Forward In Faith

Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. An imperfect father, husband, and a humble follower of Christ.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

One of the most humbling and sacred experiences of my life has been the opportunity to serve the people of Mali through humanitarian trips.

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, and the realities there are difficult to fully comprehend until you see them firsthand. The infant mortality rate remains heartbreakingly high—around 55–60 deaths per 1,000 live births—meaning that roughly 1 in every 17–18 children does not live to see their first birthday.

The country is also marked by deep instability. Large regions—especially in the north, and increasingly in central and southern areas—are affected by insurgent groups linked to Al-Qaeda.

And yet, despite the danger, we still went—three times. Each visit required the protection of the Malian military. There was risk, but there was also purpose.

Why do I share this?

Because in the midst of hardship, I am witnessing something powerful.

Mali is predominantly Muslim (about 90–95% of the population) and has historically shown a degree of tolerance toward other faiths, including Christianity.

When I first visited in 2022, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had just a single small branch in the entire country—fewer than 80 members. There were no proselytizing missionaries, only a few humanitarian couples doing quiet, faithful work.

But the Lord is mindful of all His children—no matter how remote the place or how small the beginning.

Over the past year, something remarkable has been happening.

After great sacrifice, a small group of about 20–30 members were able to travel last month to the Abidjan Temple in Ivory Coast for the first time. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual milestone.

And since that experience, the growth has been extraordinary. I am now hearing they expect 83 new baptisms by the end of April.

In just two years, this small branch may grow from 60–80 members to more than 300.

It’s a powerful reminder to me that faith can take root anywhere—and that even in the most unlikely places, the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ is growing.

Please pray for these beautiful and faith-inspiring people. They are modern pioneers full of hope, love and faith.

[Latter Day Boomstick @LDSBoomstick]

Today I began my study of David. One of my all time favorite stories. We all have a little underdog in us. There are many challenges we will face that seem too big and yet when we face them with faith we overcome the odds.

That was David. A mere boy compared to a giant. If you saw this matchup on paper you would be crazy to pick David as the winner. It made no sense. David had something in his back pocket however. And it wasn't a rock. It was the power of the Lord. David knew he could defeat Goliath because of his faith in God.

Today I read a talk given by then Elder Russell M Nelson titled “With God Nothing Shall Be Impossible”. He gave this in 1988. President Nelson gives many examples of people overcoming their trials when they seemed impossible. These people overcame them because they understood this principle: With God nothing is impossible.

https://t.co/iBwGG30sWb

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@jmbrim3 Confirmation bias is real. They are unwilling to accept what could be on the other side of the argument.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

He is even more amazing in person. His deep well of knowledge and wisdom was like a fountain. Every chance he could, he would be telling us a personal story, or teaching us of Christ, or grading each site on historical accuracy or the likelihood of transpired events occurring in that spot.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@realDrTT I attended mass in the Cathedral of Notre Dame last year after it had been restored. It was a magnificent experience.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@cosmosadderall #3 - I seed what you did there lol!

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@realDrTT I listened to one of your readings. I sat silently in tears at the care you took in reading every line. Bridges of understanding, tolerance, and love are our priority. We will be forever grateful for you sharing your journey and pray that the Lord will continue to sustain you.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

God never refers to himself as the Trinity, yet, you believe in it.

God told Joesph Smith they were an abomination, not Joseph Smith. For the believer, it’s the truth. For the non-believer, it’s not. Yet several examples exist that clearly state they are unique and separate exist in the Bible. Will you deny them?

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
— John 15:8

Jesus says His purpose is to glorify the Father:

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”
— John 17:4

And just a few verses later:

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self…”
— John 17:5

After his resurrection:

“I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”

— John 20:17

As for me and my house, I serve God the Father and Jesus Christ as their true revealed identity as separate and distinct persons that was shared with a boy that later became a their chosen prophet: Joseph Smith.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@ryanswalters73 @FiverMacGyver Where does he say the word “Trinity” in the Holy Bible? I searched - I didn’t find it either.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@ryanswalters73 @FiverMacGyver Where does he say “Thou shalt obey the creeds that shall come forth 300 years after my death”?

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

BOLD FACE LIE!!

I am sorry I will not sit idly by and hear such a lie such as this. We study the bible every day. We live it, we preach and teach about it. My grandfather at the age of 8 shared with me his favorite verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all things Heart and lean not unit thine own understanding, acknowledge Him, and he shall direct the paths. I have memorized it and along with many other verses in the Bible. I rever it was the word of God - same as the Book of Mormon.

I have developed and devoted much of life to understanding the history and richness of the bible and deep connections of the Jewish faith to mine.

You should be ashamed.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.”
— Matthew 19:18

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
— Ephesians 4:25

“He that saith, I love God, and hateth his brother, is a liar.”
— 1 John 4:20

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

This is an incredible view into the process of calling and assigning missionaries.

It must be regarded as sacred and held in the highest reverence because of the impact it will have, not only on the church but also on the men and women called to serve. https://t.co/RA9cEgv1c8 https://t.co/RA9cEgv1c8

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@jaredadairbell @Lew541207 I don’t get into politics but I am a red blooded American patriot that happens to love soccer.

This was beautiful.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

John 13:35

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

In no other place do I feel this is more manifest than in the holy temple of the Lord.

May we strive to be His disciples not just in word but in deed.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@realDrTT @Lew541207 May God bless you and your family.

[D. Todd Christofferson @ChristoffDTodd]

Religious freedom is the cornerstone of peace in a world with many competing philosophies.

We were privileged to represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Canterbury Medal Gala hosted by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a fitting venue for celebrating religious liberty. I was honored to offer the invocation at this event.

Moral agency, the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for ourselves, is essential to God’s plan of salvation. Religious freedom ensures that people can exercise their agency in matters of faith.

We are grateful to be associated with so many wonderful people of faith who we stand with to advocate for religious freedom.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

Surely we can’t know all things God knows, but knowing His nature and your role in his plan is comprehensible.

A created thing? God has body similar to ours - after all we are made in his image - are we not?

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

We are His children. Any God must be a Father to qualify as a God in my book. Any God that incomprehensible is not worth worshipping.

John 17:3:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Jeremiah 9:23–24

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom… but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me…”

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

No, that is the lie. He is fully comprehensible. He is your Father in Heaven. Your relatioship with him matters to Him. He knows your name. He wants you to learn of Him and His son. Your eternal nature is divine and comes from him. Knowing them as they and our relationship with Him matter - because we are all his spirit sons and daughters.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

@KeithManleyjr @realDrTT @Lovemyproxy Me too! I love it.

[Forward In Faith @4wardInFaith]

With all respect, for me, the Trinity fails ever time I hear of Jesus Christ talk about His Father. No amount of theological gymnastics can help me understand how Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the same person as His Father in Heaven. Who did he pray to in Gethsemane? Himself? Who did call out to on the cross? Himself?

This is the very nature of our relationship to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. It’s essential we come to see them as they are and not through the lens of 4th century greek philosophers interpreting scripture.

Respectfully.