Pre General Conference

As I have been thinking about the past week one specific instance stood out in my mind. 

I was asked to give my first talk in the branch and I was given the topic of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I first thought about it, I thought that it was the easiest topic that I could have been given because we teach this story and miracle to people every single day. My initial thought was that I would not have to prepare too much because of how many times I had talked about it. But then I started to remember the Prophets invite to all of us to prepare spiritually for this coming conference. Now we all know that it is going to mark 200 years since the pure and perfect Gospel of our Savior was reintroduced. We also all probably remember the advice that was given by President Nelson to learn and strengthen our testimonies about that even and all that it led to. But probably, because of the time between the last conference and now, and also because of the holidays and the other wonderful things that we are filling our time with, we have forgotten to give as much attention to this subject as we might have done. 

The sole purpose of my email today is to remind us all of what the Prophet of the Lord said to us in October of last year. 

"In the next six months, I hope that every member and every family will prepare for a unique conference that will commemorate the very foundations of the restored gospel.

You may wish to begin your preparation by reading afresh Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision as recorded in the Pearl of Great Price. Our course of study for next year in Come, Follow Me is the Book of Mormon. You may wish to ponder important questions such as, “How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?” or “How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?” Also, with the Book of Mormon videos now becoming available, you may wish to incorporate them in your individual and family study...

Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration. As you do, general conference next April will be not only memorable; it will be unforgettable." -President Russell M. Nelson

Let us all make this more of a focus to not only strengthen our testimonies but to make our faith unshakeable so that any wind or doubt or question or tribulation that may come shall not make our testimony of the Restoration waiver.

I love you all and testify that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. And that because of that, eternal life and peace is possible. We can return to our Heavenly Home.

Em nome de Jesus Cristo, Amen.

Elder Allen