Conversion Story - Abele

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 4 years since I decided to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I grew up in a crazy life style that most non-members would consider ordinary. My conversion story differs from most in that I’m the only member of my family to have been baptized.  Often times I’m asked by my peers why I decided to join a church during what’s suppose to be one of the most adventurous and liberating periods of my life. I suppose theirs a perception out there that living a moral and Christ-like life translates into a dull and restrictive way of living. While I’ve certainly had many bumps along my journey, my decision to become a member has transformed who I am.

My conversion story dates back to the fall of 2009, when I moved to Arlington, VA. Growing up, most of my family was involved in many different denominations of Christianity. None of which really connected with me.  At the time, although I believed in God, I didn’t really consider myself to be a religious person. Fast-track to the middle of my junior when I endured an abundance of personal issues that brought me to one of the lowest points of my life. 

It wasn’t until then that I decided that I wanted a different life. I wasn’t sure what type of life it would be, but I was sure that I didn’t want my life to continue the way that it was.  Clearly I needed change. One night I got on my knees and prayed for that change. Little did I know that my prayer was almost immediately going to be answered. 

Soon after I ended up meeting one of my now very close friends. At first, I was completely unaware of their affiliation with the church and our friendship grew naturally on its own. It wasn’t till several months later that I was invited to meet with the missionaries. I was initially skeptical about it all, but out of pure politeness I agreed to do so. My first meeting with the missionaries didn’t go very well. Within the first five minutes of our meeting I was asked to commit to a baptismal date of a religion I’d never known about. I left thinking that this was the last of this church I’d ever hear about. 

A few months passed and again I was invited to attend church. The idea of attending 3 hours of church seemed a little daunting at the time but I agreed to do so anyways. Before heading off to church I prayed to heavenly father that he would reveal to me if this were the right direction to follow. To my amazement, I felt something that I don't believe that I had felt in a long time. I knew I was home. The Holy Ghost confirmed to me that I was in the right place. 

Over the course of the next few months, I met with the missionaries, slowly going through each lesson and understanding the principles of the gospel. A few short weeks later I was baptized and confirmed a member of the church.  Over the course of the next few years, my testimony continued to grow and strengthen. Knowing that through all of my afflictions, the lord is with me and will strengthen me provides me with everlasting peace and comfort. “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” Alma 36:3

I have a testimony, and I know that this is Christ's Church built upon a foundation of prophets and apostles with Jesus Christ himself being that Chief corner stone. I bear record that this is the only true church. 

-Abele (July 15, 2014)