Elder Jackson Tait: Where Would You Be if Joseph Smith Didn't Pray?

Man! I just absolutely love having Elder Campos back! He is using the extra mattress in the apartment right now, and for some odd reason he is sleeping in our room! He just told us “you dudes so funnies!” The first night he slept in our room, we had a discussion on which milk was better – cow’s or llama’s. When the conversation started Elder Campos was confused about what a cow is. He kept on saying, “Eww, cow milks must be nasties.” He knew what the animal was, just not the English word. For a while he didn’t understand, so we used the Spanish word to explain it to him. He said, “Oh waits? That’s a cow? I thought that’s what we called fat peoples. Oh no way.” How glad we are to have Elder Campos back -- how glad we are!

We live about ½ mile away from the beach. It’s most excellent being able to run on the beach in the morning. Today we gathered as a district and had a group workout. Then, as an extra bonus, this week at Revere Beach was the International Sand Sculpting Competition. These sand sculptures were absolutely brilliant. There was more definition in these sculptures of sand than in a Webster’s Dictionary. They were crafted by the Michelangelos of sandsculpting!

During this week I was able to closely study the History of Joseph Smith. I do want to say I know Joseph Smith is a true prophet. I know he was a man called by Heavenly Father to bring the fullness of the truth to the hearts and souls of the people on this Earth. I solemnly bear testimony that Joseph Smith is a true prophet and that even after 180 years his testimony still stands strong and undeniable. While engaged in my studies I dwelt on this simple yet profound question: No matter where you are in life with regards to the church, whether you are struggling with your testimony, or you have a firm testimony, or you are not a member of the church, or you have fallen away from the church, or you are seeking to join the church -- no matter where you are – where would you be if Joseph Smith, at the age of 14, didn’t pray to know which church was true? Whether or not you believe what Joseph Smith saw is true, what would have happened if this so-called “story” hadn’t been spread to the world? Where would we be? What would we be doing? I personally cannot fathom the answer to this -- but fortunately, Joseph Smith did see our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. He did. Nearly 15 million people have been brought to the truth because of a 14-year-old boy, who was foreordained to bring forth this marvelous work. I cannot express what an honor it is for me to have this opportunity to share the true Gospel message restored by Joseph Smith.

Elder Tait.

2 years. Make it count.