Matthew Alof Larson

Click here for my wife's testimony

The summer after Matt's first year of school, the family moved back to Snowflake, Arizona and his father worked as a school teacher at the local junior high. Matt began to live his life in Snowflake and he loved it. He loved the small, peaceful surroundings of the old Mormon Pioneer community, which was colonized under the direction of Apostle Erastus Snow in 1878. The Larson's were one of the first families to settle there by the efforts of Matt's great great great grandfather, Mons Larson, who was one of those that participated in the "Hole in the Rock" experience.

Matt and his family were very strong in "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." His testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith was reached in these early years of living in Snowflake, and he continually looked forward to fulfilling a mission for the Church when he became of age. He sought to learn all he could through the scriptures and words of the prophets. This was always something he naturally desired to do. He loved the Lord, and had an insatiable desire to do what was right in all situations of life. His parents taught him the values and tools necessary for him to learn and grow quickly. They taught him the principles of the gospel and often held conversations, with him and his brothers and sisters, that pertained to the events of the Last Days. In fact, there was one time where a conversation of this nature was taking place and Matt asked his mother, "Mom, will I be able to play sports and finish high school before the second coming?" Being very young, he didn't realize the fruitless irony of the question but what he asked, at that time, had always been something he feared throughout his childhood because of his desire to participate and succeed in school, and extra-curricular things as well.

One of the most powerful experiences in Matt's life, was when he was eight years old and being baptized into the LDS Church. His father was confirming him a member and granting unto him the gift of the Holy Ghost, when at once he felt the strongest feeling that he has ever known. A peace enveloped his soul and he felt as though he were on fire. He learned later on, the magnitude and effect that this experience had upon him, for it guided him in understanding the power of the spirit of God in his life.

There was another gift Matt hid inside for the more part of his childhood. It was something that he loved to do and was thankful for having but, because of a streak of shyness that runs through the Larson genes, was frightened to show it forth. This gift was that of music. He loved to sing, and did so continually throughout the house driving his sisters crazy! They threatened him many times of planting a tape recorder somewhere, without his knowledge, and recording him so they could let others hear. Nevertheless, they did tell him he had a good voice, and that he should let others know that this ability existed within him. In the summer of his eighth year, his mother practically forced him to try out for the part of Winthrop in the town production of "The Music Man" that would be showing throughout the 24th of July Pioneer Celebration. With reluctance, he did try out and was given the part. This was the first time he ever sang in public.

As Matt grew older, his desire to do what was right grew also. He was a mature young man, even to the point of having a low tolerance for those who did not take seriously the things of God and who had no concern for others. Occasionally, there were times when others of his peers looked down on him because of his so-called "goodie-goodness". They made fun of him at times because he would not participate in their wrongful and rebellious activity. For such reasons, he learned how to discern others, and became very cautious as to the choosing of his friends and with whom he associated throughout his life. He had the ability to find and make true friends, even life-long friends, with whom he enjoyed being with and doing things with. However, he felt more at peace when he was at home with his family. He considered this a blessing given to him, - of being more desirous to stay at home rather than to go out with friends.

Matt continued his schooling up through junior high and into high school. He improved upon his talents and participated in the Snowflake High School sports and music programs. As a sophomore, he was the back-up quarterback on the varsity football team and was the only one in his class to make the varsity basketball team. He was a pitcher on the baseball team also. In the music department, Matt made All-State choir both his freshman and sophomore years. His sophomore year he made Madrigals, which is the most advanced choir in the school. These were the things he had been waiting for all of his childhood, - to succeed in things he believed to be important and worthwhile. He had been raised up in the "small town" fantasy and was expected to perform and accomplish certain things. He had been raised up to meet the expectations that not only he had of himself, but that others had of him as well, even his parents, teachers, friends, and family members. He was in the perfect position to fulfill his duty in the tradition of modern LDS culture. Plans of graduation, a mission, and college were all certain. Everything was falling into place. All was going well, he thought, then something began to happen. -

In February of 1994, towards the end of Matt's sophomore year in high school, a feeling began to commence in his attitude and disposition. This feeling was that of an overall disgust for everything around him. He recognized it, but could not understand it. It extended, of course, to all things school-related and even at home. It was very troubling to him; even to the point where it led him to quit the baseball team in the middle of the season because of a lack of desire. This was all confusing, for he couldn't understand where such feelings were coming from or what was causing them. He found himself longing to leave Snowflake and get away from the traditional lifestyle. Something was missing in his life, and this had never occurred to him before because he always thought he had what he needed, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.

The struggle Matt was having and the dramatic change of attitude that was consuming his thoughts and actions, soon began to show forth some unexpected, yet inspired, answers. Phil Savage, a friend of the family, had been close to his parents for a long time. He engaged in spiritual conversation with them often and discussed things that were not usually discussed between normal, modern latter-day saints. They were truth- seekers (if that is a good thing to call them). They studied and knew the laws of God to the point where they recognized that the most obvious characteristic of the LDS Church is the complete failure to live such laws; the failure of the people to live what they profess to believe. They saw the fruits of apostasy and, unlike others who rank in spiritual cowardism, decided to do something about it. Phil bore witness to them one day of a man in Manti, Utah who taught truth, of which could be called "the fullness of the gospel". His name was Jim Harmston.

Throughout the winter of 1993, Matt's parents attended "the models" (fullness of the gospel explained through symbolic representation) taught by Jim Harmston and were buried in the spirit of it's truth. In the spring of 1994 was when Matt heard about it. It was then that he had been feeling something was amiss in his life, due to the general disgust he felt around him. He felt a strong desire to go listen to "the models" himself, for he agreed with the things his parents told him.

Matt first attended "the models" in March of 1994, and immediately he knew they were true. It made sense to him, and it felt more right than anything he had ever known. He became aware of the evidences of the LDS Church falling into a state of apostasy, ever since Wilford Woodruff was made leader of the Church. He recognized the compromises the Church made with the world, and the concessions to the government that took place under the leadership of Heber J. Grant. He was made aware of the changes in the garment of the Holy Priesthood, giving the Holy Priesthood to the cursed race in 1978, the changes in the temple ceremony in 1990, etc., etc.. - "Many more facts can be considered and many more of the follies of men can be accounted for, but the fact is - God does not change and the "falling away first" prophesied by Paul has been in effect for a long time. Weak men bolted under the pressures of others. Weak people didn't have the courage to stand up and live the religion that our prophet Joseph Smith restored, in it's fullness. They feared man more than they did God, and this has been the sad, continual state of affairs ever since. The people in the Church today have simply followed after the traditions of their fathers which, in and of itself, is a very dangerous thing. The Book of Mormon warns against this! The LDS, leaders and people, are following the same pattern of apostasy that occurred over thirty times throughout the existence of the Nephites. Things have become significantly worse over the years, since the late 1800's, and Satan truly has gained control over his own dominion (D&C 1:35). The earth at this time has become the most wicked that it has ever been in any part of history. Satan is doing all he can to possess the hearts of every one of God's children, but it is already too late. God has set his hand again, the second time, to recover the chosen remnant prophesied of in the scriptures, and has already begun to awaken those who will hear His voice and harden not their hearts, so that His purposes might be fulfilled in these Last Days."

After Matt experienced "the models", he wanted to take his place as part of the remnant. The excitement and peace he received as a result of having made known unto him the truths of God, and the relationship he knew he could have with God was overwhelming. - "The change of mind set on these doctrines of the gospel came so natural to me that I could barely remember or imagine how I used to think otherwise." It is amazing how the Lord was preparing Matt for the models even before he knew about them. The frustration he felt at school and the troubles he went through, was all orchestrated for this reason, - that it might be an easier thing for him to leave and gather with the elect of God, instead of staying behind; trapped and bound to the traditions he grew up with, which are not correct.

Peace entered Matt's soul as he began to learn more and more relating to the elements of the fullness of the gospel. He began to study the scriptures more diligently, and was surprised at how he could understand, more clearly, things that seemed harder for him to understand before. His purpose in life became obviously clear to him and he wanted to do everything he could to fulfill that purpose. Nothing else mattered to him. Nothing else could get in the way of that. Therefore, his glory days in Snowflake were over, and his aspirations in relation to sports, college, a career, etc. were not important anymore. He knew that a profound and definite change was in order, so he made the necessary sacrifices and left everything behind. He knew that God required him to lose his life, at least for now, so that he might find it again.

Matt came to the Sanpete Valley with his family, after school ended that year in May of 1994. He was baptized into the newly organized "True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days." He lived with Doug Jordan and his family in Indianola for a while, until the fall of 1994. Then, he moved to Fairview and lived on Bart Malstrom's property for about a year with his parents and younger brother Jared. It was there while living at the Malstrom's, that Matt was ordained an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood, and was inspired to receive the Endowment on April 15, 1995. That fall, he moved to Manti with his family.

Manti has been Matt's home ever since, and he is grateful to be a part of the work of the Last Days where all things are being gathered into one. He has currently been ordained a Seventy in "The True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days" and has served in the various priesthood offices of Elder, Teacher, Deacon, and High Priest. On May 11, 1996, he was married to Angie Koller, who is a daughter of Apostle Scott Koller. Their first child, a son (Chase Alof Larson), was born on October 16, 1997.

Matthew's personal testimony

The truthfulness of this work is something that can be seen by the power of God evidenced in the activity that this people are engaged in on a continual basis. We are a people who have a correct understanding of what true happiness is, and we are seeking to obtain it.- We know how to obtain it! People out in the world search their whole lives to find out who they are; whether their lives have any meaning, yet they have no idea where to find such answers. Most of the things that people think make them happy, truly, do not bring happiness at all. People base their search for happiness on false perceptions, and they allow themselves to be deceived by ignorantly following strange and forbidden paths that will, ultimately, lead only to sin and death. There is but one strait and narrow path, one iron rod, and one gospel which is true. The fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way that we can find the answers to the questions that have to do with the welfare of our immortal souls. This "fullness" is taught and lived here in Manti. The fruits of the spirit of God are here, and only those who have eyes to see and ears to hear can recognize it. There is nothing more powerful than the spirit of this work. It is true!

The spirit has gathered, and is continuing to gather the elect of Israel to the "safe place" in the Last Days. We are the remnant being prepared, in heart and in mind, to perform the mighty works and miracles that will bring forth the reclamation of the House of Israel, the redemption of Zion, and the repossession of this earth prior to the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ, that He may be able to receive His inheritance, and that we might become joint heirs with Him. We are the hope of Israel, and the call to arms is extended to all those who have the ability to recognize the truth, for the message of truth is directed to the elect, even the elect who yet remain in the deep sleep that God has placed upon those who have rejected His laws (Isa 29:10). The rejection of His laws has been perpetrated by wicked men who are servants of the devil, even wicked leaders of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" and other churches who have placed in the hearts of millions a false hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. The LDS Church has failed in her divinely-appointed mission to bring forth Zion, and has rejected every law that would establish Zion. She has, therefore, had intercourse with Babylon and has joined with the other churches of the world to become the whore of all the earth, even the great and abominable church of the devil (2 Ne. 28:18). The LDS Church, now, is no better off than the Catholic Church or any of the other churches that seek to become popular and "one" with the world. As a result of the LDS Church's miserable failure to establish Zion, God has called forth a remnant, even "The True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days" - Us! We are striving to fulfill our mission as the foster mother (TLC), even the mission that the mother church (LDS) has failed to accomplish.

We have the true priesthood authority to fulfill this mission. It has been given by God, and is here among us in full power. All the keys to establish Zion are in our possession. Many claims of this nature, and things close to it, have been made over the past few generations, but Satan will always try to imitate or copy what God does, and he has succeeded with thousands, even millions of people. So what makes us the exception? Why does our claim hold more validity than claims that have been made in the past? What makes us more right than everyone else? Ultimately, the only way to determine the answers to these questions is by, first, obtaining an understanding of what we are all about and, then, by seeking for the power of the Holy Ghost to obtain a knowledge of the truth, for "by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things" (Mor. 10:5). Yet, most people do not know how to recognize the Holy Ghost. Most people tend to believe what they want to believe, and hear what they want to hear, and obey whom they want to obey. Most people tend to do things their own way, rather than God's way. This is an unfortunate thing that takes place with almost all people, in whatever religion they belong to. - They do things their own way and not God's way! They exalt their own perceptions and philosophies, and place such things ahead of the one true spirit, even the Holy Ghost, that God said we could use to establish the truth of all things. -

We, on the other hand, are actually doing things God's way. We know how to do it His way because we know how to receive divine personal revelation from Him, through the use of the true order of prayer. We understand how to detect and recognize various spirits, and we use the keys that God has given us to discern between good and evil; right and wrong. We have done exactly what God has commanded us to do, and we have used His spirit to determine such things. No one here, in the beginning of this work, not even Jim Harmston, conjured up a plan to organize a church, or start giving an endowment, etc.. Everyone, from the beginning, came here because the spirit of God led them here. No one was fully aware of what God was going to do. There just seemed to be a general commonality of belief and understanding between those who were here. With everything that has happened, and with every step that has been taken in this work, there is no doubt that all things have been carefully orchestrated by the Lord, in every instance, and in every way. Thousands have arrived here and, because of their traditions and agendas, have made a departure shortly thereafter. Apostates have made themselves known on occasion. Enemies have attempted to thwart our efforts and derail us. Satan is fighting us, even now, and the world is not our friend. Yet, through all the trials, tests, dissensions, and strifes among us and against us we, the elect who remain, have held fast to what is true. We have continued to trust in what led us to Manti in the first place, even the spirit of God which is something that we know and experience daily. It cannot be ignored or denied, and our ability to recognize it is what makes us, as a people, singular in our mission for we know, by the spirit, that this is the Lord's work and we are being led by Him. And furthermore, it is even a greater witness to us that this work is true, due to the fact that all the powers of hell are against us. If it were any other way, then we might have cause to doubt our standing position as God's true Saints.

The evidence is clear for those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand. We have the power and authority that we claim to have. We can back-up and support everything we have taught, and everything we believe in. We are in absolute harmony with all the words of the prophets, that are written in the scriptures, as it pertains to the mission and calling that God's elect have in these Last Days. We have all the spiritual ammunition to defend our position and stand up for the sake of truth and righteousness. It is often said among us that "the debate is over". We know the truth, and that is just the way it is. Everyone else will find out sooner or later for God has influenced us, as His people, and has granted unto us wisdom and understanding, and before us "the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught." We are the 'weak things' of the world that shall come forth and break down the 'mighty and strong' of the world. We have no fear of man, or of what man can do. We only fear God, and we stand up to the world and declare that the wicked and idolatrous, which includes all those who have willfully rebelled against God, even Latter-Day Saints, Catholics, Baptists, and Muslims alike, will be destroyed. - Yes! They will be destroyed if they do not speedily repent! The words of the holy prophets in these Last Days are being delivered, and the condition that exists in the world now, is just as it was in Noah's day, Lehi's day, Alma's day, and even in Christ's day. Only a "few" will be saved, and many will be destroyed, for wickedness must needs be removed from this earth, that righteousness may prevail once again.

I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, that James Dee Harmston is the "Elias" that has been sent to prepare the way before the Lord. He is the prophet, seer, and revelator that has been chosen to lead us to Zion and deliver us from Babylon, even as Moses did in ancient times. Jesus Christ is the Redeemer who has made it possible for us to obtain, not only salvation, but exaltation as well. Father Adam is the God of this earth. He is our Father, and we worship and pray to Him. I testify that we are living the laws that will establish Zion. We are preparing to receive the power that will bring forth the works of the Millennium. We are working to save this dying world, and our efforts are centered upon this task, which will be accomplished by obtaining the fullness of the priesthood and exercising it with the full power that is needed to fulfill the creation of this earth.

I do bear this solemn witness and testimony, for I have been in the presence of God, as one of His servants, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

e-mail: mlarson@tlcmanti.org