“I was actually raised as a member of this church, but conversion is much more than merely being a member. I recall several distinctive experiences in my early life that helped me recognize that I had something deep inside me that pulled me toward our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The first was a time when I was driving with my mother. I may have been about 14 years old. My mother was not at all active in the church but a believer nevertheless. I recall trying to explain to her what was clearly in my heart at that time. It was the idea that the gospel of Christ is not a part of our life but should be the center of our life and all else is really a part of the gospel of Christ. That experience helped me recognize what I knew and has been something of an anchor ever since. The second came soon after.
I will say that I was not really active in our church from age 12 to age 14, but due to a young Deacon’s Quorum president and a dear friend, acting in his role and inviting me to come, I once again returned to activity. After just a few short weeks, I became deeply committed to being there and wanting to be involved. I recall that feeling in my heart, it came from the Holy Ghost and was part of my deeper conversion.
With the help of good bishops, and some very good youth leaders, I developed a budding testimony and desire to be a follower of Christ. This led to my opportunity to be called as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints. I was called to labor in the Italy Rome mission. I will be eternally grateful that my parents, with a meaningful sacrifice, paid for me to have that privilege. My early mission shaped the balance of my life and was foundational to my testimony and conversion. During my mission, in addition to engaging with many wonderful people, I had the privilege to really focus on studying the word of God as found in the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and other modern day scriptures. It was in those studies that I received much personal revelation, and my understanding of who God and Christ are began to flourish.
I have been very involved in church and gospel service now for over 45 years. I have had many personal revelations through the Holy Ghost, I have had my mind enlightened by the spirit, my heart opened to feeling the love of God, and feeling the peace the spirit brings. I have much to work on to heed the Savior’s invitation to become like him, but in my weakness I shall stay the course of doing all I can to improve. Through the process of trying the promises of God, having received many answers, and being a witness to the hand of the Lord in his work of salvation and exaltation, I have gained a sure witness that God is our loving Heavenly Father, He lives, Jesus Christ is His living Son and our Savior and Redeemer. I know they have visited the earth in our dispensation and restored the fullness of their gospel, their church, their priesthood authority, and the ordinances of salvation. I invite all to come unto Christ and discover His goodness, mercy, grace and His covenant path.”
I Am Converted 