We are told in the scriptures that it is essential to endure to the end:
“Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is” (1 Ne. 22:31).
“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days” (D&C 24:8).
“Behold, we count them happy which endure” (James 5:11).
Here are some of My blessings in my life by Enduring to the end.
One day my Mom said: “I have seen some
missionaries in the street ,they are teaching English and religion for free. would
you like to invite them in our home? We
had never talked about religion before, even though we were religious being Muslim, we
had never talked about that before . She asked me if I would like to attend
English classes and invite the missionaries in our home. ?
My 2
sisters and I said yes its okay if they will come to our home. After 2 days
missionaries came to our home and started to teach us, about English and religion. After the lesson they asked us if we would go to church on Sunday. we said yes All of as like family and on Sunday we entered the building, my eyes riveted on
the pictures on the walls. Was this a church? It didn't look like a Orthodox Church
with my mom the only one I had visited before. Most people consider any other
church a cult. Also, when religious beliefs were condemned, and many people
still look at religion as something not right.
I started going to
church regularly. I wanted to know more about its teachings. I wanted to know
why those young people with the name tags had left their country to come to
Albania and plunged themselves into the
hostile religious atmosphere here. Even though I wasn't religious at that time,
something made me keep going to Church activities. I loved the friendly spirit
of the missionaries and the warm smiles of the members.
I became friends with
the young women in the branch. I was amazed by their faith and great desire to
serve others. I remember when I said my first prayer at a Young Women class. I
had never prayed before, and I didn’t know how powerful a prayer could be. I
hadn’t felt the strong connection with our Heavenly Father that a prayer
brings. I hadn’t known I was His daughter. I never quit praying after that.
Every time I had to overcome a hardship, I knew I could ask my Heavenly Father
for guidance. Often, those prayers would bring tears to my eyes because I could
feel the assurance of the Holy Spirit that God loves me. I started trusting the
Lord. And after one month me and my family became members to the church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints in 10. July.2005.
When the temptations of the eight years came
along, I already had firm faith in Jesus Christ, which gave me strength to overcome
these temptations. I could see how Satan tempted my peers with worldly things
and how small compromises led to bigger ones. It was hard to stand for my
principles, but the connection I had with my Father in Heaven through prayer
helped me stay away from temptations. I had decided to live by the principles
of the plan of salvation. I knew without a doubt that one day I was going to be
blessed.
I went to seminary and
later to institute, I attended Church activities, and I even started my own
Personal Progress. I couldn't wait to go to Young Women activities. I will
never forget the hours we spent cooking, making postcards or bookmarks,
decorating our classroom, or playing games, as well as the wonderful spirit of
friendship between us. Each activity helped me understand my divine nature and
role in life.
One of the most difficult Personal Progress
projects was memorizing 'The Living Christ.' When I looked at the
text, I thought it would be a great challenge to memorize it. After a couple of
weeks, I already knew why that project was in the Faith value. It was a test of
faith and patience, a test with rewarding consequences. The testimony of the
Apostles helped strengthen my faith and testimony. By remembering their
inspiring words of Christ’s divine life and ministry, I got the courage to
testify of Him myself.
And now I am 21 years old ,and I am missionary
in England London south being a full-time missionary which is the first time I learned how important it is
to share our testimonies with others. This things helped me realize not only
how hard it is to serve the Lord, but also the joy we feel by sharing the
gospel and seeing how Christ’s teachings change someone’s life. It helped me
understand what it is like to “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in
all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9).
I’m grateful to be blessed
with knowledge of the restored gospel. I know we can overcome the tribulations
of life through faith and patience. We have no greater and more rewarding
privilege than being a member of the only true Church on earth. Nothing brings
greater happiness than the knowledge we have that as worthy members of the
Church, we can live with God again.
