Gunnar’s Testimony

By Marianne Wilson McKnight

(Based on a true story)

I feel the Spirit start to grow within my heart (Children’s Songbook, page 109).

“Time for family home evening!” Dad called.

Gunnar came running. He loved home evenings. Climbing up on the sofa, he snuggled between Ryan and Mom.

After the opening song and prayer, Dad stood up. “We’re going to have a special home evening,” he said. “Tonight we are going to have a testimony meeting.”

Testimony? Gunnar couldn’t remember his Primary teacher ever talking about a testimony in nursery. “What’s a testimony, Daddy?” he asked.

Dad smiled at Gunnar. “A testimony is what you believe about Heavenly Father and Jesus and the Church. It’s what you feel inside about them,” Dad said. “And you want to share your testimony because it means so much to you.”

“Oh.”

Then Dad said, “I have a testimony that Jesus Christ lives. And He loves each one of us.”

Emily was next. “I know that the Book of Mormon is true.”

“I’m glad that we have prophets,” said Ryan. “I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet.”

Mom said, “I’m grateful that your father and I were married in the temple, so we can be a family forever.” She reached into her pocket for a tissue to wipe her eyes.

Everyone in the family had shared a testimony except Gunnar.

A testimony is something I believe. Something I feel inside, Gunnar thought. Now he knew what he could say. He scooted off the sofa, stood straight and tall, and said, “I am a child of God.” Then he sat down. Mom gave him a little squeeze, and she had to get out that tissue again.

Gunnar had a happy feeling inside.

Illustrated by Elise Black