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justfunmja1 (Elder Ashton and the Book of Mormon ** )

“You’ve known the Church is true all your life.”


Elder Marvin J. Ashton, an apostle of the Lord who was ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on December 2, 1971, shared this sweet testimony – “When I arrived in the mission field as a young man, I soon decided that I wanted to have that ‘burning testimony’ others had spoken of.  I decided I would read the Book of Mormon rapidly, meaning I would do it in a month, between tracting and appointments.  When I finished, I expected to hear the bells ring and a voice saying, ‘This is true!’.  I thought I would feel all sorts of faith and humility.  When I didn’t hear those bells or the voice or have those feelings, I was disappointed.  So, I read the book again during the next three to four weeks.  When I got through, I said, ‘Father, I’ve done what I was supposed to do.’  But what I was expecting didn’t come.  I read the Book of Mormon again. After finishing it the third time and praying about it, I had the impression, ‘You’ve known the Church is true all your life.  Get off your knees and go to work.’  That was a distinct impression.  I had been seeking a testimony, but I already had it.  All I had to do was exercise it.  Since I’ve become a General Authority, I’ve spent quite a bit of time talking to missionaries about two types of testimonies.  One is the kind that comes as a sudden impact, usually the type the convert comes to know.  The other is the quiet testimony that is there and just needs the chance to blossom and grow.”

Elder Ashton was known for his punctuality and efficiency.  He was often heard saying, “I do not have time to be late!”


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