Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Charity

My name is Elder Thompson. Elder Wright asked me to write a blog for him, so I will attempt to say something of worth. I am a new missionary in the Santa Rosa Mission. I have been out for about ten weeks, and am serving in Davis. I want to share something that I don't talk about casually, this experience is personal and I am hesitant to put it on the Internet but the spirit is prompting me to do so. The day before my graduation I went to a lot of parties held by my friends. At each party they served pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, brats, and hamburgers. I went to four different parties and at each party I ate pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, brats, and hamburgers. By the next day I had food poisoning. The day I was supposed to walk across the stage and receive my diploma. My grandparents and flown in from Oregon to Wisconsin to watch the event; however, I could not stand without the feeling that I would feint. I was nauseous and was in no condition to go to my graduation. I was very sad, but took courage at the impression that I should ask for a priesthood blessing. I went downstairs and asked my father and grandpa to give it to me. As soon as my grandpa put his hands on my head and began to talk the Holy Ghost filled my entire body, I could not control my emotions and began to sob. Never have I felt the spirit so strong, I felt like I had been completely united with the spirit. It filled me from head to toe. As the spirit entered into my body I felt so much peace, strength, and power, I also felt my nausea and dissy head disappear. As the blessing came to a close the overwhelming spirit started to fade, but as it did my feelings of sickness had not returned. I had been healed by the priesthood, the power of God. I imagine that I felt as the people in the Bible felt when Jesus Christ healed them. Through the prophet Joseph Smith that priesthood was restored to the Earth, it was as if the Lord himself was laying his hands on me when my father and Grandpa gave me that blessing. I testify that the Gospel has been restored in its fullness. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is there for anyone that will reach out to it. True happiness only comes from this Gospel, and Heavenly Father is waiting to give it to you if you will exercise your faith and come unto him  through his servants, prayer, and scripture. I testify that these things are true, and that anyone can come to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church once again restored to the earth through the Book of Mormon and prayer and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.