This is from the group called II. They do not tolerate dissent very well, making LDSFF a great place for those who have questions.
This came from a PDF and they do have a YouTube episode on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4ZI0RyvK_E
Kirk Halgren:
I work at a hospital, so as soon as vaccines became available they set up large vaccination clinics that were all but mandatory for employees. Every single one of my coworkers got vaccinated day one - and immediately I was under pressure to get it as well. Everyone started asking me when I was going to head over and get it. When I said I wasn’t sure I was going to, they asked why and demanded my reasoning. For weeks this continued, and I was just never sure. I am not one to just go with what general society does just because, it has to make sense logically to me. When they come up with some new rule at work, I need to know what the purpose is before I can get behind it. But my primary reason to wait was because I wanted to hear what the prophet had to say on the matter. Anyway, I did my part and researched, talked with family and friends, thought and prayed. But it turns out my prayers were to be answered in the Lord’s timing. I was ready to be the last person in the hospital or even my extended family to not have been vaccinated. I was ready to bear the questions, the criticism, and even find new employment (as I assumed it would be required for healthcare workers eventually). Before I dug in my heels I decided to ask my old mission president who was also a doctor and is currently a Seventy what he thought. He confirmed the science and stated that the Church leadership would all be getting it as soon as it became available to them. So now, I was ready to swap my stance, but as I said, I had been waiting to hear from the prophet of God. So again I prayed for confirmation. And literally the next day the January news announcement came out from the First Presidency of them getting the vaccine. I read their statement, thanked God for my answer, and immediately scheduled my appointment, as did my wife. Haven’t looked back since. When the prophet speaks, I follow. It’s as simple as that for me, and I’m grateful it is.
JordanReed:
Back in January, I was one of the biggest advocates against the vaccine. I wanted nothing to do with it and thought the jab would be harmful to my health. I was extremely paranoid because I thought my dental school would eventually force me to get the vaccine. After the prophet came out with his first announcement back in the winter, it brought me peace and I ended up being one of the first to get the vaccine. 7 months later it turns out my paranoia was legitimate. Currently, my school is essentially forcing us to get vaccinated. However, because I decided to follow the prophet and get the vaccine already, forced vaccinations are a non-issue for me. I’ve felt much peace concerning the matter and have had little reason to worry.
Songcatcher (Jackie):
Micah, Mid July I believe I posted my conflict about the vaccine because I was told by my doctor that it would be too much of a risk due to a genetic clotting disorder I have and a couple other issues. I also have a diagnosis of complex post traumatic stress disorder from trauma and narcissistic abuse. So, part of the ptsd is that I have periods of depression and general anxiety when things trigger me. I hate when this happens but I have short periods of depression that I bounce back pretty quickly from and it was during this time late July, the 27th to be exact, I decided that if the Prophet says to get the vaccine then I’ll do it. Actually I hoped that it would take my life because mentally that’s the state I was in when I got the shot. I also got the very shot that I knew had issues with blood clots. The J&J. So, my anxiety level was very high when I got the shot but I didn’t feel the shot when it was given, I didn’t have a sore arm or anything. Just absolutely nothing! And, as you can see, almost a month later I’m still here to tell the story. I believe the reason I didn’t have any side effects was because God was telling me, he’s not done with me yet and there’s a reason why he wants me here. He protected me even when I didn’t want him to. I’m crying while I am sharing this with you because I’m not sure this will count as being obedient or having faith.
Also, thank you Micah and Ashley for all you do for us, for all you have taught us, and for the sacrifice of your many hours of research and sharing it with us. Also, I wanted to share that I meet monthly with my Bishop just so I have a priesthood leader I can discuss the meat of the gospel with, and I shared with him my belief that Joseph Smith was going to be resurrected and that he will be here to lead in the end times and my Bishop said, “I think he’s already here!” And that led to more amazing insight. So, I know I’m not alone here now
Lisa Helen:
Hi Micah here is my story;
My vaccine story is long and complex starting over 20 years ago with my first child having vaccine reactions.
Over the next 20 years as I read more and more similar stories and met more and more mums in similar situations, we became a community of hard core anti vaxxers. I participated in rallies, events, partitions and social media groups. My friendship group was made up of those with similar values inside and outside the church. Although I refused to get into arguments or heated discussions with others, most people around me knew where I stood on this and I would rally around and gather people into participating with us.
I felt verse 4 of D&C 89 speaking of the evil designs of conspiring men described the vaccine industry perfectly. The knowledge that aborted fetal cells are used in vaccines helped cement this viewpoint.
When my eldest child decided to go on a mission and needed to be vaccinated with all the shots he had missed plus the new ones to go overseas, I prayed about what we could do, my answer was a clear voice saying to me, 'I take care of my servants'. I trusted the spirit and moved forward in faith.
In general I had become suspicious of the whole medical industry and we used a naturopath instead of a doctor, she helped his body manage the chemicals and he was absolutely fine.
When Covid hit and the talk of a vaccine began I thought that there was no way they could have one that quickly. I felt we had time on our side and by the time there was one available covid would be gone again or morphed into something else.
As the vaccine became available and more and more people began having it, I knew that we would end up being a minority and perhaps even become targeted. I prepared myself for the onslaught. I have been called tenacious many times and it never occurred to me that I might give up my way of thinking.
My husband had been on board from the beginning and it was our way of life. In Australia the Govt gives stay at home mums a payment depending on your family income, not even the threat of losing that could change my mind.
Only one thing could change my mind and that was the threat of losing my standing with the Lord. Losing the blessing of my most precious possession- the gift of feeling and hearing the spirit of the Lord.
My love of God trumps everything. My goal is to be a member of the church of the first-born, to retire to Zion, to see Him and wash his feet with my tears. I visualise Him there every Sunday when I take the sacrament. I visualise Him everyday when I hand over my sins and weaknesses and ask Him to take them, purify me and strengthen me. To bless me to be pure in heart and create Zion in my home and my life.
As I read the letter from the First presidency, I knew that if I did not follow the Prophet and receive this vaccine that I would eventually lose my faith and the blessings associated with that.
That very day I explained to my husband why I would be getting this vaccine and he simply said, I understand I will too. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful eternal companion that has the faith to see what I can see.
For me its all about following the Prophet. I made my appointment to get the jab and my heart was racing. I hung up the phone and burst into tears. Tears of relief. I have made my choice to follow the Prophet.
The journey is not complete yet and I am relying on that very first answer I received for my son years ago that the Lord takes care of His servants. I am choosing to have faith and trust in the law of obedience. I know I will be blessed now and into the eternities for making this decision and I am grateful for the peace that I feel in this knowledge. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen
Lady FireinIce:
I have never been anti-vaccine per se however when Drs began pushing the Flu vaccine constantly I started to become vaccine hesitant. I had only been diagnosed with Influenza once and worked in a Casino at the time, I remember it due to the events that played out (9-11-01) yet when I was bullied into the shot by My Dr I became nearly as ill as then. I chose to go without and so far have not had Flu related symptoms. When Covid closed the Churches and the Temples it really shook Me. Thankfully I had heeded promptings and began to really study the gospel, and seek a deeper understanding. When the vaccines first came out I suddenly felt Fear, I am not sure why, but I fell into dozens of conspiracy sites, Youtubers etc. Then President Nelson and the majority of the 12 got it. I won't lie, it really shook me. The Prophet in the press release encouraged Us to seek competent medical advice. I have IBD and a very faulty immune system. My Dr actually agreed that for Me waiting a few months for the side effects to manifest. I have PTSD and Anxiety, so I am not a social butterfly. I also prayed about the Vaccine and got an answer of "Do not take it...Out of Fear" at first I was very happy with My answer and had no intent to question it. However, in seeking a deeper understanding of the Gospel I had been exposed to Micah and Ashley English, Blake (Defending Zion), Marlene (Building Zion), Tracy M, Brett Thompson, Andy Stone ...the Discord family and through discussions Micah began to open My eyes to the possibility this was part of The Test we knew was supposed to be coming with where We are in the Last Days Timeline. The importance of following the Prophet , being willing to be obedient being of utmost importance. I began to be more willing to consider following the Prophet...Re-reading what the press release said The Prophet encouraged Us to do all within Our power to get the Temples open...I decided I was willing to do My part. As I switched the why to desiring to be obedient Fear was dispelled. I prayed with a new spirit...one of willingness to Follow the Prophet. I did not get a new answer, but I did feel a sense of peace. I went ahead and talked with My Dr again, asking him which of the 3 would be the best one for My Medical Conditions, the least risk for negative side effects. My Dr was happy I was willing to get vaccinated and suggested the J&J vaccine was best for Me. I prayed about it again explaining that My Dr suggested the J&J vaccine and I planned on getting it on July 3rd in obedience to the Prophet to open the Temples. That night I had a calmness fill Me as I really took note that the Fear I had before was gone. For Me this will always stand as a testimony of the importance of obedience...and a sign confirming it...by July 5th the Prophet issued the statement announcing all Temples were back to or in the process of being open (except those closed for renovations or under construction)
It's not short, nor is it pretty...I do not have the gift of being able to express myself in a fascinating or scintillating fashion. I am not verbose nor an exhilarating orator. I am hoping you can use something of My ramblings in whatever it is you plan on doing, or not at all..it's up to you. I have shared with the group a rather condensed version,or repeated this a few times as I am also not very original when bearing My testimony...I tend to be a one pony kind of gal
LauraC:
I just want to thank all of you who have contributed to the vaccine discussions (as annoying and repetitive as they can be). I was in the “not going to get it” and “waiting until further research is done” camp initially. I even talked to my doctor and got his recommendation to not get it because I have an autoimmune condition. But I knew ahead of time that that is what he was going to say and I used it as an excuse to not get the vaccine and still say I was following the counsel of the prophet. But these discussions have really helped me to go to the Lord with my questions with a humble, open heart (not an I already made up my mind heart). And the answer I’ve received is to get the vaccine and not be fearful. So thank you to all those who have shared again and again and again on this topic.
Krystal Webb:
My husband and I really hated the idea of the vaccine. We would say that it went against our beliefs, and was a literal poison created by secret combinations. The Church News article angered us, and we hoped it would all blow over quickly —“young healthy people like us don’t need it, we are fine!” Although we would explain it away, it would not go away! The topic kept bothering us, and kept coming up in our conversations. We weren’t fighting with each other, but arguing with ourselves about it.
One morning, I was pondering while cleaning and listening to a YouTube video, when a sacred moment of clarity occurred where the Spirit was able to teach me. I knew I had to humble myself and submit to the will of the Lord, and prayed that my husband could have a similar experience.
Later that day, I opened my phone and saw the First Presidency announcement. That evening there was some contention, but the next day we decided together that there was no more confusion and we needed to follow the prophet, at any cost!
My husband told me that he went to re-read the statement on the church website, and at the top was a talk by President Nelson [Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains], so he listened to it while driving home from work. The Spirit testified to him that President Nelson is a true prophet and we should follow him.
I nervously scheduled the appointment, and we both got the vaccine on Saturday. On the drive there, we explained our decision to our daughter (who knew our attitudes toward the vaccine before) and it was a great teaching moment. Our 3 year old sang “Follow the Prophet”. We prayed together as a family in the car, and it was a special experience.
This act of faith has changed our attitudes, our home, and our lives— it is a miracle. The personal mountains in both of our hearts were moved in a very short period of time. I thank Micah and my friends here for your helpful insights.
Ben Anderson:
The 1st Presidency message was really hard for me. I had been so against getting the vaccine. I can’t tell you how many times I have discussed it being bad, part of the Gadianton Robbers, the filthy money the globalists were making off of this evil plan, the poison it was, those whose family and friends we knew that had been hurt or died from the jab …you name it. I preached against it to my family and friends. Then the prophet urges me to get it with no apparent loopholes. I couldn’t see any way out of this “urging”. I prayed about it and was very conflicted. A thought came to my mind….it was a line from my patriarchal blessing. The line was about the need to follow those in authority and that the Lord is revealing to me right now that which is most important through the living Prophet. I felt the Spirit; I knew what I had to do. I called the pharmacy and made an appointment. On August 13th I went to the appointment. While walking through the grocery store to the pharmacy section I was praying “Lord if this is not right then make it so I won’t get this shot…stop me in my tracks.” I got the shot. I felt an overwhelming stream of emotions. Like I literally just put poison in my body and that it was okay; that I did it for the Lord....And a reassurance that the Lord can trust me and that I will do what he tells me to do through his living prophet. I sat outside the pharmacy and was literally balling, tears streaming down my face (which was pretty embarrassing since a neighbor saw me). It was hard, I felt bad for putting that in my body but I felt so good for following the prophet and the prompting that I received from the Holy Ghost. A few days following my shot I had a meeting with the owners of my work. They discussed mandating the vaccine for all employees and it would be my job to tell all the employees. I didn't agree with the company's decision but I felt at peace. Like Heavenly Father was patting me on the back saying “Atta Boy, you did the right thing.” This wasn’t the reason I was to get the vaccine but it was almost an immediate blessing to following the prophet’s counsel. The peace and clarity since the shot has been overwhelmingly obvious. I hope I will stay in tune with the Holy Ghost, that I will always follow the Lord’s prophet. It will be imperative that I do so in the coming years as we get closer to building the New Jerusalem and preparing for world the Lord’s the second coming.
KatS:
My testimony concerning the COVID 19 vaccine:
I did it.
I took a step of faith and followed the prophet...but may I add this wasn't an easy thing for me to do because I saw no need for it for me personally. It didn't make sense.
But I was a witness today of the Lord's tender mercies...
I was getting ready this morning...to go in and get the COVID vaccine and as I was doing so...a thought/scripture came into my mind:
Doctrine and Covenants 121:7
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.
In the car on the way to the doctor I was listening to Doctrine and Covenants 89 and a few scriptures stuck out to me like a sore thumb:
Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen
I entered the doctor’s office and I got an email that grabbed my attention that was sent to me from ComeUntoChrist.org and the title read Be Not Afraid.
These things may not be huge miracles to you but to me these things stand as a testimony to me that My Father in Heaven is well aware of me personally and catered to my needs in my time of need.
He was with me every step of the way...guiding me by the hand!
Lila Nelson (Hello sunshine):
I come from a bit of a crazy family, and learned very young to follow the prophet. The prophet was a beacon of light, and without that light, it would have made a difficult home life even harder. I remember loving President Hinckley as a child, I loved President Monson in my Youth, and my love for President Nelson grows every day. I knew I could trust these men. Their promises are sure because God said so.
Shortly after President Nelson became the Prophet, he told us to pray about him to see if he really was a prophet. There was no doubt in my mind that he was, but I took his counsel anyways. I prayed about him. I received a outpouring of the spirit confirming that yes! he was a Prophet of God! I am now so grateful that I did, because I have spent hours and hours defending President Nelson ever since Covid hit. I needed that sure foundation.
I was very anti the Covid vaccine before President Nelson said we should take it. I am very aware of conspiring evil men in the world, and their finger prints were all over it. I figured it had to be 1 of 2 things. 1) it’s new and experimental, and therefore dangerous or 2) it’s an unbelievable miracle. I doubted it was a miracle, and I didn’t want to be a Guinea pig.
After President Nelson “recommend” it the 1st time. I had a change of heart. Okay, I thought, “it’s not dangerous, but I don’t “need” to get it because I am not in a vulnerable category, and I am not scared of getting sick.” They didn’t “ask” us to get it, It’s only “recommended”.
However, I found myself with an up tick of having to stand up for the Prophet. As weeks went by, and the more I fought for President Nelson, the more it became more and more clear, that my Husband and I need to get the vaccine too. Even though we didn’t want to. Micah and Ashley’s discord group made it even more clear. My husband took a lot more convincing, but I got him on board.
I prayed about getting the vaccine for myself, and got no answer. Dead air. Which meant no red flags, God would warn me if there were. I already knew President Nelson was a prophet. I know God answers our prayers through his prophet. Therefore, He had already given me counsel. He shouldn’t have to tell me twice. “Faith precedes the miracle”. So we got our shot. During the 1st shot, I was sitting in the chair listening to the possible “side effects” from the nurse. If it wasn’t for President Nelson, I would have got up and walked out! But I didn’t, and when I got the shot in my head I was saying “this one’s for you President Nelson”. Then on the way home in the car I had the unmistakable feeling that God was pleased with me. I could feel him bless me with his smile. It was a beautiful confirmation, and I thank God for it. Got my 2nd shot yesterday. I can now say “okay God, what’s next? I am ready!”
Saints United:
For my wife and I, before I saw the picture of the prophet receiving the vaccine, I'd describe our thoughts about the vaccine were super skeptical. We had discussions about how we don't get the flu shot because we always get the flu. However, that changed for us after we saw our prophet get the vaccine. We both agreed it then changed for us rather quickly and it became a much easier decision. It took all the guess work and confusion we were feeling away. We decided to get the Vax as soon as we were able to. We had immense peace and we were able to sneak in on a day when they had extra doses and get it sooner than allowed. We felt that to be a huge blessing and we haven't looked back. As soon as our children at home were allowed they got the vaccine. For us, the prophet’s actions said it all. I am so grateful he showed us the way, otherwise I'd still be confused. He made it easy for us. We love our prophet and sustain him. I thank HF everyday for a living prophet for our day. What a blessing! So now, when in conversation I like to tell people about a living prophet on this earth that showed us the way to others. We love this gospel and we can't wait to redeem Zion! Zion or bust!!!
Ahparayam (David):
This is my story on the vaccine which is more of about becoming humble after getting it:
I know for me I was stubborn and defiant about getting the vaccine. I told my wife I would only get the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) and no other vaccine.
The week after I said that, my son's work offered to give the J&J to employees and family. My wife quickly signed us up and then told me with a reminder that I said I would take the J&J. I tried to talk my way out of it because deep down I didn't want any shot. However my wife reminded me that this is the one I earlier stated I would take and she reminded me that the prophet of God has asked us to get it. I knew then I was trapped and then submitted to take it. However I did not submit with faith but was begrudgingly vaccinated.
Then I got really sick after getting vaccine. After getting sick I started to question if I made the right choice. However, a month after getting the vaccine I started to soften my position. When family around me were getting covid that were vaccinated but did not end up in the Hospital, I started to see the wisdom with the prophet’s council. Also a lot of testimonials from others (discord) that were faithfully willing to follow the prophet strengthened my support for obedience to our prophet. I was talking with my wife recently about: if I was asked by the prophet to take a booster vaccine, I would take it. Hopefully with more faith than the last time
Ruth:
Hi Micah
Here is my vaccine story..
The minute this vaccine came out I was completely against it for so many reasons and was adamant there was no way I was getting it. Then the First Presidency message came out and I have to be honest, my first reaction was “oh please no” because I knew deep down that if the prophet was encouraging us to take it then I needed to seriously think about taking it too.
I must admit for weeks after the announcement I felt uneasy about it but then I listened to one of your firesides, you spoke about following the keys and I knew then that I wanted to follow the prophet, despite my reservations. That night I poured out my heart to Heavenly Father and pleaded with him to protect me from any adverse effects . I asked to feel peace amongst other things and from that point I knew this was what the Lord wanted me to do without a doubt.
I moved forward in faith and got my first jab, I have my second today.
Josline Duré (JDure):
When 2020 hit with the covid-19, that was an eye opening moment for me, because President Nelson had prepared the church in advance with the "come follow me for individuals and family", and the encouragement to teach the gospel in the family. God chose His servant for our time. He is sure looking out for us to give us what we need. I wasn't always the one to follow or pay close attention to the leaders of the church in conference and such, I was too busy trying to read the standard works. Until president Nelson became the leader of the church. Not sure why I started to pay more attention to him than other leaders in the past. First time I started to listen to him was when he initiated the church own scouting program, I knew then he was up to something due to the LGBTQ thing.
I think president Nelson [by closing the temples, meetings, etc] was being obedient by listening to the Assyrians in order to protect the saints. I think returning to the temple is a way to let everyone know that we are and should be responsible for our own actions, to govern ourselves with the spirit of obedience, faith in God even during COVID-19 God is in charge. He encouraged everyone to make their decisions about the vaccine, and now we should proceed with faith after doing all we can to be obedient and have faith, that God will protect us against any sickness, and the Assyrians will not stop us from worshipping there.
I didn't want to take the vaccine because I was afraid of what it would do to me (fear of dying, self centered) even after the prophet suggested to take it. I took it after I realize, my life on this earth is not my own, I was blessed to be living, and God has a purpose for me. If I took the vaccine and died, it means that God no longer has a need for me here, even if I have children to leave behind, He is their Father before I could even be their mother He will take care of them. If I was indispensable for theirs and others salvation, He would see to it that I continue to live.
"My life is not my own" there is no reason to be afraid of getting sick or die if it is the Lord's will. I will continue to follow the prophet, I am hoping that I will continue to be obedient and follow all his counsels whether I understand them or not.(edited)
Thank you @The LDS Archive ,for reminding me of why I need to heed our prophet's advice and have faith in God by being obedient. I've been struggling with the idea whether I should take the vaccine or not because of so many misinformation about the vaccine. Your comments helped me with my decision to take the vaccine. Whether things makes sense to me or not, I should know that God would never lead us astray. "Whether from my own mouth or the mouth of my prophet it is the same" understanding can come later.
The example of the brazen serpent, the example of Jesus Christ using mud to the blind eyes and asked to go wash so one can see. Jesus Christ himself wasn't afraid of giving His life for the sins of the world, because He knows the body is nothing but a clay. We heed the voice of the prophet because he is the mouth piece of the Lord, We choose to obey the WoW not because we know all the details about it, but because we want to follow the prophet, some of the details are now being enfolded.
Andy and Kim:
Like many others, my husband (Andy) and I were extremely leery of the vaccine. It didn’t matter where you turned, there was so much conflicting information about absolutely everything from the virus itself, to mask use and the rushed nature of the vaccine. Not to mention the fact that the vaccine was being produced by companies that we don’t feel truly have people’s best interests at heart. My husband is a Physician Assistant in the military, and everything coming across his desk seemed to support our research to stand against this vaccine. In fact, we were very vocal in our opposition.
On January 19, 2021 the First Presidency issued a statement that included these words: “As appropriate opportunities become available, the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization.”
I sent that part of the statement to my husband via text and said essentially, “I think the Prophet is telling us we need to get the vaccine.” But I confess, I didn’t like it.
I got a phone call from my husband later that day telling me about some interesting timing. Before he had gotten my text, or even heard that the First Presidency had issued the statement, he had gotten an email from his Command Group that told him to get enough volunteers together for the vials of vaccine being sent. They needed to have volunteers lined up in advance because it had to be flown via Blackhawk from a different military installation in a special freezer. At the time, the policy was that once the vial is opened, it was only good for 3 hours, and could not be used after that. It was early enough in the game when it was hard to even come by the vaccine, and they were not willing to waste a single dose. My husband responded that he knew of a few of his guys willing to get the vaccine, but that he honestly didn’t think they would even get enough volunteers for the doses being sent.
One of men in the Command Group wanted Andy’s personal opinion on the vaccine, and so he didn’t hold back at all – he told him how absolutely against it he was, shared some articles, etc. and said there was pretty much nothing that could convince him to get the vaccine.
Andy got my text about an hour later, and that changed everything. I’ll be honest, we didn’t even stop to pray and get confirmation because we already have confirmation that we have a Prophet of God on the earth who is the mouthpiece for the Lord, and when the First Presidency makes a joint statement, that seals the deal.
I still remember Andy saying to me something like, “Wouldn’t it have been nice if I’d seen this a few hours ago before I let me Chain of Command know in no uncertain terms that I would not be getting the vaccine? Now I get to go back on everything I said.”
We then talked about the part of the statement that says, “As appropriate opportunities become available…” The Prophet and Apostles got theirs as soon as they were available to people 70 and older and first responders. And here we were, with the ability to get the vaccine before it was being offered to the general public. But since it wasn’t available to just anyone at that point, we felt that we would probably be justified in waiting longer to see some of the results – but that isn’t the path we decided to take. We decided that the timing for us could not be coincidental. The First Presidency released their statement on the very day that Andy was supposed to get enough volunteers lined up. So we decided to move forward.
Andy had to go back to his Command Group and tell them that he had changed his mind on getting the vaccine, and boy did that cause an uproar! He even had someone in his chain of command call him and read him the riot act, call him all sorts of horrid names, and tell him that he was a blankety-blank idiot. But, he had the opportunity to testify more than once that we believe that there is a Prophet of God on the earth, that he is God’s mouthpiece, and that we follow him regardless of the consequences.
Within a week of all of that, Andy and I got our first shot. And, of course, being in the military, the guys Andy works with just couldn’t leave it alone. They sent all sorts of YouTube videos showing herds of cows dying after an experiment that gave them the vaccine and then exposed them to the virus. And any single adverse reaction that was posted in the news was forwarded on to us. I was petrified, to be honest. My mom passed away when I was 13, and I have this totally irrational fear of dying and making my kids go through the depth of that heartache too.
But to end this all – Andy and I had a conversation later that everything we had heard and researched made logical sense to us in avoiding the vaccine. It wasn’t all about fearmongering. We truly had tried to sort out the good information from the bad, and had come to the conclusion that we were not going to take the vaccine. And we felt good about that decision. While we decided to change direction when the Prophet spoke, we still had fear. We didn’t make the decision to follow the Prophet and have immediate peace just from making the decision like others have said. It wasn’t until we actually got the first dose – took the actual leap of faith – that we have had our fears eliminated and know without a doubt that we did the right thing. We will follow our Prophet wherever the Lord tells him to take us!!
TL;DR short version from Discord:
My husband and I both got the vaccine after the First Presidency message. We felt like a lot of people were skipping over an important sentence and just reading “individuals are responsible for making their own decision” and basically saying that meant the First Presidency wasn’t guiding people in one direction or the other. Of course they said that - everything is ALWAYS about agency. But right before that sentence was this one: “As appropriate opportunities become available, the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization.” That seemed pretty clear to us - we had the opportunity to sign up for the vaccine the very day the First Presidency made their statement. We had been very adamantly against getting it, even though my husband has also had way too many mandatory military trial shots. He was so adamant against it that when we signed up to get the vaccine his chain of command and others came to him (he’s a Physician Assistant) to ask why he changed his stance. So he just told them that we believe in a prophet of God and believe in following his guidance come what may. That was just our take on things, for what it’s worth.
Molly:
Thank you Micah for inviting us to share our personal experiences as we strive to follow the Prophet.
First a quick backstory to understand where I am coming from. My oldest son, who is now 16, was severely injured by a negative response to a vaccine over 12 years ago. He is physically and mentally disabled, and I deal with that on a daily basis. He can barely communicate his most basic needs and is back to diapers. I can not overstate the devastating impact that vaccine had on our family. That being said, we have found great faith and peace in our Savior knowing all things are in His hands. Our son is a special soul and protected in his body during this mortal probation. As you can imagine, I have strong personal feelings about vaccines and they were not for our family
I easily set aside previous statements about the issue, knowing that our family had good medical reasons to decline. But, when I got the “official church announcement” signed by the First Presidency Message on Covid it was a total gut punch. I forcefully tossed my phone down and wished I could unread it - I wanted to scream or go throw up, I fought back tears. I knew immediately this was not the correct response to a First Presidency message. Something was not right - and most likely that meant a problem with me, not the First Presidency.
I tried so hard to mentally box it up and put it away until I had the mental exertion to work through it. But immediately texts, calls and messages started coming in - “did you see this?!?” “What do you think about this?!?” And so I started to process, and everytime it bubbled to the surface I wept again. (Maybe I am lucky but) For the first time in my life my beliefs and ideas were in direct opposition to the Prophet of God. Was I taking the truth to be hard?
So many things ran through my mind….
Was this really direction from the prophet?
Could it just be a PR tactic?
Was there a loophole? (Social media was effective at providing these)
What could I read between the lines?
This was council and not command, right?
Every excuse fell short and I knew it. The spirit continued to soften my heart. I did not want to be the kind of person who looked for loopholes and ways out of a Prophets council. What if the message had been the opposite? Did I only rejoice in the prophet's council when I agreed and it was easy?
Was I really going to let THIS be the issue in which I set aside the council of the prophet? The answer was clear for me. NO!
The Spirit brought many things to my attention as I continued to search, ponder and pray. I decided I would let faith conquer my fears. I would look to obey rather than look for loopholes. I would not rest on my own knowledge and understanding but submit to His will. I would trust the Lord and His Prophet, set my eyes to eternity and pray for help in shifting any myopic thinking.
My mind was made up. I would get the vaccine - not out of fear, and not because I trust in the arm of flesh (medical doctors and government) but because I have faith and a desire to obey. Whatever the outcome is, it is in the Lords hands.
I do not suddenly think that masks and vax will heal everything. I am much more afraid of the vax than of covid. However, I do have faith in Jesus Christ and his living mouthpiece on the earth.
This has not been an easy road for me, but once my mind was made up to be obedient, I felt so much peace, comfort and confirmation. The spirit continues to confirm this choice for me over and over again. I am actually looking forward to following the prophet in such a tangible way. In 6 weeks I will raise my hand and sustain him and the First Presidency with confidence.
I hope my story and simple testimony may help others who are struggling. The Church is true and (downshift/low voice) I KNOW we can follow the Prophet with full confidence … he knows the way!
God bless you in your efforts,
Melissa Mironchenko:
As soon as the vaccine was available in MO I got it in April for my age group. The prophet and apostles had already gotten it and I had in the last few months weaned my youngest, so it felt like the best time to take it. (while not pregnant or breastfeeding) During the second dose I panicked internally because a woman was coming back with some issues like numbness on the side of her face and a funny feeling in her arm. She may have been having a mini stroke, but my husband was fine having it in December since he’s a health worker, and I had lots of other women in my life that were fine getting it, so I got it and nothing bad happened. A couple months later I was furious going through the rabbit hole and learning the government was not doing enough to record potential longer term side effects of the vaccine. I was overcome with anxiety worried I had maybe caused issues with having more children, or if they would end up with birth defects potentially. I could not feel peace about it until I got that letter from the first presidency in my inbox. After that I understood if this is what the Lord wants he can take care of the rest. Whether is means I am delivered, or if I need to be a witness in the future for the harm the vaccine caused I accept that. Let God Prevail. It’s not my will that needs to be done here. These children we raise are not ours, but the Lord’s. I need to show unwavering Faith in his plan. I am so grateful that they sent that letter because it gave me peace and stillness as the tempest rages on.
Kgoetz:
I wanted to record my testimony on why I got the vaccine. I did not want to get the Covid vaccine. The last flu shot I got in October, my arm hurt for 3 months. The Prophet, Pres. Nelson, had a world wide fast that I participated in to help find a solution to this pandemic. Then a few vaccines were approved. I didn’t trust that they could come up with a vaccine that quickly for a disease they didn’t know much about. There was pressure from all over to get vaccinated, but I did not trust those sources. At work, everyone was asking and pressuring everyone about getting vaccinated. I was waiting to see what the church came out and said about the vaccine. I committed to getting the vaccine when I saw a picture of President Nelson getting the vaccine and he encouraged us to get it with medical advise for those with health issues. The visual of President Nelson was imprinted in my mind and he is the only reason that I decided to get the vaccine with confirmation through prayer. I was scared each time I went for the shot thinking that I was being injected with poison. I am thankful for that picture of President Nelson, it gave me courage.
Tyler Warner:
I am probably like most people in our relatively small circle. I have always wanted to know more, kind of about everything. I was not very excited about school at all until during my mission a few good companions in my mission president really helped me understand how much education would help. I saw people wanting to serve, but being limited by either time, skills, or money. I went and searched up a profession that would bring me at least two of the three.
I decided on medicine. Studied hard. I put together enough of an impressive resume and academic achievement that I actually got a fairly sizable scholarship to go to medical school. I finished in the top third of my class, I always score in the 80th or more percentile of my tests. I helped found a residency, I have always had medical students, always been close to the medical schools near me. The new medical school in ivins Utah has me as faculty type position with teaching students in their third and fourth year. All of my students for the past two and a half years have always passed their internal medicine portion of the exams that they have. I am one of very few internal medicine doctors that work in the ICU. In short, I am much more used to telling people the correct way to do medical things then I am being told about it.
It has been very frustrating to try and predict, manage, or successfully treat the virus. To watch so many practices that we have held to, like intubation to try and mitigate viral spread, delay and very limited use of other airway support, the trumpeting of antivirals, the push to get vaccines for people who have already had the disease etc has all sort of been against the nor m of what we do for disease.
I watched the prophet get the vaccine, and heard him suggest to people to get it. I'm not sure that it really dawned on me that he was making the suggestion as the prophet until just a few months ago. I have had pretty serious illness twice since covid really showed up in St George. I never have been tested to see if I had antibodies. There was very little encouragement, in fact I can't think of anyone that even asked if I had ever been tested, or if I should be tested. There are few enough doctors in the hospital, I don't think we could have afforded too many of us being out for 2 weeks with the mandatory quarantine. As my frustration with the virus grew, it sort of reached an apex and that sort of coincided with the local stake centers here offering time and space for vaccinations. When I let myself think about the opportunity to get vaccinated.
The science behind the vaccine and the reasoning for getting it seemed silly to me.
I can't really think of a specific moment that it dawned on me, it may have actually been some of my contrary nature that my brother-in-law was telling me about how he wasn't going to get the shot despite what the prophet said that it dawned on me that I should get the vaccine because the prophet is telling us to. I don't think that I ever willingly said that I wasn't going to do it in relation to the prophet doing it, just that the science didn't make sense. I am already seeing younger and younger people in the hospital and in the ICU that are not vaccinated, and this alone has reassured my testimony that President Nelson truly is a prophet. I also think that he is setting us up for increased freedom and abilities to serve in the kingdom if we obey his counsel now.
I know this is kind of long, use whatever you like. I found it pretty funny that people didn't need to be told the Lord directly was shortening church to 2 hours before they were willing to do it. This whole experience has very much taught me to watch the profit closer and follow his example more exactly
Reba Cook:
When Pres. Nelson urged us all to get the vaccine I decided out of hand not to. I can’t even express how every cell in my body was against taking it. I had become a Service Missionary, so when Pres. Nelson said he wanted all missionaries to be vaccinated, I wept. I knew I would either need to get it or ask to be released. It was devastating. I began praying about whether to get it. I did not receive an answer at all. Then in a moment of understanding, I realized what I was actually asking the Lord was "Do I really have to follow the prophet?" I already know the answer to that question, and the prophet had already given me the information from the Lord. That was when I realized, this wasn’t about a vaccine, it’s about whether I believe our prophet is called of God and speaks for Him. It’s about obedience.
I was so scared, I read over Pres. Nelson's exact words again. He said to visit with a competent medical professional. I could do that. So, I spoke with my Doctor and he felt it would be fine for me to receive the vaccine.
I decided I would get it, and I set up an appointment to do so. I told the Lord I would need His help, to please give me confirmations if this was the right decision and the courage to see it through. This was when I began receiving my answers. I had the most amazing experience the day I received the vaccine.
At the place, there were several tables set up where medical personnel were giving shots and I sat in a chair with my right arm facing this person, I didn't even look at the nurse, I looked straight ahead. Then I hear in my ear, Reba?? I looked over at a woman I had not seen in 30 years, she was in the ward I grew up in, and we had been friends. I couldn't believe it! We talked for 20 minutes, catching up. I hardly noticed the shot. I walked out of that room feeling so happy. I sat in the next room for 15 minutes and the walls were plastered with 3x5 cards under a sign that said "Why did you get vaccinated?" People had written their reasons and put them on the walls. There were thousands of them. As I walked out, one card caught my eye, it said, "I’m following the prophet" I walked out, amazed at God’s goodness.
The Lord gave me confirmations and sent his tender mercies. But only after I had decided to act in obedience. I do not have faith in the vaccine, but I DO have faith in a loving God and my Prophet. Since that day, I have been at peace, and my testimony of the prophet has grown stronger. I will follow what ever he asks me to do in the future. I don't have to know the reasons for everything, It’s enough for me to have faith in the doctrine about prophets and the keys they hold to lead our church.
Piano Gal:
How do I feel about the vaccine? If the prophet had not come out and said to take it I would never take it in a million years. I have been wrestling with this since the first church news announcement that the prophet and some apostles had taken the vaccine.
I have listened and read on both sides of the issue. I have never had any problem my whole life following the prophet. This is the first time I have had a question about something a prophet asked of us. All the writings on Discord have been very helpful to me. All the scriptures that I’ve read have helped me. Having to make such a decision to follow the prophet has firmed up my faith that he is a prophet of God. I reviewed all the stories I could think of in the Scriptures or where people’s faith was tested. And I thought, now my faith is being tested. It’s also doubly hard because my family is split on their opinions about the vaccine. My husband got sick with the Covid and ended up in the hospital over the whole thing. He says he’s good and doesn’t need the vaccine because of his immunity to the disease. I told him that that’s not the point. We need to follow the prophet. I’ve been worried that since he’s against it if I took the shot and got sick he would have to take care of me. I think that Blakes comment that this was like a test a test and a test with the two announcements from the church saying to get the vaccine. I’ve also felt like it wasn’t just about the vaccine, it was about obedience. And I feel there’s an urgency to get it before it’s too late. I don’t know what that might be, what would make it be too late but I don’t want to miss the boat. I agree with so many positive comments on the Discord. This has not been an easy decision for me, but I cannot leave it alone until I get the vaccine. Then I will feel safe so to speak. Not safe from the vaccine, not safe from the disease, but safe from not following the prophet.
Tamra:
Hi Micah,
Here is my vaccine story.
It was great news finding out that the vaccine has been created and was good, however I was wary from the start. The reason? I have to be really careful about medicine and all types of vaccines period. I have had bad reactions to the flu shots in the past, and most recently in April 2021, I broke out with shingles from my second shingles vaccine. The shingles were right under the eyelashes, so just almost in the eye and it had the potential of blindness. It is seldom that I will take medicines, opting for essential oils and trying to drink more water, as most things like head and muscle aches are associated with dehydration. I like anything natural if possible.
But that wasn’t the only reason. I abhor the idea of freedom being removed from me and all Americans. During this pandemic, we witnessed severe changes and even today for instance those who are not vaccinated in New York cannot and will not be served in a restaurant. To me this is un-American and should be illegal. There are many reasons that people cannot have it, for instance I work with a gentleman who had heart surgery and cannot have that vaccination.
So being coerced is worrisome. The changes in America are worrisome. The changes all over the world is worrisome.
When I saw the picture of President Nelson getting the vaccine, I read the notice carefully and took it to mean that it was a message overall to the church all over the world, but as it said, we should always decide for ourselves.
Move ahead a few months to the end of July, I started noticing the pressure on non-vaccinated people and the hate spewing forth from people. I knew that since I worked in Higher Education, it was only a matter of time before I would be required to get the vaccine or lose my job. Also, the different variants caused me concern. So … before my doctors release to get the vaccine (due to my shingle outbreak) on the 27th of July, I went ahead and received my first vaccine on July 23, 2021. When the clear message from the First Presidency came out it was one day before my second dose.
The second I read that message from the First Presidency, I knew that I should get the vaccine and that there was no question after that. Even if I hadn’t had the first one, I would have quickly followed the Prophet, as it would not have been announced had they not had an answer themselves (in my opinion). I believe that the different variants, all the people getting COVID who have been vaccinated (remarkable amount of people) helped me confirm in my heart that it was time.
I did have one more reason, which is very important to me. I promised myself that I would never put anything into my body that studies were done developing it with aborted fetuses. It is important not to support those industries. Also the humanity part of it would be hard (and IS hard) for me to handle. I don’t like it.
I hope this helps.
J Fehr:
My story.
My wife and I were pretty fearful of the vaccine. I was more into conspiracy stuff and had filled my head with all kinds of worrying stuff about the vaccine. I think saw the prophet and apostles get the vaccine and much of my fear lessened. However, my wife and I had had 4 previous miscarriages and the thought of risking another based on some information out there about fertility difficulties based on the vaccine. My wife was also going to school and would need a range of other vaccines for the sake of her future work. We had a council and prayed and felt it would probably be okay to go forward, but weren’t able to go and do it right away, because she was in the middle of the other run of vaccines and needed time between them. Then the second letter came out and we felt far more justified in our choice to go forward. We both got our first shot a few days after, to no ill effects, and felt very much okay about it. It also solidified our desire to follow the prophet.
ArrowBowman:
I wasn't ever against the vaccine. I didn't think that it was going to be a "miracle cure" or anything, but I knew I would eventually get the vaccine. I just didn't want to be first. I knew that the virus is new and so is the technology for the vaccine. I had decided to wait until things were safe enough and I would get it with my kiddos (all under 12 yo). At the end of July my husband mentioned he was going to get vaccinated, and I supported that but decided to continue waiting. Then I joined this discord server a few days later and my eyes were opened to the fact that Pres. Nelson has set the example and called us out to DO something. I set an appointment for the next week. The day before my appointment was when the First Presidency's letter came out. I think I had peace when I made the decision in the first place, but having that second witness through the email really helped to confirm that I was doing what the Lord wants me to do through His prophet. God bless President Nelson.
Kaarina Prudence/Thanksgiving:
My Vaccine Story:
My family is hesitant on doing tons of vaccinations. We do believe in vaccinations. But we don’t believe in overdoing vaccinations. And we get the minimal that’s required and leave it at that. We never get the flu shot because we never thought it was needed. All the additives in vaccinations make me very hesitant. So we even have a change of diet during that time whent he kids got the shots or vaccinations.
We looked on the website of the church and found some thing back in the 70s talking about the DTaP and the MMR shots and those are the ones we chose to get because the church supports those two from this article that we saw.
When the shot came out certain extended family members were Pushing us to get the vaccination. Well we already had Covid and didn’t see a need to get the vaccination. My father-in-law got Covid and a vaccination and pneumonia and ended up in the hospital for over 2 1/2 months and when he came back home he was on oxygen all the time. Now, he doesn’t need oxygen, he’s 81 by the way, and he is doing much better but I feared that the vaccination might have done some thing. My mother-in-law also got Covid and the vaccination but she did just fine and she’s 77.
When the Prophet first invited us to get the vaccine I was very hesitant and so was my husband. And the certain extended family members that pushed it in our face saying, “See, The Prophet said to get it.”
We later fasted and prayed and felt we should get the shot. It was a very humbling experience. But the prophet invited us to get the shot and we should take his invitations seriously. And willingly. So we set it up to get the Moderna shot. I had the strangest feeling and a huge red flag that we should not get it after we felt peace and after we fasted. We prayed again and felt we should get it but not the Moderna. We did a little bit more research and found the Jansen shot. We felt at this time that the Janssen shot was the right shot to get for us. Since we already had Covid and the Janson shot it’s like getting Covid again, I felt it was safe and secure to get and I could handle getting Covid again for a little bit. Well, it turned out to be 10 days of Covid in one day and it felt horrible. I wanted to die. My husband was a little sick but he was fine. After going through all of that I am grateful that it’s done with and I hope I don’t have to get another shot. But if the prophet says to I will.
After we got our shot, it was a couple months later and then the prophet urged us to wear our masks again and to get the shot. I am so grateful I got the shot after the first invitation and not the urge. I am grateful that we did pray and felt we should follow the prophet’s counsel willingly even if it was just an invitation. He is the prophet. He is the spokesman of the Lord. That invitation wasn’t from the prophet. It was from the Lord. I know this to be true. And I say these things in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ amen.
Jon B (LDS SuperGuy):
My wife got the Pfizer pretty early on. She works in the medical field and visits many hospitals, of which some now require the shot. We have friends who I would say are “woken up” and one of them is or likes conspiracy theories. She began to feel very uncomfortable when he brought up concerns (all the stuff we hear now) about getting the vaccine. She took it to the Lord and felt at peace to get the vaccine. I gave her a blessing the night before. She stayed active during the whole day. Both times for each shot. She never really had reactions. She has noticed with some that those who get the shot and felt tired then went to sleep tend to feel symptoms or have some type of reaction. Nothing major though.
I on the other hand held out. I’m healthy and didn’t think I needed to get it. Unless I had to. I did get the J&J eventually this past June right before we went on vacation. I too received a blessing the night before. I put my faith and trust more in priesthood power and the blessing to protect me than the actual vaccine would. I even mowed my lawn that day.
While on vacation, we were exposed, and at least, my wife got tested and was confirmed to have COVID. Still she had minor symptoms and I barely had any if any at all. So maybe the vaccine did help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
We followed the promptings of the Spirit and felt those blessings. So I would suggest when you get the shot stay active and get a blessing.
Days of Noah (Jonathan):
I was very very very anti Covid Vax. I was the guy not wearing a mask anywhere I went. I would leave stores rather than put it on. There's so much that stinks about this whole situation and my natural instinct is to go all in and let the world rage against me. When I was given an assignment by the bishop for ministering to a family every week a couple months ago he told me, "make sure you wear your mask" I immediately listened as I knew the keys. At least I thought I did. When I put that mask on, I felt the spirit very strongly and I knew I needed to just obey. That family had 2 children, 9 and 11 that ended up being baptized last month. The mother thanked us for coming every week, and helping them, and she thanked me for putting the mask on to make her comfortable.
For whatever reason I looked at the prophet’s original statement on Vaccines and immediately from my own bias read it as, consult with a doctor, and if I'm not at risk for covid I don't have to.
That was until I saw @The II LDS Archives @Aaron, Zion’s Bouncer taking a proverbial sledgehammer to people for this in July. I read thru the comments, and realized that I had totally done what I knew I shouldn't. I had done the right thing with the Bishop, and totally missed the boat with the Vax. I got the J&J shot a couple days later, and my wife followed a couple weeks later. I was anxious but I had the spirit the whole time, and I was reassured thankfully. My wife was very hesitant as well, but when I told her we needed to follow the prophet on this, she said she felt impressed that was more important than any concerns she had. Once she got it, she felt at peace immediately.
Eric Field:
Hey man got a vaccine story for you. Nothing major really, but here it is...
I tend to be political in nature as I believe socialism and communism have taken a strong hold on our great nation and the world. I have done all I can to teach and fight against it. I assumed that any good member of the church felt the same as me.
Because of my political opinions I was totally against the vaccine.
From the start of covid I was of the opinion that it (covid) was man made and was going to be used as a distraction for political or other corrupt purposes.
I was surprised when President Nelson so openly received the vaccine. This caused me to look at myself a little bit deeper. Because a strong position wasn't originally taken on the vaccine, I held my ground and was staunchly against it.
Several weeks later, my mom received the vaccine. She has underlying health concerns and felt it was best for her to do so. When I spoke to her about it she said, "The prophet got it so it's okay for me!" Her statement shook me just a little bit, but I wasn't ready to change my mind.
Several months passed and I found a question weighing on my mind. I spoke to my Bishop hoping to receive council one way or another, but to no avail. Come to find out, he was struggling much the same way I was with this decision. Our desire is to follow the prophet, but to not be a political sheep.
Several more weeks and much prayer passed and I decided that like my mom said, "If it's okay for the prophet, it's okay for me!"
I told Christa that night that I thought I was going to follow the prophet and get the vaccine. She was stunned but then said "okay".
Later that same week it seemed everyone I spoke to was trying to convince me that I should not get the vaccine. I continued to pray that I would make the right decision. Finally, I decided that if so many people were telling me I shouldn't received the vaccine, that I probably should. It reminded me of how investigators are attacked with anti prior to joining the church.
The weekend we planned to receive our first shots was extremely busy. We were unable to get in for the shot. Later that week, God's Prophet announced that all who are able should receive the vaccine. The following day Christa and I made an appointment for our first shots.
I'm grateful that we made this decision before the Prophet gave his counsel. However, I was too slow to act. I have since resolved to act faster in following the Lord's mouthpiece. I know that all who will humble themselves before being made humble, we'll find great peace and immeasurable blessings. It is my prayer that I will never forget this learning opportunity and that we will each follow the Prophet with steadfastness.
Will you please heed the counsel of the Lord's Prophet?
I know that is you do, the Lord will unfold great things to your view and your testimony of our Prophet will grow by leaps and bounds. I leave this, and my testimony of a living Prophet on the Earth today with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Brian D:
I want to thank this group for helping me to build my faith. I won't go through the whole genesis of my thinking in the last few days, but suffice it to say I was more than a little frustrated when the First Presidency message came out. How was I to align myself with people who lie, cheat, and steal? Nevertheless, I know that I must follow the prophet if I hope to be worthy of the Lord's choicest blessings. My wife and I will be getting the vaccine tomorrow. My life doesn't belong to me, but to God. I will serve him at all costs, and I will follow the keys wherever they direct. I echo the plaque on President Taylor's desk: "The kingdom of God or nothing!"
Richardson11:
Letter sent to mother:
Thank you mom for being concerned for our physical wellbeing, we appreciate your love for us.
Over the last couple years president Nelson has been admonishing us to hear Him. Grace and I have been striving to understand and do that exact thing. We have fasted, prayed and spent much time in the scriptures.
Since covid we have felt an immense amount of comfort from all the efforts we have made following the guidance of the spirit and understanding gained through the Holy Ghost. If you are prepared ye shall not fear. Showing our faith by following the Prophet strengthened us and helped us overcome the fear of the world.
We live in a world where there are many distractions and many more confusing opinions. The Lord has given us a living Prophet, a watchman on a tower, who seeks after our physical and spiritual wellbeing Amos 3 :7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
President Nelson over a year ago asked us to pray and fast that a way would be made to bring society back to normal that the temple would open.
He asked us again to do all we can to get numbers down so we could open the temples. Through social distancing, asking our doctors if the vaccine would be right for our health and safety. Than to our surprise he got the vaccine. Which to me at first was shocking that he would trust such a thing, made so quickly and through government and groups were their is little trust.
This made me fast and pray more on what I should do. I do not want the vaccine. I haven't had a flu shot in 7 years. I started listening to the confusion and fear of the world and my focus on the keys was blurred. I noticed something change as I came to a realization that when I watched or listened to news or articles on the subject the spirit would leave. So I turned it off.
I prayed and fasted and for me I got a response to my prayer, through the peaceful quite moment these words entered my mind. Peace be unto you my son, I have heard your desires to know what to do. I have already given you an example to follow. Be not worried for the vaccine will not stop or impede the mission in which you have been sent to accomplish.
After getting my answer, I started thinking and in-came the confusion of the world, both sides promoting fear. I waited for Grace to get her answer. She eventually came and we agreed to show our faith in the answer we received from Him. This all happened many months ago. We have chosen to keep our decision to ourselves. We have faith in Him not the vaccine. If there be poison in it we know that it will not hurt us; Nor will it affect our eternities for we have been obedient. Obedience is greater than sacrifice.
Mark 16: 17-18
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
I know the answer we received is contrary to our own opinions. But many times in the history of the world where the Keys of the Lord has spoken had it been contrary to ones understanding.
-Naaman having leprosy and being told by the Keys to bath in the filthy river jordan 7 times, was healed
-Moses holding up an idle of a snake after they had been bitten and after teaching them the ten commandments. They will live if they just look at the snake an idle. They were healed
Now we have President Nelson and the first presidency statement last week. Urging to get the vaccine and to social distance and wear masks. This wasn't from the government or some shady group, this was from the Keys, the mouth of the Lord. One of the tests that we will go through is whether or not we will follow the Keys, for we have covenanted to do so in the Holy temple.
So what am I getting too. Pray, get your answer and have faith in the Lord. Don't let the distractions of the world keep you from being obedient. Once you get your answer you don't need to convince anyone. Just tell them to seek their own answer. Don't promote fear, but to seek the Lord for he doesn't fill you with fear but peace and hope.
I only send this because I love you and want you to hear Him and trust Him, be it whatever that be
Leo Agustin:
An introduction: My name is Leo Agustin, a native of the Philippines came here 2007. I work in the healthcare industry. I came to you channel way back around May 2020, I become a "fan" of your work. Thank you.
When the pandemic started, I always believed that it was a man-made and since it came from China, thoughts flooded that maybe its a way to get rid of Trump. I've heard about the disease in China as early as December 2019 and had the feeling that it will spread worldwide. As a healthcare worker working in home health , we always follow protocols ie hand washing, wearing gloves, sanitizing 2-5 times per patient. When we had to wear mask and always wash hands, it didn't bother me at all. But as the pandemic went through and had to wear mask outdoors and always, I started to question the effectiveness of it and different views of this Covid-19 made it worse because there are different views and ways to handle it. I followed to the letter about distancing and wearing mask but grudgingly. Then the vaccine was authorized. I found myself questioning to take it or not. Majority of my family does not want me to take it, they gave me warnings that it was not approved and gave conspiracy theories: the vaccine is made to wipe out half of the world population, there's microchip that will control the population, etc. I said, I won't take it, fear came to me every time my workplace asked us to take it. Then I saw the First Presidency took the vaccine, that moment I saw the prophet taking the vaccine, my fear and anxiety of the vaccine went away and assurance came to me that it was fine. And I remember on how the keys work and following the keys. I took the vaccine and encourage my family to take it.
Leslie Bourassa:
Hi Ashley and Micah,
I am sorry that I did not write this sooner, I thought I was too late. When Covid first came out I did not want to take the vaccine because of my weight and fear of getting blood clots. When I saw President Russell M Nelson get his vaccine it gave me courage to get mine. Although I wanted to wait for Phizer or Maderna as I heard people getting blood clots from Ana Zetica. I don't think the J&J vaccine was available at this time. I was able to get the Phizer vaccine and even though I had side effects, it was minimal. I have gotten both doses of the vaccine. Even though I did not want to take the vaccine I knew it was important to follow the lead of President Russell M Nelson. Thank-you for giving me this opportunity to share my story.
I don't know how to record my voice because I never done it before and I don't know where to begin to find the record button on my Samsung Tablet. Thank-you for your understanding and patience and best wishes to you and your family.
Love, Leslie Bourassa
Ashley and Micah English:
People who are familiar with Micah and myself will know that we are “paranoid millennials”, we don’t trust many, we make hard copies of everything, etc. You’ll also know that we were talking about the desolating sickness coming back in 2018-2019 and we were warning people that the Assyrian would be molesting the laws of the land, stealing the wealth of the nation, etc. So it wasn’t any surprise to people when we weren’t thrilled about taking the vaccine back in 2020 when talks about it were already coming up- we figured we were youngish and healthy we just needed to stay that way and stay independent. When the church made its public statements and President Nelson and all those eligible from the 70’s up took the vaccine you all know Micah and I changed our tune immediately- to the shock of many and to the visceral of many more. We stood with the prophet, we stood with the keys. This fighting has/had softened the hearts of many, so by the time the First Presidency letter came out, many in this group were much more prepared- or as Elder Eyring said in the quote we shared at the start- “the best time to listen to Noah would have been the first time”- “the best time to listen to President Nelson would have been the first time”, for each subsequent time it will become harder and harder as the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost flee from those who fight against the keys. Brothers and sisters the “peace” you are feeling by following the Prophet, the keys, is the Holy Spirit of Promise sealing blessings upon you for your faithfulness. We are some of the least likely people to be doing this and yet we are because we love the Lord Jesus Christ, and we show that love by obedience, and by the mouth of the Lord or His keys it is the same. The Holy Spirit of Promise has given us peace as we have exercised faith in His anointed and we promise you that as you stand in Holy places and heed the right “voices”, you will feel that same Spirit of Peace in your life. Elder Boyd K. Packer (“Agency and Control,” Ensign, May 1983, 66) said it well when he said:
"Latter-day Saints are not obedient because they are compelled to be obedient. They are obedient because they know certain spiritual truths and have decided, as an expression of their own individual agency, to obey the commandments of God. We are the sons and daughters of God, willing followers, disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and “under this head are [we] made free.” (Mosiah 5:8)Those who talk of blind obedience may appear to know many things, but they do not understand the doctrines of the gospel. There is an obedience that comes from a knowledge of the truth that transcends any external form of control. We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see."
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!
