"...the problem now was that everything he had ever known, learned, or experienced about his conversion, his mission, or his testimony was completely erased from his memory."
In retrospect, I could clearly see that God had a specific plan for me years before I even knew about the Church. I have always believed that God was real and that Jesus Christ was His Son, but I never truly understood the impact that joining this perfectly organized Church would have on me.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often asked a variety of questions about what "Mormons" believe. Myself, as a convert to the Church, have been loaded with such questions. "Are you still a Christian?". "Do you celebrate Christmas and Easter?". "Do you believe in the Trinity?" These are just some of the questions I would receive from relatives, and school friends.
We live in tumultuous times. But the question is not how the Church will fare; rather, how will you and I fare?
Today’s technology also allows us to use wireless telephones to exchange information rapidly. Recently Wendy and I were on assignment on another continent when we learned that a new baby had arrived in our family. We received the good news minutes after that birth had occurred half a world away.
"The world around you is not equipped to provide the help you need to make it through this often-treacherous journey. So many in our society today seem to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.
President Nelson once expressed, "How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God’s providence and love and express that gratitude to Him."
I was a member for several years before having received a true and strong testimony of the Book of Mormon. I always knew it was true, and I had faith in it, but I never really received a true witness for years after my baptism. After having received my personal witness, I learned of the strength the Book of Mormon offers to those who live according to the words of the prophets who testify of Christ within its pages. It is a powerful source and it has greatly blessed my life.
Conversion stories have always intrigued me, mostly because I am a convert to the Church myself. But when I hear of stories such as this one, where it is evident that God's hand was the guiding force in this man's conversion after saving his life, I get inspired and energized in the gospel.
I usually look forward to speaking about the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially to those who are genuinely asking out of curiosity or interest. Defending my faith is something I feel is important to do and in the years of practice, I have learned that sometimes our actions speak louder than words.
As a convert to the Church myself, and having gone through so much to be baptized, I love hearing about other people's journey to their conversion. This is an amazing story! “Don’t let the Mormons convert you,” a friend told me before I left the Philippines for Utah in 1987. I shrugged off the advice.... Continue Reading →
Since I have joined the Church, I have experienced again and again the power of prayer. I have seen a man come from darkness to light, a miracle we were losing hope of ever witnessing. This is the true story of my father in law. He has proven that there is a Father in heaven who loves us, hears our prayers, and answers them in His due time.
Gaining a personal testimony is necessary and vital to our faith and spiritual journey. Until we have a complete understanding of this, our participation and longevity in the Church may be at risk, and so are the promises and blessings that we can continuously enjoy if we faithfully endure.
ToGather Saints 