Elder Takashi Wada — The words of Christ and the Holy Ghost will lead us to the truth

Elder Takashi Wada, of the Seventy, said as God’s spirit children, each person has the potential to become like God.

“I am extremely grateful for these glorious truths — what we call the Father’s plan of salvation, his plan of mercy, or his great plan of happiness. Learning these important truths has helped me know my true identity and the great blessings God has prepared for us,” he said.

Elder Wada said his father was very religious and prayed in front of Shinto and Buddhist altars. As a teenager, however, he said he had no sense of direction and life seemed fleeting.

He received a copy of the New Testament at school, to help him learn English, and began to read verses in the book associated with a list of questions of the soul. Elder Wada said the words comforted him and he felt loved, like he knew Jesus Christ.

“Although Jesus Christ lived many centuries ago in a land unfamiliar to me, I thought I could trust his words with all my heart,” he said.

Later, he met missionaries and a small group of church members. Elder Wada said he overheard the missionaries who were not fluent in Japanese praying that God would hear his prayers, and wondered why they cared.

“I realized that their prayer on my behalf was a reflection of Heavenly Father and the Savior’s love for me. That love gave me hope,” he said.

Elder Wada said his decision to be baptized blessed his life “more than I ever imagined.”

He said Heavenly Father promises continued guidance of the Holy Ghost, and he invited members to have faith that the Holy Ghost will direct them. He said this is “an incredible gift from God.”

— Emily Ashcraft





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