The Theme and Me

Youth share how they are living the words of the Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Themes

Coming Closer to Christ through Service

“By inviting all to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of His Atonement.”

By Joseph McCracken

young man

This past summer I went to Brazil with a humanitarian organization. The main goal was to build a classroom for a community in need. For two weeks I gave my all. I sifted sand, mixed concrete, and laid bricks to build the walls of the classroom. But what I received spiritually from this experience was far greater than anything I contributed physically.

Throughout the trip, one of my leaders, Scott, carried a positive energy that radiated to everyone around him. Scott constantly talked to people at our worksite and on the street about Jesus Christ. He invited people to church whenever he had the chance. Scott loved sharing the gospel through his words and actions.

One day I was invited to give a talk in a local ward’s sacrament meeting on the topic of sacrifice. I was hesitant at first because I’d never spoken outside my own ward, but I said yes. I’m so glad I did! My testimony of Jesus Christ and my faith in Him increased as a result. I now see the value of saying yes to service—no matter how small—and of following Jesus Christ and bringing others along with me—just as I saw Scott do.

Now I find myself thinking more about others and how I can help them. I talk to people more often about the gospel. I invite young men in my quorum whom I haven’t seen in a while to come to church and activities. And I bear my testimony whenever I can.

I’m grateful for my opportunities to follow and be more like Jesus Christ and to help others come unto Him. Now I’m even more excited to serve a mission! I love how I feel when I pour my whole self into service to others—which is what Christ does for us.

The author lives in Washington, USA.