Finding Faith in Christ

Thomas, the Lord’s Apostle, knew. Though many think of him as one who doubted, he overcame his doubt. As one who saw the resurrected Savior, Thomas bore testimony that helped others find faith in the Lord and believe in the gospel.

You also know. Though at times you may wish you were stronger or wiser, you too have a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. You want to share it so much that sometimes you feel you could almost burst. You know the gospel would bless your neighbors, but how can you express what you feel?

A new Church film may help.

Included with this issue of the Ensign for subscribers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand is a free DVD of the film Finding Faith in Christ. It portrays events from the life of Christ as recalled by Thomas. Through his eyes, viewers come to understand how he found faith in the Savior and how each of us can find that same faith. The film has been prepared to coincide with an Easter television advertising campaign in North America directed toward those who are not members of the Church. Viewers are invited to “ask a Mormon neighbor” for a free copy. The DVD can be given away or loaned, or you can invite others into your home to watch it.

“For the first time we are combining the power of members and missionaries with media to help the world understand what we know about the Savior,” said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “It is our hope that if members are asked about Finding Faith in Christ, they will share the DVD they received. We also hope that sharing the DVD will give members the opportunity to express their feelings about the Savior. Since so many people will learn of the film from our television ads, members may want to approach friends or family who are not of our faith and ask them if they would like to see it. We hope members will prayerfully consider how and with whom to share it.”

Elder Ballard also suggested that members and missionaries could work together when sharing the film with those who are not members of the Church: “All missionaries in the United States and Canada will have copies of the TV ads, and members can get better acquainted with their local missionaries by asking to see the ads.” Priesthood leaders in the United States and Canada will also receive a copy of the DVD.

This advertising campaign marks the first time viewers have been invited to speak to their Latter-day Saint neighbors rather than to simply call a telephone number (although a toll-free number is also provided). Church members can order additional English DVDs or VHS videocassettes from local distribution centers. Members may also provide interested neighbors and associates with pass-along cards that offer a free videocassette. See “For Additional Copies” for further information.

The film portrays Thomas visiting with a family in their home. Most are believers, but one man, Jonah, is doubtful. As Jonah wonders and worries out loud, Thomas provides a reassuring voice of comfort.

“Must faith always be blind?” Jonah asks.

“Without faith, Jonah, even seeing is not enough,” Thomas replies.

Events from the life of the Savior are presented as Thomas recalls what he personally experienced. These events include portrayals of Christ healing the sick, raising the dead, teaching the disciples, and answering those who accused Him. Also depicted are His trial, the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and His subsequent appearance to Mary, to others, and to the Apostles. The resurrected Savior calls Thomas forward to feel the wounds in His hands and in His feet and asks him to “be not faithless, but believing.”

“Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed,” the Savior tells Thomas. “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (see John 20:27, 29).

In response to Thomas’s testimony of the Savior, Jonah says, “Almost I wish I could believe.”

“You can, Jonah, you can,” Thomas replies, “and because He lives, we too shall live, all of us. All of us.”

Just as Thomas did, we can bear testimony of the Savior based on what we have felt, seen, and heard. We can share with our neighbors the wonderful truth that “because He lives, we too shall live, all of us.” As members of the Church, we are blessed with the additional testimony of the living Christ that comes because of the Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We have the privilege of sharing this glorious message with our neighbors and friends.