Pillars and Rays of Light
Pillars and Rays of Light
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
May 13th, 2024
We began interviews last week on Monday in Eureka. We will continue interviews this transfer on Tuesday in Ukiah. Sister Quinn and I look forward to the next two weeks being with you.
The noble and courageous prophet Abinadi taught an important truth about the Savior as he stood in Noah’s court:
“He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.” (Mosiah 16:9)
I testify the Savior is the light of the world – and that the light He provides and shares with us cannot be diminished. I am grateful for the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.
I remember being 18 years old. I was a few months away from leaving for my mission. I desired a profound spiritual manifestation confirming the truth of the gospel. I had heard of the spiritual manifestations of others – and I wanted my own. The powerful spiritual witness I sought did not come when I asked for it. I remember being confused and disappointed. Nevertheless, I chose to serve my mission trusting the faith and beliefs I had been taught my entire life – and that had been exemplified by those closest to me.
In our most recent general conference, Elder Alexander Dushku described how I received my spiritual witness to the truthfulness of the gospel over the next several years of my life:
“The reality and power of one ray of testimony reinforces and combines with another, and then another, and another. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a ray and there a ray—one small, treasured spiritual moment at a time—there grows up within us a core of light-filled, spiritual experiences. Perhaps no one ray is strong enough or bright enough to constitute a full testimony, but together they can become a light that the darkness of doubt cannot overcome.”
This was my experience. The powerful spiritual experiences and manifestations I sought did not come when I asked for them. However, as I moved forward in my missionary service and life, fulfilling my priesthood duties, experiences with the Spirit were given to me. Over time, these experiences gave me the manifestations and witnesses from the Spirit I desired years earlier.
In his address, Elder Dushku went on to further describe my experiences with the Spirit:
“…in time and through “great diligence,” we too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time. And in the midst of that pillar, we too will find a loving Heavenly Father calling us by name, pointing us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and inviting us to “Hear Him!””
I am grateful for the pillars and rays of light I have been blessed with in my life. These experiences have helped me come to know my Heavenly Father and Savior. I desire such a witness for each of you. If you question your testimony in any way or at any time, I encourage you to be patient – look for the Lord’s hand in your missionary service and life. Do your duty. As you do, I promise the divine manifestations you seek will come. You will have confirmed, repeatedly by the Spirit, the certain and exalting truths most important in life.
Love,
President Quinn
(707) 758-6380
