1st-Sunday Discussion on Conversion

Last Sunday felt like a great culmination in our ongoing 1st-Sunday lessons on the theme of Conversion.  The format was a little bit different, with 5 or so class members being asked beforehand to share a 5-minute-or-less account of either their own conversion, or that of an admired scriptural figure, family member, etc.  The resulting discussion was immensely uplifting.

One brother started off by sharing his own conversion story, explaining that he had intended to be a Methodist minister, and wanted to show the missionaries the "error of their ways" but obviously changed his mind.  He cited several examples of events that couldn't be simple coincidences that helped him to know of God's love for him as well as recognize the truthfulness of the Church.

Then another brother shared the account of Amulek in the Book of Mormon, emphasizing that Amulek never rebelled against the church, and didn't need to have a miraculous conversion like Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah in order to fully immerse himself in the gospel.  He shared of the joy he has felt when reflecting on the truthfulness of the gospel, including a vivid moment in his life when he knew it to be true.

Another class member volunteered his story which was "lame" by his own account.  On a church history tour as a youth the bus driver got on the loud speaker when they got to Adam-Ondi-Ahman and said, "OK, now's your chance to go pray and know if the church is true" (which apparently he said at most every spot they stopped at).  He went apart from his group and went off to pray and heard in his mind the answer, "You already know it's true."  He figured that by reading the Book of Mormon a few times and surrounding himself with the gospel throughout his life up to that point he had already had lots of small moments that affirmed the truthfulness of the Church.  He felt that even though the story is "lame" it shows that anyone can be converted.

One brother then referenced the previously-made contrast of Alma the Younger and Amulek, as well as the "lame" conversion story and said that he had experienced an Alma-the-Younger conversion story, which is not actually so enviable.  He cited how Alma wished the rocks would collapse in on him, so ashamed was he of his guilt before God.  This brother said he felt the shame of rebelling against the church in his youth, and even leading others astray.  But, like Alma, he said he knew of the sweetness of the atonement.

Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah are called to repentance by an angel

Another volunteer told of his story of going to a Palmyra Easter pageant as a young man and feeling God's love for him there, but then returning there some years later as an adult with some trepidation as to whether God would still accept him.  But thankfully, he said, he was grateful to once again feel that love at the same spot in the same way he did several years ago.  And, similarly, he had felt the sensation upon walking through the Arlington 2nd Ward chapel doors that he was home, whether he was perfect or not.

Lastly, the curator for the discussion wrapped it up by accurately assessing that the one thing all these conversion stories had in common was that they were all different.  (Something I agreed with, even though our intention going into the lesson was to connect all the similarities with common threads.)  He added his own account of his difficulty of just becoming an elder because that's "just what you do when you get to a certain age in the church."  He shared a story of a college roommate asking him for a priesthood blessing for something trivial (a cold maybe), but he, having the sincerity to want to make sure to do it right, excused himself to go say a "quick" prayer in the other room which actually lasted about 15 minutes -- surely to the confusion of his roommate.  He was able to observe later that his yearning to know how to do it right--to call on the powers of heaven--was a form of conversion.  He just hadn't always known how to recognize conversion; put it into familiar terms.  This class, and other similar discussions and experiences had helped to continually solidify that process for him.

Conversion Story - Pace Barker

The Savior, while manifesting his resurrected and glorified body to Thomas and others, once said, “…[B]lessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) While I do not wish to imply that I have been left in the dark in my quest to know of the reality of God, the atonement, and the gospel in general, I would categorize myself as one who has not seen. Despite this lack of an undeniable witness I can claim that I have a firm belief in the gospel, and I think I can say that I have been converted.

I take comfort in a recent teaching from Elder Christofferson, when he gave his inaugural apostolic address, in which he taught that, in general, conversion is a process and not an instant in time.

“You may ask, Why doesn’t this mighty change happen more quickly with me? You should remember that the remarkable [conversions] of King Benjamin’s people, Alma, and some others in scripture are just that—remarkable and not typical. For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time. Being born again, unlike our physical birth, is more a process than an event. And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality." - Elder D. Todd Christofferson, 2008 General Conference, Born Again

Putting conversion in those terms, I can cite several experiences/processes that have contributed to my change of heart. I must mention beforehand that the below will be boring, but, as I recently tried to explain to my wife, Val, boring doesn’t need to preclude "good".

Baptism

On February 19, 1990, I, of myself, chose to be baptized and to make a commitment to follow the example and teachings of the Savior. I remember my simple but firm faith in the Lord, the feeling of purity of having my sins washed away, and my corresponding desire to keep myself clean for as long as possible. I also remember the day well since it was one of only a handful of days in my whole childhood in which there was snowfall in Phoenix. It was no descending dove, but it was nice to feel special and connected with God, even if it was just a coincidence. Finally, I also remember receiving my first set of scriptures: leather-bound and burgundy, with my name embossed in block letters. The sensation of opening up that same set of scriptures – the feel, the heft, the scent –still has the ability to bring me right back to that seat where they were first handed to me in that baptismal room so long ago.

Nauvoo

When I was about 15 years old I had the opportunity to go on a Young Men’s trip to Nauvoo (and nearby church history sites) with my dad and older brother and about 20 other attendees from my ward. To see the sites in person and to really internalize the struggles of the early saints and comprehend the urgency and sincerity of their/our cause was eye-opening for me. It helped that we had a very knowledgeable stake leader there (Steve Rizley) as our tour guide. He opened up the doctrines of the scriptures (D&C 121 in particular) and the history of the church in a way that made it all very real for me. I vividly remember touring places like Liberty Jail, Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Carthage Jail, etc., and I testified in a meeting then, and I testify now that Joseph Smith was a prophet. As secularism, changing times, and the other forces of the world occasionally crash in on me, that trip, and the feelings that accompanied it, have continually served as a source of strength for my testimony.

Temple Endowment

Receiving my endowments in the St. George temple on May 23, 2001, was a sacred experience for me. I’m glad for the covenants I was able to make there and for my opportunity to keep them throughout my life. The protection I get from the Lord and the reverence I feel for the temple help to round out my overall conversion.

Missionary

My mission was fairly typical, though undeniably special at the same time. I had an OK amount of success helping to bring people into the gospel; I had occasional small & simple miracles; I studied a lot (both doctrine and language as well as teaching methods) and consistently worked to validate my faith and my purpose; I learned a lot from my companions and fellow missionaries; etc. etc. One instance I vividly recall, however, is coming home one night to our garden-style apartment in Greensboro, NC, and sitting down on the couch and picking up a small study manual, known as the libro gris (the gray book), which had a lot of Book of Mormon commentary, and progress charts, and some of my personal notes. The day was exhausting but otherwise typical in most every way. But for some reason – perhaps because reading through a study manual at night in addition to my habitual and compulsory morning study was “going the extra mile” – I had a very strong sensation of happiness, positivity, peace, and validation.

Marrying Val

One of the biggest spiritual steps I’ve ever taken has been marrying Val. Her genuineness and sincerity as it relates to the gospel is so complete that it continually challenges and refines me, forcing me to intellectually and spiritually grapple with the tenets of the gospel, and improve my habits and behavior. (She is truly like a refiner’s fire.)

Israel

It is true that one need not literally walk where Jesus walked in order to metaphorically tread his path of discipleship, but I won’t deny that I felt very close to him by being on the temple mount where Isaac was nearly sacrificed but where Christ was actually sacrificed; and by sitting on the coasts of the Sea of Galilee; and by “abiding in the fields” in Bethlehem where the shepherds saw the angels; and by ponderously staring into a long-surviving olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane; and countless other examples of sacred sites that called to mind the reality of the Savior and of the bible in general. But perhaps the site where I was most moved was in the Garden Tomb where our tour group stopped for a testimony meeting. I recall feeling both a spiritual and physical surety of the Savior’s atonement and resurrection. I testified then (and still feel this way) that I was envious of the two travelers on the road to Emmaus who declared, “did not our hearts burn within us?” But concluded that my heart also burned within me, and I was glad to somehow share in that experience and add to the composite witness of the reality of the resurrection.

Serving as Elders Quorum President

I can’t point to any stand-out experience in my service within my current calling that has converted me to the gospel; I can only say that the process has somehow helped me to make the more conscious decision to be a disciple of Christ. I care less now about my image with the world, and more about my standing with God. There is certainly lots and lots of room for improvement but I think it’s worth noting how this calling has helped me to convert.

Reading the Book of Mormon

I have tried to regularly read the Book of Mormon for much of my life. Sometimes it’s more challenging than it is satisfying, but on many occasions I have been awed by the depth, the straightforwardness, and the general spirit that accompanies the sacred book. There are several chapters (e.g. Alma 34, Mosiah 15, 2 Nephi 2/9) that have had a profound impact on me and on my understanding of the gospel. By way of example, just earlier today I was reading some of the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi capped off by Nephi’s commentary in 2 Ne 25. Sometimes, like today, I’m fortunate enough to really connect with Isaiah’s writings and grasp some portion of the beauty of the prose, the glory and magnitude of the prophesies, and the aptness of the symbolism. To finish those chapters and then jump into the commentary and prophesies of an Israel-fled, law-of-Moses-abiding, ancient American prophet (Nephi) who engraved such things as can be found in that chapter is nothing short of a spiritual feast. Countless experiences like this have greatly contributed to my conversion, and firmness of testimony.

Examples of Others

The faithfulness, firmness of testimony, and selflessness of the many prophets and apostles that I have seen come and go over my years serves as a comforting reminder of the truthfulness of our cause. Additionally, I must mention the faithfulness and teachings of my parents, my grandparents (my grandpa in particular), and my parents-in-law, as additional sources of strength in my overall conversion.

My Personal Relationship with God

As I mentioned at the beginning, I do not consider myself to be a man of spiritual connectedness (“a visionary man” as Sariah would say of Lehi) given to various manifestations, whisperings, dreams, impressions, etc. Nevertheless, I have had a cherished handful of identifiable moments in which I know that God was speaking to me. Incidentally, most of these have come through one form or another of priesthood blessings.

Conclusion

While my conversion story is more a diversified account statement than a “story”, I think it highlights the many ways in which the creature can steadily put off the natural man and become reborn in Christ.

I testify of our eternal relationship with God the Father. I believe in Jesus Christ and his atonement and resurrection and his infinite love for all of mankind. I know that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration and that the Book of Mormon is a true account which validates the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the only true and living church on the face of the earth.

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)

Hi, My Name is David, and I'm a Mormon (2/2/14)

I spent the morning watching “I’m a Mormon” videos trying to brainstorm as to why I am a Mormon. That I have to watch videos about other Mormons to discover why I am a Mormon is, well, somewhat shameful, and I realized that I have not seriously contemplated my reasoning for being a Mormon in several years. I guess Alma was speaking to me when he said  “if ye have experienced a change of heart, . . . I would ask, can ye feel so now?” (Alma 5:26)

I made the decision to be Mormon on July 4, 2004 when I was 18 years old. I had recently graduated from high school and was trying to decide if being Mormon was worth it. I had made plans to attend college where I would conveniently stop going to church  and be able to forget the whole church thing. I was somewhat like Amulek who recalled that he “harden[ed] [his] heart, for [he] was called many times and ... would not hear; ... [he] knew concerning these things (meaning the truthfulness of the gospel), yet [he] would not know; [and] ... went on rebelling against God.” I knew the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-­day Saints taught truth and was God’s Church on Earth, but like Amulek I would not believe.  I was distracted  by the world; the commandments were restrictive, and I wanted to [be] free from it.

July 4th was a Sunday, and I was lying in bed thinking about my plans to leave the Church when I received inspiration from God. I remember specifically hearing a voice in my mind that said, “Do not leave, I need you in this Church.” It was a strange sensation at the time because my mind was talking to me in third person, but when I think about it now, I realize that the voice speaking to me was the Holy Ghost. I learned in those few seconds that God knew me, that He loved me, and that He had a plan for me. Learning these truths changed my decision to leave the church and consequently the trajectory of my life.

Since that summer day, I have had other experiences that explain my decision to be a Mormon. I have read the Book of Mormon in its entirety several times and know that it is from God because of the guidance and inspiration I have gained from its pages. I have felt the redemption of the Atonement of Jesus Christ as I have repented, and I have seen how the commandments protect us from difficult experiences, allow God to provide us with blessings, and bring lasting peace to our lives.

While I may have spent a little too much time this morning watching the “I’m a Mormon” videos, I enjoy watching them because they inspire me. The videos allow me to see how other Mormons navigate life and how the Church influences their lives for the better. I hope you know off the top of your head why you are a Mormon. But, if you [are] like me, and the question leaves you scratching your head, I hope you take the time to sit down, ponder, and write down why you are a Mormon.

My name is David. I am a law student, a father, a husband, and yes, I am a Mormon too.