Week 70!!!

Doctrine and Covenants section 1 verses 29 and 30 states "And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon. And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually—"

Saturday we had a visit from Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the 12, Elder Acosta of the area 70 and Elder Schwitzer of the 70.  They came to town to do some training for the local priesthood leaders, and for us missionaries as well. I know that Elder Ballard is an ordained Apostle of Jesus Christ. I sat at his feet and listened to him talk. I felt the undeniable Holy Ghost tell me that he has authority from on High. I felt the whole feeling of the room change as he walked in and testified of Christ. I think I remember one time when I was younger that we had a member of the Quorum of the 12 come to stake conference. I really don't remember much about it though. This Saturday was the first time I have shaken the hand of an Apostle of the Lord with the new testimony and knowledge I have received here on my mission. in my mind this was a crowing event that changed my mission and changed me for forever. I mean before this time I had no problem looking anyone in the eyes and testifying that we have a prophet, but now really I cant imagine not sharing with people. In that meeting Elder Schwitzer read a verse in Alma that I'm not exactly sure where its at but says how Alma the Younger and his companions shaked and trembled because of the fact their brothers were perishing in unbelief. He asked us how many of us quake and tremble over the people of Southern California. It really makes you think. I have found myself becoming saddened by rejection. when I first started I would get discouraged by rejection. "why are they rejecting me?" then I got used to it iIguess and I wasn't discouraged. When I would get rejected I would move on. I knew I was there for a reason and someone would hear us. lately, I have come to know in a very real sense that I am a personal emissary of Christ. I am enlisted in His work to do what He would do if He were here. I came to know that it is something sad when people reject us because it is not us they are rejecting, but Christ. as we have His "only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth". This experience with Elder Ballard sealed the deal. It was a very humbling experience, hearing him testify that we are servants of Christ. It really made me want to be better. I want to go scream to the world that our church is true. That I know that through a living prophet, we have the authority to seal families for eternity.

So if I were to describe this week in a nutshell it would be the church is true. I know it and I can not deny it. I want everyone to know that I know that this is the one true church, for I have felt the Spirit testify to me the same way it is testifying to you right now as you read these words. I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and evidence that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Church of Jesus Christ restored on the earth in preparation for the second coming of the Messiah. Please read this book and pray about it. I desire all to come to the knowledge and partake of the happiness and joy I have because of this knowledge. As an ordained representative of Jesus Christ, I promise in His name that you will receive a testimony of Him by the same Spirit that I did. I bear this testimony to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.