with Him. He has said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. He continues, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28, 30). —Gordon B. Hinckley

Friends, especially my young friends, take heart. Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world. I testify that the true and living gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth and you are members of His true and living Church, trying to share it. I bear witness of that gospel and that Church, with a particular witness of restored priesthood keys which unlock the power and efficacy of saving ordinances. — Jeffrey R Holland

I have always admired how Elder Jeffrey R Holland would speak at General Conference. He would speak with such great authority, sometimes with tones of reprove, but always with loving comfort. I packed my bag. My journal. A couple of pens, in case one didn’t work, because I want to be able to write as much as I could.

A few days before the conference, I found myself in a heartbreaking situation. When you thought everything seems so perfect, it isn’t. The hope that I’ve been clinging on was taken from me. I tried my best to keep myself together, and to clear my mind from thoughts of despair.

When Elder Holland entered the sacrament hall, a rush of warmth came in. As the conference began, a set of speakers gave their messages and each had an impact on me, given the situation that I was facing. I really felt comforted and Elder Holland was yet to give his own message. Right before we sang the congregational hymn, Elder Schmutz stood up to announce something. It seems like he was about to call some people to share their testimonies, as requested by the Apostle.

I was surprised when I heard him call my name. Me? Asked by an Apostle to share my testimony?

It felt like an answered prayer, not because I wanted to speak in front, but because I was given the chance to feel that my Heavenly Father is really mindful of me, and that He wants me to strengthen my testimony by sharing it to others.

I know the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the most important event in all of history, made it possible for us to overcome every pain, every trial and every weakness, and gave us the grace we need to return to our Father’s presence. We may feel overwhelmed with everything the Father requires of us but as we trust in His Will, He enables us to be as He wants us to be.

As I have felt the Holy Ghost when I testified, I will continue to share the testimony I have gained to everyone I will meet from this day on. Through my words, through my deeds and through my spirit.

- Alexandrea B. Cristobal
Assigned to labor in the Korea Seoul South Mission
A third-generation member in the Quezon City 5th Ward, Quezon City South Stake.

We tend to become like those whom we admire. We adopt the mannerisms, the attitudes, even the conduct of those whom we admire—and they are usually our friends. Associate with those who, like you, are planning not for temporary convenience, shallow goals, or narrow ambition but rather for those things that matter most—even eternal objectives.