By Neha Tara Mehta
Prayer and bathrooms are often not referred to in the same breath. But when Shayla Osborn mentioned the words in quick succession during a testimonial in the chapel of the Manhattan New York Mormon Temple at 125 Columbus Avenue, the Young Single Adult congregation broke into soft laughter.
“It is important for me to pray aloud,” said Osborn, a musical theater actress who came to the church turned out in an impeccable tan jacket and a black dress and perfectly coiffured hair. “I share my house with three other girls who are all non-LDS girls, and the only place I can pray alone is on the throne in the bathroom,” continued Osborn.
Osborn’s testimonial lightened up the chapel. The room was thick with cathartic energy that flowed during the testimonials of members, who were also observing a day of fast.
Latter-Day Saints fast the first Sunday of each month, skipping two consecutive meals and water. Members donate the money that would have been spent on meals to the Church. On the day of the fast, only the holy bread and water of the sacrament can be consumed. A testimonial – done on the day of fasting — is a “spiritual witness given to an individual by the Holy Ghost.”
It is testimonials like Osborn’s that help other members develop their spiritual life, according to those inducted into the priesthood of the Latter-Day Saints. “Sharing the gospel is emphasized a lot among Mormons. The more you share your beliefs about the Church, the more it helps you and the others,” said Mitch Michell, a young missionary from Idaho known as ‘Elder’ Michell, currently assigned to the Columbus Avenue church.
Manhattan New York Temple. | Photo courtesy of The AP.
The bishop — Paul D. McKinnon — who heads human resources for Citigroup – agrees. “Testimonials are a chance for everyone to express how they feel about the gospel. It is always an uplifting experience,” said McKinnon.
Osborn had read the Book of Mormon at her home on 52nd Street and 9th Avenue before she came into the church for the 1 p.m. service for singles between 18 and 30. She hadn’t planned to bear her testimonial – but was inspired to do so while at Church. “It is like a burning in your heart that you have to share. You can’t sit there anymore – you have to get up and share it,” said Osborn.
Though she doesn’t have an ounce of extra fat, Osborn says she loves food, which can make fasting hard for her. But fasting, she says, always helps her feel the spirit stronger. The strength of her conviction in the spirit came through in her spontaneous testimonial, when she addressed the congregation: “Since January 1, I have been spending time in prayer everyday. I can see how my testimony has grown dramatically since then…. I am so grateful to Jesus Christ for atoning for our sins. I am grateful that I get to see all of you here every week, even though everyone has busy lives. I love you all.”
Osborn’s next testimonial just might be in front of her three “non-LDS” roommates. “They respect my religion, and are planning to visit the church soon.” The visit should help explain Osborn’s bathroom routine better to them.
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