Melissa Tomu, a sophomore from New Zealand majoring in social work, said, “On May 22, it [was] five years of being a member, and honestly, there are no regrets entering the waters of baptism ... The Plan of Happiness has helped me to realize families can be together forever, but at the same time, I kind of struggle with having parents who are both divorced. I had to pray and know that whatever Heavenly Father plans for me, I will see my family one day. Even though my family is not all members of the gospel, I do know I have a lot of work to do on this side and the other side of the veil, and the temple is what makes me happy. I have been blessed with wonderful families who love me. If I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I am not perfect, but I strive to be a better person and to follow the Savior’s path.”
Conner Ah Sue, a senior from Hawaii majoring in political science, said, “While on my mission, my grandma passed away. It was a struggle for me because my last memory was of her being frail and sick. It brought me down thinking that, in her last days, I wasn’t there to be of any help. At that time, we were promoting the ‘My Family’ pamphlet the Church put out to encourage family history. The video ends with clips of families at the temple, and the second verse of ‘The Day Dawn Is Breaking.’ My favorite line is, ‘In many a temple, the Saints will assemble. And labor as saviors of dear ones away. Then happy reunion and sweetest communion. We’ll have with our friends in the beautiful day.’ I felt the Spirit remind me that my grandma’s passing was necessary to progress in God’s plan and because of Jesus Christ, she won’t be frail and sick the next time I see her. But because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, she will be perfected. And thinking of my grandma as a perfect, happy being, makes me happy.”
Charlotte Day, a senior from California majoring in psychology, said, “My testimony of the Plan of Happiness is very simple. What gives me the greatest comfort is knowing that Heavenly Father has thought of something so special. He has a plan for us, and while today we are on earth, everything is so inconsistent and constantly changing every day, I have a lot of comfort in knowing he is mindful of us and he will always have a plan for us. I just have a simple testimony that Heavenly Father loves us, and He knows what He is doing, so I don’t have anything to fear.”
Andino Bima Mahreza, a junior from Indonesia majoring in social work, said, “Believing in the Plan of [Happiness] has not always been an easy thing for me. Indeed, this lesson is not new to me, but, as a good member of the Church, we must have a testimony in every teaching of Jesus Christ. I was born and raised in the Church, but my spirituality was not as active as my physical body. Because my family was very active, I felt that Church is a necessity, not an option, so what I was taught is not entirely believed. Until I served a mission, my faith and testimony began to grow in the Plan of Salvation. By studying this, it made me a different person. Changes in my heart happened every day. I learned to be better day by day. Our hope and happiness lie in knowing who we are, where we come from and where we can go. Our lives will not end when we die. Our future life is determined by the way we live our lives now. Understanding the following things can help us live happier lives now and in eternity.”