What I Learned in Manti

My trip to Utah was both mentally and physically exhausting. We traveled super early on Tuesday morning and still had a full day of things to do. We immediately went to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and I have to say it is beautifully built and cared for, but it was a little creepy. As one friend pointed out to me, if something is directing people away from God, it is pointing them to Satan. We certainly had some kind and interesting discussions with the two girls escorting us, but I was most disturbed when we talked about the importance of the temple to one's salvation and the majority of people aren't even considered worthy to go in there!

Also, one of the most thought provoking stops of the day was the temple bookstore where we saw tons of books on Mormon doctrine and their study manuals. I purchased a few things to use as references and most of them are horribly depressing to read since the standard of perfection weighs so heavily on most practicing LDS people. I mean, look at this "plan of salvation" and tell me what is missing...

Hello, no mention of Jesus! They are very works focused, believe that Jesus' grace is not sufficient, they have very distorted views of where we came from, who God and Jesus are, and especially where we go after we die. It has truly strengthened my faith to read what the Bible says about all those things to understand how it is very different.

Fortunately, God has allowed me to learn from incredible teachers that are strong in their faith and unashamed of the gospel. I met wonderful Christian families in Utah that are called to be ministers in a sea of Mormons, even though they are probably outnumbered 100 to 1. I met people brave enough to leave the LDS church, separating from their families and friends and probably enduring heartbreaking persecution. And I met very convinced Mormons that had no idea that the counterfeit gospel they are being taught is actually leading them to what they call "outer darkness."

And even now that we are home, I am continuing to learn. We have met with three missionaries in our home and are hosting them again for dinner. I believe that God teaches you things and puts people in your life because he expects you to take action. I can no longer say that I am not accountable to try and witness to Mormons. It has opened my eyes to a whole new harvest, one that I have been equipped to work for. I pray that I will continue to be faithful in studying the Bible, learning its truth, and doing what it says.