The Power of the Temple

In the middle of Brampton, a suburb of Toronto, is nestled the Toronto, Ontario Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is easily the tallest and most beautiful building in the area, and attracts a lot of attention from the many people that view it every day. A few years ago, an Indian family that had just relocated from Punjab India, walked into the reception area of the temple. I'm sure that they were quite a sight for the receptionist as all 7 of them (2 adults and 5 children ages 10 to 21) were dressed in flowing robs, had turbans on their heads, and the men had beards.

The receptionist, a little taken aback, asked what he could to to help them. Their reply was simple and profound, "We would like to join your church and become Christians!" The receptionist told them a little about the temple and then directed them across the street to the stake center, where the missionaries were having a meeting. When they were approached by the Elders (who couldn't believe their luck), they told them the same thing "We would like to join your church and become Christians." The Elders looked at them in stunned silence for a few minutes. Then one of them found his voice and said, "Well you're inspired because this is God's one true church upon the earth." The family agreed that they truly had been blessed to have walked into God's true church, and found the missionaries all at the same time.

That very day, they were taught much of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A baptismal date was set, and the temple was discussed and set as a far off goal. Over the next three weeks the family attended church, was taught the doctrine of Christ, and were each baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the next year they received callings, served in various capacities, and finally, a year from the time of their baptism, they went to the House of the Lord. They walked in the same temple doors they had just a year ago, and were sealed as a family for time and all eternity. To this day and the best of my knowledge, they still serve faithfully in the church, and attend the temple regularly.

When asked how this all happened, they remarked "We saw that building and knew that it was the House of God, and that we would find the truth there. When we saw it, we felt drawn to it spiritually." Their words, not mine. I would add my testimony that the temple IS the House of God. There is no other place like it on this earth. Inside its walls are: peace, truth, enlightenment, comfort, understanding, eternal families, and so much more. It is God's House.