My First Visit to the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple

On March 13, 2026, my wife and I visited the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the very first time. This marked our initial temple experience since our baptisms.

In our faith, temples are the most sacred places of worship, known as the "House of the Lord." They stand at the heart of the gospel because they are the only locations where essential ordinances—such as eternal marriage sealings and proxy baptisms for deceased ancestors—are performed. These ordinances enable families to be united forever.

When my wife and I became inactive members years ago, it was our deep desire to enter the temple and be sealed together eternally that ultimately drew us back to the Church.

We were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2018. For me, the journey began much earlier, in 2003—a longer story for another time. Even before our baptisms, we started researching our family histories, eager to perform temple work not only for our ancestors but for ourselves as well.

While living in El Paso, Texas, most organized temple trips from our area went to the Ciudad Juárez Mexico Temple. My work responsibilities at the time prevented me from traveling to Mexico. The Albuquerque New Mexico Temple, though only about four hours away, required a full day of driving that I simply couldn't spare. Unknowingly, that limitation set us on a path that gradually led us away from full activity in the Church.

Without the ability to visit a temple without taking significant time off work, our efforts on family history slowed, then stopped. That first small step away led to missing sacrament meetings more frequently and prioritizing everyday concerns over gospel commitments.

Recently, as we resumed conversations about temple work, receiving our endowments, and being sealed as a family, the Spirit rekindled our desire to return. On March 13, 2026, we finally stepped inside the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple. That sacred visit has strengthened our testimonies immeasurably.

I testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church established by Jesus Christ in ancient times and restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet in the same vein as those in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and that the Church is led today by living prophets and apostles. I know that families can be together forever, and that by following the teachings of the Savior, His Church, and His prophets, we will be reunited with our loved ones beyond this life.

I also bear witness that the temple holds vital importance for us today, tomorrow, and throughout eternity.

Consider these examples from scripture:
- In Mosiah 2–5, King Benjamin's people gathered at the temple, where they heard his inspired message, made covenants (as recorded in Mosiah 5), and experienced a mighty change—much like the endowment we receive today through modern revelation.
- In 3 Nephi 11, the resurrected Savior appeared to the Nephites at the temple. The pattern is similar: listening to the Spirit, exercising faith, repenting, and desiring to make covenants. Notably, the people needed three attempts to clearly hear the voice from heaven—reminding me that sometimes in the temple, it takes patience and repeated visits to fully "get it" and receive deeper understanding.
- Doctrine and Covenants 109, the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, is profoundly moving. It is followed by one of my favorite verses on the subject: Doctrine and Covenants 110:8, where the Lord declares, "I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house."

We also see the temple's role in the New Testament, as Paul brought new converts to temple worship as part of their gospel progression (see Acts). The Old Testament, particularly Exodus, underscores the centrality of the tabernacle and temple anciently.

In our day, President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly emphasized the temple's role in recent general conferences:
- In October 2022, he promised, "I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can."
- In April 2024, he taught, "Nothing in this world will bring the Spirit into your life more than regular worship in the House of the Lord."
- In October 2024, he gave this assurance: "Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple."

I see no coincidence in this growing focus on the temple—it aligns with the prophetic preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. While no one knows the day or hour, we are being called now to become a temple-going, temple-loving people as part of that sacred preparation.

I know these things are true. If you have not yet visited the temple, or if it has been some time, I lovingly invite you to go soon. The blessings waiting there are beyond measure.

I share this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.