Thank You, Jon Schmidt

The very first time I remember being impressed with Jon Schmidt was when I was in high school and I heard his song "Love Story Meets Viva La Vida" on Youtube. At the time, I was impressed with what I thought was a neat song, and then pleasantly surprised when I realized that this guy was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like me. I had no idea that in the coming years, this individual would touch my testimony and bless my life in many ways.

The first time my testimony was strengthened by Jon Schmidt was my freshman year of college. On the eve of their Piano Guys days, Jon and his friend, Steven Sharp Nelson, came to BYU to perform. Amid a rough freshman year, this concert was a ray of light. That evening I laughed, cheered, and teared up from the uplifting spirit in the room. I realized that Jon wasn't just a good musician, but that he was a good person, using his talents for good things. That evening I wrote in my journal that I was "so grateful for [his] sacrifices so that [he] could be the vessel that God and Jesus Christ use to make their children happy." At that concert Jon Schmidt helped me feel that every good thing comes from God, and he also planted within me a desire to, like him, use my talents to bring others closer to Christ.

Several years later, I was again impressed with the character of Jon Schmidt as The Piano Guys participated in a face to face event for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though what all the members of this group said was inspiring, Jon's words stood out to me the most. As he spoke about being a husband, giving his life over to the Lord, and always being connected with God, I felt my own testimony and faith grow. After watching that video, I walked away pondering on the thoughts he had shared, and felt a desire to be good and faithful like him. Again, this stranger's life had touched mine.

And now, a little less than a month ago, my testimony has been strengthened one more time by the Schmidt family. When I heard that their daughter, Annie, had gone missing in the woods in Oregon, I was shocked. I began to pray in earnest morning and evening for the recovery of this girl whom I didn't even know, but whose father had touched my life so much. I just wanted the family to have closure. I just wanted them to have peace.

When at first rescuers couldn't find Annie's body, Michelle Schmidt, Annie's mom, shared this beautiful testimony:

"We have been unable to find our sweet daughter’s body at this time. But these things we know. We know that Heavenly Father has heard the countless prayers and combined faith exercised by people literally all over the world. We know He has heard us, and if He choses to not show us where to find her, then we trust that there is a purpose in this. We know we are in His hands. We know He loves us and everyone who has reached out in such kindness and support. We can feel peace in putting our lives in His hands and pray that His purposes will be fulfilled in this whole experience."

As I read these words, I realized with gratitude that the Schmidt family was giving, as Jon already has for years with his music, everything over to the Lord. Even something as personal and heartbreaking as losing a loved one, they were using as an opportunity to proclaim to the world that God lives, is real, and loves us.

This morning I discovered that searchers believe they have found Annie's body. Once again, I read the testimony the Schmidt family posted on the Piano Guys blog, and once again I was touched.

I know I will never meet Jon Schmidt or his family, but just because I will never meet them in person does not mean that I do not feel an extreme sense of love and gratitude for them for how they have blessed my life. Their Christ-like examples, testimony, and faith have touched my heart and drawn me closer to Christ.

So thank you, Jon Schmidt, for all that you and your family do, believe, and are, and know that in addition to bringing people good music, that you have also brought strangers like me closer to Christ. You are an amazing example of someone who lives a consecrated life, and an example I hope to follow.

5 Reasons to Learn About Mormons from Mormons

Events over the past decade—from Mitt Romney running for president to the debut of the Broadway musical, “The Book of Mormon,”—have brought the Mormon church and its members into the spotlight. If you are not a member, these and other events may have caused you to pause to wonder what it is, exactly, that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe. You may have wondered why members do not drink coffee, why female members do not receive the priesthood, or why members believe that marriage should be defined as a union between a man and a woman. Many people turn to sources outside the church to find answers to questions like these. However, a better way to receive answers to questions about what Mormons believe is to ask the members themselves. Below are just five reasons why. 

Reason #1: If You Want Answers, You Should Go to the Source

There is a lot of information about the church that circulates among people who are not members; some of which is true, some of which is half true, and some of which is not true at all. Individuals sincerely interested in learning about the doctrine of the gospel will find that truth comes more fully and completely when asking someone who lives, believes, and studies the gospel every day. People on the outside can only tell you how things appear. Members, on the other hand, can tell you how things are.


Reason #2: Many Outside Sources Have Never Tried It Out

There are many sources out there who label The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as disgusting, bigoted, cult-like, and false; but many of these sources have never truly tasted of the doctrine for themselves. These sources can provide you with copious lists of Mormon doctrines and Mormon dos and don'ts, but many of them cannot tell you what it is like to live as a member of the church and to believe the doctrine. Members, on the other hand, can.

Reason #3: Accounts of Less Active Members Miss the Spirit of the Gospel

In other cases, some outside sources stem from people who used to be members, but no longer believe. These individuals have just as much right to share their opinion as anyone. However, the bitterness and hostility often found in these accounts lack the fundamental principles of love, patience, and faith that the gospel is built upon. Yes—these individuals’ stories are real, and yes—of course these individuals matter. However, before banking all your buck on these accounts, consider that their experiences may be influenced by misunderstandings, disagreements, or hurt feelings, none of which are the intended outcome for members who live the gospel earnestly.


Reason #4: Members Can Testify of the Blessings of Membership

On the other hand, active and participating members of the church can offer you accounts rich with pure and earnest testimony about what they believe and why they believe it is true.. Make no mistake—Mormon members are not lacking in experiences of heart-ache, loss, confusion, and doubt. But what the members of the church can tell you that many online sources cannot is how living the principles of the gospel have helped them pull through it all. Amid difficult circumstances, trials of faith, losses of loved ones, tears of heartache, and pleas to know if God is there, there are millions of members across the world who can powerfully testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true because they have called upon the gospel’s principles when it really mattered, and their faith pulled them through.


Reason #5: It Might Actually Be True

With all the wonderful things that members of the church believe—from the sacred and eternal nature of families, to clean slates and second chances, to a God who loves and knows us all—it would be disheartening to miss out on them if they are true. The only way you will ever know is by going to the Mormon source itself. The lists of facts and half truths that outside sources can offer you will rarely bring you to a place where you can take a taste of the sweet, joyous, and wonderful blessings of the gospel. Only by seeking out the source and trying it out for yourself can you know if it really is true. And what a worthwhile risk to take, because if there is something to it all, if it is true, then the blessings and promises in return are wonderful beyond imagination. 

For Those Who Are Just Curious 

Even if you are not in a place where you want to consider if the church is true, but merely have some general questions, please seek out the members of the church to ask your questions rather than asking someone on the outside. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints want others to perceive them in a true and honest light. Please give them a chance to offer that light and truth by seeking answers to your questions through them. Even if you walk away still unconvinced about the truthfulness of the gospel, you will be walking away with a more accurate portrayal of who the Mormons are, and why they live and believe the way they do.