Talk Preparation Guide for "A Record of What I Have Both Seen and Heard"

In this talk, Elder Brent H. Nielson shares his personal experiences and observations from his service as a member of the Seventy. He emphasizes the importance of bearing witness and testifying of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Drawing parallels from his legal background, he underlines the significance of being a credible witness and making a record of what we have seen and heard. He also shares his insights on the growth of the Church and the ongoing Restoration.

Topics

Understanding the Role of a Witness in Gospel Context

Elder Nielson draws parallels between his legal experience and his gospel service, highlighting the importance of being a credible witness in testifying the truthfulness of the gospel.

Witness and testimony are terms that we use as we share our knowledge and feelings about the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It became clear to me that I had a responsibility to bear my witness—to testify of the name of Jesus Christ—wherever I traveled in the world.

Key Points:

The terms "witness" and "testimony" are important in gospel conversations.
Being a witness involves testifying of the name of Jesus Christ wherever we go.

Experiences:

Can you recall a time when you bore your testimony of Jesus Christ?
How has being a witness of the gospel impacted your life?
What experiences have strengthened your testimony of the gospel?

Witnessing the Growth of the Church

Elder Nielson shares his experiences and observations of the growth of the Church in various parts of the world, emphasizing the ongoing Restoration and the expanding reach of the gospel.

I testify that based upon what I have both seen and heard, there has never been a better time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than today.

I have personally seen many of these houses of the Lord and testify that the Lord is offering His blessings and ordinances to more and more of His children across the world.

Key Points:

The Church is growing and expanding across the world.
The ongoing Restoration is evident in the growth of the Church and the increasing number of temples.

Experiences:

Have you seen the growth of the Church in your own community or during your travels?
How have you witnessed the ongoing Restoration in your life?
What blessings have you received through the growth and expansion of the Church?

Witnessing the Miracles of the Restoration

Elder Nielson testifies of the miracles he has witnessed as part of the ongoing Restoration, including the growth of the Church, the increase in temples, and the faithfulness of the members.

I testify today that I have observed this profound Restoration of the Savior’s gospel with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears.

Perhaps the most inspiring miracle of the Restoration that I have witnessed is you, the faithful members of the Church in every land.

Key Points:

The Restoration is ongoing and is evident in the miracles seen in the Church.
The faith and righteousness of the members are among the most inspiring miracles of the Restoration.

Experiences:

What miracles of the Restoration have you witnessed?
How has the ongoing Restoration impacted your faith?
Can you share an experience where you have seen the faithfulness of the members of the Church?

The Role of Missionaries in the Gathering of Israel

Elder Nielson highlights the critical role of missionaries in the gathering of Israel and the expansion of the Church across the globe.

Our wonderful missionaries who now cover the globe are 74,000 strong. Working together with members, they baptize over 20,000 people every month.

I honor the past and current missionaries of the Church and remind our rising generation of President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to come and gather Israel.

Key Points:

Missionaries play a key role in the gathering of Israel.
The work of missionaries contributes significantly to the growth of the Church.

Experiences:

Have you served a mission? If so, how has that experience influenced your testimony?
How have missionaries influenced your life or the lives of those around you?
Can you share a story of how missionary work has impacted your community?

Personal Testimony and Witness of Jesus Christ

Elder Nielson concludes his talk by bearing his personal testimony of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of the restored gospel.

I declare my witness that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and our Redeemer.

You also know what I know because you have received your personal witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Key Points:

Elder Nielson bears his testimony of Jesus Christ.
Each of us can gain a personal witness of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Experiences:

What experiences have contributed to your personal testimony of Jesus Christ?
How has your personal witness of the gospel influenced your life?
Can you share a time when you felt prompted to bear your testimony to others?