“I was raised in a Lutheran home by wonderful parents. When I attended the University of Wisconsin, I was not looking to change religion or change religion or change my rather casual commitment to my beliefs. In 1975, when a friend’s and my elder brother’s decisions to join the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought me into contact with the local missionaries, I was willing to listen to them for the simple reason that I wanted to find out what “Mormonism” was all about.
I recall sitting in my dorm room at Adams Hall as the missionaries explained the origins of the church, The Book of Mormon, and taught me the commandments. I was particularly intrigued by their explanation that, through restoration of authority from the Lord by a prophet, families could be together forever. I also learned about living apostles and prophets. Hearing them teach the commandments was also very enlightening, especially the “word of wisdom” which includes a code of health that excludes drinking alcohol. Since I was on the dorm council at the time, responsible for dispensing beer at Friday evening events, that exclusion would directly affect my social habits.
Most intriguing of all, however, was being taught to pray to really converse with the Lord and expect that He would answer my questions about whether the things I was being taught were true. The missionaries read to me from the Book of Mormon, specifically Moroni 10: 3-5, and assured me that if I asked about the truth of what I was learning, the Lord would confirm these things to my heart. I wasn’t sure how that would occur. But I had faith that, like Joseph Smith, I could get an answer if I would ask sincerely. My worry was that I didn’t have enough faith to get an answer.
Consistent with my decision to show the Lord both my faith and commitment to receive an answer, I studied the Book of Mormon, continued to meet with the missionaries, and prayed daily for a witness of the truthfulness of the doctrines I was learning. At the Friday parties in the commons, I handed out pitchers of beer while fasting (no beer!) to demonstrate my commitment to receiving an answer from the Lord.
In time, I was blessed to receive a spiritual confirmation of the truthfulness of the Gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I also was assured that the Book of Mormon was a companion to the Bible and a second witness of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I can testify that the Lord answered my prayers in a way I could never deny. I am eternally grateful for his direct answers to me.
I have been a member of the Church now for nearly fifty years. Countless experiences have confirmed to me the glorious truths of the Gospel. My membership in the church has brough me joy and a more complete understanding of my purpose on earth. My fondest hop is that I will live faithfully and be able to dwell eternally in Heavenly Father’s presence with my wife and family.”
I Am Converted 