“An Unforgettable Experience”: Elder Bednar Inspires Young Filipino Latter-Day Saints

“Ang natutunan ko ay even though na kahit ibang lahi sila, sobrang ganda pa din ang pagtanggap nila sa atin sa Simbahan, na kahit hindi ko maintindihan yung ibang words, makikita mo pa din sa mga mata nila yung kasiyahan.” (I learned that even though they were of a different race, they still marvelously received us Church members, and even if I did not understand some of their words, I could still see the joy in their eyes.)

These words by eighteen-year-old John Lexis Acuña, a new member of Francisco Homes Ward, San Jose del Monte Stake, could definitely describe what many youth and Young Single Adults (YSA) felt and experienced as they came and listened to Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan K. Bednar.

“I heard a lot of counsel, like staying and keeping ourselves in the covenant path by having and living the principles of the gospel taught by the scriptures and the living prophets,” Hannah Mae Cresel Calastre, also from San Jose Del Monte Stake shares. “I learned that by staying on the covenant path,” the Young Women class secretary noted, “we can gain true happiness and that we must open our hearts to change our circumstances in life.”

Apart from staying on the covenant path, Elder Bednar also emphasized the importance of personal revelation, which created a lasting impression on Hailey Villanueva, 15. “It was a nice experience to know more about receiving personal revelation, the importance of the Holy Ghost, and keeping our covenants and performing ordinances to stay connected with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ,” she added.

Hailey, from Quirino 2nd Ward, Quezon City South Stake, noted how the apostle’s message helped her learn the importance of For the Strength of Youth (FSY) standards and how it serves as a guide for them to live righteously. “His message strengthened my testimony of how God knows what’s best for us, and that He will give it to us at the right time.”

For Nathan Benson Angeles of Tala Ward, San Jose del Monte Stake, the opportunity to meet a latter-day apostle in person was definitely a life-changing and unforgettable experience. “It has really helped me to overcome the trials and challenges I have encountered,” he relates, “and has helped me grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and become more spiritual, and I do want to have that feeling always with me.”

Nathan, an Aaronic priesthood holder who serves as the president of his priests quorum, cannot also forget the moment when Elder Bednar gave his apostolic blessing. It “really stood out” he notes, as the apostle, who serves as a special witness of the Savior, “blessed us that we would have the strength to grow more closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”

Lastly, when Elder Bednar taught that “everything that is good comes from God,” Jayden Keith Lopez thought of the moments when he would kneel down and pray. “When I pray and feel good inside,” the twelve-year-old member Young Men now understands, “I know that Heavenly Father hears my prayer.”