In this section you will be able to watch or read the testimony or the conversion stories of Mormons. At a certain point of their life they have been touched by the Holy Spirit and they have listened to the teachings of the Mormon missionaries. Sometimes this happened after they became friends of a member of the Mormon Church. In other cases the Mormon missionaries were their first contact with the LDS church. We hope you will enjoy watching or reading them.

Jean Capenda’s story of his conversion to the Mormon Church (from Congo)

See the rest of the testimony of Jean Capenda at MormonsBelieve.org

Giuseppe Martinengo’s conversion story (from Italia – first part)

See more about Giuseppe’s story at MormonsBelieve.org

Valerie Finnegan’s conversion story (from Scotland)

For more Video Testimonies visit: Mormonsbelieve.org or Youtube/moregoodfoundation

Read more testimonies in this website

Sete Aulai’s Conversion Story

Hilary Taylor’s Conversion Story

God is Real

When I was about 22, living a life of alcohol, drugs, and contention with the girl I was living with, I wanted to find a way out of the misery. When I searched for solutions, all I seemed to find were ads promising love, fame or fortune.

One night, my girlfriend and I found ourselves on our knees. Something which we had never felt before had filled the room, a divine presence. The powerful feeling lasted for just a few minutes, but we both knew it was of God.

I began to feel and experience many miraculous things from that time on. A deep desire to read the Bible led me specifically to the New Testament. But, after about two months, these great and amazing feelings seemed to fade. Still, I desired to join a church and be associated with good people. My girlfriend chose not to act upon the spiritual experience we shared that night, and I moved out. The Spirit never lingered with her like it did with me. It seems the experience was meant for me and not so much for her.

From my studies, I had concluded that there must be only one true church and that this church would have to believe in the whole of the Bible. I set out to find this church with questions in mind, which had come to me while studying the New Testament. I was raised in the Anglican faith, so that was my first stop. I didn’t feel that the people I spoke with were able to answer even my first question, so my next stop was the Catholic Church. At this point, I was certain this must be the one, because my mother was raised Catholic, and I knew her to do no wrong. Again, I was not receiving answers that satisfied my thirst for the truth.

After about two months of talking with individuals from all kinds of denominations, I was on the verge of giving up my search and forming my own church. Oddly enough, the Yellow Pages turned out to be the source for finding the true church on earth. I looked up “churches” and searched for a name I thought might be what I was looking for. After talking unproductively to some Jehovah’s Witnesses, I noticed “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” or Mormon Church. The phone rang, and a Mormon janitor answered the phone. I proceeded to question him. To my complete and utter amazement, all of my questions were answered to my satisfaction. Somehow, even this janitor, with his knowledge of his faith, knew more about the kingdom of God than the trained clergymen I had spoken with.

After talking with the janitor, I remembered my mother saying to me that one of our neighbors was a Mormon, so I made the trip over to his house and found him home. I told him my story and he said he would contact the missionaries, and I left. I waited several days and then called the missionaries myself. They came over shortly after that and we talked about what had happened to me. They knew it was of God, and we had many wonderful visits as they prepared me for baptism.

The hardest thing for me was to give up cigarettes. I had quit after much effort, but had started again as I was to be baptized. I remember well, how I did not feel the Spirit at all at my baptism or confirmation, most likely because I had started smoking again. After about two months the Elders Quorum President and one of his counselors paid a visit, knowing about my smoking problem, and asked if I might want a priesthood blessing. I of course agreed, and not long after that I woke up one morning and automatically went for a smoke. I got a little angry at myself for that, and this was when the blessing took effect. I had no desire or craving for three days. After that, the cravings came back but I was able to withstand them.

Another addictive habit I had a tough time with was pornography. This was easier to overcome than smoking was, but it took much longer. I think this one is overcome through the passing of time. The more time that goes by, the more I forget the images placed in my mind until they are gone. I also realize this sexual desire is natural but needs to be controlled. Over time it gets easier, as one becomes more centered on the gospel of Christ.

After over thirty years as a member of the Church I cannot say it’s been easy. The first seven years I struggled very much trying to find happiness. After about three months, attending church services became very boring, and I often wondered why I was not feeling any joy or happiness. I was doing all that was required of me such as attending the temple and performing by callings etc., but for some reason, I was not feeling the Spirit. I knew I must be doing something wrong but could not see what it was. I stopped going to church for a long time. About six years ago I decided to give it a go again and started to attend some of the church meetings here and there. After over a year of luke-warm commitment I wiped the dust off of my scriptures and placed them on the table. Still wondering why I had not found the joy of the gospel, I decided I would read the scriptures in a different manner than the way I used to. I decided to try reading them the same way one would read a favorite book. I used to read a chapter a day. I started reading the Book of Mormon, and after about twenty minutes I started to feel the Holy Ghost. I thought to myself, could it be that this is what I had been doing wrong, not reading the word of God correctly? The next day I tried the same thing and found that my assumption was correct…Today, four years later, I still prayerfully read in the Book of Mormon, as well as other scriptures, and now enjoy the companionship of the Spirit almost constantly. Church is not boring anymore, and life is great. There are still struggles, but as I try to improve, it’s wonderful to feel God at my side…..

I have been reading Sheri Dew’s book God Wants a Powerful People. In it she says that accessing God’s power begins with our faith. I have thought a lot about that. There is a scripture in Moroni that describes this relationship.

“I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever” (Moroni 10:7).

I have been thinking about how to access the power of faith in my life through my prayers, thoughts and actions. A lot of great books have come out on how our thoughts and beliefs can change our environment and give us greater power and peace. They contain a great deal of truth and can give people a foundation and basic understanding. But, in the light of the gospel we have the key to all true power, strength, peace and knowledge.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk on Faith in April Conference of 1994. In it, he reminded us that the first principle of the gospel is not “faith.” The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith, like love requires an object. It must be faith in something or someone. If we think we have faith, we should ask: faith in whom or faith in what? For some, faith is nothing more than faith in themselves. That is only self-confidence or self-centeredness. Others have faith in faith, which is something like relying on the power of positive thinking or betting on the proposition that we can get what we want by manipulating the powers within us. That is what is missing in all of the great books and programs on spiritual power. They have value, and so much of the truth, but they are missing the focus, the true object of our faith. Elder Oaks teaches that When we try to develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ rather than merely cultivating faith as an abstract principle of power, we understand the meaning of the Savior’s words: “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33).

I know this is true and that we can have greater access to this power in our lives. Christ repeatedly taught his apostles about the possibilities of faith. Elder Talmage, in Jesus the Christ, wrote that the achievements possible to faith are limited or conditioned by the genuineness, the purity, the unmixed quality of that faith. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus taught, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Elder James E Talmage in Jesus the Christ explains that the comparison between effective faith and a grain of mustard seed is one of quality rather than of quantity; it connotes living, virile faith, like unto the seed, however small, from which a great plant may spring. So, remembering that when we speak of faith, we are talking about faith in Christ, how can we tap into this power in our lives?

The April 1983 Liahona contains an article by Elder Gene R. Cook on “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” In it he offers six suggestions for how we can use the power of faith to bless ourselves and others.

First, be believing. Elder Cook cites the example of Nephi who did believe all the words spoken by his father. Are we, like Nephi, listening and believing the words of the prophets, sometimes praying for additional understanding and listening for the still small voice? Or do we listen instead to other voices—the wisdom of the world or our own fears and doubts? As President Hinckley was leaving for his mission, his father gave him a piece of paper with the words “be not afraid, only believe.” His faith was evidenced by the way he lived. King Benjamin taught his people to “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend” (Mosiah 4:9). We can trust him. He understands and loves us completely. As we listen to our leaders and study the scriptures, we will come to know our savior. As we learn more of his mission and attributes, our faith and confidence in him will increase.

Next, we must commit. Elder Bednar counseled that to increase our faith we must increase our commitment. Elder Cook cites Nephi in the Book of Mormon and his commitment to do what the Lord had commanded. . Remember that all things are possible to him that believeth. Elder Cook counsels, Commit yourself in advance to what you righteously desire and the righteous exercising of faith will bring it about. The challenge for me at least is to decide what I really want. Elder Cook says many people go forth lost in the world with only a vague idea of what they would have from life. We have to choose a course to pursue and then exercise faith through our diligence. In 1 Nephi 7: 12, we are reminded that “the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him.” In the reference book True to the Faith, it says that “whenever you work toward a worthy goal, you exercise faith.”

I recently had an experience with this. I decided to join some friends in a month of goal setting in which we wrote down many goals and made a chart on the wall to keep track of our performance. I wasn’t “100 percent” in every area. In fact, several things dropped off the chart completely. But, the things that were most important to me—prayer, scripture study, temple attendance and journal writing became a greater, more consistent part of my life, and I have been richly blessed because I chose and committed to pursue these goals.

Elder Cook next says that we must do all in our power to fulfill our part, and pray as if it all depended on the Lord. In 3 Nephi 18: 20, we read “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” Elder Bednar at a Ricks College devotional said that Faith in prayer is evidenced in part when we kneel down. More importantly however, faith is reflected when we get up and work diligently to accomplish that for which we have prayed. For me, the question has often been, how can I have faith in what I ask if I am not sure it is God’s will? Elder Bednar in April conference reminded us that each of us needs God’s help in surrendering our will to Him. He also gave the encouragement that humble, earnest, and persistent prayer enables us to recognize and align ourselves with the will of our Heavenly Father.

Next , He counsels us to expect trials. Remember that ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. These words have come to my mind recently, in moments when I felt like giving up, or discarding hope for some of the blessings I had been asking for. The witness does come. I have seen the Lord’s hand in my life, restoring my faith through the words of priesthood blessings, or the comfort and encouragement of a friend, or sometimes just with a renewed faith in his will and timing for my life. I know that the trials make us stronger and better able to meet the challenges of our lives. They also make us better able to serve.

Finally, Elder Cook says that we should expect the Lord to act according to his holy will and our faith. He wants us to draw on his power. He also reminds us that sometimes when a prayer seems unanswered, it is because it is being answered in a greater way than we can perceive. Alma counsels us to ask for “whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive” (Alma 7:13). We must remember to recognize his hand in our lives. He is always there to bless us. He has much greater things in mind for our lives than we can imagine. God is in the details of our lives and cares about everything that matters to us. Our faith and commitment will be tested, but He is listening and will always bless us with what is best for us—for our eternal good. He wants us to pray for the things we most desire. I know he will bless us with the things that will lead to our greatest happiness. I know that Miracles will happen in our lives as we exercise faith in our Savior through our diligent efforts and sincere prayers.

A remarkable feat of engineering is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. The bridge was part of an initiative to alleviate ferry traffic and make the flow of people and materials easier to get around the San Francisco area. It was first opened in 1937, and at the time was the largest suspension bridge in the world, measuring 2.7 kilometers.. It was painted a beautiful vermillion orange to enhance its visibility in the fog as well as protect it from the high salt content in the air. Festivals commemorating the opening lasted for 7 days with speeches from city leaders, music, dancing, and parades.

For the next 30 years this architectural achievement, which became a symbol of the city, stood virtually untouched. By 1968 it was clear that the bridge was suffering from massive amounts of corrosion. A program was put into effect to completely repaint the structure. Since that time a permanent crew of 17 iron workers and 38 painters work continuously to stop the corrosion and maintain the integrity of the bridge. Without this constant maintenance, it is most certain that this structure would succumb to the corrosive salt, powerful winds, and the constant pull of gravity.

In many ways the Golden Gate Bridge is analogous to our testimonies. It takes a great deal of time, effort, and patience to build a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and if one is not careful in protecting it from corrosive elements, it will fall.

Building our Testimonies

It was not a simple task to create the Golden Gate Bridge. Likewise our testimonies are often built in pieces. Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “Testimony is the very essence of character woven from threads born of countless correct decisions. Those choices are made with trusting faith in things that are believed and, at least initially, are not seen.”

It is an interesting thing that we obey because we have a testimony, but to gain a testimony we must obey. It is for this reason that Mormon missionaries are directed to give require commitments of those who investigate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the most effective method of conversion, because it brings people out of the world. They themselves must make the choice to believe, to follow the promptings of the holy spirit and the direction of the missionaries. They must choose to enter into the cycle of obeying and building a testimony — building a testimony and obeying the commandments of God.

In my life this has very much been the case. I cannot think of a time I gained elements of my testimony without first obeying. I can remember the specific time of day, and who was there when I received a strong witness that keeping the Sabbath day holy was a true commandment. I was thirteen and sitting in the back seat of our family car as we were driving to visit my older brother and his family. As we were driving, I looked out the window and saw all the people shopping, working, and going about their daily lives. I mentioned to my mother up front that I was glad we as a family and church set aside Sunday as a special day of worship. My mother turned to me and said, “that is because you have a testimony of that gospel principle”. I remember having a unique feeling of peace in that car as the Holy Ghost witnessed to me that it was true, that the law of the Sabbath is a commandment from God. If I didn’t have a testimony before, I most certainly did after that car ride. Since that day, I have come to obey the law of the Sabbath, not because it was a family tradition, but because I had felt that confirmation from God through the Holy Ghost, that I should obey.

Elder John K. Carmack, of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the Mormon Church, explained the principle of obeying and receiving this way in a talk given in 1988: “When I declare that I know this gospel is true, that Christ lives, and that Ezra Taft Benson is God’s prophet, I am saying, in effect, that doing and serving have brought me the conviction that this work is true.”

I love it. I love that gaining a testimony is that simple. We simply obey and receive. Anyone can do that!

Growing up I always felt that the Church was true. I felt like I had a fairly normal upbringing. I went to LDS seminary and church meetings. I read the Book of Mormon and felt excited to serve a mission. When I got into the Missionary Training Center, however, I felt overwhelmed. As I was learning about the doctrines that I would be teaching the next two years (the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and commandments of God) I began to worry. I was worried that my testimony would not be strong enough to bring the spirit to those I would be teaching. I began to pray and fast that I would be blessed with a strong testimony to teach from. As I prayed one evening, I received the feeling that I had been given enough and needed to just press forward. That was not the answer I wanted or expected. However, I continued to work hard in my studies at the MTC and pray with faith. Toward the end of my stay, I was in the celestial room of the Provo Utah Temple. As I was praying, I looked up and saw the painting of the Savior. At that moment I felt an overwhelming love for the Savior and his Atonement. At that moment it felt so real to me! I felt that I was not just one of billions of God’s children but that I was an individual whom God loved and cared for deeply. I often would reflect on that powerful spiritual experience as I would testify to those whom I was teaching. God did answer my prayer.

Maintaining a Testimony

Just like the Golden Gate Bridge, if a person leaves his or her testimony untouched, it will rust, deteriorate, and become useless in the moment the person needs it the most.

Instead of focusing on how to maintain a testimony, let’s look at it from the other side, that is, how to destroy a testimony. Elder Charles Didier of the Quorum of the Seventy gives an easy-to-follow 6 step program:

“Do not pray: the door to revelation will be closed. Do not be humble but listen to your own superior voice. Do not participate in the ordinances of the gospel, but follow the practices of the world. Do not follow Church leaders but be critical of them. Do not listen to the prophets and follow their counsel but interpret their declarations according to your own desires. Do not obey the commandments but live according to your own appetites and desires.”

It is not coincidence that the process of gaining a testimony is the same process of maintaining one. So perhaps my analogy of a testimony being like the Golden Gate Bridge is not perfect, since we are never done building our testimony and thus maintaining our testimonies. Elder Carmack of the Seventy explains in his conference address “I have a whole box of unanswered questions, none of them threatening to my testimony. New questions enter that box regularly. Others come out of the box, yielding to both study and experience.”

If a General Authority has unanswered questions that he works on through study and experience, then I for sure have unanswered questions that I need to work on! The Lord promises that someday those who keep His commandments will know all things:

For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory. And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom. Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations (Doctrine and Covenants 76:5 – 8).

It is my hope that I will continually be building and maintaining a strong testimony that will become the anchor of my life. Something that will help me and those around me come closer to God, and be the sustaining force of a successful life.  This is my wish for every member of the Church, especially new converts.

This article has been used on the following website: http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/833/growing-and-maintaining-a-testimony

To be born of God implies a sanctifying process by which the old or natural man is supplanted by the new spiritual man who enjoys the companionship of the Holy Ghost and hence is no longer disposed to commit sin (Colossians 3:9-10; Mosiah 3:19; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 51). When we are born again we are spiritually begotten sons and daughters of God and more specifically of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 5:7; 27:25). The Book of Mormon prophet Alma 1 calls this inner transformation a “mighty change in your hearts” (Alma 5:14).”

(Adapted from the article by Ed J. Pinegar in Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1-4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow [New York: Macmillan, 1992], 218.)

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

• Moses 6:59— “That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory; . . .”

We must be born again through the grace of God in order to receive the blessings of eternal life. This means that each of us must repent and bring forth fruit worthy of all acceptation of the Lord, thus proving ourselves worthy of returning to His presence.

• Mosiah 5:7— “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.”

We become the sons and daughters of Jesus Christ because we have made the mighty change and, through baptism, have taken upon us His name. This carries with it a covenant and promise to remember Him and keep the commandments.

• Mosiah 5:2— “And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”

When we are truly converted by the Spirit, we will experience the “mighty change” and we will feel and act differently. We will have the desire to do good just like Enos, Alma, and the Sons of Mosiah.

• Moroni 8:25-26— “And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;  And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.”

We will recognize a true change within our soul. We will start to feel the Spirit and enjoy the fruits of it in our lives. We will be more humble and loving in all things.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

“Conversion must mean more than just being a “card carrying” member of the Church with a tithing receipt, a membership card, a temple recommend, etc. It means to overcome the tendencies to criticize and to strive continually to improve inward weaknesses and not merely the outward appearances” (Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], 355).

“But all that has happened in the past has not, and all that occurs in the future will not change the truth that conversion to Jesus Christ and his gospel is the one and only way; for still it must be said that “there is none other way given under heaven by which men must be saved” (Elder Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, October 1963, Afternoon Meeting 26).  (See Acts 4:12.)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are some things to remember and do in the process of conversion:

1.   Seek to align your being with the qualities of a truly converted person.

• Be mindful of your baptismal covenants
• Seek to be blameless before the Lord
• Be spiritually born of God
• Be obedient and endure to the end
• Be charitable

2.  Follow daily strategies to retain the spirit of conversion and remain strong in the Church.

• Remember to pray
• Search the scriptures
• Gain understanding
• Remain valiant
• Cultivate the spirit and practice of service
• Build up the Kingdom of God

“The Conversion of Parley P. Pratt” is a wonderful story and a great example of what it means to be converted.  Parley P. Pratt was a leader in the early restored church.

It was early in the morning, just at the dawn of day, I walked ten miles into the country, and stopped to breakfast with a Mr. Wells. I proposed to preach in the evening. Mr. Wells readily accompanied me through the neighborhood to visit the people, and circulate the appointment.

We visited an old Baptist deacon by the name of Hamlin. After hearing of our appointment for evening, he began to tell of a book, a strange book, a VERY STRANGE BOOK! in his possession, which had been just published. This book, he said, purported to have been originally written on plates either of gold or brass, by a branch of the tribes of Israel; and to have been discovered and translated by a young man near Palmyra, in the State of New York, by the aid of visions, or the ministry of angels. I inquired of him how or where the book was to be obtained. He promised me the perusal of it, at his house the next day, if I would call. I felt a strange interest in the book. . . . Next morning I called at his house, where, for the first time, my eyes beheld the “BOOK OF MORMON”—that book of books—that record which reveals the antiquities of the “New World” back to the remotest ages, and which unfolds the destiny of its people and the world for all time to come; that Book which contains the fulness of the gospel of a crucified and risen Redeemer;—that Book which reveals a lost remnant of Joseph, and which was the principal means, in the hands of God, of directing the entire course of my future life.

I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.

As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists. My joy was now full, as it were, and I rejoiced sufficiently to more than pay me for all the sorrows, sacrifices and toils of my life. I soon determined to see the young man who had been the instrument of its discovery and translation.

I accordingly visited the village of Palmyra, and inquired for the residence of Mr. Joseph Smith. I found it some two or three miles from the village. As I approached the house at the close of the day I overtook a man who was driving some cows, and inquired of him for Mr. Joseph Smith, the translator of the “Book of Mormon.” He informed me that he now resided in Pennsylvania; some one hundred miles distant. I inquired for his father, or for any of the family. He told me that his father had gone [on] a journey; but that his residence was a small house just before me; and, said he, I am his brother. It was Mr. Hyrum Smith. I informed him of the interest I felt in the Book, and of my desire to learn more about it. He welcomed me to his house, and we spent the night together; for neither of us felt disposed to sleep. We conversed most of the night, during which I unfolded to him much of my experience in my search after truth, and my success so far; together with that which I felt was lacking, viz: a commissioned priesthood, or apostleship to minister in the ordinances of God.

He also unfolded to me the particulars of the discovery of the Book; its translation; the rise of the Church of Latter-day Saints, and the commission of his brother Joseph, and others, by revelation and the ministering of angels, by which the apostleship and authority had been again restored to the earth. After duly weighing the whole matter in my mind I saw clearly that these things were true; and that myself and the whole world were without baptism, and without the ministry and ordinances of God; and that the whole world had been in this condition since the days that inspiration and revelation had ceased—in short, that this was a new dispensation or commission, in fulfillment of prophecy, and for the restoration of Israel, and to prepare the way before the second coming of the Lord.

In the morning I was compelled to take leave of this worthy man and his family—as I had to hasten back a distance of thirty miles, on foot, to fulfil an appointment in the evening. As we parted he kindly presented me with a copy of the Book of Mormon. I had not yet completed its perusal, and was glad indeed to possess a copy of my own. I travelled on a few miles, and, stopping to rest, I commenced again to read the book. To my great joy I found that Jesus Christ, in his glorified resurrected body, had appeared to the remnant of Joseph on the continent of America, soon after his resurrection and ascension into heaven; and that he also administered, in person, to the ten lost tribes; and that through his personal ministry in these countries his gospel was revealed and written in countries and among nations entirely unknown to the Jewish apostles.

Thus revealed, written, handed down and preserved, till revealed in this age by the angels of God, it had, of course, escaped the corruptions of the great and abominable church; and been preserved in purity.

This discovery greatly enlarged my heart, and filled my soul with joy and gladness. I esteemed the Book, or the information contained in it, more than all the riches of the world. Yes; I verily believe that I would not at that time have exchanged the knowledge I then possessed, for a legal title to all the beautiful farms, houses, villages and property which passed in review before me, on my journey through one of the most flourishing settlements of western New York.

(Parley P. Pratt, Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, edited by Parley P. Pratt Jr., Classics in Mormon Literature ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], pp. 20-22.)

This article was adapted from What We Need to Know and Do, by Ed Pinegar and Richard J. Allen.

Temple Builder Conversion Story

The Conversion of a Former Buddhist Monk

Finding a Home in the Gospel

When I was eight years old, my parents moved to Southern California.  My father was a rocket scientist and had left his teaching position at Johns Hopkins University to work at Jet Propulsion Labs.  When we arrived in Los Angeles, we were suddenly no longer Jewish, and faith was never mentioned again in the household.  My mother did say once in awhile, that she’d had a Catholic governess, who had baptized her, but my mother never once went to a Church that I recall.

At the beginning of each school year, all the students filled out emergency cards—whom to contact if our parents weren’t home, any medical problems or allergies, etc.  There was always a space on the card to list your religious affiliation, and I always left mine blank.  I simply had nothing to write there.  As I approached my mid-teens, I began to feel bereft.  Not only that I should be able to fill in that space, but that there was a huge hole in my life and in my understanding that was meant to be filled.  I began to attend various churches with my neighbors, and I enjoyed them all.

One Sunday when I was 15, I telephoned a girlfriend to see whether she’d like to attend a movie with me.  She very politely and thoroughly explained why she kept the Sabbath day holy, and how movie-going was not considered a Sabbath activity.  When I hung up, I felt embarrassed.  I felt that I should somehow know about the Sabbath and what you do or don’t do on that special day.  Shortly after, she invited me to a “Youth Conference” presentation at her church.  I had enjoyed every church function I had attended with my neighbors, so I readily said yes.  That empty place within me was growing more bothersome.  I desperately felt the need to fill it.

Indeed, I had been to many churches.  But when I entered this one, I experienced something profoundly new—a sudden and overwhelming feeling of absolute joy, which also seemed to have affected everyone in attendance.  I knew I was in the right place, and that my life was about to change.  Two sister missionaries began teaching me in the evenings at “cottage meetings,” which a number of the youth of the ward attended with me.  Watching the conversion process was as enlightening for them as being converted was for me.  Everything I was taught settled in like I had already known it all before.

I remember how frightened these sisters were to teach me the lesson on Joseph Smith and his “First Vision.”  I suppose many people had gone along just fine with their lessons until they got to that point, and then stalled when taught that a modern man had seen God the Father and Jesus Christ.  But for me, it was perfectly logical.  If prophets of old had seen visions, why not now?  It was more illogical to consider that visions had altogether ceased.  Why should they?  I remember the Sisters’ question, “Do you think you can believe that Joseph Smith really had a vision?”  My reply of “of course” was a great relief to them.

My parents fought me, but thinking that my conversion would only be temporary (I was dating a boy in the ward by then; they thought—new boy, new religion), they relented.  I was baptized a few months after I turned 16.  I joined the Church in 1962, and its teachings and spiritual power protected me from many of the upheavals of the 1960′s.

I’ve been a member of the Church for 47 years.  I married in the temple to a wonderful returned missionary, and we’ve been married for 42 years.  We have 6 children and 11 grandchildren—all active in the Church.  We’ve lived in 4 countries and traveled in many others, have exciting careers, great friends, and a lot of fun.  Of course there have been challenges, but the gospel and the True Church have the power to guide, heal, and strengthen.  I’ve learned personally that God loves me and has specific things He wants me to accomplish.  We live by the Spirit and follow its promptings.  Joining the Church was the best decision I ever made.

To do this, the Mormon Church has the largest missionary force of any church.  Nearly 55,000 at given moment are preaching the message of the Gospel as restored through living prophets like Joseph Smith.

Many people have misunderstandings or misconceptions about Mormon missionaries and what they teach. This site discusses what Mormon missionaries do as they seek to teach others about their beliefs and what those beliefs are.

What will they do when they visit me?

Some people find it scary or strange to have two young men or women come into their home and begin talking about religion with their family.  For many people, religion is a very personal matter and talking about it with strangers is a new experience.  Most Mormon Missionaries know this and will try to make you feel comfortable.  You should feel free to express your feelings and beliefs with the missionaries.  Mormons believe that it is important to openly and honestly share thoughts and questions about religious beliefs, so that we can understand one another and learn better. (Read more)

What will they teach?

When the Mormon Missionaries come into your home, they will want to teach you about their beliefs and invite you to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They will eventually invite you attend Mormon Church services with them and be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We invite you to listen to the missionaries as they teach their lessons about God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and the plan of salvation. (Read more)

Answering Your Concerns about Mormonism

Since Joseph Smith first began telling others about his Vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, persecution and misinformation have followed Mormons.  You may have heard things from friends and family, or from ministers vilifying the Prophet Joseph Smith or claiming that the Book of Mormon is false or unnecessary.  Members of the Mormon Church know that they must live surrounded by such false information all their lives, but they have learned the truth about these matters.  Below are several questions that converts to the Mormon Church and others often have.  This list does not include everything, but does include links to other excellent websites that can give you fuller answers.

Scriptures:

• Isn’t the Bible the only word of God?
• Why do we need the Book of Mormon?
• Doesn’t the Book of Mormon contradict the Bible?
• Didn’t the Three Witnesses deny their testimonies about the Book of Mormon?
• Doesn’t the Book of Abraham prove that Joseph Smith was a false prophet?
• Did the Mormon Church change the Book of Mormon?

The Gospel:

• Don’t Mormons worship a different Jesus?
• I’m saved, why do I need prophets and the Book of Mormon?
• Why do I need to be baptized if I have already accepted Jesus as my Savior?
• Should I really rely on “feelings” rather than evidence to know if the Book of Mormon is true?
• I heard Mormons believe you have to work to be saved, but doesn’t the Bible say we are saved by grace?

Prophets:

• Didn’t prophets end with the Old Testament/Bible?
• Was the Prophet Joseph Smith a lazy, immoral person?
• Don’t Mormons worship Joseph Smith?
• Didn’t Joseph Smith make a false prophecy about the Second Coming?

Church Practices:

• Don’t Mormons practice polygamy?
• What about the Mountain Meadows Massacre?
• Did Mormons forbid African Americans from joining their Church?
• Do Mormons really pay 10 percent of their income to the Church?
• What’s this about no sex before marriage?

Temples:

• Why all the secrecy?  Didn’t Jesus tell His disciples to preach all his teachings openly?
• Didn’t Jesus’ Crucifixion end the need for temples?
• Do Mormons wear funny underwear?

General:

• Anti-Mormonism and ExMormons, why all the fuss?
• How can I find the truth in this maze of words and emotions?

Good Links

• Jeff Lindsay: Excellent site by a Mormon living in Wisconsin who has many articles and responses to common questions and concerns.
• FAIRLDS: A resource for friendly scholarly research on Mormonism.  Very extensive and thorough, covering virtually every conceivable topic relating to Mormonism.
• SHIELDS: A site for scholarly and historical information about Mormonism.
• Mormon Converts:  Learn about the experiences of other converts to the Mormon Church
• Light Planet: A resource for everything Mormon
• FARMS: The Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies.  A very scholarly site devoted to studying Mormonism and Mormon scripture.
• Mormon Central: A list of the best LDS site on the internet.
• LDSsearch: A search engine that return good information about the Mormon Church
• Spreading the Word: An article about Mormon Missionary work at PressDemocrat.com.

Becoming active in the Mormon Church

One of the purposes of this site is to help you become acclimatized to your new life as a Mormon.  After you are baptized and become of member of the Church, it is important that you continue to take an active part in the Church’s services and activities.

New members of the Church face a number of challenges.  This can be a difficult transition for many, since it may mean changing old habits (such as smoking) as well as learning new beliefs, traditions and customs unique to Mormonism. Activity in the Mormon Church brings us great blessings.  Attending church meetings and activities enables us to  socialize with those who hold our same values.  This can be especially important for young people and children.  Your example will help your children live gospel principles. By bringing them to church, you can help them make friends with other children of high standards.

Many people find going to a Mormon church with the missionaries for the first time a little bit scary.  Learn what to expect and how to prepare: What can I expect when I go to Church with the Mormons? Accepting and preparing for baptism can mean many difficult changes in your life.  Learn how to prepare for baptism: Your Baptism Changing Hearts and Habits Mormons have a lay  ministry and that means everyone helps run the Church from vacuuming the halls of the meetinghouses to giving the sermons.  Learn how you can make the transition to being an active member of the Mormon Church The Mission of the Mormon Church The Mormon Church and you Activity in the Church Your first calling in the Church Mormonspeak, a dictionary of Mormonism

]]> http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/64/becoming_mormon/feed 4 http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/58/church_with_mormons http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/58/church_with_mormons#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:57:36 +0000 admin http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/?p=58 What Can I Expect When I Go to Church With the Mormons?

Going someplace new for the first time can be a scary experience, especially when you don’t know what to expect.  The purpose of this page is to help you know what to expect when you go to Sunday worship services with the Mormon missionaries.  You may have a lot of questions about what Mormons do at their worship services or what is expected of you.  The following will give you a tour of a typical Sunday service at a Mormon Church.  To get directions to the Mormon chapel nearest you, see the chapel locator on the LDS Church’s website.  This will also give the time that the local congregation meets.

Preparing for Church

Because church is a special time set apart from the rest of the week to worship God and learn more about His Gospel, Mormons believe that it is important to dress appropriately for church services.  This is typically referred to as Sunday dress and includes a suit or slacks and dress shirt for men and a dress, skirt, or suit for women.  You should be aware that most members will be dressed nicely and you would probably feel more comfortable if you dress similarly.  However, no matter what you wear, know that you are welcome.  Note that congregations near tourist sites are very tolerant of a variety of tourist attire and receive many visitors to their meetings.  However, modesty is always appropriate for Mormon church meetings.

Arriving at church

Mormons typically come as families all dressed in their Sunday best to prepare for church.  Try to arrive early so you can find a good seat and get comfortable with your surroundings.  Many people like to chat quietly in the foyer and catch up on what is happening in their lives.  This is a great opportunity to meet the local members and learn your way around the church building.  To take a virtual tour of a typical Mormon meeting house, see “What to expect at Sunday meetings” and click on “Virtual chapel tour.”  You should keep in mind that Mormon congregations frequently share buildings and so many people will be there, some of whom may not be in your congregation.  Don’t be scared if the parking lot is already full, it could just be members the previous congregation who may not have left yet.

Mormon Sacrament Meeting

Typically, the first meeting on Sunday is Sacrament Meeting.  Sacrament meetings usually last one hour and 15 minutes.  Members and visitors are encouraged to arrive early and be reverent in the chapel.  The chapel is a sacred place that should be respected, and that means that children should not run, and voices should be kept quiet.  Take time to pray or study the scriptures quietly before services begin.

When it is time to begin, the bishop or one of his counselors will stand up and invite everyone to sing a hymn together.  Hymn books are available in every pew or bench.  After the hymn, a member of the congregation will say a prayer.  The congregation should remain quiet and say “Amen” together at the end of the prayer.  After the prayer, whoever is presiding, or leading, the meeting will announce the program.  Since Mormons don’t have professional clergy, members of the congregation give the sermons, called talks.  There are typically two or three speakers who speak for ten minutes apiece.  The bishop has previously asked them to speak on a specific gospel topic.

Before the talks begin, the most important part of the Sacrament Meeting is held, this is called administering the sacrament.  “The sacrament” is how Mormons refer to the Eucharist and it is blessed and passed by members of the priesthood, often teenage boys ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.  The Sacrament Service begins with a hymn that helps us reflect on the mission and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

After the hymn, during which the priests break the bread into small pieces, the sacrament is blessed by a person holding the priesthood.  This is done at a table at the front of the chapel, typically off to one side of the rostrum.  First he blesses the bread, which symbolizes the body of Jesus Christ.  This prayer must be said precisely, so if the person makes a mistake, he will start over.  Mormons believe that what they eat and drink for the sacrament is not as important as the spirit in which they do it.  The Lord Jesus Christ gave a revelation to Joseph Smith in which he said:

For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins (Doctrine and Covenants 27:2).

Today Mormons typically use bread and water.  No matter what is used, the important thing is what the bread and water symbolize, not what they are.  After the blessing has been said, members of the priesthood pass the sacrament to members of the congregation.  For Mormons, the sacrament symbolizes a renewal of their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and of the covenants they made with Him at baptism.  Because of this, if you have not been baptized into the Mormon Church, you should not partake, although young children who have not been baptized are allowed to partake.  After the bread is passed, the water is blessed and passed to the congregation.

After the administration of the sacrament, the services continue with talks on gospel themes and often hymns.  Some weeks there are special services.  The choir may sing or there may be a guest speaker from somewhere else.  Typically on the first Sunday of every month, unless there is a special conference, Mormons hold a fast and testimony meeting.  On this Sunday, all the members fast together and during the services there are no set speakers.  Instead, members of the congregation go up to the front as inspired by the Holy Spirit and share their testimonies about God, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel.  Everyone is encouraged to participate, even children.  Even non-Mormons who feel impressed by the Spirit may speak. At the end of the meeting, the congregation sings a closing hymn and someone says a prayer.

Mormon Sunday School

After Sacrament Meeting, the members divide into different groups for Sunday School.  Little children under four can go to nursery, children from 4 to 11 have Primary classes, which are Sunday school classes for children; teenagers have classes of their own based on age groups, and adults often have a variety of classes to choose from.  Since you are new to the Mormon Church, you will most likely go to the Gospel Principles class, which is also known as Gospel Essentials.  Ask the missionaries or a member where it is located.  In Sunday School, members study the gospel together.  One person is appointed to be a teacher and to lead the discussion, but everyone is encouraged to participate by asking questions and voicing their opinions.  Don’t be shy about speaking up, because if you don’t ask questions, you’ll never get the answers you’re looking for.

Sunday School begins with a prayer and sometimes a hymn if the teacher decides to do so.  Lessons vary from week to week, but focus on gospel themes like resurrection, repentance, tithing, and so on.  Class ends with a prayer.  Sunday School lessons are correlated throughout the Church.  This means that all over the world Latter-day Saints will be studying the same material at approximately the same time.

Priesthood/Relief Society Meetings

The last meetings of the day for adults (teenagers and children have their own classes, see Primary and Young Men and Young Women) are the Priesthood and Relief Society meetings.  At this time, men and women split up and receive their own instruction.  Men go to Priesthood and women go to Relief Society.  Since the men’s group is split into two, the Elders and the High Priests, ask your missionaries which one you should attend.  All women go to Relief Society.  These meetings generally include lessons geared for either men or women specifically, though typically drawn from the same manual, as well as discussions about activities and service projects and the needs of the congregation.  These meetings are an important time to strengthen bonds among brothers and sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  After this meeting, which concludes with a prayer, Sunday services are over.  Members often linger to chat in the halls and foyer, or outside if the weather is good.  Families are encouraged to spend Sundays together and discuss what they learned at Church.  Sundays should, where possible, be a day of rest from chores, sports, and work and be devoted to learning about God and serving others.