He Spoke I Went

I have been serving in Pretoria South Africa for almost two months, and lately I have been reflecting on what it truly means to be converted to the Lord and not just to have a testimony of Him.

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.”

That distinction is powerful. Obtaining a testimony is the beginning. It is knowing that Jesus is the Christ, that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, and that His gospel has been restored. But conversion is something deeper. It is a change of heart, a change of desires, and a willingness to live true to that testimony no matter the circumstances.

Elder Bednar also taught that “testimony is a point of departure; it is not an ultimate destination.” In other words, knowing the truth is not enough unless we allow it to transform who we are.

The Savior illustrated this principle in Matthew 25:1-13 in which he presents the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise because they prepared oil in their lamps. They didn’t just know the Bridegroom was coming, they acted on that knowledge, continually adding to their oil supply, staying ready, steadfast, and faithful. In much the same way, lasting conversion is about consistently filling our lamps with faith, repentance, and righteous living.

In Helaman 15:7-8, Samuel the Lamanite outlines five essential elements of conversion: Believing in the teachings of the prophets. Exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repenting. Experiencing a mighty change of heart. Becoming firm and steadfast in the faith.

This is the pattern I strive to follow during my mission. I do not want to simply be on a mission; I want to be serving a mission—helping others gain not just a testimony, but a lasting conversion to Jesus Christ, the true source of peace, joy and happiness.

Elder Bednar also reminded us that conversion doesn’t happen all at once. It is “an ongoing process in which we learn line upon line and precept upon precept.” That gives me hope. Each act of obedience, each moment of service, each prayer, and each testimony shared brings me closer to the Savior and helps me become more like the wise virgins—steadfast, prepared, and fully devoted to Him.

As I serve, my prayer is that my own lamp will be filled with the oil of conversion so I can help others fill their lamps as well. Because in the end, peace, joy and happiness are not found in merely knowing about Christ, but in truly coming unto Him.

During a recent trip to Kruger National Park, I watched a family of elephants move together along a riverbed. They stayed close, the older ones protecting the younger ones from the unseen damages, and all of them moving in harmony. As I observed them, I was reminded of one of God’s greatest creations and blessings—our families.

From the beginning, families have been central to Heavenly Father’s divine plan. The Apostle Paul declared: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14–15). Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is not just for us as individuals—it is for our families as well.

Through the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the priesthood keys necessary to bind families together for eternity were returned to the earth. Because of those sacred keys, and through the infinite Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to be united with our loved ones beyond the veil of death.

President Russell M. Nelson testified: “In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter.”

I know with all my heart that families are meant to be eternal. I know that through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, families can be sealed together in the holy temple. This includes loved ones we know, love and cherish, as well as ancestors we have never met in this life. The promise of eternal families brings peace, hope, and purpose—it is the very essence of God’s love for His children.

Just as a family of elephants finds safety and joy in being together, so too can we find lasting happiness as we strive to keep the commandments, follow Jesus Christ, and make sacred covenants in His holy house. I testify that because of Him, families can be together forever.

As the prophet Malachi foretold: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6). Truly, the gospel of Jesus Christ binds us together across generations—past, present, and future—into one eternal family in God’s plan of happiness.

Today I had the privilege of going to the Johannesburg Temple for the second time with our full time missionaries.

President Russell M. Nelson once taught:

“Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time. If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house—then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples.”

Before beginning my mission, I sought after and benefited from many of these promised miracles, and the temple quickly became a place I visited often.

As I sat in the temple today, I pondered the image of a chandelier reflected in the infinite mirrors. To me, it symbolized family units—each crystal representing those who came before us and those still to come, stretching endlessly into the eternities. Looking one way, I saw myself as a son, grandson, and great-grandson. Looking the other way, I envisioned myself as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The reflection reminded me of the joyful reunion that awaits us when we are united again with our loved ones.

I know that being in the temple regularly brings peace, direction, and eternal perspective. I invite you to consider what you might set aside so that you can spend more time in the house of the Lord. The blessings are real, the promises are eternal, and the joy of being sealed together as families is worth every effort.

I had a conversation this week that made me reflect on our individual differences. Despite those differences, I was reminded that God loves me just as much as the next person. The homes I have been welcomed into here in South Africa are often very meager and humble, yet in those places I have felt some of the strongest evidence of God’s love for His children.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him—black and white, bond and free, male and female.” That truth is universal—no matter our background, circumstances, or differences, we are all sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents who love us dearly.

The Savior Himself commanded, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once explained: “When we truly love God, we will love our neighbors as ourselves. That love is the first great commandment made manifest in the second.” In other words, the way we show our love for God is through the way we treat one another.

President Thomas S. Monson counseled: “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” That has stuck with me. Too often we may notice what makes someone different from us, but the Lord invites us to see beyond those differences and to see others the way He sees them.

I have learned that God’s love is not measured by wealth, status, or even by perfection. His love is constant and infinite. When we open our hearts to love one another—especially those who feel unseen or on the margins—we are aligning ourselves with His will.

So my prayer is simple: May each of us remember that no matter who we are, where we come from, or what makes us unique, God loves us. My humble invitation it that we strive to show Him our love by the way we choose to love one another.

I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you to all who support the missionaries serving around the world. Missionary work is not something we accomplish alone. While we are guided and strengthened by the Holy Ghost, inspired companions, and mission leaders, we are also sustained by our families and friends at home whose encouragement, sacrifices, and prayers lift us daily.

A part of our South Africa Pretoria Mission orientation packet is a poem by Meade McGuire entitled “Father, Where Shall I Work Today?”

Father, where shall I work today? And my love flowed warm and free. Then He pointed out a tiny spot. And said, “Tend that for me.”

I answered quickly, “Oh no; not that!Why, no one would ever see. No matter how well my work was done; Not that little place for me.”

And the word He spoke, it was not stern; He answered me tenderly: “Ah, little one, search that heart of thine. Art thou working for them or for me?

Nazareth was a little place, And so was Galilee.”

This poem reminded me that the Lord does not measure the worth of our service by how visible or dramatic it is. Often, He calls us to “tiny spots”—small, unseen acts of faith and service that may seem unnoticed by the world but are precious in His sight.

The Book of Mormon teaches this same truth: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.” (Alma 37:6–7)

As I adjust to missionary service—whether it’s driving on the other side of the road, learning to think in the metric system, or finding ways to support the proselytizing missionaries—I’ve felt the Lord gently reminding me that the unseen things matter. Repairing bikes, troubleshooting phone issues, encouraging a missionary, offering a prayer, sending a kind message, or simply listening with love—all of these are sacred works in the Lord’s vineyard.

Our purpose as missionaries is simple and profound: “Our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.”

But we do not fulfill this purpose in isolation. We are upheld by countless unseen sacrifices—the faith of parents, the prayers of friends, the quiet acts of support from church members. These “tiny spots” of service, when performed with love, ripple into eternity.

There is a Zulu word that perfectly describes this truth: Ubuntu. It is a principle that means “I am because we are.” Ubuntu reminds us that our lives are bound together and that the well-being of one is tied to the well-being of all. It teaches:

• Interconnectedness: We are not separate, but part of one another’s journey.

• Compassion and Empathy: We lift one another through kindness, prayer, and love.

• Human Dignity: Every soul has divine worth, no matter their circumstance.

• Community: We find strength in belonging to and serving within the body of Christ.

• Reconciliation: Through forgiveness and healing, we build unity and peace.

The Apostle Paul taught the same principle when he wrote: “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ… And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 26–27)

Ubuntu mirrors the way the Lord builds His kingdom. Missionaries may labor far from home, but their strength often flows from those who support them. Families who pray and friends who write are all part of the great web of discipleship that sustains us.

In truth, missionary work is not just the effort of those wearing name tags—it is the combined work of the entire body of Christ, each part fulfilling its divine role.

So today, I thank you. Thank you for your prayers, your love, your encouragement, and your unseen acts of faith. You are part of this work. And whether your efforts feel small or hidden, the Lord sees them—and they matter eternally.

Every now and then, the Lord gives us an unexpected moment that reminds us just how closely He walks with us—how aware He is of our hearts, our histories, and our personal healing.

Recently, I had one of those moments. It began with two missionaries who followed a quiet prompting to invite me to accompany them to pick up a new missionary who was flying in from Manila. On the surface, it seemed like a normal invitation to serve—just a chance to help welcome someone new.

But what unfolded was anything but ordinary. The new missionary happened to be from a suburb near the place where my late wife, Tisa, was born. She was later adopted from that area, and her—and our daughter Risa’s—Filipino heritage has always carried special meaning for our family. The timing of the pickup was also significant: it happened to fall on Tisa’s birthday. That detail alone felt like a tender mercy, as if the Lord were gently weaving something sacred behind the scenes.

During our ride from the airport, I had the chance to speak with this new missionary. His testimony of the restoration of the gospel and his faith journey were inspiring. In that quiet conversation, the Spirit gently opened my heart in a way I had not anticipated. The Plan of Salvation—something I have believed, taught, and cherished for years—suddenly felt incredibly personal. I felt the Savior’s love not just for me, but for Tisa, for our family, and for all of us navigating the beauty and complexity of family, identity, and eternal progression.

As we approached the security area to meet the new missionary, I caught a glimpse—just a feeling, really—of the reunion Tisa may have experienced with family members who preceded her in death, particularly those she never had the chance to meet in this life. I imagined the tears of relief, the joy, the profound peace that comes when long-held questions are answered and long-separated hearts are finally made whole. That small moment brought a measure of healing to my own heart—something I hadn’t even realized I needed that day.

What started as a simple airport run turned into a divine experience—one that reminded me that God’s work is happening all around us, often in quiet and unexpected ways. I am especially grateful for two faithful missionaries who listened to the Spirit, acted on a prompting, and—through one small invitation—helped open a window into eternity for me.

This experience strengthened my testimony that no act of service is ever small when it’s done by the Spirit. When we follow those promptings to love, share, and invite, we never know just how far-reaching the impact might be.

A couple of weeks ago, I accepted the assignment to attend a small congregation of the Church referred to as a branch. For the past two Sundays, I have traveled about 100 kilometers from my flat to worship with a small but mighty branch of the Church in eMalahleni (Witbank). Though few in number, the saints there radiate a deep love for the Savior and a genuine devotion to serving and loving one another. The Spirit in that chapel felt far greater than its size.

I was especially inspired watching seven faithful priesthood holders gather together, earnestly discussing how to mentor and prepare the next generation of church leaders. Their focus wasn’t on personal recognition—it was on the spiritual growth of the youth and the future strength of the Lord’s kingdom in this part of His vineyard.

It brought to mind the Lord’s promise in Alma 37:6: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

These brethren are quietly living that principle, ministering in small and simple ways that will yield eternal blessings, as described in Doctrine and Covenants 64:33: “Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

In God’s eyes, the size of a congregation never limits the reach of His work. Often it is in small, humble settings that the greatest seeds of faith are planted—seeds that will bless many generations to come.

As I drove home, I thought about the Savior’s teaching in Matthew 13:31–32 about the mustard seed: “…which a man took, and sowed in his field… the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree…”

The saints in eMalahleni are planting and nurturing mustard seeds of faith. In the months ahead, I look forward to watching this congregation—and many like it—continue to grow and bless all who come to hear the good news of the restored gospel and find refuge within its branches. I also look forward to learning from their examples of Christlike love and service.

I can stand as a witness that the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is rolling forth all across the South Africa Pretoria Mission—just as described in Doctrine and Covenants 65:2: “The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth.”

Praying you will have a blessed week and feel the Saviors love for you and your family.

While participating in a team-building activity with a couple missionaries on their preparation day, I had the privilege of conversing with an amazing missionary—someone who embodies quiet courage and unwavering faith. He grew up in a small town of just 1,700 people and departed on his mission from the very home where he was born. No spotlight, no applause—just a simple “yes” to God’s call to spread the good news of the gospel, to serve Him with all his heart, might, mind, and strength.

This incredible missionary was assigned to serve in the South Africa Pretoria Mission—a world away from the familiar streets of his hometown in southern Utah. Imagine the faith it takes to leave everything you’ve ever known, headed to a foreign country, not for comfort or adventure, but with one deep desire: to help bring one soul unto Jesus Christ.

His story reminds me of the parable of the starfish, in which a boy walks along a beach covered in thousands of stranded starfish, tossing them back into the sea one by one. A passerby, observing the boy’s efforts, remarks, “There are hundreds of stranded starfish—you can’t possibly make a difference.” After a moment of reflection, the boy replies as he throws another back into the ocean, “It made a difference to that one.”

That’s what missions are really about. Not numbers. Not applause. Just an expression of the pure love of Christ. One person making a difference in the life of another. One person sharing their love of the Savior by helping His work move forward.

Jesus taught, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). Every effort to save even one soul brings eternal joy to heaven.

As the Lord revealed, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; for, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–11).

God does not measure the size of your hometown or the distance you travel. He looks at the size of your heart and your willingness to go and do. And when one person says “yes”—even from the smallest town—it can echo into eternity.

So if you’re wondering whether your “yes” matters, remember: it always does. Especially to the one who is struggling to find their way home to a loving Heavenly Father. I know for me and my family, it has made all the difference in the world over the past decade.

I know that Jesus is the Christ. He lives, and through Him we will be reunited with our loved ones throughout the eternities. This wisdom and knowledge, gained over time, has provided the sure foundation my family needs to endure the trials and tribulations of life. It gives us an unshakable understanding of where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going.

It is my prayer that you will feel an abundance of the Saviors love for you and your family during the upcoming week.

Today was an awesome day. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Johannesburg South Africa Temple with a group of young men from all over the world who are currently serving full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South Africa Pretoria Mission. Each of them has set aside two years of their lives, living behind family, friends and comfortable surroundings to serve God by sharing a message of eternal significance.

I asked several missionaries what message they hope to convey to those they meet. Here are some of their responses:

• An increased faith in Jesus Christ

• Repentance is an underutilized gift

• The need to follow Jesus into the waters of baptism

• Jesus Christ lives

• Jesus loves us deeply and personally

• Through Him, we can find peace during the trials and uncertainties of life

• Eternal families

• Daily repentance is daily happiness

• To be forgiven, one must forgive

Attending the temple together was an inspiring and sacred experience—one that reminded us of our divine purpose while focusing our hearts and minds on the Savior and the holy work of gathering Israel.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:“Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel.”

These amazing elders can be described as covenant-makers, covenant-keepers and covenant-gatherers. And that work begins—again and again—in the House of the Lord.

Elder David A. Bednar testified:

“The temple is the point of intersection between heaven and earth. … It is the house of the Lord. It is a place where sacred covenants are made and eternal ordinances are performed.”

What a joy it was to be in the temple today with these stripling warriors in the Lord’s cause—united in purpose, in faith, and in Christ.

Different nations. Different languages. But one mission. One faith. One Savior.

I testify that the gathering of Israel is real and families can be forever. Heavenly Father is hastening His work. And the temple is at the heart of it all.

As I sat waiting to board my flight, my heart was full. This moment is bittersweet. On July 2, 2023, I said goodbye to my beloved wife, Tisa, after her long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She faced every trial with grace, faith, steadfastness, and unwavering strength. Her favorite words still echo in my heart: “I have faith in Him, I have hope through Him, and I have fight in me.”

Today, I carry that same faith, hope, determination, and grace as I begin an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I carry her spirit and testimony with me as I move forward in faith to serve the people of Pretoria, South Africa.

I want to thank all those who have walked beside me—through grief, through healing, and now into the mission field. Your prayers, your encouragement, and your kindness have lifted me more than you know. The support I’ve received during these final weeks of preparation has been overwhelming. I am deeply grateful for every act of service—from ensuring I had snacks for the plane, to checking that my bags weren’t overweight, hanging and sewing curtains, and helping pack up the house.

This mission is not just a new destination—it’s a continuation of a promise I made to Heavenly Father, to Jesus Christ, and to Tisa: to keep going, to keep believing, and to keep sharing the good news of the gospel. I go forward in faith—not alone, but with her memory in my heart, your words and cards of encouragement on my mind, and the Savior as my guide.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… lo, I am with you alway.” —Matthew 28:19–20.

“ As for me and my family we will serve the Lord” — Joshua 24:15

Praying God will not only be with you until we meet again but enrich your lives with an abundance of peace, joy happiness, and love.