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Testimony by Dan M.  

Evergreen Conference

September 18, 2010

Eleven years ago, I made the most important decision of my life up to this point—the decision to return to God and then to return to his church and kingdom. Although I had been baptized at age eight and had been semi-active as a young man, by the time my teenage years hit I lost my way for a while and became inactive. I was rebellious, crude, and, underneath it all, very angry and hurting. I believe that many experiences contributed to this—some of my choosing and some that I did not choose. And then of course the agony of realizing that the direction of my sexual feelings was in question. What was I going to do with my life? What identify would I have? What would my choices be? So many questions.

There isn't time here to detail all of the experiences I have had that contribute to my testimony, but I will say this—Looking back, I can see very clearly that the inner conflicts and struggles associated with my sexuality were used by the Lord as a catalyst to bring me back to him—both eleven years ago, and on a fairly regular basis through my life even now. There are times that only God can understand how I feel and what I need. Prayer is my lifeline. And I have learned for myself that he does hear and answer prayer when we are humble and sincere. Through my faith, I have a hope of eternal life, based on my faithfulness to the covenants I have made with the Lord. This is why I choose not to pursue a homosexual lifestyle. It is my conviction, as is taught by the prophets, that engaging in homosexual behavior is not only morally incorrect, but would also be a source of pain, and a distraction from seeking after eternally-lasting relationships.

Brothers and Sisters, it is my testimony and my witness—borne to me through the power of the Holy Ghost—that God lives. I don't care what the world says; He lives. He is our Father and our Creator. I love him and worship him. And I thank him for guiding my heart and my life as he has done. I also testify that Jesus Christ is resurrected and is alive today. He is my Savior. The words of a hymn state, “Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God. He, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.” That is true about me. It is through the Savior's mercy that I have found mercy—over and over again—to keep going even when I fall short and sin. Keep the faith; don't give up.

In the name of Jesus Christ  the Lord, Amen.

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