Family,

I couldn't really think of anything to send you, so I figured why not send the greatest gift that can be given by man.  The Book of Mormon, with a testimony. Testimonies are a very powerful thing, and I hope my testimony will help strengthen yours.

I know that God lives, and He has given to us all that we have.  I know that our Father loves each and everyone of us personally.  He loves us enough to let His Son die for us.  What greater love can be shown.  God wants us to return and live with Him with all of his heart.  That's why He has given us the Book of Mormon, and His gospel.  He has told us all that we need to do to return to Him, and we must follow that path.  God will help us accomplish the things He has commanded us.  He will not let you down, no matter what.  I promise you that. He loves you.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He died for us without complaint, with hesitation.  He suffered for all of our sins.  He knows how we feel when we are going through tough times in our lives.  He will strengthen you in those struggling times, if you will only ask for His help.  Never forget all that Christ has done for you.  Don't let Christ's sacrifice go to waste by not doing all that you can to return to live with Him.  He is your friend, He is your brother, and I promise you that He is always there.  Please don't hesitate to ask Him for help and strength in all that you do, no matter how big or small that task may be.

I have developed a very, very strong testimony of prayer while I have been on my mission.  Prayer is the most awesome thing in the world  It gives us the opportunity to speak with our Father in Heaven.  God has given us the power of prayer and we need to use that power all of the time.  When you pray in the mornings it completely changes your whole day.  After praying in the mornings, have a prayer in your heart always.  God will answer your prayers, He has answered all of mine.  Remember when you are praying, that you are talking with your Father in Heaven, you are not just talking.  You are having an actual conversation with your Father.  Always be listening for that still, small voice while you pray, because it is there, and it will tell you all you need to know.   

I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and if we follow the examples contained therein, we will be great sons and daughters of God.  The examples in the Book of Mormon are there for a reason, and we need to learn all that we can from them.  The Book of Mormon will completely change your life if you read it with a sincere heart.  Remember to always begin scriptural reading with a prayer.  No matter how much you may plan on reading.  The Book of Mormon has been sent from God and should be read with the Spirit of God in your heart. Answers to all of your questions are found in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon will bring you closer to God, just as the Prophet Joseph Smith has said.  Read the Book of Mormon each and every day, even if it's only a couple of verses.  Don't read just to read.  Read to learn, and grow closer to your Father in Heaven.  It's not quantity that matters, but quality.  The Book of Mormon has helped me so much.  I have no idea what I would do without it.  It has helped me grow so much closer to my Father, and to His Son Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

I'm so very grateful for the wonderful opportunity I have to serve a mission.  It is the greatest thing I have ever done.  I have come to love the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all of my heart.  It is an absolutely amazing thing, and I'm so very blessed with the privilege of spreading the one, and only true Gospel throughout the world.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thanks for all of your support and prayer.  I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Love,

Elder Taylor 
Christmas '99