BYU-Hawaii had the opportunity to hear from one of the members of the first Seventy, Elder Gary E. Stevenson at a weekly devotional on September 21.
Elder Stevenson currently lives in Tokyo, Japan with his wife and youngest son as the Asia Area North President. He met his wife Lisa at an institute class at Utah State University and they now have four sons and three grandchildren.
Elder Stevenson emphasized the need to share our testimony through word and deed. He shared two powerful stories each exemplifying ways to share our testimony.
The first story was about a young man who shared his testimony through leaving a party where he could not feel the spirit. Even though his decision to leave was not popular, he bore his testimony by standing up for what he believed in and not residing in unholy places.
The second story was about a young high school boy who spoke up, even after being made fun of for his beliefs, and shared the gospel with an inquiring stranger. He ended up giving this stranger a Book of Mormon who later invited the missionaries to his home.
"These two stories are examples of testimonies, one born by word and one born by deed. Opportunities to bear our testimony come in different times and places. There is great power when a testimony is born properly," said Elder Stevenson.
Elder Stevenson addressed how to bear a testimony. To illustrate this, he held up "testimony glove" that was invented by Brother and Sister Oaks to teach people how to bare their testimonies. The glove itself represents the Holy Ghost. On each figure of the glove is a picture that represents the five key elements of a testimony. These are:
* I know that God is our Heavenly Father and that he loves us._
* I know that his Son Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer._
* I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, that he restored the gospel of Jesus Christ upon the earth, and translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God._
* I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church on the earth today._
* I know that the Church is led by a living prophet who receives revelation.
"When put in these terms, a testimony becomes simpler and more natural. We begin to focus on the truths of which the Holy Ghost will bear witness and less on such things as a recent travelogue," said Elder Stevenson.
To conclude, Elder Stevenson urged, "I would like to ask each of you to try a little harder to find a place to bear your testimony, both in word and in deed. When the moment comes, be bold and stand up. You will feel the warmth of the Comforter inside when you do."
To view a full transcript of President Stevenson's devotional address, click here.
Photo by Monique Saenz.