“2005 Mutual Theme: ‘A Great and a Marvelous Work’ (1 Ne. 14:7)” New Era, Jan. 2005, 11
2005 Mutual Theme:
“A Great and a Marvelous Work” (1 Ne. 14:7)
The Young Men and Young Women general presidencies discuss the 2005 Mutual theme.
In the spring of 1820, the sincere prayer of a 14-year-old young man opened the door to “a great and a marvelous work” (1 Ne. 14:7). It is through the Prophet Joseph Smith that the Restoration of the gospel occurred. It is because of this restoration that you can receive all the blessings that were absent from the earth for almost 2,000 years. It is because of this restoration that we have the Book of Mormon and the privilege of being guided by living prophets. The priesthood power is again on the earth. It is through the priesthood that ordinances can be performed in holy temples to bind families together for eternity.
The Lord loves and trusts the youth. You are privileged to have the opportunity to live on the earth at this time, when the fulness of His gospel has been restored. Each of you can and should have your own testimony of this great and marvelous work. President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “It is this conviction, this quiet inward certainty of the reality of the living God, of the divinity of His Beloved Son, of the restoration of Their work in this time, and of the glorious manifestations which have followed which become for each of us the foundation of our faith. This becomes our testimony” (“Testimony,” Ensign, May 1998, 71). As you follow the Savior’s example of selfless service and make righteous choices, your testimony will be strengthened, you’ll be blessed to do your part, and you will be protected from worldly influences. As a result, you will feel a sense of belonging and great joy. What a blessing it is to be involved in many aspects of this work!
We testify that the Savior directs His work today through His prophets and the leaders of the Church. We also testify that the Lord loves you, trusts you, and has revealed the plan of salvation and happiness to guide you in your life. In addition, we love you, we trust you, and we feel blessed to be a part of this great and marvelous work with each of you.