I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Japan from 1999 to 2001. For those of you who are unfamiliar with how this works, let me explain just a little bit. You must be worthy to serve as an official representative of the church, which means that you live up to standards of faith, personal purity, a very stringent code of conduct and an agreement that you will dedicate the entire time for which you are a missionary (in my case, two years) to the service of Jesus Christ, teaching everybody and anybody who will listen about the atonement of Jesus Christ, our relationship to God, the identity and nature of God and about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our day.
As you might imagine, there are some intensely fulfilling days in the service of the Lord, and the experiences that are incident to that service become an indelible part of any person who serves faithfully and to the very best of their ability. Many experiences are sweet; watching people learn who they are, especially that they have a Father in Heaven who loves them, cares for them and wants to comfort, instruct and guide them is a superlative experience for which adequate descriptive words simply do not exist.
Some other experiences are more difficult. I do not wish to destroy or belittle the sincere faith of anyone; indeed I admire all those who live in accordance with their beliefs and do much good in this world. However, I do not apologize for declaring that I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church of God, the only one on the earth in which the authority to act in the name of Christ is vested. This boldness in declaring the truth is difficult for some people of sincere faith to accept.
I served with a Japanese man by the name of Elder Morishige on my mission, and he said something once that has stuck with me. The best translation which I can give is this: "I have the truth; I have the right to be bold." Boldness, sometimes, is the only course which allows us to be consistent and faithful to the truths that we have received through the Gospel. It is difficult sometimes for our friends and acquaintances of other faiths to deal with the unwillingness of the LDS Church and its members to compromise on doctrines or positions. I sincerely regret any strife or difficulty which may arise from these situations, as I believe that we, of all people, have the greatest responsibility to approach others in kindness, humility and Christlike love. I do not, however, apologize for our doctrines.
I have a cousin, Brigg Olsen, who is currently serving a mission in Canada. His last letter home contained the following excerpt describing an experience in which he had the opportunity to express to someone else his conviction of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I was inspired by his boldness and his forthrightness in declaring the truth of what he knows, what I know.
So we met with our "good friends" yesterday- the Alliance minister/pastor and his wife. They invited us to come back and visit with them. We didn't want to go but did anyway. It was quite the brutal experience. I feel pretty justified in saying that they are "wolves in sheep's clothing." Initially they treated us like we were their best friends. They kind of held us hostage for two and a half hours. We did not go to fight, argue, or bash with them. We went with the intention of building upon what our beliefs have in common but, that was the last thing they wanted to do. We gave them a card with the Articles of Faith. He looked over it and then started to try to “prove” to us why each Article of Faith is false. They mercilessly attacked us, preaching to us from an anti-mormon literature book. He said to us, "I am deeply concerned for your souls. You are going to Hell and you are leading many people there with you." All I said was, "Thanks for your concern but I know. . ." and I bore my testimony to them. He continued to preach to us from their anti book. I asked them both individually if they had ever read the Book of Mormon and prayed to know if it was true. They both said “no.” So then I leaned forward and said, "Then you CAN NOT tell us that it isn't true." Elder Toth and I bore our testimonies to them of the truth of this church- the Book of Mormon, the Godhead (they believe in the trinity), Joseph Smith, our living Prophet of God President Monson, and the Savior Jesus Christ. We closed in the name of Jesus Christ and then left their home. When we bore testimony in the Savior's name it was like they were struck dumb because they could not battle with that- they had nothing else to say at that point. We also told them to throw away the anti-mormon literature. We don't have any plans of going there ever again but we'll see what happens.
I want ya'll to know that I do not doubt my testimony. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. This is the same Church that He established when He lived on the earth over 2,000 years ago. It was foretold by many prophets in the Bible that it would be taken away but that eventually it would be restored in its fullness. I know that Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the Priesthood of God has been restored to us and that no other church has that authority. I know that the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ, that it does contain the fullness of His Gospel, and the Doctrine of His Kingdom. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, that He conquered death- physically and spiritually- through the Atonement. I know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves each of us. I know that He has given us a living Prophet to speak for Him today. President Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. I know this is the Truth
I am very proud of Brigg; he has a testimony of the truth, and he is willing to share it with boldness and sincerity. To all of you who have the truth, I urge you to share it in a spirit of love, but without shame or apology. To those of you who are not members of the LDS Church, I urge you, with all the love that I possess, to come and let us show you what we have; perhaps then you will be better able to understand why it is that we feel so strongly about it.
