Bro_Chang

[Ryker @RykerJackson97]

I remember my first day in the MTC. I was eating dinner with my district when one of the leaders, possibly the MTC President, stood up to address us. His remarks were relatively short, and I only remember one thing that he said, but that one thing he said was impressed so deeply upon me that I’ve never been able to forget it since.

He said, unlikely though it seemed then, that half of the missionaries present at that dinner would end up leaving the church within the next 10 years. I remember the room falling into a kind of stunned silence, punctuated by a few bouts of nervous laughter. His point seemed to come out of left field, and was so direct and clear that I didn’t really know how to take it.

Looking at the Elders and Sisters around me, I just couldn’t bring myself to believe that. We were all so faith filled and dedicated, the concept that half of them would abandon their covenants seemed absurd. I didn’t really see his point, either. Why would he try to put such a negative idea in our heads to discourage us?

With all of that being said, however, his claim struck me and, in the words of Enos, ‘sank deep into my soul’. I made a conscious commitment then and there that I would not be among those to fall away. I highly doubt I was alone in this; such a feeling permeated the entire room. Of course WE wouldn’t. WE were special, WE were different.

I was naive. I’d say at least a third of those present have left the church by now, and that’s probably an optimistic estimate.

Since that time I’ve often wondered why we were given those statistics, and what purpose they served. I think I know now. It was a word of warning. A call to prepare and avoid complacency. Missionaries tend to feel spiritually invincible, at least I did. The week before heading home I had my entire life planned out, and I was going to ensure that I was at the same level of spirituality and consecration that I enjoyed on my mission. The idea of a faith crisis, of struggling to feel the spirit, was nonsensical. It would all be the same.

That, of course, was not the case. Coming home was hard, and as years went by I found myself dealing with some rather severe crises of faith. I thought I had heard all the anti-Mormon claims on my mission, but I hadn’t, and it took me some serious study and prayer to overcome many of my doubts and become spiritually stronger.

Needless to say, there were times when I almost became one of those statistics mentioned my first day in the MTC. I realized quickly how foolish I was to assume that I’d always be at the spiritual high of missionary service.

I’m not writing this to be discouraging, quite the opposite. I’m writing this to remind you, and me, that faith is hard, and that we need to be strong. Don’t assume that your testimony will never be shaken. Don’t assume that you can avoid the struggle of deepening faith. Don’t assume that you’ll be the outlier.

Some of those missionaries I knew who have since left the church are people that were spiritual giants. They were the kind of people that I assumed had indestructible testimonies. They were the kind of people that I looked to for guidance when I was struggling. But, they fell away.

We are all vulnerable. We all need to be building our testimonies of the Gospel and broadening our foundations on the Savior every week, every day, and every hour.

Hold to the rod, heed not the great and spacious building, and press forward with steadfast faith in Christ. Amen.

[Bro_Chang @Brobchang]

@bwfanzzz We would be grateful to receive your tickets 🙏🏼

[Tansu Yegen @TansuYegen]

The reason for Japanese football fans clean up after a match

[Bro_Chang @Brobchang]

@the_churchnews We were privileged to attend in person 🙏🏼

[C. S. Lewis @CSLewisDaily]

“Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won’t last forever. We must take it or leave it.” -C.S. Lewis

[Dallin H. Oaks @OaksDallinH]

We shared five ways you can stand fast with love in proclaiming truth:

• Avoid overly contentious settings.
• Love others and find common ground, even if we disagree.
• Hold to truth even in our outreach.
• Be a light to the world.
• Stay anchored in Jesus Christ.

[Henry B. Eyring @EyringHB]

When the storms in life come, you can be steady because you are standing on the rock of your faith in Jesus Christ. That faith will lead you to daily repentance and consistent covenant keeping, and through the storms of hatred and wickedness, you will feel steady and hopeful.

[Russell M. Nelson @NelsonRussellM]

Contrary to the doubts of some, there really is such a thing as right and wrong. There really is absolute truth—eternal truth.

[Christopher Rufo @christopherrufo]

2 million views 👏

[Ben Criddle @BenCriddleShow]

Love this

[#IamJackDamuni 🇫🇯 @JackDamuni]

BE A SHARING ANGEL AND SHARE 🤟🏾

[Gerrit W. Gong @GerritWGong]

Today is #InternationalDayofFriendship. Friendships are such an important part of our lives. As we make covenants with God, we find camaraderie and belonging with each other.

[Latter-day Saint Quotes @LDSquotable]

I think often of those of you who are suffering, worried, afraid, or feeling alone. I assure each one of you that the Lord knows you, that He is aware of your concern and anguish, and that He loves you—intimately, personally, deeply, and forever. @BallardMRussell

[Latter-day Prophet Quotes @LDProphetQuotes]

"If you feel that God has not answered your prayers...carefully look for evidence in your own life that He may have already answered you.” -Richard G. Scott

[The Book of Mormon @thebookofmormon]

If you knew Christ would “show himself on the morrow” to you, what would you do differently today? (See 3 Nephi 19:1–3.)

What would happen if you lived that way every day? https://t.co/sSY4UNxBna

[Latter-day Saint Quotes @LDSquotable]

As you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life.

[Russell M. Nelson @NelsonRussellM]

Today I joined with friends and leaders from the @NAACP to publish an op-ed about racial equality. We call on people everywhere to join us in a journey of understanding and overcoming.

https://t.co/sAjJp0pkfV

[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints @Ch_JesusChrist]

In response to developing travel advisories and restrictions emerging around the world, substantial numbers of missionaries will likely be returned to their home nations to continue their service. Please see article for additional temporary adjustments. https://t.co/hQ2WYDn8fP

[Gerrit W. Gong @GerritWGong]

President @NelsonRussellM recently invited us to seek personal revelation more intently. As we do so, we will hear the Lord’s voice more often, through His Spirit, in His time and way. His voice brings comfort to our troubled world. He loves you and longs for you to #HearHim.

[Of Good Report @ofgoodreport_]

Do you know anyone who will be interested in their new bachelor degree programs?

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