Why I am a Mormon

Paul Peterson answered…

My first exposure to LDS (Mormon) people was while I was in the military. While stationed at Nellis AFB, I met a married woman who worked evenings on the telephone switchboard. I sensed that she was a good person and asked her about her religion. After she answered, she extended to me the opportunity to learn more and I accepted. What I learned from the two Seventies that came to my barracks and taught me about the gospel, felt and sounded true. I was going to be transferred over seas, but I told the two Seventy missionaries who lived and had families in Las Vegas that if I ever joined a church, their church would be the one I joined. I was immediately transferred over seas, but through fortuitous reminders and events, I never forgot. After serving the balance of my enlistment, being discharged and then marrying, my wife and I converted together. My last prior religious exposure was when I went through Lutheran confirmation. My wife had been a Presbyterian. In our hearts, we knew the Church was true and over 40 years and more, that change has made all the difference to us.

Sam answered…

I was born into a loving Catholic family and I really lived the Catholic lifestyle, it wasn't until my Junior year of College that I started investigating the LDS Church. When I first left for College I made a promise to my Heavenly Father that no matter what I would seek and follow him even if that meant going against the so called "college norms." I loved the Catholic Church and I still love it to this day however I know in my heart that the fullness of the truth is and can be found found in the Gospels, restored for these latter days such as the Book of Mormon and the Bible. With all of the different church denominations telling us so many different things it can be hard and overwhelming however trust me when I say that God the Father and his son Jesus Christ do not want us running around like chickens with our heads cut off, I knew that a true Church, started by Jesus Christ himself existed and I was determined to find it. The very first time I prayed out loud with the missionary's in our college institute the Spirit washed over me like a wave of true and pure long lasting joy the kind of joy that is everlasting, a feeling that I and both the missionary's in the room with me felt. That was the moment that changed my life and continues to change my life to this day. The truth is out there, its staring us right in the face all we have to do is simply close our eyes, open our hearts, and listen. Take the challenge read a little out of the Book of Mormon and simply ask your Heavenly Father if these things are true. Always remember he loves you and he wants you to find him he won't let you down, he will lead you in the right direction just like he did with me. "Ask and ye shall know the truth OF ALL THINGS!" What an amazing promise!

Turner answered…

Despite the fact that my entire family is LDS, I didn't always have a testimony but as I experienced life I gained a strong desire to know what was right. I'm pretty logical so I always had a belief that there was truth somewhere in the world, I just needed to work hard enough to find it. I think the real turning point for me in gaining my own testimony was when I was about 16. I remember one day during the summer when I had nothing to do, I went to my room and lay down on my bed. It's kind of odd, but as I stared up at the glow-in-the-dark stars plastered to the ceiling I started thinking about the overwhelming vastness of the universe and suddenly realized how insignificant I seemed to be compared to the infinitude of space and time. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it's true. As I lay there on my bed I realized that I didn't really know what I believed; I didn't even know for sure that there was a God. That was the turning point. Over the next few years my life didn't really have much direction; I just did whatever I wanted (within reason of course). During the time I was at college I decided to read a chapter from the Book of Mormon each night; as I did this I found that I was able to relate to the characters and I received answers to the biggest questions in life (Is there a God? What is the purpose of my life? What happens when I die?). While reading the Book of Mormon, I felt something that I hadn't felt too much previously in my life; I felt purpose, direction, love, and hope. As I studied, I came to know that the things I felt were from the Spirit and as I prayed diligently to know if all of it was true, God gave me an answer. It took a lot of time, but as I started keeping the commandments as best as I could and as I repented of my mistakes and applied the atonement of Christ to my life, I felt God's love stronger than ever before and I could not deny that He really was there and that this was the path He had prepared for me.

Douglas answered…

It was a long road. I realized that I never really had a personal relationship with Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ and I searched long and hard where I might find that relationship.

In 1997 while working as a staffing manager for a major accounting and consulting firm I met some fine staff who I found out were "Mormons." I knew I had to find out what this "Mormonism" was all about. Thus began a ten year investigation.

I read, but did not internalize the Book of Mormon, I read whatever I could, searched every Internet site. I realized that this might be my last hope, but I was not spiritually strong enough, nor open to the Lord’s call to be able to respond.

I knew for all those ten years of reading and investigating that if I committed to this there would be no turning back, but I had hardened my heart.

I also wanted to know God! And in a moment of what I can only call grace-filled I found the courage to hit that little button on the church web-site that said, "contact a missionary" and I felt great peace.

Missionaries called and we set up a first meeting. Teachings continued and here I am. For the remainder of my days Elders Bedwell and McGill will always be "my missionaries." They are indeed men of the Lord, spirit-filled like the great men in the Book of Mormon.

For the first time in many years I prayed on my knees and I knew in the deepest depths of my soul that Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ knew me and loved me. I found my direction home.

It is with great joy that I can say, "I am a Latter-day Saint!"

Lynnette Richardson answered…

I am a Mormon because I love following the gospel. I love it because it makes me happy. When I am not following the gospel, I am not nearly as happy as I am when I am following it. I also love the Gospel because I know it is true. I know that God the Father and his Son did indeed appear to the boy Prophet Joseph Smith. I know the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true because when I read the Book of Mormon the Holy Spirit tells my own spirit that it is indeed true. I know that Jesus Christ died for me and for you and that He lives so that we can too. I love Jesus and I love His Church. His church is beautiful. I like what it helps me to become. I like how I feel when I follow it. It makes me happy and It is the true Church. In the name of Jesus Christ... Amen

Angela answered…

I am a Mormon because I need the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am the person I am today because of it and it carries me through the ups and downs of life.

Jietong Gong answered…

I'm Jietong from China, Guangzhou. I grew up with my grandparents in Foshan, and I was taught by teachers in school that there was no God. My family believe in Budist, but not so much with me. I didn't know whether there was a God, for I have no such knowledge for more than 20 years.

I followed my parents until I was 20, an age to think about purpose of my life. I went to University in Guangdong and I studied International Journalism. This major gave me a lot of opportunities to travel around the world. When I was 18, I went to African to write a program in school. I went to Ghana, Uganda, Sudan and Kenya to report Chinese industry. I saw many people suffering and dying everyday and it made me to think what was the purpose of this life. A year later, I went to USA to report Presidential Election. I lived in Washington D.C.,when two young missionaries knocked on my door to share the gospel with me. They are young men like 19 to 20 years old, and they helped me to find out the answer for my purpose.

I felt good and peace when I met with them, but I didn't know it was the Spirit. I prayed to ask God whether the Book of Mormon was not true, and I felt and knew that it could not be not true. My fully conversation didn't come until I continited to learn in a few more years, but by trusting the good feeling that I have, I decided to get baptised. I didn't know everything when I was baptised, neither have strong faith, but I was willing to develop that faith, which was a thing gave me hope and light.

I have been baptised for 3 years now. I have changed a lot and so have my family. Even though my family are not members, they have seen me changed to be happier. We have received so many blessing from God during these 3 years.

Andy answered…

When I first met my wife, I noticed a special quality about her and wanted to learn more about why she had this light about her. As a result, I invited the missionaries to teach me about the Church. I had my own sacred experiences that led me to join the Church. It was an interesting and sometimes difficult journey, but so glad I made it. If someone had told me I would be a Mormon Bishop 22 years ago I would have bet them anything it would never happen. But just like a Mel Brooks movie... cut here I am. I am so grateful to the Lord for helping me to find my way.

Corbin Rumsey answered…

I'm a Mormon because of the happiness that the true Gospel of Jesus Christ brings me. One of my favorite quotes is: "a missionary is someone who leaves his family for two years so that others can be with their's forever." I know that this Gospel really does bring families together forever and that is absolutely awesome! I love to share that with others because I myself know that to be true. :)

Elder Kunzler answered…

I am a Mormon because I have read the Book of Mormon and know it is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God to restore the church to the earth in the Latter-days. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and that the only way I can make it back to live with my Father in Heaven is through His grace. I took Moroni's challenge (Moroni 10:4-5) for myself. I have prayed and asked the Father if these things are true and I have received a witness for myself that they are.

I want to testify to you that you can recieve the same witness for yourself. If you really want to know that this is God´s church then ask Him. It says in the Bible that God cannot lie. So if you have a question that you want a for sure answer to then ask God. James 1:5 says: (In my own words) if any of you have a question, ask God in faith and He will give you an answer to that question. By this same manner I recieved the knowledge that I have that this is the church of God. Every man on the earth can tell me it is wrong but I never will believe them because I have recieved the answer that I have from God. I know that God cannot and would not lie to me. Therefore I challenge you to put this scripture to the test. If you want to know for yourself that this is the only true church in the face of the Earth, ask God and have faith that He will answer you. I promise you that you will feel in your hearth that these things are right.

Heather Elissa Astle answered…

I am a Mormon because a feeling of peace overtakes me when I study the doctrine of the Book of Mormon and pray to Heavenly Father. The spirit has confirmed to me, and continues to confirm through a still small voice, and an overwhelming feeling of love in my heart.

Ross Watts answered…

There are many reasons why I am a Mormon. I have been raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints all of my life and have attended church every week. I have always loved all of the youth activities and camping trips that we would take which helped me learn to like the programs of the church. As I continually started to grow in the church, I always wanted to know if what I was doing was for me and not for other people. I wanted to know if I actually knew it was true. I always went to all the church functions and even told people that I knew the church was true without actually really knowing it. I was basically believing off of other people's testimonies. I then decided I had to know if what I was doing was true or not because I had to make a few big decisions about school and if i wanted to serve a mission or not. There were many times when I felt it was true and then over time I would forget these moments and start to doubt when life wasn't going exactly as I wanted. As I was wanted to know if it was true or not, I decided to just try and do the things I was suppose to and have the faith that I will eventually know if it was true. I decided to pray specifically to know the truth. I started to feel that it was true but never had the courage or the faith to believe in the answers I was receiving. Over time, I started to gain more and more confidence in the feelings that I felt. I have since come to know over time and through trying out the gospel, that this message is true. It didn't come as a huge sign or something like I was hoping, but over time through the feelings that I was feeling. I am now convinced and I now know that this message is true. That this message is the reason for why I have been so happy in my life. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is the same church that Christ established and that through this message we can truly find joy and peace throughout our lives.

Elizabeth answered…

I was raised Protestant/Evangelical and became a Catholic as a young adult. Starting in 2006 I had a few setbacks in life ... I was diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer in my mid 20s that took my natural abilities to have children and, while in treatment, I lost my brother and my marriage. I felt sad and desperate a lot. I was hopeless and lonely and felt I had no purpose in life anymore. It was in this time that I gave up organized religion. It was through talking with my best friend, who is a Mormon, that I started to learn about the Church's beliefs about the afterlife. As we talked I became excited that I have the opportunity to see my brother again and to have my own family. It was these feelings of hope and joy, which I had not felt for a long time, that motivated me to look more closely at the Church and its teachings. I wanted to know what I could do to have that opportunity. It was a slow process for me because I was anxious and I did not tell anyone I was looking into the Church. I knew without a doubt very early that the Church was true, but I was alone in my journey. I started attending Sacrament with a friend I had recently met. Immediately I felt at peace when I was there and the things I learned there were amazing to me and I wanted to learn more. From that experience, I came to this site and the LDS.org site, I ordered some DVDs and a Book of Mormon, I began praying again, and I set up appointments with the missionaries at my local ward to learn more about the Church. I was nervous because this was all new to me and I was also scared because I knew my family's views about Mormons, which wasn't and still isn't positive, but I continued to follow my heart and the Spirit. As the discussions with the missionaries continued I grew more excited and felt more hopeful than I had in a very long time. I knew the Church was His Church. I had hope again. I was then baptized in June of 2009.

Isaiah Myers answered…

I am LDS because i have asked Hevenly father if this is the right thing i have build a relationship with my Hevenly father over my youth years i am not the greatest person or a perfect person but i do know i have the faith in the wisdom to know what the church in most of all what my father in heaven has done for me i also love sharing about african americans in the church it's the most greatest story in the church beside the story of jesus christ in how the church was found.It's so much more on what i can say in why i love the church so much but i what to get started on my papers so i can go out in the world to bring the world his truth in know body can change the way i feel about this great in wonderful church.

Derrick answered…

Although I was born into the church and never had to "find" it, I definitely had to find my own testimony of its truth. It didn't happen all at once, but over time I came to realize that I can look back on my childhood and say with confidence that my life would not be as full and enjoyable as it is today without the church. From the teachings of Christ to the shining examples of youth leaders and support of fellow church members, the church provided my life with a foundation for success in school, work, family and all things spiritual.

They say you can judge a tree by its fruit. I can say without hesitation that this is definitely the true Church of Christ. I've seen the fruits in my life and in the lives of others. I've witnessed first hand how the church has changed lives and led people to happiness. This is why I'm a Mormon.

Debbie answered…

I am a Mormon because I know that the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that are taught in this church..."His" church are true and that only through Jesus Christ am I able to return to live with my Heavenly Father someday. The gospel of Jesus Christ has shaped my life and guided my decisions. Because of the truths I have been taught, I have knelt in prayer and asked my Father in Heaven to reveal the truth to me. He did and because of that I have been blessed with an incredibly happy and fulfilling life and have been able to endure the many trials and challenges I have faced.

Donna answered…

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because my own personal experiences. The following is just one of many experiences. Before joining the church I attend several different churches. I could not find myself to be “saved” or baptized because I felt there was something missing, there has to be more than what was being taught/preached. When I was about 7 years old, my older brother told me the most devastating thing. He told me that, “When we die and go to heaven our mother will not know us and we are not going to know her..." I can remember how heartbroken I was about the thought that my mom would not know me and I would not know her. So, what was the point of being “good” to get to Heaven, if I was going to be in Heaven without knowing my mom? Years went by and going to any church was hit and miss. About 12 years later, I met my husband. He grew up in the church and even though he was not going to church at the time we met, he did have a strong testimony. He shared his testimony with me and I started meeting with the missionaries. They told me about being a family forever and the love Heavenly Father has for all of his children. Together, my husband and I would meet with the missionaries. He started going back to church and I was baptized. We now have three daughters and after bouts of being inactive and active we are now sealed in the Temple and know that families can be together forever. I know this church is true. I know Joseph Smith received and translated the Book of Mormon. I know he was a prophet of God. I know the Book of Mormon to be true. I am thankful for the missionaries, the testimonies of others, and the blessing Heavenly Father has given to each of us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Leas Lameko Moreang answered…

I am a mormon because it seems right
I am a mormon because it sounds right
& most of all I am a mormon because it feels right- let me tell you what I mean.
It is upon my studying the gospel of Jesus Christ enough through-- reading the teachings of the church, pondering on the spiritual aspect of them, then praying to know with faith, sincere heart & real intent believing that God will answer my sincere prayer because He is truly the source of ALL truth, that I received spiritual confirmation of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I feel the spirit confirming truths everytime I study and pray for them. I receive knowledge suffient for me to walk in the right path that Christ had shown. I know that it is only through the teachings of this TRUE church that my family can find peace and joy. I have obtained the knowledge that I know I can't find it anywhere else outside of this church, and this I am truly thankful. The teachings of the church help me strive to reach my potential that I know I can become. I am a child of God and He has shown me the right way. This is the true and living church of Jesus Christ!
Family is another important aspect of the gospel that helps me to consider the blessings I receive as a member of the true and living church. I know that as I & my family learn and apply the teachings of the gospel, our love for each other and to our Savior increases. We learn to protect our family from the evils of the world. I have come to a full understanding that Family & the Gospel are the most important part of my life. I endeavor to live according to the church's teachings with the purpose of pleasing my Father in Heaven and parents on earth. Moreover to receive the promised blessings that my Father in Heaven has promised to give me upon my obedient to His commandments and covenants that I have made with Him. Therefore, I've committed to strive to live the gospel that is taught within the church. I'm proud to be MORMON!

Amie answered…

I come from a long line of God-fearing, Bible-reading, salt-of-the-earth kind of folks. My great-great-great-great grandfather, William Eason, settled with a small group of people in Tattnall County Georgia and formed a small Methodist congregation of which he was Reverend. Through the generations, religion has always been an important part of my family's lives. Most of my family, including my dad, are evangelical or Protestant Christians (Pentecostal, Church of God, Baptist, and Episcopalian), and from them I have gained a deep love for the Bible and Jesus Christ. When my parents divorced when I was very young, my mom was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She became converted and brought up her children in her faith. I spent my summers with my dad who took me to the Pentecostal church with him, and during visits with my grandmother, I'd attend Episcopal services. I consider it a great blessing that I had such significant exposure to several denominations at a young age. It helped me appreciate and respect the beliefs of others. Because of my dad's and grandmother's devout examples, I really had an interest in why there could be so many churches that shared a single focus in worshiping Jesus Christ, yet varied so widely in other doctrinal aspects. Of all the churches I grew up knowing, I chose the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because in this faith, I just felt I found more complete answers as to why I'm in this life and what my purpose is here. I understand that God's purpose for me as well as all of us extends beyond mere mortality. I better understand the need for Jesus Christ as my Redeemer, and that following His example and teachings will lead to the greatest potential for peace and happiness in this life and in life hereafter. Because of the teachings found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I also know that those joys are meant to be shared with my family in Heaven.

Jessica answered…

One day in October, after Hurricane Ike hit Houston and we were able to go back to school, my sister and I sat waiting outside of our front door for our mom to come home when two plained-clothed missionaries drove up in their silver car. My sister began to approach them as I stayed in the background. I finally gave in to see what all of the "hub-bub" was about. We found out they were missionaries from The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We didn't know what Mormons were, nor did we know the flack we would later receive from others. My sister and I took a while investigating we had tons of questions. We were baptized on 6 Dec. 2008. I loved how clearly we were able to understand every portion of the Bible with the help of the Book of Mormon, and how Joseph Smith had gone through the same search I had just completed. There will be no other church that holds all of the truths that Christ's church holds, and none that keeps my understanding of the gospel in tact as does this one. It is still a struggle being one of the only two "Mormons" in my family, but I have faith that Heavenly Father will guide me through this probation with my effort and His power.

Eric Scott Smith answered…

I was raised in the church and went throughout my childhood to the meetings with my family and it was something that I grew up with. A lot of people are mistaken when they say that Mormons are "brainwashed" from birth. I sometimes felt rebelious and didnt want to go to church because I felt like it was my parent's religion and not my own. I decided to find out for myself. I decided that I would rey and recieve a personal witness as everyone always talked about. I decided to read the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. I was going through rough times and the Book of Mormon always gave me the comfort and advise I needed for that particular trial or moment and I found peace. I know that the Book of Mormon is true because of the witness I have recieved and the peace and happiness I have felt. Were it not from God, I wouldnt have felt such things.

Kyle answered…

Although I am serving a mission in the Texas Houston South Mission, God has not always been an important part of my life. Growing up I was always pre-occupied with sports or what I thought to be "more important" things to do than church. I grew up as a Mormon and was taught by my parents that God is real and that he knows me. It really never set in until I had personal experience. It wasn't till the later years of High School and when I went to College that I wanted something greater and more fulfilling in my life. I was blessed to know where I could turn for help, and that was God. He became a major part of my life as I learned to live according to his teachings. Now that I have studied the teachings of Christ in the Bible and the Book of Mormon and have strengthened my relationship with God through prayer, I know that this is the plan that he has for all of his children. I know from personal experience the power and forgiveness of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that he knows me and that he is aware of my everyday struggles. He is there for me during the happy times as well as the hard times.

Tyler answered…

I am a Mormon because of how I feel when I pray. I did not understand the church when I was younger. It was just another thing to me. I was baptized when I was eight years old, but did not grow up in an LDS home. My friends were LDS and they went to church. I only went to play basketball. It wasn't until I had to deal with real life that I found out... LIFE IS HARD!

The things you have to deal with are difficult. Divorce, Death, Pain, Abuse, Addiction, Stress, etc... There is so much out there. Having the ability to talk to someone is essential. Our Father in Heaven is there. I am a Mormon because even if I do mess up. I know I have a Savior that will stand by my side and be an advocate with the Father. He suffered for me. He was perfect, yet he was persecuted, abused, and cucified. He decended below us all. All so that I could be forgiven for the mistakes I make, and return to live with my Father in Heaven.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a personal church. Our God is a personal God. He knows each one of us personally. I know I would be lost without the knowledge being a member of Gods church has given me.

Todd answered…

My parents were baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints but for much of my youth we attended little. I am the oldest of five children and my parents were looking for a way to keep our family together and strong. There was a kind Bishop who took us under his wing and helped steer my family towards the Temple so we could be sealed for time and all eternity. After a year or two of working and studying together as a family we were sealed in the temple. I was 11 years old and still remember it to this day. All five children and my Mom and Dad dressed in white, kneeling around the altar. This image is engraven upon both my heart and mind. Even at 11 I knew someday I would serve a mission. 8 years later I was called to serve in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission and it was truly a great experience. I had the opportunity to share the gospel with many who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Many people there helped me and we grew together ins our testimony of the Saviour. The testimony I have is the most precious possesion I have. I know Jesus Christ Lives. I know I have a Father in Heaven who is the Father of my spirit and he loves me unconditionally. I know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith to usher in the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation. I know the Gospel was restored so we can have the same church Christ organized while He was here in the meridian of time. We are blessed to have modern day apostles and prophets and we hear from them often so we can know what Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven would have us do to return and live with them. I know Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the earth today and I have a sure knowledge that families can be together forever. I love my family and would do anything to achieve this blessing. This knowledge is priceless and I am blessed to have the comfort and piece of mind that comes with this knowledge

Giancarlo answered…

I joined the Church when I was 16. Even though at the beginning I didn't understand everything about it I knew God was guiding me to His Church.
I grew up as a Catholic but I was never really active in that religion. I also attended many meetings with the Hare Krishna because one of my mother's friend was part of that religion.
The time arrived when I started to have questions about the meaning of live and about the truth. Participating in different meetings in different religions gave me the opportunity to learn about the different religious beliefs.
I remember one night when I was praying, I was very worried about my "salvation" and my family salvation. Being not active in any religion, I was worried that if I had died at that time without having any of the ordinances of salvation taught in the Church of the New Testament established by Jesus I will have been lost, so I was praying to Heavenly Father to Help me and my family.
Sometimes later my sister was invited to perform in a talent show activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the activity my mother saw a picture of President Gordon B. Hinkley and the 12 Apostles, she was curious and she invited the Missionaries to share more with my family about the Church.
Because of the doctrine of Eternal Families, the word of wisdom and others teachings after few weeks we all joined the Church. However, my understanding of the gospel principals came little by little, precept by precept, following all the commitments, I gained a Testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I'm still learning the treasures that are founded in the Book of Mormon and the Bible.

Dale answered…

Because I believe? Is that too cheesy? It just all fits. I love science, space, technology and nature. The Gospel connects all of it in a way that's simple, complete and natural. It uplifts my family and I, and gives us something to strive for. It turns the bad into good and the good into better. It helps me to personally accept the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and integrate Him and His teachings into my life. Although I don't always succeed, this helps me to always look forward and improve.

Jared answered…

This past November I celebrated my 10th year as a member of the church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints. They have easily been the most wonderful years of my life. The years prior to my baptism were ruled by addiction. I was addicted to alcohol and other drugs and this brought much contention, pain, sorrow and loneliness into my life. These years spent wrapped in the chains of addiction are years I would very much like erased from the book of my life. Like many addicts I knew that I needed to quit, but I simply didn’t want to. All of my money went to buying alcohol and drugs, I was falling behind on rent, my health was failing, I was spiralling. It was then that I decided to move from Kansas to Arizona, and when I first encountered Mormons. I met a girl at work who was different than anyone I had known. She would go out with us, but she didn't drink or do drugs. She was a great example. She convinced me to receive the missionaries. The first visit from the missionaries was good. They taught me what was then the first lesson and I enjoyed their company, but after they left it was easy to slip back into the turmoil of my life. The second visit came a few days later. I found myself looking forward to their visit. The second lesson was taught and they left without getting me to commit to baptism. As they left, I noticed how quickly I went back into that dark place in my life. It was a stark contrast to the light I felt when taking the lessons. I decided to experiment on the next visit. I would pay special attention to the way I felt when they arrived.
When they did arrive for that third visit, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of peace. A peace I had rarely felt. I was happy. I had discovered the Spirit of the Lord. I immediately committed to baptism. I wanted to have this feeling as a constant companion. I haven’t partaken of any drugs or alcohol since that day, and I never will again.

joe answered…

i attended the local Baptist Church as a child & teen, and then visited many other denominations never understanding the concepts they put forth? My Mother passed in '08 and i began a sincere search for truth. i researched the LDS Church for 1.5 years before asking Heavenly Father if what i had learned was truthful? i didn't meet with the Elders until i was ready to be Baptized. it came very easy & made sense to me. having studied the history of Bible in this search for truth, helped me accept the truth of the LDS faith which beforehand i was mostly ignorant of even though we had some neighbors who where members growing up? we just never exchanged our religious views and i today believe it happened when Heavenly Father intended for it to.

Donovan answered…

I spent my childhood looking for the right church. I gave up this search shortly after turning 15 because I didn't believe the true church was around any longer, if it ever existed. Around this time I started turning to activities that were wrong. I was suffering from major depression and most of what I was doing, I used as an escape. When I was 17, two missionaries came to my door. They told me they were missionaries and had a message for me. I told them I wasn't interested and tried to close the door, but one of them just kept talking. Being a polite, I tried to tell them again I wasn't interested, but they just wouldn't shut up. So I tried a third time. After my third attempt they brought out the Book of Mormon. Something changed in me. I wanted to read that Book. I had heard of Mormons before, but had never paid too much attention, because they seemed to me like a cult. I told them I would allow them to come back to my house if they would let me borrow their Book. They were so pleased they gave it to me. I started to take the lessons. The first lesson I just politely listened, but the second lesson I couldn't contain my questions any more. I asked them every single question that had made me feel that all other christian churches were false. They answered every single one of my questions with strength and conviction. As they were answering my questions I felt a growing sense of peace. I knew that I had finally found the truth. I know that this is the true church of Christ and Heavenly Father and I know that it is the only true church on the Earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that there is a prophet on the Earth today. I know that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of Christ's everlasting Gospel, especially when read alongside the Bible and I know that it can bless your life as it blessed mine. And most important, I now know that my Heavenly Father loves me, which is the greatest of all the blessings which the Gospel has given me.

Burke McConkie answered…

I am a Mormon for a few reasons. My parents, grandparents several generations back were also members if the Mormon church, so it made it easy for me to follow. But the main reason I am Mormon is because I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe the Bible to be the word of God. I also believe The Book of Mormon to be the word of God, an ancient record of the Americas that like the Bible, testifies of Jesus Christ. This is the most amazing book and has changed my life. If you want to know how I really feel, please check out my testimony page at http://striplingwarrior.org.

Christian answered…

I was raised in a loving and active Mormon home, and was taught by my parents about the gospel of Jesus Christ. And when I was young, I believed what I was told simply because it was what my parents believed and because it was enough for me. I was satisfied with my life and didn't think I needed anything else.

But as I got older and my disability continued to worsen, I began to have some questions about the Church. Everyone around me said they knew that the Church was true and that they had a loving Father in Heaven, but how did they know? And why did they know it, and I didn't? These concerns and others drove me to search out whether it was true or not. I studied the scriptures and the story of Joseph Smith with the intent to find out for myself.

While I was reading in the last chapter of the Book of Mormon, I came across a challenge to ask God if what I had read was true. And if anyone knew if it was true, I figured that my Heavenly Father did. And so I prayed and asked him for a witness that the Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ that it contained were true. While I was doing this, I felt an overwhelmingly strong flood of emotion within me. It is difficult to describe what it felt like, but at that moment I knew, I KNEW that it was true. God had fulfilled his promise, and had given me the witness that I had asked him for. I knew, and still know, that the Book of Mormon is Christ's gospel restored to the earth. I know that I have a Father in Heaven who loved me enough to tell me that it was true in such a way that I could not deny it.

I am a Mormon because I asked to know for myself, and my prayer was answered.

Haley answered…

When I was a child growing up in East Texas, I was surrounded by honest, hard-working people, including my sweet grandmother, who taught Sunday School in the Baptist church for 33 years. I remember having many questions, like, "Why are there different churches if there is only one God?" "Why do people pay someone to preach to them and come visit them when they are sick?" Especially puzzling to me as a child in a not-so-recently desegregated environment was, "Why do people of different colors go to different churches if we are all children of God?"

In my mid-twenties, I studied the doctrines of many religions with an earnest intent to understand them. The more I studied, the more confused I became. Finally, as I began to learn more about the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my questions began to be answered and the gospel became simple.

I realized that Jesus made it simple and men, over time, made it complicated. Reading the Book of Mormon answered the questions that had always plagued me. I knew The Book of Mormon was true, so I decided to be baptized and be equal to my opportunity.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE belonging to the Church. I especially love that I can travel almost anywhere in the world and go to the SAME church! It is amazing to go 3000 miles, where people speak a different language, have a completely different form of government and way of life and walk into a Sunday school class where they are teaching the EXACT same lesson that I would get if I had stayed home and attended at my local church building! It is a wonderful feeling to know there are 14 million people with the exact same understanding and values all around the world! We are truly all His children and the gospel is universal!

Kenn Burnell answered…

Although my father was an agnostic, bordering on being an atheist, he allowed my mother to influence him to allow our family to follow the Jewish customs of the Reformed Jews. As such, my family regularly attended a Jewish temple for weekly services and I attended “religious school,” on Sundays, from the time I was six years old until I was about sixteen years old.
During my religious education as a Jew, I was taught that Jesus Christ was a great TEACHER. I was taught that he was not the Messiah and that the Messiah discussed in the Old Testament was still to come.
In studying about Christianity in general and, specifically the LDS religion, I came to discover that the Jews were wrong. They were correct that there is a God but they are wrong in believing that the Messiah has not come.

After much fasting and prayer and over time, I came to the realization that the gospel of Jesus Christ, stated in the “New Testament” and also in the Book of Mormon, is a true and correct principle. Jesus gave His life that we may live for eternity, together with our earthly families - if we accept Jesus as our savior, make the necessary covenants with our Heavenly Father, and keep them until we experience a physical death.

The greatest gift that has been offered and that we can accept from God is the gift of eternal life; but, it has to be earned. It is not just given, according to His grace.

Dhon-dhon Vysosias answered…

My Father was the first to be converted in the church in our family, he met Mormon missionaries long ago and decided to be baptized then when he met my mother he share the gospel and my mother become member also so when i was baptized in the church at age of 8 years old both of my parents are member of the church. I grew up in the church but become inactive in my teenage life until one day i pick up the old Book of Mormon in our home and began reading it and finished it for just 1 week, I remember tears flow into my eyes while reading that book and felt the spirit of the Lord. I felt joy, peace and happiness to my soul and from that time until now I always know that the book is true that the prophet translated that book was called of God and that the church that was restored through him was the kingdom of God here on earth.

Kirsten answered…

I have been a Mormon my whole life. Growing up, I never really questioned my faith. It was just a way of life. As I grew older, I was faced with different decisions and challenges where I found I drew on my faith more and more to get through those hard times. Instead of questioning my religion, my religion strengthened me. I found that the values I had been raised on became anchors for me in what seemed to be a confusing and unfriendly world. When I was 29, I went through a really difficult time in my life. More than anything I wanted to know and feel like I was not alone. One morning, as I was driving to work, I was thinking about how lonely and sad I was. Although I was in my car, I decided that I should pray. As I poured out my soul, I felt this overwhelming feeling of love that I had not experienced before. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I knew what I was feeling was the love of my Heavenly Father. I had always believed that I was a daughter of God, but at that very moment I knew it was true. I knew that he knew me and was completely aware of what I was going through. The feelings that I felt that day were so sweet and tender and still bring tears to my eyes and a feeling that burns in my heart. It is wonderful to know that I am his daughter and that he loves me. Despite all the challenges and heartache that exists in the world today, I know that God has a plan for each of us. He knows us and loves each of us because we are his children. Most importantly, he wants us to return to live with him again someday. I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who makes it possible for me to repent and be worthy so that one day, I can return home to my Heavenly Father.

Brad answered…

Upon entering high school my parents were divorced. We were not members of any church and God was not really in the picture. It was a very difficult time for me. Fortunately I had some amazing friends. One of them was Mike. He and his family were Mormons. I loved going there and watching a family be a family.I promised myself I wanted to be like that family one day. So I concentrated on sports and friends to get me through high school. I wanted to be something, but I just didn't know what it was. Years go by, and now I'm in Australia, married with 2 wonderful little boys. One day while at work, my wife answered the door with two Mormon Missionaries ready to give a message. I had once told her if any Mormons come around be nice to them as I had a great friend who was Mormon. One of them had an American accent and said he was from California. Oh my wife said, you can come back when Brad's home and talk about Dodger baseball ! Well they did come back. But not much baseball was discussed and we started to take the missionary discussions. Shortly after that we had made a decision to move to Arizona. Our discussions ended. Then shortly after we had settled in Arizona, my wife was out walking the stroller with our two oldest boys. There was a Ward building located across from the apartment complex we lived at. It was filled with Missionaries for some district meeting mid week. My wife wandered up to one of them and asked if she could find out some information on the Church. Yes, discussions started again and we were baptized. One year later we were married in the Arizona Temple for Time and All eternity and our boys sealed to us. I had found what I was looking for without looking for it. I knew we could have a beautiful family unit, no divorce, no anger, no confusion, just Love at home. We found it. We understand that it's not what you do, but what you do with who you are. We choose to live a Christ Centered Life and it has made all the difference.

Mary answered…

When I met the Mormon missionaries on the ship going to South America in 1955, they told me Jesus said “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold…” John 10:16 They explained that Jesus had visited His other sheep in America after His resurrection. That explanation of this scripture really made sense to me. If God is just, He would want to bless all His children, everywhere! The missionaries gave me a copy of the Book of Mormon, which tells about Jesus’s visit to the Americas. I prayed about what they said and received a wonderful feeling of peace. I was baptized into the LDS Church in a reservoir in Brazil when I was 16 years old. I am so grateful to have received the gift of the Holy Ghost which over the years has helped me through life. I was familiar with the feelings of the Holy Spirit as I attended church in the Protestant world, but I know an additional gift was given to me when I was confirmed a member of the LDS Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The blessings of Church membership continue to enrich and strengthen my daily walk for which I am most grateful!

Amber answered…

My husband introduced me to the church shortly after we got married. It was very important for us to raise our son in a Christian atmosphere. My husband had the missionaries come and speak with me and I prayed a lot about the church and the decision to join. I felt like Heavenly Father was with me the entire time and confirmed that the church was true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we have living prophets on the Earth with us today. They help guide and direct us. I believe that the family is central to Heavenly Father's plan for us. I believe that families are eternal.

Laura. answered…

I wasn't always a Mormon. In fact, until a little over a year ago I wasn't at all interested in becoming one. One of my best friends is a Mormon and he invited me to church many times but I always turned him down. Then one day I decided to go with him, to make him happy. But when I got to the church that Sunday I knew I was in the right place and that I had stumbled on to something big. I loved the spirit I felt in that Sacrament service and the warm welcome I received from the members. The more I learned of and prayed about this gospel the more certain I became that it was true. I had ideas about Mormons before I came to church, not all of them positive. But I quickly learned that while they weren't perfect, they were kind and giving and loving people. And later that week I decided I wanted to be one of them. Meeting with missionaries and learning from them was so uplifting and I looked forward to those lessons despite having a very busy schedule. The week after attending church I watched General Conference (something I would encourage any person interested in this church to do) and heard the words of President Monson and knew he was a man of God. In my heart I knew it was right and I gladly accepted baptism.

Since my baptism I have continued to learn and grow and receive blessings that come from being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It isn't always easy or the most popular but we are most blessed when we stand for what we believe. I love this church and I love being a Mormon.

Brent answered…

I was born into a family with a deep tradition in the Church, and while that certainly helped shape who I am, I am not a Mormon for that reason alone.

The Church has provided a foundation for my life and my family. It gives me true joy that is fleeting elsewhere. Without the teachings, principles and support I have received through the Church, I really don't know what my life would be like. I have come to know who I am and who I can become.

Being a Mormon gives me a perspective on life that can't be found elsewhere. I feel like there is no challenge I cannot meet and no hardship I cannot overcome.

I know that the teachings and experiences one receives through the Church would be valuable to anyone, come and see for yourself.

Francis Nmeribe answered…

For ten years 1978 - 1988, I did not attend any Church. I was raised a member of The Apostolic Church. I grew up asking lots of questions about life which I could find the answers from where I am. These questions made me go to a few churches without getting any answers. So I concluded that there is no God and therefore stopped going to any Church at all for ten years.

One day, I was burdened and worn out by the burning desire to connect to the source of life that I fell to my bedside one lunch afternoon in Onitsha, Nigeria and prayed and asked "God if you exist, I need to know how to relate with you". I struggled and concluded in the name of Jesus Christ. Instantly, a heavy burdened was lifted from my heart.

One week later, a young man walked into my office with the "Ensign", a magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because the magazine was glossy and well made, I asked to see it. When I saw that it was a Church magazine, I threw it back at the young man. The young man did what surprised me, he refused to continue discussing the business that brought him to my office stating that it would be more profitable for him if I read the magazine.

I took the magazine home and read all night and never slept and read every printed word on it including the publishers and editors information. I marveled that there is a God that related in ways described in the magazine with mankind.

When the young man came the next day to continue with his business, I asked him if he had more which he agreed and promised to bring to me later that day and he did. I was so enthralled by what I was reading from the Ensign magazines that when he asked to bring their missionaries I accepted. We discussed for about one month and I baptized.

The Mormon Church answered all my questions about life. When I practiced the principles they thought me, I got miracles and answers and they proved real.

I am glad I'm a Mormon.

Tim answered…

I love the simple deep truths taught in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. The truths of personal revelation, universal candidacy for exalation, and Forever Families speak to my heart. I believe wholly that God knows us personally and that He has authored a plan by which we can return to live with Him as families. A founding priciple of that plan, the Atonement of His son, Jesus Christ, allows us to use agency to live in mortality and have our mistakes reconciled. I love the balance of the doctrine taught by prophets ancient and modern that we are saved by grace; as we do all we can do. I trust God completely and thank Him for prophets again in the land to teach, warn, and guide us. I love Him for the gift of the Holy Ghost which allows me to learn and know personally of the truths prophets teach so I can use my agency wisely but still independantly.

Ed Pinegar answered…

God is my Father and we are all His spirit children. We are brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of God. Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh is our elder brother. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He sacrificed His life at the will of the Father to complete the infinite and eternal atonement. We follow our Savior Jesus Christ in every way for we are Christians. Jesus is the Christ. And it is only through Him that we may return to the presence of our Heavenly Father (see John 14:6) for it is by grace we are saved after all we can do. Joseph Smith was a prophet and restored the gospel and the true Church. We are led by a prophet today even President Thomas S. Monson. He is a prophet just like the prophets of old. He speaks for God and reveals to the Church the will of God.The Book of Mormon is true. It was translated by the gift and power of God and there are over 161 internal and external evidences that the prophet Joseph could not known at the time of translation. If you read it with a prayerful heart you too will come to know it is true. It will bring you closer to God than any other book. Our Church is built upon our Savior Jesus Christ and as Christians we have the blessing of the Holy Ghost in our lives as content companions. He will lead us to do good, to do justly, to walk humbly, enlighten our mind and to fill our soul with joy. All the wonderful temple blessings have been restored and we have par ten of those blessings. Our family is a forever family. We have been sealed for time and all eternity. The power of the sealing keys was restored by Elijah the prophet. The Gathering of Israel was restored by Moses and Elias and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed.
Yes, I testify that this is the true and living Church of Jesus Christ the Son of God the father.In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Oliver answered…

All motivation and ambition in my life stems from my fundamental beliefs in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. being a part of this church means everything to me. I have always had a strong faith in our Heavenly Father yet not always believed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints to be his organisation on earth. At age 13 I gained a strong witness from the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ is at the head of this church, and that he leads it through revelation to His Prophets and Apostles who are very much alive today.

Serving a mission for two years refined and validated my growing testimony. I will forever be thankful for the privilege the Lord gave me to share these teachings to his children in the multiple areas I labored in. I saw firsthand in those same areas, the misery that results from infidelity, substance-abuse, pornography, death, and family abandonement. The combination of these events have instilled in me a desire to adhere to standards and doctrines of our church and to share them with others.

Emily answered…

I was never really raised religious - my family attended a Methodist church a couple of times when I was very young, but it wasn't a huge presence in my life. The most religious education I got was reading a comic book version of the Bible called the Picture Bible, which I absolutely loved and still do. My younger sister got more involved in church as she got older, and I tagged along with her a few times but never really felt like I belonged there. By the time I was a teenager, I had pretty much decided that even though I did believe in God to some extent, it wasn't a big part of my life and I wasn't going to devote too much of my time to worrying about it.

Eventually, though, I started getting the distinct impression that I needed to find out which religion was right for me. It was my sophomore year of college and my first year living away from home - I was becoming an adult, and part of that was figuring out what I believed. So I started researching different religions, reading the Bible more seriously, and attending different church services, including the church my sister was very involved in. It was nice, but once again, I didn't really feel like I belonged there. The same thing happened at the other churches I attended. I began to despair of ever finding "my" church.

That summer, the Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon" caught my attention (I know, I know), and I began to grow more curious as to what Mormons actually believed. Growing up outside the church, I had pretty much only absorbed what pop culture harped on about them, but I decided to find out for myself. I began reading the Book of Mormon on my own, and what I found transformed my life. I met with the missionaries in my town, and I was baptized on September 3rd.

Curtis answered…

I am a multi-generational member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Both of my parents are descendants of pioneer families who crossed the Great Plains during the mid 1800s in search of religious freedom Out West. I appreciate the sacrifices that they made--they lost many family members to the extreme cold weather during their 1,300 mile trek, nevertheless they persevered in faith and determination, finally settling and thriving in the Salt Lake Valley. Though most of my family members now reside in Arizona, I am a beneficiary of the integrity, work ethic, and especially the faith of my pioneer ancestors.

I have been exposed to many other religions and have spiritual discussions with people with many different faiths. Although I respect and admire people of integrity among all faiths, I choose to be a member of this church because everything the church teaches resonates in my mind and in my heart. Having such a complete understanding and conviction of the doctrines of Christ and His plan of salvation gives me peace and confidence that I'm on the right track. Moreover, this is the only church in existence today that has the same organization that existed in the Church of Jesus Christ as it was organized nearly 2,000 years ago.

The LDS Church is very well organized, led by a prophet and twelve apostles. When I study their teachings from General Conference and in other media, I am truly inspired and amazed at the level of intelligence and enlightenment among our church leaders. The church is a worldwide organization, providing a large volume of humanitarian aid and service throughout the world without being ostentatious. The teachings of the church are consistent and unchanging despite the rapid moral decay happening in the world around us. The church anchors my family to the gospel of Jesus Christ and invites people of all faiths and ethnic groups to come unto Him and obtain greater joy and peace in their lives.

Christopher Fryer answered…

According to a lot of my past life decisions I shouldn't be living the awesome life that I live. Even though I grew up in Utah, where the LDS church headquarters are based, I was mostly agnostic. I prided myself in being "smarter" than the beleivers and kept my distance by being critical of the hope I saw in all they did and talked about. That all changed when I was confronted with some rather daunting consequences of some poor choices I had made. The future during this time began to look bleak. Then one day my uncle asked me a very though provoking set of questions: "Do you think this is your purpose in life? What do you think the purpose of this life is?" I couldn't even begin to answer him. As he began to tell me about God's plan I began to feel peace and hope about life again. He then made a promise that if I would put my life into the hands of the Lord that He would heal the problems I was facing. I later came to understand that putting my life in the Lord's hands meant that I would be willing to follow His commandments and trust in the spiritual guidance He would give me when making decisions.

I came home after talking with my uncle to talk with my mom. She asked me to read just one verse in the Book of Mormon. Without hestitation I went to my room and began to read. I read the entire night long until I woke up with the book lying on my chest. I continued to read through the rest of the day and decided that I would test out the principles in the book. I decided to live according to the principles found in the Book of Mormon in order to see if they were true or not.

That decision has completely changed my life in the best ways possible. Through the Book of Mormon I gained a testimony of Jesus Christ. It is because of Jesus Christ that I enjoy all the blessings that I do. I am a Mormon because I know that this is Jesus Christ's church and that he guides it through his prophets here on the earth.

Angeline answered…

While I descend from Mormon pioneers and early converts from Denmark, England, and Wales, I went through my own conversion process as a teen and young adult. I continue to be Mormon because of the tremendous strength I find through my faith in Christ to face life's challenges and heartaches. Knowing that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father who has a specific plan for me gives me the strength to face tough challenges and do hard things.
When I was in my twenties I had to say goodbye to my mother and best friend after her long battle with cancer. It was my faith in God's plan for me that not only helped me get through that excruciatingly difficult experience, but helped me emerge a better person, more compassionate of the pain of others, and 100% committed to my role as a mother. It is because of my knowledge of eternal families and the eternal nature of the soul that I look forward to our reunion some day. It is that knowledge as well that helps me in my work as a hospice volunteer to reach out to others as they face the last days of their mortal lives.

Travis answered…

When I was a teen I started noticing an interesting trend. All of the people that I knew well who were active participants in the gospel were happy, had solid families, good jobs, and had very low levels of stress and drama in their lives. On the other hand, all of the people that I knew well who were not active participants in the gospel (myself included at that time) were unhappy, depressed, had huge family problems, struggled holding a job, had several addictions, always seemed stressed and had many difficulties in their relationships and personal lives. I really had never thought of being religious as something that effected your life in these big ways.
Then, at age 15, life got really hard for me in a lot of ways. Every single member of my family started having these really terrible trials in their lives, and for the first time I started to realize that ALL of these trials were a result of their bad choices. Divorce, teen pregnancy, addictions, etc. Then it occurred to me that if I didn't make some changes in my life I was bound for the same kinds of heartache and unhappiness.
I started searching for a new path to put my life on and found it epitomized in a Christ-like man named Barry. He had it all put together and was genuinely happy, and I wanted to know why. I started asking him questions along with some people I knew of other faiths and when he answered them... it just felt right. He invited me to pray and read scriptures so that I could find out from The Lord if what I was learning was true. During that time I came to know that I am loved by My Father in Heaven, that He really does exist and is very aware of me. I heard His voice several times that first year, and it started changing my heart. I received some very sacred and special witnesses that Jesus Christ is MY Savior and that He really did pay for my sins, that Joseph Smith really was a prophet just as Moses was, and that this church truly is The Lord's one and only fully authorized church on earth.

Mark Manning answered…

My Grandparents on both sides joined the Church many years ago and taught my parents about faith in Christ and other principles of the gospel. I will be forever indebted to them for their kindness and giving me the space and opportunity to find out for myself that there is a God and that He cares for us all. The Church has given me the chance to do more good and to become a better father and husband.

Philip answered…

After my family and I relocated to Texas in 2005, my faith took a turn for the worse. Financial hardship, family strife, and the tumultuous drama of teenage life led me to reject my faith, because for me I could not find peace. I was also confused for I asked myself why God, who spoke to men from heaven for thousands of years, would suddenly cease. I questioned my faith, the the faiths of others, for I saw many who said they were Christian, yet lived their lives contrary to what they believed. Thus, I began to reject Christianity altogether. I instead investigated eastern religions, ones without a Savior, and formed my own philosophies. I did this because I wanted peace, anything to bring peace.
This continued until I was a Junior in high school, when a friend offered me a ride home. I agreed, and as we drove home we began to talk about religion. I explained my agnosticism, and she began speaking of prophets and the Book of Mormon. Baffled and amused, I took her for a fool. At the end of the ride, she invited me to her early morning seminary. Amused at her beliefs, I agreed only because I wanted to learn more of her disillusioned faith: instead, I found something completely different.
The next morning, my friend picked me up and we went to the local meeting house. As seminary began, I remember just thinking "wow, this is a waste of time". Then the seminary teacher made an announcement: "Today, we will be holding a Testimony meeting." When I heard this, I thought "Their going to hold a what?" For in the past, I have always heard people say "I believe" this and that, but never have I heard someone bear testimony of something they knew to be true. After a minute or so, a guy in the room stood up and proceeded to the front. As I sat there, he bore testimony of the truths that the had learned. (He was a recent convert of a few weeks.) Whenever he said "I know this to be true..." these simple proclamations would change my life forever.

Noel answered…

I'm a Mormon because I love our Savior Jesus Christ. And I want to follow His examples. I've been a member of this church since I was 10. But I just received my own testimony of the truthfulness of this church when I was 19. After searching for truth through listening to other churches teaching. I received the answer directly from Our Father in Heaven while having a sincere prayer. Truly God answer prayers... He's just waiting for us to ask and to knock.

Theresa answered…

I'm grateful to be a member of His church. I'm grateful to know that my family can be together forever. I know that this is where I belong. Knowing that this is where I belong helps me to know that I have a huge church family no matter where in the world I go. And no matter where I am I will learn the same teachings every week. That makes a difference to me because all I have to do if I'm away from home is locate the local church meetinghouse and I know I will learn the same things as I would at home.

Connie answered…

I am a Mormom because I met a wonderful Nurse who shared her faith with me while I was visiting my father in the ICU unit of a hospital in Arizona. Being from a small midwestern town, I didn't know any Mormons personally and wasn't familiar with their faith. Being a faithful servant in my own church, I felt that I would never change to anything else but said fine when she asked if she could call the missionaries in my area and have them share the truth of the restored gospel with me. Upon my return home, within hours, the missionaries where at my door introducing themselves and asking to set up a study time!. Wow I was a bit overwhelmed but agreed. Through the months (many) and a succession of many different missionaries, I gained a personal testimony that the restored gospel was indeed true. I had a longing to join the church, but because of issues at my own church and with my family, postponed my baptisim to a time that I deemed more fitting. During the time of waiting, I was tempted by satan to not follow through with my committent, to just keep with the known and accepted church and not create waves. Thankfully Heavenly Father would not allow that and he gave me a great peace and joy about my joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Amanda answered…

I was always confused with religion, and I would spend nights just crying because none of the lessons in Sunday School that were taught to me made sense. It took me 21 years to find the answers that I had been looking for, and when they were revealed to me I was completely blown away. I love this Church. I love it with every bit of me. I know that this Church is true. I know that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father that loves us and that wants us to return to Him in Heaven, and that He has given us all the tools we need. I know that He revealed the Book of Mormon through Joseph Smith as a guide for us all. I know that by following God's commandments, that I have been blessed in so many ways and that I will continually be blessed if I do so. I love this Church, I love my Savior, and I love my Heavenly Father. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Alexandra! answered…

Even when I was very young I wanted to learn more about where I came from, my purpose and the role Heavenly Father played in my life. When I was about 10-years-old I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a type of cancer that attacks your lymph nodes. After my battle with cancer I knew that I was a survivor for a reason and searched for understanding in my church, but the feelings I felt there never seemed right. Frustrated and confused, I brushed these feelings aside.
When I was 18-years-old these feelings resurfaced as I was facing a huge step in my life, graduating High School and going on to college. I made a New Years resolution to go to different churches and find what was right for me. After weeks and weeks of searching I was exhausted and shared my feelings of confusion with a classmate, she then invited me to an LDS baptism. The spirit I felt there was like nothing else and stirred something awake deep inside of my heart. Afraid of these knew feelings I dismissed them.
Months later I was sharing my experience at the baptism with a friend during class, when all of a sudden from across the room a boy yelled "That was the spirit you felt!"
Eventually that same boy introduced me to the sister missionaries. Speaking with them and hearing the lessons was like hearing a story I faintly remembered. It was sweet to me, and the evening after my first lesson I called the sister missionaries and asked them if I could be baptized.
That was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I know the Church is true and I know my Heavenly Father loves and knows me personally. I can't wait to see the adventures and lessons he has in store for me.

Bob. answered…

As a scientist, and as a young man I questioned everything, eventually declaring myself agnostic. I had to know for myself; so, I studied in many areas focusing on decision science, Darwinism and religions of the world. After years of study, I developed mathematical models to predict choices and was starting to present these in professional settings. Nevertheless, such work brought me no happiness. In fact at the time, I was troubled due to personal relationship issues I was experiencing. In the midst of this, and as I later discovered, prompted by fasting and prayer by my Mormon parents, I felt prompted to go up to the mountains near my home to pray. I hadn't prayed in years; so, this was incredibly unusual for me. I thought, "What do I have to lose?" After praying, I received a powerful witness that God lives and that I should go to church.

So, that was the start of my return to God. Since that time, I've read the New Testament cover-to-cover and studied the Bible. I've read The Book of Mormon cover to cover and in accord with the promise within it (Moroni 10:3, 4), I asked to know if the book was in fact, as it attests, a 2nd witness to the Bible of Jesus Christ. I received a witness that it was! This changed my life, filling me with hope and great happiness. I praise Him for His goodness and mercy and for my testimony that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins and the sins of the world, and that through Him we can return to God to live together forever in a state of joy and love.

Anna answered…

When I was 14 I started going to an evangelical church and became a Christian. But although others around me had deep spiritual experiences, I could never really feel in touch with God.

When I was 19 a friend told me that she would like to find faith for herself. I told her to go to a church. Later she told me that she had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had always been taught that the Mormon religion was a cult, and not really Christian. I thought she had been brainwashed, and it was my fault for not helping her to find Christ.

I bought anti-Mormon books and began a campaign against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I joined an anti-cult organisation, distributed flyers, printed an anti-Mormon book, and gave talks to church groups.

I soon discovered that much of what was written in anti-Mormon books was inconsistent or incorrect. The more I discovered about the LDS Church, the more I wished my church was like that. I saw how my own faith didn't measure up to that of the Mormons I had met. I was eventually forced - by threat of legal action - to give up my anti-Mormon crusade.

After some time I began to feel guilty for the harm I had caused. I called the missionaries and asked them to convey my apologies to members of the local ward. The missionaries challenged me to read the Book of Mormon. I didn’t get much beyond the first few verses before I felt a sudden rush of knowledge and certainty. I knew it was all true. I knew that I had known for years that it was true, and that the person I had been trying to convince otherwise all this time was not my friend, but me. I really felt God's love for me. In short, I had the sort of spiritual experience I had been longing for since I was 14.

I was interviewed for baptism by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been guided by the Holy Spirit in all things, and grow closer to my Saviour each day.

Carmen answered…

I am a Mormon because I believe. I believe that God is real and that he does exists. I believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know these things because they are in my heart. When I was a teenager and unsure of so many things I read in the scriptures about charity. Charity is the pure love of Christ. I learned that I can pray to have charity in my own heart for others. This was profound for a teenager with all the normal social troubles that come with adolescence. I discovered that as I prayed to have charity for my peers that I was not nervous, frightened or angry, but indeed I did feel love and compassion towards my classmates. I also know that the Book of Mormon is true. I love both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Bible brings to life the stories of Jesus Christ and many of his followers. The Book of Mormon helps me better understand my personal relationship to Jesus Christ and why he atoned for our sins.

Preston Parker answered…

I was born with a Rare Genetic Distorter called Larson Syndrome. It has effected me all my life. Doctors told my parents that i would never walk, let alone live a normal life. This Disorter goes through and effects the way my bones and ligaments grow. I have had 44 reconstructive surgery's through out my life, all in which have helped me become more mobile. I have had the blessing of having a loving mother and father here on this earth being with me every step of the way. I learned to rely on my heavenly father for support, guidance, and comfort as we have gone through this hardship. I am now over the hump and no longer need these intense surgery's. The operations took place when i was growing and now that i am older have finished. Looking back at it all now it is nothing but a huge blessing in my life. I know we are Gods children and that he loves me and loves all of us. I know the lord puts trials, tribulations in our path because there is something we need to learn from them. Life is to short to get down and sour about our situations. My mom taught me how to think positively no matter the circumstances. I am now serving a full time mission. I am able to walk, run, jump, skip, hike, Drum, bike, snowboard, just like everyone else. I know that through our Savior Jesus Christ that ANYTHING is possible. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints not only because its Christs church but because it is the Only true church. I know i would not be where i am at right now without the church. I know that the Priesthood is real, it is the power of god here on the earth today which purpose is to bless others lives. The Power of the Atonement is real. Going through these challenges knowing that my savior Jesus Christ was with me all the way has made me who i am today. I know he loves all of us and wants all of us to heaer about this message. I challenge you to find out for yourself if this is the TRUE church of God. The Lord will Answer.

Daniel Konrad Tello answered…

I love being a Mormon because it help me to be strong at difficult times such as surgeries and my family and friend has been supportive. I love my family and I love that family can be together forever. I know the church is true with all my heart I always felt it and that is why I follow his gospel. I'm so lucky that my parents joined the church way before I was born because I wouldn't be like I am today and I'm so grateful. I believe in God and his words to be true. I know and believe that God speaks to Prophets to help us guide us in life and teach us and also his apostles, bishops, seventies, and so on. I know and believe in Joseph Smith to be a true man of God that helped restore the gospel. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet.

Myrna answered…

When I was in kindergarten my dad was in a horrible car accident while driving to work. One of his tire's exploded and his car rolled over on the freeway throwing him out of the front window, leaving him paralyzed on the side of the road. I can still remember where I was when my mom got the call from the hospital telling her what had happened to him. The doctors said that my dad would be paralyzed forever and that he would never even be able to breath on his own. I didn't understand what had happened to him. The whole thing was so scary for me.

I remember going to the hospital and seeing my dad surrounded by my uncles, grandpa, and men from church as they laid their hands on his head and gave him a priesthood blessing. I don't remember what they said, but I remember the feeling of peace from my Heavenly Father that filled the room.

Today my dad still uses a wheel chair, but he has improved far greater than any doctor believed was possible. Everyone agrees it was a miracle. Even though my dad will never regain the full strength of his body in this life, I know that in the next life he will be able to walk and run again with me. I live for the day that I will be able to walk alongside my dad.

I'm a Mormon because I know that God has a plan for me and that he has not forgotten about us. I know that because of our Savior, Jesus Christ we can all return to our Heavenly Father someday.

Angie answered…

I am a Mormon for so many reasons. The key of my faith is that I love God. My Heavenly Father is my best friend and as I've grown up as a member of the Mormon (LDS) church I've had too many experiences to deny not only that Heavenly Father and the Savior and Holy Ghost exist, but that the Mormon church is organized how they want it to be organized. Although we all make mistakes and no one is perfect, the church is organized perfectly. My entire life I've been obsessed with efficiency and I've never found another organization as perfectly organized as this church. Company's run by the best of the best don't think of everything that could go wrong and never have perfect communication... but the church (when it's members strive to run it as it has been organized) is perfectly organized. No man could've organized such a perfect organization. To be as organized as perfectly as it is, it HAD to be organized by a Divine Being(s), and I know that the Mormon church was organized through divine inspiration from our Heavenly Father and the Savior. I also am a Mormom because I love the standards and have found them to not be a restriction, but a source of happiness, peace, and safety. Although we all have challenges, I never cease to be amazed by how well everything works out when I'm trying my hardest to live the gospel according to all of the suggested standards. The Mormon church is not one of rules, but of standards that help us improve and become our happiest selves.

Steve answered…

It all started at age 10 in Ohio. One summer morning there was a knock at the door. I answered and there were two young men in white shirts and ties at the door. I called my mother. My wonderful mother asked them what they wanted, listened briefly and then invited them back to dinner that evening. She told them that they, as travelers and apparently nice young men, are invited to tell of their mission and homes but that family would not be interested to hear about their religion.
The missionaries came for dinner and obeyed mother’s request. After dinner and visiting, I showed them to the door. Just before walking out, one of them turned and handled me a book and said, “This is for you.” It was the Book of Mormon.
As time wore on, I kept the book to myself, read parts of it and was fascinated by the stories. I felt a strange excitement when I read and thought about it. I was a reader of Tom Swift, Hardy Boys books and more, this Book was somehow very different.
I attended Lutheran catechism for three years on Saturday during my 7th, 8th and 9th grade years. I was filled with concerns that what I was being taught was not understandable and seemed to not be complete. Driving the pastors a little crazy with my questioning, I continued to be told that it wasn’t important to understand everything but to just believe. I just could not conceive of a God without a body, parts or passion in whose image I was created.
At age 16, my parents and I took a car trip to the western US. We spent a few hours as tourist visiting Temple Square in Salt Lake City. As we drove away, I leaned over the seat to talk about it with my parents. I felt an excitement that defied words. I only knew that I felt something powerful that I could not deny.

John Keeler answered…

I love how the Church encourages that I never stop exploring, how it places truth on a pedestal –regardless of source. I love how it promotes both revelation and reason. I thrill at what God shares and what he leaves for me to discover. Incidentally, I'm taking my 39th university-level course since retirement. I understand why Mormons tend to become more religiously involved as their education level increases.

I love how the Church encourages me to be a person of action, that Jesus Christ serve as pattern, that God be my tutor, and that I learn to listen. He has responded, countless times, but only "according to the heed and diligence" I pay.

The Church encouraged me to parent, nurture and educate several children. Today in their presence, plus a score of grandchildren, I find immense satisfaction. Listen, Obey, Harvest. How many times I have rediscovered that maxim!

The Church taught me self-mastery through its injunctions to avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea, to be chaste and faithful to spouse, and to share time and resources with others. Watching a mountain of non-LDS friends, I have missed nothing that brings real joy. Just the opposite!

I love how it resolves the age-old battle between grace and works, providing the perfect and logical blend. I love how it satisfies my deepest longings for kinship by assuring family ties beyond the grave. I love its view of heaven as many mansions whose glories vary. It is the widest and most merciful image I have ever encountered. Only the greatest of scoundrels finds no reward.

Mormonism contains extraordinary claims and beliefs, but none is as astonishing as the very existence of God, or as implausible as the presence of humankind itself. Even incredible notions merit exploration. Study, ponder, pray, be humble and experiment on the teachings. These brought my total conviction – sometimes by divine revelation and sometimes by simply seeing results.

Treavor answered…

Questioning is only half the fun. Finding answers to life's questions which then lead to a pursuit of knowledge is what drives me to remain active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During my early childhood and then again in my late teenage years I became quite fond of studying the scriptures and questioning the things I believe. It has helped me to realize the happiness and peace of mind that can so easily be found right before my eyes through the words of prophets both ancient and modern and through the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Steve answered…

I grew up in South Texas as a religious minority. Because of this I was able to compare and contrast my faith with others around me and began to really deeply examine things for myself in my later teenage years.

Because of some significant experiences in my life, I had a great desire to answer the call to serve as a missionary. A desire to help others, a love of God and curiosity all had a little something to do with it, I suppose. I was unprepared for what I experienced in my 2 years as a full-time missionary. I discovered the love that God has for me and in turn, all other people. I witnessed the power of the scriptures as they changed my life and the lives of those around me.

Since that time, year by year, I grow closer and closer to God. I understand more and more how Jesus Christ fits into the entire picture of my faith and seek to continue on my journey to pattern my life after his teachings.

As a husband and father of three, the gospel of Christ, the blessings of the ordinances of the gospel and teachings of the Temple provide me with answers, truth, security, revelation, knowledge and light. Reliance on God and his providence has been the hallmark of the last few years of my life; I can truly witness that God keeps his promises. The New Testament converted me to Jesus Christ, the Doctrine & Covenants enlightened me to the vastness of God's influence and wisdom, the Book of Mormon taught me how to perfect my faith in Christ.

I'm not a fan of labels. I try very hard not to label others and do not like to be labeled myself. Everyone has a different definition of what it means to be a "Christian". I'm not going to try and engage in a war of semantics. I do not know everything, but I do know Christ and his love for me; I know my Father in Heaven and have felt his presence and approval. I do not know how the atonement works, just that it does. I love the influence for good the Temple has on my life and the closeness it brings me to God.

Liz Higham answered…

My family was introduced to the church when I was 11 years old. At this time I had many quetions about why we were here and what happened when we died. My parents tried to answer as best they could but felt they didn't have all the answers, so my family started to visit different churches. My parents mentioned to my younger brother's soccer coach that we were visiting different churches and he invited us to attend church with their family the following Sunday, which incidentally was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We attended and after the service my parents asked my brother and I what we thought and we both said that we liked the Mormon church and wanted to learn more. The missionaries came to our home to teach us the lessons where all of my questiosn were answered. We were baptized soon thereafter and our family was sealed a year later in the Oakland, California Temple for all eternity. The church has been the greatest blessing in my life. I have read the Book of Mormon and know it is true. The teachings of the church have allowed me to grow closer to my Savior and know of His love for me

My membership in the church has been the greatest blessing in my life. The gospel has brought me so much happiness and has increased my faith and love for my Savior. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know me personally, this knowledge has has helped me in dealing with day to day struggles and trials. Life can be challenging and we may not always know why we have to experience and endure some of the trials that we face in this life. I would be lost without the knowledge that my Heavenly Father does know and love me, and that He does have a plan for me. It gives me peace knowing that eventhough I may not have all the answers our Heavenly Father does and that I can pray to Him for help and guidance.

Christian answered…

Gosh, if I was about eight years younger I would have said I'm Mormon because my parents made me. But now that I look at it I'm the one who wants to stay in the church. I am a Mormon because no other church is like this one, I've felt it, no other church feels like this church. When I go to school, I'm the odd man out but I see that now it's not a bad thing. I feel different because of my standards, because my standards say don't use vulgar language, don't use drugs, or don't drink. When I follow my standards I feel happy like true happiness, its okay to be the odd man out by following the standards of my church. Another reason that I choose to be a Mormon is because I want to live with my family for all time and eternity and through the chruch I can do that. Because of the holy temple I can seal family members to me for time and eternity too, and I can do baptisms for the dead. I know that the holy temple is the house of god where we can do his holy temple work and ordinates. I have a testimony that this is the true restored church, and Hevenly Father has a plan for each and everyone of us, and I know that we have standards that help us and make us happy everyday. I know for a fact that I can live with my family for all time and eternity. I know that Joseph Smith restored this church and that Jesus Christ is the son of God.

John! answered…

I had for the most part never been to church in my life or had any knowledge of the gospel.
I have known about the church for some time prior to becoming a member. My wife had been a member since before I met her. Unfortunately, I had gotten my information from sources who seek to discredit the church and I believed it. Many people try to discourage people from believing in Mormonism; the internet, news media, television sitcoms and even Broadway. Many even claim Mormons are not Christian, even though "Christ" is in this church's name. Some even claim that the Mormon church is more of a cult than a religion.
Late one night I did a Google search on Mormonism and I came across this website. I read many profiles about the people of this church and realized that that Mormons are not as weird as I was led to believe. I then was able to chat with missionaries online and then decided to attend church with my wife. Soon after I received my lessons and was baptized. Heavenly father was extremely patient in dealing with a "hard-head" like myself, and found a way to lead me to his church. It is my hope that he will lead you also.
One of the more attractive attributes of the Mormon church is the ownership the members have over it. We each have a role in making the work of God happen. The work of the church is accomplished through callings. My wife and I share a calling as ward building representatives. I am also the ward executive secretary. As a cook in the U.S. Army I work long unusual hours, sometimes 15 hours a day. Despite my hectic work schedule I am able to utilize my discretionary time to full-fill my callings. I am thankful I am able to serve both the U.S. Army and the church.

Amber answered…

I grew up in Tennessee, a Southern Baptist. I attended this church until I was 16, then I decided that there has to be something out there for me, I needed more. Once I was able to drive I started attending a Methodist church. Which felt more right to me than the Baptist church where I was raised, but I still wanted more. Whenever I was 20 I was visiting with some family for vacation and went to church with them. These members of my family were also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While in the meeting that day, I felt the spirit unlike I’ve ever felt it before. I had a sense of peace while in the meeting. After my vacation I went home and requested a Book of Mormon online. I wanted to read and know more about this religion. Within a few weeks the missionaries delivered my Book of Mormon. They also gave me a short lesson and an overview of the church and their beliefs. Once the lesson was over they set up a time to visit with me again. Once they left I read in the Book of Mormon and knew that it was true, and that it felt right. When the missionaries returned I asked about what I needed to do to be baptized. Within a few weeks I was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so grateful for the chance that I have to be a Mormon. I know that this church is true and stand witness that The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Kent answered…

Growing up, my parents came from varied christian backgrounds - my father was raised in a home where the Catholic religion was practiced and my mother was Mormon. After watching the changes that occurred in my older two brothers lives after serving missions for the Mormon church, our dad decided he wanted to know more of the teachings of the LDS faith. After meeting with the missionaries, and just before I left on my mission, my father was baptized into the church. Why? He recognized things of value - that made a difference - he wanted to be part of a family that had the promise of being together eternally. This is the same reason I'm a Mormon - the things that are of most importance are those teaching the Savior has given us - they have made all the difference to me.

Natalie answered…

My parents were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and took me to church every week. I always enjoyed going and had a good feeling while I was there, but as a teenager I realized that I wasn't really living the principles it taught and that I didn't know for myself if it was actually true. I was confused about who I was and what my purpose in life was and I found that I was often depressed and sad. I became good friends with a girl of the same religion and admired how happy and upbeat she was. She was always so kind to everyone and knew how to have a good time. She emulated Jesus Christ in all that she did. I found myself yearning to be like her, not out of jealousy, but because I could see that she had the happiness I was searching for. I decided it was finally time to find out for myself if the church was really church. I committed to read the Book of Mormon every single day. It took me a year to finish and when I was done I prayed to ask Heavenly Father if it was really HIs word. An answer did not come immediately (I think I was expected something like what happened to Joseph Smith) but after pondering for several days I realized that I already had the answer. I reflected back on how my life had completely changed over the course of the year that I read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. I was a new person. And it wasn't because I consciously decided to change, it was because of the power of that great book. I knew it was from God because no other book could have the power to change someone for the better like that unless it was from God. I have continued to read the Book of Mormon every single day and I have gained a testimony of all of the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I know them to be true. I know they bring greater peace and happiness than we could find any other way.

Terry Lamb answered…

My husband and I converted in Nov. 1998 in Kingston New York. I had searched my whole life to find a church that I could believe in. I had a strong and powerful beliefs that did not go along with anyone church. Heavenly Father guided me through events in my life. I was in BJ's in Kingston New York. reluctantly I put my name in a box to win a ski vacation in Utah. As I put that slip of paper in the box I felt the Spirt come over me, I knew I had won. I heard a voice say I will lead you. I won! My husband, a die hard skier was happy and we set off to utah skies in hand. We were unpacking in the hotel in Park City and voice said you will go to Temple Square Thursday morning. My husband had everyday planned with ski trips. I told him we must go the the Temple, he was not happy. We went when we got there the choir was singing that am. I felt the Spirit. Bill was ready to head back to ski, however I was compelled to go to the visitor's center. When I walked in I felt anxious. A sister approached and welcome us. Her name was the same as mine and spelled the same way. To me that was a sign. Before I knew what I was saying out came "I am here for a Book Of Morman". I schocked myself. She gave me card and said someone will bring to me. I asked about the Temple. The Sister was kind and said do you want to see pictures. My husband was pushing to go back and ski and the kind Sister said, "she needs to see these". When I looked at the book I asked many questions and she answered what she could. When we got home the Elders had called . I returned the call and they came right over. I told them I would read the book and I had questions, but first I had to tell them what I believed. I told them I believed there were seer's on the earth to guide us, I knew that. The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost were 3 beings. They said read and in a few months my husband and I were baptized. My husband had gone to the pageant as a boy and knew someday he would be a Morman, I never knew that.

James answered…

I'm a mormon because i chose to go with some family friends to church on one sunday and the feeling that i felt is very hard to explain, i enjoyed how true the church of jesus christ lds really spoke to me and changed my feelings about alot i used to believe in. After going to church more and more i started meeting with the missionaries and they truly inspired me to feel i was ready for baptism. i was then baptised on Dec.10,2011.

Tiffany. answered…

I have told this story many times before and it is a part of my testimony, but here goes.. This past Summer of 2011, I was over at my cousin's house and I was very bored. I was just sitting on the floor playing with the necklace I was wearing. The tiny gold cross caught my attention and I began to remove it from the necklace, keeping the other three charms on it. I thought, "Mormons don't wear crosses." I don't remember how I knew this, perhaps from when I attended the church as a child (both my mom and dad were inactive member at the time). At that moment, I felt extremely prompted to read the Book of Mormon. After about two years of my life that I had spent trying to find a religion that was true and trying to figure out why there are so many different religions and the logic behind them all, I suddenly just stopped and literally needed to read this book. I found a free version on an app on my phone, but it wasn't the same as a real book. So I googled: free Book of Mormon. A few days later the missionaries dropped a Book of Mormon off at my house for me and a few members of my family as well. They invited me to pretty much every single activity out ward (*Just in case you're not sure what a ward is, it is like your church family. There are two wards per church, and these two wards along with the wards of other churches around your area make up a stake. If you have any more questions, you can google "ward LDS" and find some descriptions.) was having and I attended every single one. I ended up going to the temple visitor's center with a sister in my ward while the other youth were performing baptisms and the entire night I kept saying I want to get baptized now (my baptism date wasn't for another two weeks). The next day, my baptism date was set for September 4, 2011. That was one of the best days of my life.

W. Denis Nurmela answered…

After following a pathway to become a Catholic priest in the late 1980's I was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was very active in the Catholic Church at that time serving on the parish council, as youth director, and teaching catechism.

The deciding factor for me to become a member was the speed and strength of the Spirit of God that came to me when I prayed about the validity of the Book of Mormon as Holy Scripture.

I participated in the missionary discussion lessons for the next week and was baptized a member on August 2nd, 1987. Since then I have maintained my activity in the church and have served in many church callings which have given me experience teaching, leading and sharing my life with others.

My family has been strengthened by the church and the principles our Father in Heaven teaches through His leaders.

Josh answered…

One of the greatest misconceptions about Mormons who are born into the Church is that we do not have to endure the rigors of conversion. My wife, who is a convert, would often say to me that I did not understand how difficult it was to be a convert in the early years. As a convert, she had to make powerful and difficult changes in habits, friends and behaviours that, at the time, seemed very difficult. However, as a lifelong member, even as a return missionary, there are still the challenge of building a firm and strong foundation of exercising faith in Christ.

That, of course, is the key to why I am a Mormon. When the world, whether personal or globally, begins to spin our of control, it is holding to the foundation of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and provides me with the stability to navigate the challenges before me. Understanding that our Heavenly Father sent His Son as a Saviour, whose mandate it was to save us from the chains of mortality through resurrection and to atone for the sins of all mankind, reassures and comforts me.

It's not that I don't have fears, or doubts, or worries --- I have all of those. What makes my life different is the hope instilled in me through a deep and abiding belief in Christ and His atonement. His work in a mortal ministry brought clarity to the teachings of the Old Testament prophets. His teachings to the people on the American continent, as recorded in The Book of Mormon, confirm the teachings of His ministry. It is Christ and His gospel, restored to their earth under His direction that give me the hope, courage, and strength to carry on.

That is why I am a Mormon.

Esther answered…

I was raised in the Catholic church, my husband is a Mormon, and one day he invited some missionaries to come and visit our home. I was very mad at first, but then as they continued visiting our home I felt something special. After a few months of being taught by these missionaries, I was having my baptismal interview. It was very hard at the beginning because my family didn't like my decision, but with time they have seen how happy I am and all this is thanks to my Savior Jesus Christ. I am a Mormon because I have found true happiness in the gospel, I have learned that life is not over when we die, that God has a plan and that I can live with my family forever if I obey God's commandments. I am very grateful for that day that my husband invited the missionaries. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, that I'm a special daughter of God, I know that he has a plan for me, and I'm very happy to say that now I belong to the Church Of Jesus Christ of latter days saints, and that I am a Mormon.

Becky Godinez answered…

My introduction to the Mormon faith was through my husband. We met in school and fell for each other quickly, but he was Mormon and I was Catholic. After several months he finally got me to come to church with him; I was baptized 2 months later. My first time at church was overwhelming and scary. My first visit with the missionaries was easier, the lesson was about Christ. I remember thinking that I could handle this, I was christian and this was nothing new to me. As the lessons with the missionaries progressed, I read the book of Mormon on my own and continued to go to church. After reading for a few weeks, I began praying about the truth of the scriptures and the church for myself. Every member is encouraged to have their own testimony of the truth of the gospel and it is, in my opinion, a necessity before one enters the waters of baptism. I was skeptical whether or not I would receive an answer, or if I would be able to hear the answer that the Lord would give. I was told by the missionaries that the answer is often an impression or a small voice and that one must listen carefully for it. The Lord must have known that I needed something a little stronger to be able to hear Him or maybe my prayers were answered when I prayed to be able to hear, but one night as I knelt to pray about the truth of the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I received my answer. It was no impression or still small voice but a loud voice proclaiming the truth of the the church. It was an experience that I could not ignore and will stay with me for all of my days. I was baptized a few weeks later. At the time of my baptism I did not have all of the answers and still had much to learn, but I had the one important question answered by the Lord himself, this IS His true church. The last seven years as a member have taught me many things. My testimony continues to grow and evolve. I know that this church is true.

Nikki answered…

I joined the church in 2004. The missionaries knocked on my door one afternoon. I was in the at the end of a book and really didn't want to take time to talk with these two young men that had arrived on my doorstep. I promised them that I would read the Book of Mormon and that they could come back the following week. As our next meeting approached I decided that I should actually take some time to read out of this book that they had left with me. The rest, as they say, is history.

I know that this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know that if I continue to live the values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that I will one day be able to return to live with my Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ. I am a child of God and I have eternal potential.

Jake answered…

Like most Mormons in Utah, I grew up in the Church, and went with my family all of the time. When I was about 10 years old, my family stopped attending church, and myself as well. We were still good people throughout the years, but I always felt that something was missing. My grandpa tried to get me to go to church and read the scriptures, but to no avail. Right when I became a sophomore in high school, my grandpa passed away, and I had virtually no family connections in the church, as most of my other relatives were/are of other faiths. My life became somewhat dark on the inside, and even though my fellow peers could not see it, I was lonely, and felt so lost in the stealthy shadows of life. It all started to change when I received my junior year registration papers in the summer of 2007. I decided to sign up for high school seminary, as I had decided I had been out of the Church for long enough. My plan to re-activate worked, and shortly after I turned 17 I was ordained a Priest. My bishop did an excellent job of being my friend and getting me to participate in going to the temple, weekly youth activities, etc. And from then on the ball kept rolling, and now I'm serving a mission, something I never would have thought was in my plans just 5 years ago. I have many great examples in my life to thank for helping me get back into the game, and I will be eternally greatful for their love and care, because everyone needs a push sometimes. I follow the teachings of Jesus Christ because it makes me a better person, and I always feel happy knowing I am following His gospel. I know that God cares about all of His children here on earth, and I have witnessed how the power of prayer can bless those in need. Mormons also care alot about helping other people, and I love to serve others in need, and I was a part of the tornado relief in Alabama after the deadly storms of April 27, 2011. Helping out in those small towns allowed me to fully utilize my potential in helping others.

Meggie. answered…

I was not raised in church. I started attending an Assemblies of God church when I was 18 and was truely happy there. I gained a strong testimony of Jesus Christ while I attended there and the things that I learned were such a wonderful foundation. Not long after I met my husband , some events transpired at the church that were very hard for me to deal with. A lot of people made some very bad choices and I decided to stop attending. It was heartbreaking. My husband and I did not go anywhere for quite some time although I often mentioned to him that I would like to go to the church he had been raised in. He was raised in the LDS church but had stopped attending as a teenager. He seldom talked about it and was hesitant to go back. All the members of his family are very active in the church and have very strong testimonies. Their witness of their faith was so strong that I knew there was something about the LDS church that I wanted. Eventually, after things had become strained in our marriage, my husband agreed to go. After my first visit with the missionaries, I knew that this was the true gospel and that it held all of the answers I had been looking for as well as the power to heal my marriage and my broken heart. And it has.

Jenn answered…

I always answer this question by saying " I was born to be Mormon" Then I get this look, and then promptly asked but your a convert right? Yes I am but, for as much as my life as I can remember I have always held the same moral beliefs as the church does. I always seem to surround myself with family and friends and spent a lot of my time helping others. it even became more clear to me when I moved to Georgia that some people I meet and really connected with where members of the church.
And even then I was not interested in visiting the church and when asked I would nicely say something like no thank you or that's not for me. Well one day I had a friend who when I meet him was a single dad, told me about a very special lady had meet and that she was of the Mormon faith. He was dating her and wanted to know more about the church. So he did and for years I would here how wonderful his life is now because of his faith and his new wife and family! I was happy for him and could see some really great changes in his life ,but still was not determined it had anything to do with the faith he had chosen. About this time his Children wanted to be baptized and they invited us to be a part of there special day. So we went and my 15 year old son at the time became interested and asked to go to the local church, I said sure but if you want to have these discussions I want to be a part of it. I always want to support my children but I do want to know what information they are getting. Long story..... so I will wrap this up! I took discussions with my son and 13 year old daughter and well my daughter and I got baptized but my son has not YET! I have faith in heavenly father that he one day will bring my whole family together.
So by saying "I was born to be Mormon " is because the blessing of my savior has always been right in front of me, but I was not looking in the right direction! with my eyes and heart open because he has been in every direction of my life!

Benjamin answered…

I Grew up as a member of the church, but never questioned the why until I deployed out of high school to Iraq during the invasion phase, at that time I had many struggles including serving next to many soldiers that lived a double life, being good Christians when at home and around family while living the "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" lifestyle with the military. My squad leader once bragged that he has broken every goody, goody Mormon he has met; in short the double lifestyle was a norm and way of life. And I was the goody, goody kid on their list. At this time I had to take a hard look at myself and what I believed, being one of the guys was very tempting, and seemed like it would be a very easy lifestyle, refusal would not only put me in the minority, I would be alone. I committed to myself that I would not give up my standards. Because from that point on I decided to make what the church has taught me my whole life, my own. The year that followed was, needless to say, brutal. But I surpassed what I had guessed to be my breaking point, and still continued on. And near the end my success was pointed out when I was pulled aside one day by the very person who told me he would break me, and he told me how he admired the choices (standards) I had made and told me he wished he had followed a similar path when he was younger. My true joy came when I arrived home and could look my family in the eye knowing I represented them well. I know the standards of the church can be difficult, but one day when we return to our Father in heaven we have the potential to look him in the eye and know, we represented him well.

Kim Beam answered…

I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I floated along in life relying on my family and friends faith in Jesus Christ. Then on August 13, 1995 I knelt down to pray in order to gain my own knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was at this point that the most wonderful, peaceful, warm feeling pored through the top of my head and continued to spread throughout my whole body. It was as if the Savior himself was right next to me wrapping his loving arms around me. This feeling of love and compassion for me has been felt so many times during my life, especially during extremely difficult times, that my faith and knowledge continues to grow. It is true that if you allow Christ to take your yoke upon him, He will ease your burden. Throughout all of my sons lengthy hospital stays, not once did I feel alone or abandoned. In fact, it was during those times that I felt the most love..like the Savior was standing right next to me with His arms around me. We are never alone! There is always one person that will understand how you feel, and that is Jesus Christ. He loves us all, and will always be there for us!

David Reed Long answered…

While I was baptized at age 8, I know now that every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints must be born again. We must be converted & have a new heart that is willing to keep the commandments, always remember Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, & to love our fellowman as ourselves.
This process began while I was stationed in Ferndale, California in the US Navy. My brother-in-law was the Mission Leader in the Fortuna Ward & challenged me to come to church. I had judged the church by member I was acquainted with & had decided it was hypocritical. I had begun to read anti-Mormon literature & was not interested.
He kept kindly asking me to go. My wife & children were already attending After repeated attempts to get me to go to church I rebelliously consented.
This was in 1976. My intent was during Priesthood meeting to ask them about the anti-Mormon literature I had been reading. The Priesthood instructor was new & was giving his first lesson that day. I felt sorry for him & instead of asking my questions tried to answer his questions.
After the meeting the Missionaries of the Church cornered me. One of them said to me, and I know it was by the power of the Holy Ghost because I'd heard it before. He told me, "You can't judge the church by the people in it. If the people were all perfect, we wouldn't need a church". Here was a 20 year old Elder telling me these words & I knew it was true. I began to ask what am I doing. What kind of father & husband am I. What kind of brother & more what kind of son to my Heavenly father was I.
I started the repentance process, which for me lasted almost a year. Then I was able to baptized my son. My wife had previously been baptized. My wife & I then began to prepare ourselves to attend the temple. To be sealed together for time and all eternity & to have our children sealed to us. That became & remains our most important goal. With the help of Christ we pray we can endure to the end and do all we are asked to do.

Dawn answered…

My parents were inactive Mormons who dropped my brother and I off at weekday children's meetings. We went on Easter and Christmas as a family. When I turned 12 I entered the Young Women's organization and started attending Sunday meetings regularly, sometimes with my parents.

When I was 14 some young men from the Church started dropping by to visit and met my Dad. They loved him and pretty soon the visits weren't to see me, but to hang out with him and my Mom. The boys begged the local Church leaders and eventually, my Dad was asked to help teach these young men on Sundays. They developed a strong friendship, the boys were a wonderful example to him and encouraged him to get active in the Church. By the time I was 16 my family started attending church more regularly.

There were not many members of the Church in my high school and keeping the standards of the Church made me feel very different but I loved being a Mormon and had a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I was thrilled when I graduated and was able to attend BYU. My parents were curious about this school I raved about and went to visit during Education Week the following summer. My Dad finally got all his questions answered in a class and after 25 years of marriage and a lot of soul searching my parents decided to get sealed as a family in the Arizona Temple. 4 days after they got home from BYU Education Week my parents were sealed to each other, my brother and I were sealed to our parents and we became an eternal family. Within the next two years my Mother was called as Relief Society President (the women's organization), I was married in the temple to my husband, my brother served a mission to Mexico and my Dad became the Bishop of our ward. I guess we made up for lost time!

I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know what it is like to not have the Gospel and I know what a difference it has made in my life.

Vicki answered…

I grew up in a home with an LDS mother and a Jewish father. Growing up in that unique environment brought with it blessings, challenges, and opportunities. I was taught the importance of respecting others regardless of race, religion, or culture. Experiencing two very different belief systems under the same roof was difficult at times, but it challenged me to ponder and learn for myself what the gospel of Jesus Christ was. I am grateful to my dad who supported me in my decision to be baptized. I have a testimony that is very dear to me that my Savior lives. The Holy Spirit has touched me many times testifying that the Book of Mormon is a sacred witness of Jesus Christ. I know that it stands with the Bible as a testimony of our Savior. I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation that lets me understand my purpose and potential as a daughter of God. I love my family, and am grateful for the holy temples and the sealing ordinance that can let us be a family forever.

Debbie answered…

While I am not a convert, I had the choice as does any lifetime member, to be active or to leave the church. From the time I was a little child, I have always believed in both a Heavenly Father who loves me and a wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. I loved the scripture stories as a young girl and never doubted that each of them were true. I wanted to be like my scripture heroes and always try to do the things that would please my Father in Heaven. As I grew older, I began to read my scriptures regularly, especially the Book of Mormon. One of the highlights of my life was the opportunity I had to teach Seminary (an early morning scripture study class for high school students) for two years after I was married. Five days a week I had to study the scriptures and prepare lessons to teach to the teenagers to help them get through the challenges of adolescence. This experience was so wonderful and my testimony grew so much. As I taught and bore my testimony each day, I felt that their lives were changing just as much as mine was. I also had the opportunity to attend BYU in Provo. This was a great four year chance to immerse myself both academically and spiritually. Again, my testimony grew so much. I am a Mormon, because I have felt on so many occasions the spirit in my life. I have been directed and prompted in so many different ways to my benefit and others as well. I am happy when I am following the gospel, and if I slack even a little bit, I can feel a profound difference. I love the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and my own ancestors knew the Prophet Joseph Smith and bore their witness of his calling and mission. I am blessed when I follow the counsel of our prophet, and I am seeing the fruits in the lives of my children as they follow the same path.

Gayle answered…

My ancestors joined the church over 100 years ago and moved to the west to live with the saints, so I grew up in the church, but I still had to develop my own testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. Because of being raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I can't really think back to a time when I didn't believe that Jesus was our Savior, or that Joseph Smith was a prophet. As I have encountered individuals of other Christian denominations I have been prompted to ponder the calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. My testimony of his role has grown almost imperceptibly, as I have read the Book of Mormon. More than anything else the spirit that can be found when reading that book and truly following Moroni's admonition found in its last chapter to "remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men" has had a profound effect on my testimony. It has strengthened my testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, but more importantly it has helped me to better understand the role of the Savior in my life and helped me to develop a personal relationship with him.
As a chemist, I have studied many of the laws of nature as presented by Sir Isaac Newton, and other scientists of days gone by. I am often amazed at how laws of the natural world have spiritual analogs and feel that my understanding of the physical law helps me to better understand the nature of God and the purpose of our lives here on earth. Much like the parables in the new testament, pondering upon the things that I learn about our physical world help me to understand spiritual concepts. The symmetry of life and our world leaves me in awe of God's majesty, wisdom, and grace. Truly all things testify that there is a Christ.

Eilene answered…

I was raised by parents who taught the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our family. I desired at a young age to know about the purpose of my Life and what I could do to be a good person and to be happy. When I was Baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I felt the Holy Ghost at that time fill my soul with happiness and peace. I have had a strong desire to feel this same influence throughout my life. As I made the choice to live the teachings of the Gospel, my testimony continued to grow and I could see how much my life was blessed for being a member of this Church. I know this is Jesus Christ's Chruch and that it was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We have the fullness of His Gospel on earth today even with a Prophet and Apostles. I love being a Mormon.
I have felt the blessings of raising my children with the teachings of the Gospel. I have been strengthened through many difficult challenges of health, financial problems, and the stresses that come from raising a large family.
My Faith in my Heavenly Father's plan has been the guiding influence in my life.

David answered…

While in graduate school, my wife and I were looking for a church. After much discusion, we decided we would find out more about the Mormon church. We both had known Mormons from our high school days, but we did not know what they stood for. I had been taught that they were pagans (by my minister), but that did not seem to go with their choir singing Christian songs. So, we called the local Mormon Bishop and asked for some information about his religion.

That evening 2 young missionaries appeared at our door. They had what to me was a very interesting, but strange tale of a young boy who had had a visitation from God. They had answers to questions I could not answer. We were very interested until on the second day, they challenged me to be baptised. I told them that that was highly unlikely, as they were interesting, but also very weird. The missionary bore his testimony that it was true, but challanged me to find out for myself that it was true by asking God. I told him I would do that and to come back tomorrow and I would tell him if this church was true or not.

The next day, alone in my office at school, I knelt and prayed and asked God if this church was true. As I said those words, a very strong feeling came over me - so strong I thought at first I was having a heart attack - or something. Then I knew, without a doubt, that this was the answer to my prayer - as the missionary had said, this church was indeed true.

We sought baptism that night, but had to wait until the following weekend. My Father, a Baptise, disowned me and my family and did not speak to me for over 5 years. Yet, I had received such a strong testimony that this church was Christ's church, I could only go forward. That was over 43 years ago. My testimony that this church is true has only grown larger each day.

To any who read this, I would give you the same challange that I was given - ask God and you too will know this church is true.

Michael Fuhriman answered…

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has been for me the pattern that has brought great joy into my life. Even as a child I could feel the love of my Savior and the truthfulness of his gospel. As I grew up seeing the love of the gospel in my parents, it motivated me to study and pray to find out for myself for sure if everything I had seen and heard was really true. When I was a Junior in High School my mother got pneumonia and was admitted into the hospital. My Dad called the school and told me to come to the hospital at once. When I arrived there I found my Mom in an oxygen tent. The doctor told us that she would not live through the night. I asked my Dad if he had given her a blessing by the power of the priesthood which he held. He hadn't, so he called his best friend who came immediately and they gave her a blessing. My Mom went home the next day without the pneumonia, completely well. I knew then that the Priesthood of God was real. I also knew that my parents had great faith. Since that time witness after witness have come to me in so many ways, from my mission and great miracles there, to being married and filling the Holy Ghost so strong in the temple, to blessing my children before the first day of school each year, from serving in church callings and seeing the great change in peo

David answered…

I come from a line of strong pioneers. But my ancestors did not cross the plains in a wagon or handcart like you see in the pictures. They crossed in a 1950's Chevy Sedan. My grandparents were living in central Florida when they joined the Church in the late 50's. They were attracted to many parts of the restored gospel, but none more than the teaching that families could be sealed forever, including family members long deceased. After joining, they saved time and money for a few years (my grandfather was a postal worker) so they could make the trip to a temple in the West to be joined with their children (including my Father). I will always be grateful for their example and sacrifice.

I choose to be Mormon because it is my home and because I love the faith. I do believe that God speaks to man today as he always has. I believe he spoke to Joseph and in so doing restored the same Church he originally established in New Testament times. I believe Jesus is the Christ and that through his grace we can grow to become as him.

There is not enough space to put down everything I love about the church, but the underlying themes are two: I love the people and I love the expansive and progessive gospel that embraces all truth whereever found. I have been part of many different congregations over the years. Every one has had amazing people from different walks of life, but all striving to do good through Christ. I have been blessed to live in a time and place where education is free and open. The only limitation is me. I have found consistent joy and happiness through questioning, study, prayer, and reason. God promises "knock, and it shall be opened unto you." I know that is true.

Mark answered…

I'm a mormon because the Holy Ghost has testified to me of the truthfulness of the restoration through the efforts of Joseph Smith and other Latter-day prophets. On Sundays, when I was younger, my parents always took my brother and me to the Methodist Church. However, when I was in high school I went to the Baptist church with my friends and my parents and brother stayed home. One day my father announced that he was going to study about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that missionaries would be coming to our home to teach us. I had many friends warn me of what my family was doing. I was confused and shared with the missionaries everything I had been told about why the LDS church was wrong. After the first lesson with the missionaries, I no longer attended their lessons with my family.

It was a difficult time in my life. I was trying to decide on a direction to take and what to do with my life. About 4 weeks after the missionaries started teaching my family, they joined the church and were baptized. They made significant changes in their lives to live the gospel. I respected their decision and we remained a close family, but I was baptized a member of the Baptist church two weeks later. Looking back, I am sure it was a painful thing for them to witness.

After a year my parents and brother were sealed in the Temple without me and my brother left for two years to serve a mission in South America. During this time I was trying to make final decisions for my future and seeing the changes that my parents and brother went through, I looked at things with different eyes. After an incident with my friends involving the police I knew I needed to make a course correction. Through new friends, trying to keep the commandments, reading the Book of Mormon and searching prayerfully for the truth, I received a burning answer from the Spirit of God that the restoration was true. I can not deny what the Spirit has told me is true! It is a great blessing.

Richard Maden answered…

After years of study, years of prayer, and tons of meditation I found the answer to this question. You don't have to think about this too much to discover what I did. The scriptures teach us that all of the men of God threw the ages have 1 thing in common. They were all ordained by someone having the authority to do so. No man in the history of men has been able to act in the name of God with out this ordination. I believe the church should be just like Jesus set it up when he was on earth. Search the world over and you will search in vain tiring to find that church until you meet a Mormon. If you ever see a disaster on the earth you may see the Red Cross you may see a US Hospital ship you may see the National Guard but I can tell you what you will see, You will see the Mormons doing all they can to help no matter who the people are. They live their faith and they are in the service of their Lord. This is why I am a Mormon.

Levi answered…

When I was 19 years old I had not been to any church, or even prayed, for many years. My life had taken various turns and addiction came to rule my life. For a long time, whenever I looked at myself in the mirror, I knew that I was not becoming the man I am meant to be.
A desperate night found me on my knees praying to God to help me escape the life that was destroying me.
In about a year I started going to the Church of Jesus Christ again, the church that my Grandmom and Mom had taken me to in my youth. My Dad had taken me to the baptist church, but I felt a longing to return to this one.
I was in and out for about 6 months. In time I began to desire to know if the Book of Mormon was from God, and if Joseph Smith was really called to be a prophet. This led me into the most fervent prayers of my life, up to that point. Over the course of many more months I prayed, fasted, served, attended church, observed the sabbath, made better entertainment choices, etc. and asked God's forgiveness for the things I had done wrong.
A special day finally came for me. I was fasting and praying, pleading with God to know if the things that I sought were true or not. I was led into the mountains, praying my heart out the entire time, and listening. Still, no answer.
I made my way back to my home. Alone, I knelt in my room and prayed quietly again. It was then that a feeling came over me that I had never previously felt in my life. It felt as if a pitcher of light were being poured into my soul - perfect peace, happiness, and understanding. I felt so good, and I saw so clearly. I knew that this was the witness that I had plead for for so long.
The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and He did speak to Joseph Smith so many years ago.
This is the first of many witness from God that have assured me. It was the beginning, for me, to come to know God and Jesus Christ. I know that this is Christ's living church. I know that He lives and loves us. Anyone who wants to can know as I do.

Rob answered…

I remember when I joined the Church I hungered for answers regarding this life. I remember before I joined the Church vocalizing these concerns to a Creator that I really didn't know or understand. The idea of not knowing our Creator, which is the source of my existence, bothered me. I needed to know where I came from, why I was here and ultimately where I will go. This started a journey which forever changed my life.

During this time I started attending many different churches. There were a series of logical conclusions I had to come to; I knew for our Creator to be perfect He had to reveal himself to his creation and to provide a purpose for their existence. Knowing our Creator works by faith he, with almost every example in the scriptures, communicates through his servants here on earth. I knew that virtue, honesty, soberness, kindness, charity, and truth were all attributes of a loving God in heaven; as I searched all kinds of churches this was my standard. I found, out of all the churches I attended, all taught a portion of these attributes but none taught it to the extent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints did. Because of this I met with missionaries of the Church and began to learn more.

The missionaries taught me many important principles; none of which was more important than teaching me how the Spirit felt. Knowing and recognizing the Spirit helped me understand God's personal love he had for me. I have come to realize the Spirit witnesses to our spirits the authenticity of the Gospel and to all truths. Romans 8:16 reads, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

It is by that Spirit I know what my purpose is and the plan our Heavenly Father has for us. I know that he loves us very much and wants us to be happy; I know that he has created a plan for us to return to him by being like He is. He has provided both an example and a way to return to Him by the merits of Jesus Christ.

Andrea. answered…

I was baptized, 10th June, 2011. I haven't been a member long, but I do know this is where I belong and that I have made the right choice in becoming a member of the church. It has changed my life drastically in just a small amount of time, and I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to learn about the church. My family was not and still do not accept my choice in becoming a member, I am the only member in my family but I hope one day that changes.