Iokwe from OK! On Truth

Iokwe!

Elder Kilmer and his trainee Elder Wold from Gilbert, AZ

What a blast this last week was. We had a bike week, which meant that we were not to drive our cars as much as possible. For us in our zone, this meant a week of miracles. We decided beforehand to text one another the miracles we saw as we looked for them and our phone was reporting texts constantly. One area in particular, that had started from scratch 4 weeks ago was constantly texting us, excitedly telling us that they were having a lesson and someone walked up and asked if they could join and then if they could come to church. This happened about twice. One of those people also turned out to have a roommate who had already met with missionaries and loved what they taught. We were really happy to hear about all of the people they were finding.

We also had the major blessing of having Elder David A. Bednar, an apostle, come to our mission and spend about 3 hours with us. These apostles are called with the same calling that Peter, James, John, and the other 12 apostles that Jesus called when He was on the earth. The same power and authority has been given to these apostles that was given to the apostles of old. This power and authority was restored to the word through Peter, James, and John, who conferred that authority as angels to Joseph Smith, who in turn passed them on to others. Elder Bednar is one who holds that authority that was restored. That's who came and spoke to us. 

One reason that is so important is because with that power and authority, they are able to teach truth. Truth is a major issue we face in this modern world. Many people seek to proclaim that there is no one truth, that it's whatever works best for you. While there are a lot of decisions that vary in solution from person to person, I believe that, as a whole, truth is a little different. I think these lyrics put it well: 

Truth never changes, no matter how hard we try

It's already been there, since the beginning of time

We can yell from the rooftops, saying "It's what we make it!"

But truth never changes

Like gravity, truth is something that has always existed, regardless of whether we understand it or choose to believe in it. These truths are things such as: families can be eternal, there is a right path and there are wrong paths through life, love is essential, marriage is ordained of God, God is our loving Heavenly Father, fathers and mothers have essential roles and responsibilities in the family, and others. These are truths that give us light to walk by as we travel through life, which is not always so easy. These truths are and always have been, but aren't always well-known or taught clearly by the world. They are often misinterpreted, manipulated, and lost. For example, how many times do we forget the truth that we must love others and look outside ourselves?

Thankfully, there are prophets and apostles once again called by a loving Heavenly Father and given these truths and authority and power to teach them in a confusing world, so that we can have a path to walk on and guides to follow.

There's a lot I still have yet to learn about what's true and what isn't. But having just spent a night in the same room as a man who claims to hold that authority to teach truth, I truly believe that what he and the other apostles speak is true and comes from God. I believe that this truth will enable me to live a better and more joyful and fulfilling life if I follow and apply it. My invitation is for you to listen to what they say* and ponder on it, considering for yourself if they could be called of God and teach truth. After some consideration, pray and ask. If asking with a sincere heart, faith, and a real intent to act on what you learn, I believe God will answer your prayer in a way you can understand and recognize. It may not be an immediate answer, but it will come when the time is right in His wisdom. I do know that is true.

I hope you have a great week and feel greater peace as you follow what's true!

*You can listen to their messages on lds.org. They recently spoke to us in a general conference.

Jerammaan!

Elder Josh Kilmer
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission, English-Marshallese speaking不動心
Fudoshin:  immovable spirit