My Testimony of the Gospel

This is what I believe...

Testimony of
Bruce Randall
October 20, 2007

I have been asked to share my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ with you on paper. I didn’t realize it would be so hard for me to write what I so deeply feel.

I have been taught the teachings of the Savior all of my life. I have learned by listening to parents, teachers, speakers, friends, my wonderful wife, my children, and leaders. I have read the Bible, both the Old and New Testament numerous times, the Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and Book of Mormon countless times and continue to read the scriptures each day. I have prayed daily most of my life. In the last 10 years of my life, I have learned to ponder more. I served a two-year mission for my church in Japan when I was a young 19 years old. For many years I have gone to the temple of God to learn more about His plan for all mankind, and most importantly, learned about His plan for me. At the time of this writing I am almost 50 years old now and from all this learning and doing I have come to the sure knowledge that my Redeemer lives and that he loves me.

My soul has been taught by the Holy Ghost that my Heavenly Father is my Spirit Father and that he cared enough about me to send me to this earth at this time, with the family that I am a part of. I have a sure testimony about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know personally that the Atonement has given me the opportunity to fully repent and return to the straight path back to my Father. I know that my true happiness is solely dependent on my ability to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and that I need to repent, and change often, in order to keep the Holy Ghost in my life. Being obedient to His commandments helps me have the Holy Ghost which I so sincerely desire.

I have learned for myself that the Prophet Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This experience has brought much peace to me. I know that through Joseph Smith, the Church of Jesus Christ was restored upon the earth, along with the authority to act in His name through His Priesthood.

The life and teachings of our prophet today, President Gordon B. Hinckley, teach me what I need to be. I have changed my life considerably because of what he has brought to light. I know I have a long way to go, but I know I can get there.

This life of striving to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ is not always an easy one, but I know it is the right kind of life to live. I know that the Priesthood I hold is sacred and powerful and can only be used for righteousness, in a righteous way, when I am worthy to do so. Each day, I strive to do better, and for this desire which is based on hope through faith in Jesus Christ, I am truly thankful to my Father in Heaven.