Finnish member Mia Kemppaala on the power of personal revelation
Jul 16, 2024
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Mia Kemppaala, a Finnish Latter-day Saint and community speaker, shares her inspiring journey of faith. She discusses the power of personal revelation and how her service as a ward translator has deepened her spiritual understanding. Mia highlights the challenges of expressing faith in a culture with declining religious affiliation. Her anecdotes reveal the complexities of translating sacred messages in real time and the significance of stepping out of comfort zones for spiritual growth, ultimately emphasizing the importance of trusting in the Lord during life's trials.
Mia Kemppaala's experiences highlight the essential role of personal revelation in navigating life's challenges through divine guidance.
Belonging to a global faith community offers Latter-day Saints in Finland vital support and connection amidst declining religious adherence.
Deep dives
The Role of Personal Revelation
Personal revelation is a central theme, emphasizing that individuals are never alone in their journeys. The belief in the guidance of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost enables members to navigate challenges with confidence. During a significant meeting in Finland, personal experiences illustrated how shared testimonies resonate with others, highlighting the power of divine guidance in personal decision-making. This encourages individuals to act on promptings they receive, trusting that they can take small steps even without knowing the complete picture.
The Importance of Community and Support
Belonging to a global faith community provides a sense of connection and support for Latter-day Saints, particularly in Finland, where religious adherence is declining. The conversation reveals the challenges of embracing faith in a cultural environment that largely identifies as non-religious. Members often find strength in shared experiences, as seen in testimonies exchanged during church meetings, which foster mutual support and encouragement. This community aspect reinforces the belief that personal growth can occur outside comfort zones through shared faith experiences.
The Journey of Faith and Doubt
Mia's conversion story exemplifies the ongoing journey of faith interwoven with doubt and discovery. Initially resistant, she gradually challenged her assumptions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leading to pivotal moments of realization and faith. Key influences, such as her husband’s mission and personal reflections on other believers' strong faith, prompted Mia to explore her beliefs more deeply. This journey illustrates that embracing uncertainty and taking leaps of faith can ultimately lead to spiritual fulfillment and knowledge.
Cultural Challenges in Practicing Faith
Living as a religious minority in Finland presents unique challenges, particularly for raising children in a largely non-religious society. Statistics reveal a significant decline in religious affiliation among youth, which makes openly practicing faith more challenging. Finnish culture, often marked by a reluctance to discuss religion, contributes to challenges in expressing and sharing beliefs. Despite these obstacles, the importance of instilling hope and faith in children remains paramount, enabling them to discern spiritual guidance amidst cultural skepticism.
On Nov. 13, 2022, President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, addressed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Finland during a special member meeting. President Holland promised Finnish Latter-day Saints that the prayers of the righteous will prevail. This episode of the Church News podcast features Finnish Latter-day Saint Mia Kemppaala, who also spoke during the meeting. She joins the podcast to discuss what it is like to be a member of the global Church, and what her calling as a ward translator has taught her about the principles of personal revelation.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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