“I was 6 or 7 when I was first introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A family, who were members of the Church, moved into my small town in rural Oklahoma. While I was being raised as a Christian Baptist, I immediately began noticing subtle differences between their family and mine. At that age, I was self aware enough to see the differences but not mature enough to understand them.
Over the years our families grew close. We attended birthday parties, played softball, and attended each other’s churches.
Over many years, my family attended Church: Sacrament Meetings, Youth Dances, and Missionary Farewells at their invitation. Just as they attended Worship Services, Bible Camps, and Revivals at the Baptist Church. Our friendship was not divided by a religious barrier. We were developing a bond akin to an extended family, as opposed to unrelated family units who connected through chance interactions.
When my younger brother played his first and only high school season of football, he had a career ending injury only a few games in. He was a running back and he had been handed the ball when two opponents approached from opposite directions. They collided with him at the same time, the point of impact for both being my brother’s right leg. His leg bent in an unnatural direction and snapped under the pressure.
My brother was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care. The break was serious and at the growth plate. Doctors feared he would walk with a limp for the rest of his life as the best case scenario. While my mother was confident that my brother was where he needed to be, she reached out to the fathers of the two Church member families and asked that they give him a Priesthood blessing. Their response was immediate – rushing to act as if it were their own child. With great privilege they bestowed a blessing of healing and comfort upon my brother.
I do not remember many of the details of the situation. But, I do remember that loving act of service and those men being righteously prepared to perform their sacred duty.
I would join the church only a few years after this event. My brother’s leg healed and he has never walked with a limp – now more than 20 years later.
My testimony of the gospel began when I started noticing the differences caused by those living the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony grew exponentially as I witnessed righteous Priesthood holders exercise their duty. My testimony was validated through a period of study in Early Morning Seminary as a non-member of the Church. I was sure, and knew that the Church was true when I walked through the Sacred Grove while vacationing with one of the Church member families.
While living alone during my first semester of college I, through chance encounter, met two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was 18 years old. I recounted to them my many years of being what they called a “dry Mormon”. In their eyes – I had been prepared for our meeting. Through what began as a casual friendship which progressed into walking Church History sites, I had developed standards and beliefs similar to those taught within the Church.
I had developed a testimony through the experiences watching and learning from the examples of those two Church member families. Those missionaries asked me if I had ever prayed to know if the Church was truly the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and if I would join its membership.
Their challenge of my religious status was unsettling initially. I had spent years practicing my faith and seeking to know more, but felt incomplete. In reflection: I knew that I had a testimony of the restored Gospel – but, it was in that moment that I realized that I was supposed to do something with it…act!
I was stirred to act and within 2 weeks I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whilst my life has continued to be imperfect, striving to become perfected through the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought immense joy into my life.
I believe that it is a privilege to know Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Redeemer. I understand that His atonement facilitates forgiveness of my sins. I know that I can receive the gift of eternal life by living the restored Gospel. I hold these truths because I know that I am a child of God and realize my potential for this life and the next.”
I Am Converted 