By Janet Thomas

Church Magazines

Janet Thomas, "Talking about Testimonies", New Era, March 2011, 30–33


Corey remembers being 11 or so when his cousin died of cancer. He was at his funeral and struggling with questions. Why did this have to happen? He was a good kid who was strong in the gospel. Why did he have to die? His family knew they would be together again, but the loss made them so sad.

"I didn't understand why he was taken from us. Then I heard a small voice that said, 'I need him here.' It was still a hard thing, but I felt better. After that experience I know that the Lord answers my prayers. That was the beginning of my testimony."

Corey Clarkston is just one of a group of teens from the Mandarin First and Second wards from Jacksonville, Florida, who got together to discuss a big question, perhaps the biggest question that faces LDS teens. How do you gain a testimony?

These teens are at the age where they want to find out for themselves that the things they have been taught by their parents and at church are right. They are quick to remember that a boy of 14, right around their age, had the same dilemma. The Prophet Joseph wanted to find out the truth, and the answer he received has affected millions of people, including this modern group of teens in Florida. Now these youth want to know more for themselves and receive the assurance of their own testimonies.