Epiphany

Something I have come to realize is that when people are investigating
the church. Or even members struggling with it, I think that it really
has nothing to do with being a "Mormon". I think people are caught up
in the expectations of Mormons, but it's not the people's church, like
other churches are. But it's The Lord's church. Don't worry about the
name, it's not about being a Mormon, but following the commandments
that God has given us. The name "the church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints" is just what we call the group of people following the
commandments.
   When we go door to door and tell people who we are with, or what
church we are from, once they know, they don't want anything to do
with us. But if they just understood that God has called a prophet
that guides us today, and that the same gospel Jesus set up when he
was here has been restored, I think those who follow Christ already
would be more than willing to listen to us.
    Same with those scared to be baptized again, they need to
understand that the right authority to do so is on the earth again.
The same that Christ was baptized with, the same that He gave to his
apostles. Everyone asks if their baptism wasn't valid. And that's a
sensitive subject, because we don't want to offend them. Especially
when they strongly believe they are already saved through their
church. Which they are, but in order to go to the celestial kingdom,
they need to be baptized into this church. But it's not the church, as
was aforementioned, but the disciples hat follow Christ.
    We have been given more commandments that Christ wants us to
follow in order for us to return to Him and The Father, in the
greatest kingdom of Heaven. Where we may live for eternity with our
families and friends. We will be in the presence of the Godhead, and
that is only possible in that sphere.
   Those great people in the world who lived righteously but had not
the opportunity to hear the gospel will have a second chance to learn
about it. In the spirit world, all who have died in the history of the
earth are waiting, being taught by missionary spirits about the same
exact thing we are teaching on earth. It is great to know this,
because there were tons of people who would join the ranks if they
knew about it.
   I love this Gospel, it just makes sense. I wish other people could
open their hearts and give us a listen. So many people we talk to are
non religious, lots of Jews, who I learned yesterday believe that they
don't need to go through Christ to talk to God. I would think He would
be slow to answer them for what they did to His Son.  But they were
ignorant.
   Please keep us on your prayers, pray for the people here to be
receptive to the gospel and the spirit, pray that we get a new
investigator this week.

   This is my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of
Salvation. I love being here in New York. The people are great,
especially the members. My fellow missionaries as well.

ttfn!    -Elder Peck.