Missionary Miracle Testimony

This was posted in a facebook group and then almost 24 hours later, the link to the original source was no longer working and the story had disappeared. It was thought that the elder who wrote it was asked to take it down as the nature of it is very personal and the sister missionaries are known to the public through the news story. I was able to find the story here in a reddit post and have pasted it below. It's the exact story I read before the link was taken down. Here is a link to the news story as well. This story was published on KSL a couple of weeks ago. 

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Hey everyone!

For those of you who don't know, and even for those of you that do know, I'd like to talk about the Sisters that got stabbed in my mission.

They are my friends. I was in training with one of them in my first area for about 5 months. I know her very, very well, and this has been soooo hard. Just hard. I cannot express the pain this has brought me, other missionaries, and both of those sisters and their families. It sounds so foreign and distant until it happens to a friend. Or a brother. Or a sister. Or a daughter.

It's very, very real now.

I'll say what I know though, for the express reason that it has built my faith completely, and my faith in the savior has only increased because of this trial.

So the Sisters were stabbed in the middle of the night by an invader inside their apartment. The man came in at 4AM, removing his shoes to be quieter, and grabbed a knife out of their kitchen. Then he walked into their bedroom and started stabbing both sisters.

Both sisters had to go to the hospital, because each was stabbed multiple times, and were in the ICU for about a week, and now both are returning home from their missions to heal where they may or may not return to missionary service.

Now let me talk about some of the miracles involved though...

First, neither sister was stabbed anywhere their garments covered. It was not touched.

One sister did have her garment shirt roll up in the night, and she was stabbed in her side.

Second, after their parents were notified, their fathers were there 3 hours after the stabbing.

Third, the sister that got stabbed in her side was stabbed in her hands and her feet as well. One hand was stabbed completely through to the other side...

In a very, very literal way, she now has wounds in her hands, feet and side to match the Savior's.

The same sister shared her testimony about how she now feels closer to her savior than ever before. She feels like she was given this so she could more fully witness of the suffering the savior had to go through for each of us. She told us all that she had completely forgiven her attacker, and she was grateful for the miracle that both Sister's had been given.

Her wound in her side was really bad, but she shared with us that in her setting apart blessing she was blessed that if she was obedient and kept the commandments, she would be safe, and even the "very organs of her body would be kept safe." She told us that if the knife in her side had turned one way or the other in any direction, she would have bled to death and they wouldn't have been able to save her.

Fourth, when the Sisters were being attacked, they tried to fight back against him, and they prayed. Both sisters remembered praying, but the Hermana that I was friends with recalled saying a prayer, and as soon as she finished, she made eye contact with her attacker and said, "Stop right now and leave this apartment."

After she said that, the attacker dropped the knife, turned around, and walked out of the apartment.

I witness that the power of the ministering of angels is real, and the priesthood power is just as accessible by women acting in faith and righteousness as it is to any worthy man that holds that priesthood.

Fifth, when our mission president heard that the Sisters were in the hospital, he knew he needed to get there as soon as he possibly could. He called a STL in their apartment complex and asked her to talk with the police and find out which hospital they were admitted to.

But since time was of the essence, he and his wife prayed together, got in the car picked a direction and started driving. Not knowing beforehand where they needed to go.

When they got the address to the hospital, they were only two minutes away.

Brothers and Sisters, I know that these things could only have happened by the power of God. There is no other possible explanation. And I'm so glad to be in a place where I can witness these things and bring them to you.

I testify to each of you that the Lord will make good on his promise, and he will always "consecrate thine afflictions for thy good." (2 Nephi 2:2)

I know that it does not matter where you are and it does not matter who you are. It does not matter what the circumstance is. It does not matter if you think you have fallen out of the reach of God (because you haven't). It does not matter if you think that miracles only come sometimes and God is more subtle than bold and real. It does not matter if you think God is punishing you for some misdeed.

It. Does. Not. Matter

I promise you, that God will act boldly, and he does. God has said, "Behold, I am God. And I am a God of Miracles, and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today and forever. And I work not among the children of men, save it be according to their faith." (2 Nephi 27:33)

If you think miracles won't come, then they won't. If you say, "well that's a cool story, but it doesn't always happen like that," then it definitely won't to you.

There's a reason Jesus could not do miracles in Nazareth.

I know God is real, and he will bring us unto him, and no matter who you are. He will protect you, he will love you, and you will always be safe from harm, as long as you faithfully look to him to rescue you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder X

The Savior Heals All Wounds!

I sure love this message!

 

When the Missionaries Are Called Home

Lots going on in the world lately, it's almost hard to keep up.

Every Member a Missionary!

I absolutely love this! I'm in a place right now where this feels so natural to do. Just shining my light has brought people to me who want to learn why I'm so happy. So when they ask, I tell them.😊

https://latterdaysaintmag.com/clayton-christensen-in-his-own-words-decisions-for-which-ive-been-grateful/?fbclid=IwAR3yncQzs8gDljfx3_BjLWrSofoktnxBlpoJcNTa6jk5hUcKxB5paekUq0E#.XjA_ifQsxbA.facebook

What Happens to Those Who Die Without a Knowledge of Jesus Christ?

A couple months ago, I came across a video on YouTube where a preacher and a college student were having a conversation about what happens to people on the earth who die without ever having learned about the gospel or Jesus Christ. What the preacher said made me sad, and I just felt that I needed to make a video to share the truth about this topic.

The day that I recorded the video, a video conference video popped up of President Nelson talking about this very topic. I had planned to add this into my video, but I forgot. He said, 

“Even those who died without a knowledge of the gospel. Who would have received it, if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the Celestial Kingdom of God. His plan is also merciful. He will judge all men according to their works, according to the desires of their hearts.” (meaning he will judge us for our actions and what we did, but what will trump all of that is what’s in our hearts.) 

Yes, if you didn't get to hear about the gospel while living on this earth, but you would have received it had you learned about it, God knows this and He has a plan. 

Woman Gets Abducted and Converts Serial Killer to Jesus!

A friend reached out to me and suggested I listen to this video. She said the women in the video reminds her of me. So I took a listen today while I was on a walk and I LOVED it!! I think you will too!

This is the kind of missionary work that changes lives.

Ancient Chinese Writings Prove This Knowledge About Jesus!

This video was fascinating! It led me to discover this excerpt from this article:

In 1937, a book was published entitled, China's First Missionaries, subtitled, Ancient Israelites, by Rev. Thomas Torrance, who was a missionary in this area of China and was the first to write about this tribe and what he believed to be their ancient roots of the Lost Tribes of Israel.
According to the reports by Torrance, he believed that the customs, rituals, modes of thought, domestic and religious practices of the Israelites who were the contemporaries of Amos, Hosea and Elijah, were found within the Chiang people of northwestern China. Torrance was basically very impressed with the simple monotheism of this people in China in an area where the term God was not even known.

The language of the Chiang tribe had been forgotten and they had also lost their ancient script. Today they speak Chinese.
They themselves see themselves as immigrants from the west who reached this area after a journey of three years three months. The Chinese treated them as Barbarians, while Chiang people related to the Chinese as idol worshipers.

In addition this this, I have always believed that the knowledge of Jesus has been spread across the earth amongst the scattered tribes. Furthermore, that Jesus visited just about every people/continent after his resurrection. There was no internet or TV and they would have had no way of knowing about him or his gospel unless he came to them and taught them. I believe records will come forth. ❤️

 

An Interview with New York Missionaries!

This popped up in my YouTube feed the other day and I really enjoyed it. I loved that the man interviewing the missionaries was so kind, understanding, and open. With each question he asked I imagined how I would have responded. You know me, my answers would have been long. 😄

I would love to be able to have a conversation with someone like this man, who truly wants to learn more. These missionaries were so genuine, sweet, and radiated virtue. I loved their spirit!

Most Powerful Testimony!

I shared this video with family last Sunday as part of our home church lesson. The lesson was about becoming born again. I explained to them that sometimes even after we learn of Jesus Christ our Savior, who He is, what He has done for us, and we are baptized, it still can take many years before we have that true born again conversion - what Alma refers to as the "mighty change of heart". 

This man had the true born again conversion the first time he learned of Jesus Christ and prayed to know Him. Even 20 years after the matter, his spirit is still on fire for Jesus. I love his story! 

John 3:5,16

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

A Battle For Your Mind - & An Epic General Conference!

Yay! I am so excited that this day has finally arrived. This General Conference should one we never forget. I have the orange rolls rising in the oven and spent some time in the early hours this morning being with the Lord. I am so ready to hear the inspired new messages that the Lord will reveal to us today. I pasted links below if you'd like to watch.

In this week's video message I share about more symbolism in local and world events as well as the battle that is raging right now within the kingdoms, the world, and our very own minds. How can we come prepared to the battle? Watch to find out.

WATCH GENERAL CONFERENCE LIVE TODAY AND TOMORROW:
https://www.lds.org/

RE-WATCH PAST BROADCAST:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP16GC&lang=eng

Becoming Whole & Casting Nets

It's has been the busiest summer ever! There are so many posts I want to write, but I find myself never having enough time in the day and therefore sharing these topics in my video messages. I plan to post something later in the week that will lead very well into my next video message. I think you will like it! :)

This week's video message is about some dreams and visions that shed light on what we need to be doing in this final hour, as well as signs, symbols, and number meanings. I share an incredible story and vision about a mother and her missionary son. Enjoy!

New Way to Minister?

As ministering is becoming a big part of the saints of the Church, I think it's important to look for new "outside of the box" ways to minister. I think we can get creative when serving those both in and outside of our ward communities.

Here is what a church in Houston did to serve those outside of their walls. I have often mentioned in videos and on facebook that I'm happy to take requests, and many times people have written me asking me to pray for them - which I have. This is prayer request on a whole new level for today's fast paced modern world.

It's a great service to be able to help pray for others, but it's even more power when we vocally pray with them. I believe it increases the faith of both the person praying and the person being prayed for. It creates strength, unity, and bonds as well. 

Could you imagine what this would look like in an LDS community? Missionaries standing on the side of the road with signs offering drive up prayer. Or young men and young women, instead of washing cars for fundraising, standing by the side of the road with posters offering drive up prayers at no cost. Forget fundraising, how about soul saving? This would be awesome! I mean even walking into a retirement center and asking the residents if anyone would like a word of prayer? Taking the time to talk with them and ask them what they need prayers for, and then taking the time to pray over them each, individually.  

When I saw this, I imagined a weary man or exhausted mother driving home from a long and stressful day, feeling hopeless and at the end of their rope. Not finding a reason to continue living and feeling so alone in their trials. Then seeing a sign on the side of the road that says, "Drive-Thru Prayers. Let us Pray for You". Just imagine what that one prayer and act of kindness could do for that one soul. Beautiful!

Prophecy Being Fulfilled - Who is Shawn LittleBear?

In recent videos I have shared quite a bit about Shawn Little Bear. He is an LDS missionary, High Priest, and Medicine Man of the Cheyenne tribe of Oklahoma. He has an incredible mission and a lot to share about prophecy that's been and currently being fulfilled, based on the records of his people, and in comparison to the records in the Book of Mormon.

Yes, as I've mentioned in my recent video - his tribe has the book of Lehi! As well as other records that will soon be translated into English and published online for the world to see. He has support from LDS church leadership and two of the twelve apostles are involved in this undertaking.

I've included a video presentation below where Shawn shares some incredible information he did not share in the presentation I attended. You are going to want to listen to this video, especially the part about the old wood. I also pasted my video below where I share my notes from Shawn's recent presentation I attended at a Book of Mormon conference. In the bottom video, fast forward to 1:04:17 in the video and that's where I begin sharing my notes (the good stuff).

 
Shawn Little Bear Fireside from Color My Media on Vimeo.

Prophecy Fulfilled in Our Day? And Voices From the Grave Reveal the Book of Mormon is True!

Is a pretty big prophecy being fulfilled right now in our day? Does new evidence support that the Book of Mormon is True? After attending a Book of Mormon conference, I discovered new information, findings, announcements, and witnesses that are not only astounding, but jaw-dropping. In this video message I share testimonies and witnesses from non-Mormons, and newly revealed ancient voices from the grave who boldly testify that the Book of Mormon is true and prophecies are being fulfilled right now in our day. Which prophecies are coming to pass? Watch to find out.

From Amish to Mormon - Converting the Hearts of a Community

Two nights ago, I was telling my husband how I'd love to visit Amish country someday. I always thought it would be really neat to see. Then two days later, I came across this podcast and got my fair share of Amish culture.

If you haven't heard this podcast yet, I certainly recommend it! Orpha Troyer, a young Amish girl, shares the story of how her Amish family along with two other Amish families converted to the LDS faith.

The amazing part about their story is they still live in the same Amish community on the same street. Even though they have been shunned by family and the community, the Lord wants them there - and they have a special mission!


http://www.mormonmissionarystories.com/amishgirl/

When the Lord Knocks

We are always taught to ask and receive, knock and it shall be opened - but what about when the Lord comes knocking, and He asks of us? Do we recognize the ways in which He knocks and are we letting Him in to hear His message?

I love this week's video message, and it's no surprise that the Adversary is already working hard to take it down. As soon as I clicked on "publish" in YouTube, an instant copyright claim popped up from a Middle Eastern musician. It took me to the frame in the video where the copyright violation was, and it was a frame of me talking about a scripture in D&C. I filed a dispute. Watch it while you can! It's an important message :)

America's Cleansing

 The Spirit has impressed upon my mind and heart so much lately. Things are happening so quickly and yesterday my sister texted me and said, "It feels like a movie. You just can't make this up."

I feel very strong that now is the time to get our lives and our homes in order. Remove all the clutter, all the distractions, and the things that are eating up valuable time. Teach your children how to really pray and how to have a close walk with God. Fast and pray on a weekly basis to be shown what the Lord's will is for you and your family. Ask Him to purify and sanctify your family, your home, and the land that you live on. Ask to receive the mantle of charity. Ask to receive the Spirit of peace.

It's time to finally put away the natural man. Things of the flesh block the bridge between you and the Lord. Clear the bridge and get to know your Savior Jesus Christ in a way you have never known Him before. Talk to God as often as you can, and do it often on your knees. Open up your heart and remove all forms of doubt and pride. Cease all judgement and criticism of those in your family, your ward, your neighborhood, your community and those in authority of the Church and government of this nation. Begin to build them up, pray for their protection, and extend unconditional love. Repent of all sins holding you back and keeping you from the presence of the Lord. Forsake the very sight of sin and evil. Fill your heart and home with the things of God. Your home must be a sanctuary and Holy like a temple. Stand ye in Holy places.

This is a season of change. With the arrival of fall, will come the fall of the old ways, the old man, and the old world. The wheat and tares are separating and the wheat is being strengthened and purified. This brief grace period is a gift from God to allow us to get our lives in order. To align with the will of the Lord in all things. Take advantage of this gift to the fullest that you can. Express gratitude all throughout the day for all of your blessings. As the world enters a period of chaos just remember that the Lord has a purpose for it all. He is doing a marvelous work and a wonder in preparation for His return. Don't allow fear to enter into your heart. Trust God in all things and through all things. Smile, have hope, and keep your eye single to the glory of the Lord. :)

Other Churches Teaching that Native Americans Originated from Israel!

This video popped up in my feed yesterday and I was delighted to see that leaders of other Christian faiths are teaching that Native Americans originated from Israel! For me, it’s another witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I was so happy, I left this as my comment below the video.

I love this! Amen :) It supports what I already believe as a fan of the Book of Mormon. A great history of the ancient tribes in America and their record of coming here from Jerusalem, as well as their incredible prophecies about America.

One of their ancient prophets in the Book of Mormon prophesied of the destruction and demise of their future generations in America because in his day they killed off the prophets on the land and turned from the word of God. He said that they would be scattered and smitten by the white Gentiles who would arrive on this land to colonize it. 

1 Nephi 13:12-15 

12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land. 

13 And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters. 

14 And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten. 

15 And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain. 

But there was a prophecy given for their hope and salvation in our day. I love these verses:
 "And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the Jews." 

“And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them; wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers.” (2 Ne. 30:4–5.) 

"And harden not their hearts against the Lamb of God, they shall be numbered among the seed of thy father; yea, they shall be numbered among the house of Israel; and they shall be a blessed people upon the promised land forever; they shall be no more brought down into captivity; and the house of Israel shall no more be confounded.” (1 Ne. 14:1–2.)  

Beautiful scripture ❤️

After posting, I received some unkind comments towards my comment, even though it was from my heart. I did not respond, and I don't wish to expand on what was said.

I follow many different Christian leaders on social media because I am inspired by so many. Their testimonies are additional witnesses to what I already believe and I have even learned some things that were very helpful. I am so grateful for the diversity we have not only within the church but outside of it. 

It brings me so much joy to find common ground and share little bits and pieces of truths with each other that build us up rather than tear us down. Sometimes I find that many in the Christian community are not so kind or accepting towards my own beliefs when they find out I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I am always doing my best to love them anyways and respect their opinions about me. I am hopeful that one day they will see the good fruits of our members and notice the light and the service we freely offer – and give us a chance. A chance at just being friends without judgment or criticism. We can chat about our love for the Savior, our love for His gospel, miracles we have experienced…but as soon as they find out I am Mormon a wall goes up. We shouldn’t see labels on those around us, we should see everyone as a child of God. We are all equally loved by Him, therefore we should love each other just as much as we love Him. 

I am hopeful that one day others who are not favorable of Mormons will understand that our testimonies about what we believe are very real, personal, and sacred to us. If the Spirit had not born witness to our hearts, we would not have a testimony. This applies to members of all faiths. A testimony is a very personal thing. If the Spirit did not bear any witness to you of light and truth about your faith, you would not believe it. We all belong to the churches that we do, because the Spirit guided us to them. They are right for us because we have been guided to them. I cannot tell another person what is “right” for them just as another person cannot tell me what is “right” or “wrong” for me. The Lord knows us and knows our individual needs. He guides us to where we need to be. It is important to respect that. Our paths are all different, we are all at different places in our lives, different levels of light and knowledge, and we are all doing the best we can with what we know. All who follow the Savior Jesus Christ belong to the Church of the Lamb. Our doctrines may differ but our principals are still the same. We can surely unite on that.

Religion is good because it gives us standards to live by. It helps us rise to a higher potential. No matter what church we belong to, if our religion teaches peace and love – then we are in a good church! We all want to share what we believe because it has made us so happy! We want to share that happiness. When guided by the Spirit, I often share my beliefs with others if they seem interested or they ask, however I never force my opinions or beliefs on anyone. Even missionaries are taught to always serve and love all people first. If you have truth you want to share, others will not want to hear it if you are telling them their beliefs are wrong or evil or they have been deceived. Criticizing others for what brings them joy, is a sure sign of personal unhappiness. When someone is truly happy and truly has the Spirit with them, they are at peace and don’t feel the need to criticize others for their differences. The core of the gospel is treating others how you would want to be treated and loving everyone without conditions attached. I am hopeful that someday we’ll get there, or at least close to it!

Not all people in the Christian Community are critical towards Mormons, and yes, there are even some Mormon’s who don’t practice the Golden Rule themselves. Regardless of our experiences with people outside of our faiths, we should seek to give everyone we meet the benefit of the doubt. We should express gratitude that our Father in Heaven has given us free agency so that we can believe what feels right to us. We are all so blessed! 

A Testimony of the Truthfulness of the Book of Mormon from an Unlikely Witness

I am reading the late John Pontius' book, Journey to the Veil, and very much enjoying it. I was a fan of his blog before he passed away in 2012. I was reminded of this blog post that he shared about an experience he had while on his mission in South Africa. I LOVE this experience and wanted to share!

Die Boek van Mormon

I was searching through my books in storage a few days ago and came across a first edition of the Book of Mormon in Afrikaans. I served a mission in South African from 1971 to 1973. I had interesting and challenging experiences. But this was one of the most riveting.

I attended the special conference in Johannesburg on May 14, 1972, when the new translation of the Book of Mormon into Afrikaans (Die Boek van Mormon) was presented. It was an electric moment. People wept. Some had waited all of their lifetimes to read the Book of Mormon in Afrikaans. Many people had learned English for the sole purpose of reading this scripture. The Spirit was strong among us as we rejoiced.

Remembering back more than forty years, I can still remember Professor Felix Mijnhardt as he spoke of his experience in translating that sacred book. We also had a special zone conference a few days prior where our mission president, Harlan Clark, recounted his involvement with and experience of the translation of the Book of Mormon. I had a good friend who was an assistant to President Clark, who later shared with me his experiences of being in meetings with Professor Mijnhardt and Elder Clark several times. I can no longer remember who said what exactly, but I remember what I felt, and how it affected my newly-minted testimony as a young missionary. I will retell it as best as I can recall.

Professor Mijnhardt was invited to come to the stand and speak about his experience in translating the Book of Mormon. He recounted how he had been given a gift of languages from God from his youth. He said that he was fluent in over sixty languages. He was presently employed at Pretoria University as a language professor. He said he had been praying that the Lord would give him some task, some divinely important task, that would justify his having this gift of language from God.

He said that in about 1970 he had visited a group of Mormon leaders, including a Bishop Brummer, Mission President Harlan Clark, and others, who sought to commission him to translate the Book of Mormon from English into Afrikaans. He said that he knew of the Book of Mormon from his religions studies, and his initial reaction was that he did not want to be involved in translating it.

However, that evening as he prayed upon his knees, as was his habit, the Spirit of the Lord convicted him. The message was something on the order of, “You asked me for a great, divinely inspired task of translation, I sent it to you in the form of translating the Book of Mormon, and you declined.” Professor Mijnhardt said he could not sleep through the night because he knew that translating the Book of Mormon would get him into trouble with his university, which was owned and operated by the Dutch Reformed Church. When morning came he agreed to begin the translation immediately.

Standing at the pulpit, he described the experience. He said something like, “I never begin translating a book at the beginning. Writing style usually changes throughout a book and becomes more consistent toward the middle. Accordingly, I opened to a random place in the middle of the Book of Mormon, and began translating.”

He said, “I was startled by the obvious fact that the Book of Mormon was not authored in English. It became immediately apparent that what I was reading was a translation into English from some other language. The sentence structure was wrong for native English. The word choices were wrong, as were many phrases.”

He asked, “How many times has an Englishman said or written, ‘And it came to pass’?” We all laughed, and knew he was right, of course.

He explained that when he realized this, he knew that he had to find either the original language or a median language, and then proceed to translate it into Afrikaans. He listed a half-dozen languages he tried, all of which did not accommodate the strange sentence structure found in the Book of Mormon. He said he finally tried Egyptian, and to his complete surprise, he found that the Book of Mormon translated flawlessly into Egyptian—not modern, but ancient Egyptian. He found that some nouns were missing from Egyptian, so he used Hebrew nouns where Egyptian did not provide the word or phrase. He chose Hebrew because both languages existed in the same place anciently.

He said he had no idea at that time why the Book of Mormon was once written in Egyptian, but he said that without any doubt, the Book of Mormon had been authored in Egyptian or a language with very similar syntax. I heard him say this over and over. Then, he said, “Imagine my utter astonishment when I turned to chapter one, verse one, and began my actual translation, and came to verse two, where Nephi explains that he was writing in the language of the Egyptians, with the learning of the Jews!”

He said, “I knew by the second verse that this was no ordinary book, that it was not the writings of Joseph Smith, but that it was of ancient origin. I could have saved myself months of work if I had just begun at the beginning. Nobody but God—working through a prophet of God, in this case Nephi—would have included a statement of the language he was writing in. Consider how many documents written in English include the phrase, ‘I am writing in English’! It is unthinkable and absolute proof of the inspired origins of this book.”

He noted that he was one of the few people in the world with any knowledge of old Egyptian writing. He was certainly the only person who was also fluent in Afrikaans and English. He indicated that when a verse would not translate directly into English, he used Egyptian as a tool to arrive at a correct translation into Afrikaans.

Professor Mijnhardt spoke of many other things regarding the translation of this book and then said, “I do not know what Joseph Smith was before he translated this book, and I do not know what he was afterward, but while he translated this book, he was a prophet of God! I know he was a prophet! I testify to you that he was a prophet while he brought forth this book! He could have been nothing else! No person in 1827 could have done what he did. The science did not exist. The knowledge of ancient Egyptian did not exist. The knowledge of these ancient times and ancient peoples did not exist. The Book of Mormon is scripture. I hope you realize this.”

“I have since been asked to translate the book you call the Doctrine and Covenants. I got part way through and set it down. It is not like the Book of Mormon. Anyone could translate it into Afrikaans. It is not scripture in the same sense that the Book of Mormon is scripture. I declare that the Book of Mormon is of ancient origin, and is scripture of the same caliber as the Old Testament, or for that matter, the New Testament.”

“I have taken this book of scripture, this Book of Mormon, and presented it to my Board of Regents, and urged them to embrace it as scripture. They declined, of course. I took it to the head of our Dutch Reformed Church and demonstrated why the Book of Mormon is scripture, and urged them to at least study it, even if they did not canonize it or even share it with the people of the church. I urged them to just think what having a new and profound book of scripture could mean to the church–to my church, the Dutch Reformed Church. I pointed out that they need not become Mormons, in the same way that they did not need to become Jews to embrace the Old Testament. They considered my presentation for a very few seconds and then rejected it. They next threatened me regarding my belief in the Book of Mormon, threatened my employment, and ejected me from their presence. I am deeply disappointed, but I am not deterred. I will keep promoting this book as scripture for the remainder of my life–simply because it is scripture, and I know it.”

He paused, then added, “I am not a member of your church, and do not expect to become one. I have been asked many times why I have not joined your church, and my answer is because God has not directed me to join you. If He had, I would be standing here as a fellow Mormon. Perhaps my mission in life is better served outside of your church. I haven’t studied your doctrine or your history since Joseph Smith. The only thing I know about you is that you have authentic, ancient scripture in the Book of Mormon, and that all of the world should embrace the Book of Mormon as scripture. It simply can’t be denied. I believe every religion could embrace the Book of Mormon without becoming a Mormon. You probably disagree with that, but it is my present belief, and my message to anyone who will listen.”

I have pondered that experience for half of a century now. I do not know whether Professor Mijnhardt ever joined the Church. I know my memory of his exact words is wanting, but my memory of what I felt and what I knew and how potent it was to hear his testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon is one of those things that I will never forget.

–Brother John


For more accounts from John Pontius’ life, please read “Journey to the Veil”, located here.

* Terri’s note: For anyone interested, the current location of the transcript for the May 14, 1972 Transvaal Stake meeting in Johannesburg is in the Church History Library, call number LR 9256 24, Folder 1.

https://unblogmysoul.wordpress.com/2014/06/24/die-boek-van-mormon/

Have You Been Chosen?

I've been reading Sheri Dew's book No Doubt About It, and let me just say that Chapter Three has been ground shaking for me. Sheri talks about how our spirits long for us to remember who we have always been. If we understood this and remembered, it would change everything. It would change how see ourselves, our confidence and affect everything we do.

Sheri goes on to talk about how we qualified by spiritual valor to be born into the House of Israel. She says, "...which lineage President Harold B. Lee called the 'most illustrious lineage' of all who would come to earth. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote that 'The whole House of Israel, known and segregated out from their fellows, was inclined toward spiritual things'. He also noted that the foreordination to come to the earth as a member of the House of Israel was 'an election...for those so chosen, selected, or elected become, in this life, the favored people [in that] though all mankind may be saved by obedience, some find it easier to believe and obey than others'".

The kind of lives we lived in our premortal life determined what we could receive in this life.After all we did have agency and we exercised it all the time. It makes sense as we are taught that the kind of lives we live here on this earth will determine where we spend eternity. I truly believe that we were taught and schooled in our premortal life all about what mortal life would be like. We were told that our choices in our premortal life would determine further blessings in our mortal life. We did all we could to prepare. My own patriarchal blessing speaks about things I did in my premortal life that were pleasing to the Father and what those choices earned me in this life.

To take it a step further, look at where you were born, the freedoms you have and the blessings of the gospel in your life. You clearly were an incredible spirit engaging in important and pleasing work and therefore you were elected to your place in this world. You were elected because everyone believed in you and knew that you would be the best person to accomplish your specific mission. That alone should increase your confidence about who you really are and what you are capable of.

Being born into the House of Israel also tells you that you are "inclined toward spiritual things" meaning that you recognize eternal truths very easily. You recognize when the Spirit speaks to you and you act. You understand and recognize personal revelation and you seek it. These are the characteristics of the spirits who were chosen to be born into the House of Israel. A chosen people.

Sheri says that George Q. Cannon repeatedly taught that God reserved his noblest spirits to come forth in this last dispensation. Yes my friends, we were the strongest. Now, when I think of nobility I think of the greatest leaders, prophets  apostles and righteous kings. If we were all the noblest spirits then are were we not of that same group? Given different assignments and positions but nonetheless of the same nobility. Incredible! You are more than capable and qualified for the work you have been called to do. You even believed so yourself before you passed through the veil and your memory was gone. If you can truly beleive that again, imagine what you could accomplish!

As parents, we were chosen to rear up this last generation prior to Christ's return. We were the strongest and most qualified out of all the spirits in heaven to teach the last wave of missionaries that would take the gospel to all the earth.  It was us. We were elected.

Satan also knows who we are and what we were chosen to do. It angers and terrifies him. When you feel those thoughts of doubt and negativity that you aren't good enough or why bother with anything you know that is Satan trying to keep you far from remembering who you once were and who you still are. When you have those thoughts get on your knees and ask for help to remove them. If you can push aside his lies and tactics you will discover incredible truths about yourself.

Lastly, Sheri says that we will never be at peace until we fully understand who we are, who we have always been and who we may become. She suggests that we go to the Lord in prayer and ask him to talk to us through the Spirit about us. Begin by reading D&C 138 and Abraham 3, continue in prayer and the Lord will speak to you about you.

Well, I don't know about you but I can't wait to give this a go. As you can tell from my previous posts this has been a strong topic on my mind lately and it's amazing how the Lord is leading me to all of these great books, scriptures, talks and people who are building upon this knowledge for me. Like I said before, these books just fell into my lap at the library. I wasn't looking for them or any specific book, they just somehow stood out and I grabbed them off the shelf in a hurry without reading the backs. They all align with each other.

In fact, today a returned missionary spoke in our sacrament meeting and his entire talk was about "many are called, but few are chosen". I have been discussing that scripture all week and it's meaning. We have all been called (elected) to our missions and positions in this life but only the few who magnify their callings and strive to build up the kingdom will be chosen. Yes, there are many who forgot they were called and they have strayed from being chosen. They do not say, "Lord, here I am. Please use me. I will serve thee." The Lord chooses who he can use and rely on to do his great work.

I testify to you, that we are not here on this earth to waste time, be idle and just entertain our own pleasures. We are here on a mission to do a work. We have been called and we need to roll up our sleeves and get busy. Life will not be as fulfilling and satisfying until we do. When our spirits rejoice at our remembering the promises we made and as we get involved in the work, we will find great happiness and enjoyment in this life for we will be chosen. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.