Sharing Video Testimonies

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Years ago, several wards I lived in back in Ohio and Indiana used to help the missionaries by writing their testimonies in the front of a Book of Mormon, and then either giving the book to a friend or giving it to the missionaries so that they could give it to an investigator. The idea was that a personal testimony helped a non-member understand that there were real people who held the book to be sacred, and they weren’t afraid to share their conviction with others. Missionaries would report back that the “personal touch” was very helpful in their efforts to spread the gospel.

I don’t know if wards still do these types of missionary projects; I suspect that there are some that do. I’ve also heard of youth groups doing this as a project. Such projects are commendable, as they help both members and non-members to understand the depth of conviction that people have about the gospel.

I was reflecting the other day that with the rise of the Internet, we have a similar opportunity to connect with other people and share the gospel. We have the opportunity to, in effect, become “Internet missionaries.” All it takes is a few moments of time, and a desire to share your testimony with others.

What’s the idea? Why not sit down, in front of a video camera, and record your testimony. It need not be long–in fact, anywhere from ninety seconds to three minutes would be ideal. Then, upload your testimony to one of the video services, such as YouTube, so that others can share your feelings. Just like when people would read your handwritten testimony in the front of a Book of Mormon, they can begin to understand that real people (like you) have strong feelings about the gospel. If you know a language other than English, you could also record your testimony in that language, giving you two videos that will hopefully reach a more diverse group of people.

When you upload the video, you are given a chance to provide a title and keywords for the video. Make sure that you include a title and keywords that are relevant to what you are saying in the video. Perhaps keywords like Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ, Living Prophet, or Mormon Testimony could be relevant. (Just include what you think would be helpful terms to those who are not members of the Church.) The title and keywords help people search for and find your video more easily.

How long would all this take? Not long at all; you could probably do everything in less than an hour. It might take a little longer if you use these “video testimonies” as an idea for a youth project or ward project. What is the benefit? Someone may see your video testimony and you could “plant a seed” that will later produce fruit.

If you decide to upload your testimony, drop me a line (see our contact page) and let me know where it is; I’d love to see it.