Testimonies From Members of the Westbrook 5th Ward
– Sheldon Lamont –
In regards to recent statements from President Russell M. Nelson showing his tenderness and concern for the world, my mind reflects upon the many blessings received when contemplating the workings of the Lord upon the earth at this momentous time! How fortunate we are for direction from the Lord! How personal and intimate is His Spirit! How sacred are our homes! Although at present I feel to be gathered with my ward family, I too—as does our Prophet—discern this as only temporary. Though we be apart, “the choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment” (President Russell M. Nelson, The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming, Liahona April 2002). I’m fully aware of the suffering, anxiety, fear, depression, etc. enveloping the earth at this time. My heart groans under the significant words of our Savior as I view the extent of this staggering pandemic, “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all…” (D&C 19:16). Yet I’ve been able to find peace and comfort through it all, “rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12), for “this is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24). As we contemplate while united in Fasting, may we not only talk to our Father in Heaven through prayer, but listen to His words through living oracles and those from long ago—yet still just as prevalent today, “pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Consolation from the scriptures is one of my greatest needs at this time! Nephi of old tells us to “liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). “Therefore, let my servant [Sheldon] put his trust in me, and cease to fear concerning his family, because of the sickness of the land. If ye love me, keep my commandments; and the sickness of the land shall redound to your glory” (D&C 124:87), in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Sarah Meier-
I want to bear testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that Heavenly Father loves us so He sent His son Jesus Christ to earth to make it possible for us to return to Him. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that He loves me personally. I know that all people are His children and that He knows and loves each of us individually. I know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we will all live again. I am grateful that our Savior made the Great Plan of Happiness possible. I am grateful for repentance and forgiveness.
I love the Book of Mormon and know that it was translated by the power of God through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Russell M. Nelson is a prophet and I am so grateful for his leadership that will guide us through this current storm. I trust him and know that he is leading us through revelation from our Father in Heaven.
I am truly blessed! In the name of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, amen.
-Barbara Shelton-
Over the past few weeks, I have been frantically changing the way I do many things, as we all have. It’s been a stressful and fearful time. At the same time I’ve reflected upon the ways that my Heavenly Father led me to have many things in place so that it would not be “more than I could handle.” About a month and a half ago I went to get my car fixed and was sitting in the waiting room. I had taken the “Come, Follow Me” material to study while I waited. Even though I was completely alone, I could not concentrate. So, I decided to say a silent prayer and begin again. In my reading, 2 Nephi 13, I came across a passage that I didn’t understand, so I googled it and found myself on a page with several links. I clicked on one of the links and began reading about a terrible famine in 70 A.D. in the Jerusalem area. It would have been a few short years after the death of Peter and the exile of John to the Isle of Patmos. I remember from the article that the famine was so bad people were eating their shoes and in conflict with each other over the little food anyone could find. Shortly after this, Bro. Hofer came in to get his car fixed, also. Do you remember that day, Bro. Hofer? We chatted. I don’t think I told him about what I had just read, but I reflected upon it later, and decided to pick up some food storage. I had recently started a diet that had proven beneficial to some health concerns, so I was able to get things to address that. This was only about a week before we started hearing much about the pandemic. Maybe you could say I led the charge, but I didn’t know I would see a similar situation a few weeks later. As things worsened, I wondered if I should retire from my call center job, a place where social distancing is impossible to practice. I prayed about it and was even looking into it,but I received the clear impression that I should not. Everyday I have revisited that impression to quell my concerns, and it has provided peace to know that I am where the Lord thinks I should be. Now, I come to realize I am an essential employee there, and
they are looking for ways to have us work from home.
My son and I have conversed about how he and I are happy we have this in place and that in place, and he reminded me that for those who are seeking His will for their lives and striving to live His commandments, He will guide them to a situation of protection, even if they don’t know it until something like this happens. I am grateful for the Lord’s hand in my life. I know He loves and takes care of His children. I pray that this situation
will bring more of His children to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-Sheri Olson-
I’ve been thinking a lot this past week or so how fast thing’s can change and how wonderful it is to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Church is true that’s all there is to it. Pray, read your scriptures, go to church; it may seem like the primary thing to say, but aren’t we supposed to be like unto a child? If it is right do it, if it isn’t right-don’t. It’s as simple as that. It took me a long time to recognize that our Heavenly Father is eternally there for us, pray to Him, He is there-in all times and in all places. Always, always strive to be worthy to enter the temple. Keep that a goal! I would always tell my children that when they were young. I have learned this from my son Austin- Share the Gospel! Share it with everyone you know! Don’t go to heaven and have your friend, neighbor, co-worker, or anyone say, “You knew the truth all along, why didn’t you tell me about it?” that would be the missionary thing to do. Do not settle! You are a son or daughter of God, humbly and without pride, act that way. You deserve more than the best and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Learn from your mistakes, love others, forgive others, forgive yourself, and treat everyone with respect. No matter what! I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
-Jerry Paul-
It is my testimony that the Lord is watching over us and is aware of our needs. I know that Russell M. Nelson is a prophet of God and it gives me much comfort to know that I can turn to him for guidance and direction from the Lord. I know He receives revelation from God and has told us that the recent events will pass and that he has a positive outlook for the future.
I just received the following from our shift coordinator of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and wanted to share it.
“As we come together to fast and pray today, here is part of the dedicatory prayer of the Salt Lake Temple on April 6, 1893.”
“Heavenly Father, when Thy people shall not have the opportunity of entering this holy house to offer their supplications unto Thee, and they are oppressed and in trouble, surrounded by difficulties or assailed by temptation and shall turn their faces towards this Thy holy house and ask Thee for deliverance, for help, for Thy power to be extended in their behalf, we beseech Thee, to look down from Thy holy habitation in mercy and tender compassion upon them, and listen to their cries. Or when the children of Thy people, in years to come, shall be separated, through any cause, from this place, and their hearts shall turn in remembrance of Thy promises to this holy Temple, and they shall cry unto Thee from the depths of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and deliverance to them, we humbly entreat Thee to Turn Thine ear in mercy to them; hearken to their cries, and grant unto them the blessings for which they ask.”
I know that the Lord answers our prayers because He has answered many of mine. I also know that He gives us afflictions and trials to bring us together and turn to Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
-Ryan Stowe-
As I prepared for this Sabbath day I was reminded of the tender mercy of the Lord in my life. Looking back, to see his hand move me through my trials of life to bring me to a place I am now. How grateful I am to hold the priesthood of our Lord and able to bless the sacrament and give to my family.
How grateful I am to go to the temple and learn the way of the Lord. How grateful I am for the atonement and that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and preparing me to walk back into our Heavenly Father’s presence.
I am very grateful for Mormon and Joseph Smith and all the prophets of old to bring me understanding with certain keys and patterns in the Book of Mormon to learn how to open up the windows of heaven and call down heaven’s love.
I am very grateful for my wife Lisa and how she is a help meet for me to bring me to the alter of our Lord. How blessed we are for living prophets to guide us in these later days. How grateful I am for the still small voice that guides, directs, and whispers comfort to my soul. What excitement it is to know we are close to seeing the coming of our Lord. We live in great times. We have the promised covenants of old. That gives me great comfort. We have the keys to access heaven’s angels. Ask for them daily. I love the book of Mormon. I love Jesus Christ.
Oh what joy sings my soul. ISRAEL!!!!!
I love you all. I can’t wait to be with you all again and sing songs of redeeming love unto our Lord Jesus Christ. I am very blessed to be here in our ward with you. May our heavenly father bless you with peace and joy.
Cant wait for confrence to HEAR HIM.
With LOVE, Brother Stowe
