Going to the Ten Mile Christian Church

My first trip on my religious experiment was to go the the Ten Mile Christian Church. They are a non-denomiational congregation. I liked the experience of going there and hearing what they had to say. They had a band and sang songs to begin with. I liked the songs, because they did talk about the grace of God and did praise his name. It was neat to sing along and think about the words of each song.
The sermon was about keeping rules. The purpose of this sermon was for the congregation to learn for ourselves the importance of rules and then tell others that we aren't all about rules and mearly follow the rules, because we love others and because we love God. This was something that I am not used to hearing. I think I've been raised to believe that we follow the rules no matter what. Lately I have been taking the stance that if I don't like a rule then I won't follow it and see what the consequences are. When I told my wife this she asked what rules am I not following and as I thought about it most of the so-called "rules" are actually just made up by those that were in my culture or were just made up in my head. We don't have to go to only our church on Sundays. We have the opportunity to visit other churches and find out what we truly believe.
So far by doing this experiment I have been blessed so much, because I have been able to see myself as a sinner and have been willing to let the atonement work in my life because I know I'm not perfect.
The pastor made an interesting point during his sermon: He said that if he hypothetically kept all the rules (which he knows he could never do) he would still not be saved. I know this to be true, because that was Satan's plan. He wanted to make us keep all the commandments. But we know that we wouldn't have done it for the right reasons and with all our hearts.
So far the experiment is going well. We'll see where it takes me next week.

Ward Canvasing Project

On the 19th of January seven elders from the 52nd ward went around our neighborhood for the ward canvasing project. We met a lot of interesting people and we all seemed to comment afterwards that this was just as good as full time missionary work, if not better. We were even able to meet a couple people that were ready to hear the gospel. Brother Wampler and I met a guy from the Dominican Republic, who had an El Libro de Mormon in his apartment and said that his friends were all return missionaries. Another companionship met a girl that was very interested and said that she had a co-worker who had been talking to her about the gospel. I know that this was an activity that blessed many lives, including those that were doing the work. We also had the opportunity to meet up with the missionaries and tell them about the families that we met with. They were really excited to get some names of people to work with and I can testify to you that they are worthy missionaries that will do a great job with the names that we give them. We appreciate all that they do and that all the members of our ward do for the proclaimation of the gospel. Thank you.

The Book of Mormon

I began to see the fruits of the reading the Book of Mormon as I was preparing to serve a mission. I was so into the book I would be late for class as I studied it in the morning. I read the story of King Benjamin's address to the people one morning and as I finished, I felt like jumping up and down for joy. I felt the love of the Savior for me as I realized my own nothingness and all my Heavenly Father and Savior had done for me. I knew more than ever the Book of Mormon is true. It is another testament and witness of our Savior and His love for us. We do draw closer to God as we study it, and try to live by its precepts.

Brother Schow

Our Savior Jesus Christ

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that even though there is much sadness on the earth, God is wise and we all have a purpose here. I know that the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to all of the world’s problems and that those who seek with true faith will find God’s peace. Our Father in heaven wants us to be happy and He guides us so that we can have true joy if we follow His counsel. Living prophets still teach us in our time. I know that the most important service I can render to God will be done by serving and leading my family in righteousness. I don’t hesitate to say that I know these things because I have been given a greater assurance of them than anything else that I know. Following God’s will and sharing this knowledge have given me a greater joy than anything else.

Brother Fisher

Our Faithful Missionaries

A little over a week ago we had Elders Paongo and Hanson come visit our house. It was such a great opportunity for us to feel of their spirit and then be able to add to that spiritual experience by giving the missionaries a list of about twenty names that I had put together while canvasing our ward boundaries. Then the missionaries asked us who we thought was ready to hear the discussions now and I immediately thought of our friends Kyle and Cierra, who have come to church already. Well the missionaries did go visit the happy Kyle and Cierra and things seem to be going very well. Come to find our, those same missionaries visited the Randalls, who also gave them a name of a couple in our neighborhood that would want to hear the discussions. They also are hearing the discussions right now. Needless to say, the missionary work in our ward is thriving. I know that the missionaries were prompted to come to our house that day and I know that many lives will be blessed because of that decision. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Our Father in Heaven by Brother Nielsen

My family was recently blessed to bring a baby boy into our lives. That's right, I am a father. It is scary to know that my wife and I are the ones responsible for raising him, but I am so excited that such an opportunity has been given to us. I know that the blessing of being a parent is given to us from our Father in Heaven. He is the one who has created our bodies and sent us down to Earth to learn to become like him. I know that one of the biggest tests we will have is raising children. If we truly do all that we can to raise our children in righteousness and give them the firm foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father will be happy with us and our efforts. Again, I am so thankful that I am a father and I hope I can be worthy of such a great gift. He has truly brought the joy of heaven into our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Proclaiming the Gospel

As Proclaim the Gospel Chairman for the 52nd Ward and en leiu of Elder Ballard asking church members to do more to share the gospel, including starting conversations with others and sharing your feelings about the church on blogs, I felt it appropriate to start a blog for this ward. If you would like to publish your testimony and other feelings about the church and its missionary efforts please contact Brother Nielsen.