Fireside with Elder Anderson

Last night, Elder Anderson was here in New Zealand to give a fireside! Nancy and I rode up with the YSA in our ward. We sat in the second row and were within 8 feet of Elder Anderson for the fireside. I love having the opportunity to hear from apostles. It is such a blessing that we have living apostles and prophets on the Earth today. Before Elder Anderson spoke Elder and Sister Coasta and Elder and Sister Hamuai from the seventy bore their testimonies. Sister Coasta reminded me of the 3 D’s in life quoted by President Monson as how decisions define destiny and that our testimonies are the most important thing we have. I have such a strong testimony of the gospel and it is mine. I am so grateful for my testimony and the strength and peace having one brings into my life. Elder Coasta told us about some of his heroes including Nephi, Ammon, David, the sons of Mosiah, and Alma. All of these men had faith, courage, exemplified obedience, had strong testimonies, and ALL accomplished great things as young single adults. Which pretty cool and shows how important the YSA are and how YSA can accomplish great things. It was nice to not hear a YSA fireside on marriage for once. It was such a blessing to hear from Elder Anderson, he spoke about four people and gave us 4 scriptures. The 4 people were Thomas S. Monson, Brian, Peter, and Laura. The last three were YSA he had met that had challenges in their lives and who had trusted and had faith in the Lord, always relying on Him. The scriptures were Proverb 3:5-6, Mosiah 3:19, Matthew 7:7-8 and D&C 84:88. They are great scriptures and helped to remind me of how important it really is to trust in the Lord, exercise faith in Him, and how He is always there to help guides us if we turn to Him. He also gave us a scripture the Savior said in the New Testament that says, “Be not afraid, only believe.” It was such a great fireside and I am so glad I had the opportunity to go and hear from him live. After the fireside the YSA in our ward went to Wendy’s. We really do have such a great YSA in the ward here and I am making so many new friends. I am having so many great opportunities in New Zealand I didn’t even expect including having my testimony grow in numerous ways.