I converted to the Mormon Church when I was seventeen-years old. For those who know me this may sound a little strange, as I’ve been a member for most of my life.
Both my parents are members of the Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is its proper name. I was brought up in this church, and upon turning eight (the age of accountability) I was baptized a member. This was done willingly. It was my choice.
I had a testimony of the Mormon Church even at that age, but it relied heavily upon that of my parents, teachers, and leaders. As I grew and switched from the Primary (program for children 3-11) to the youth program, I began to develop my own testimony.
It was not until I turned seventeen that I finally, truly, developed a testimony of my very own.
Upon reaching this age I was privileged to participate in helping organize a youth conference: an event including youth 14-17 from several different congregations. This conference was to help these youth develop a better testimony, and to help them know how precious they were to their Heavenly Father (the Father of our spirits).
We hiked by moonlight into a large glade hidden within the mountains of Utah. Once we had all made our way in and had gathered together, the leader of our group led us in prayer. The one thing I remember about that prayer even after fifteen years is when he said the glade would be blessed that no evil spirits would be able to enter in. I needed that prayer as I had dealt with many heavy things on a spiritual level throughout my entire junior year. For the first time in over six months, I felt at peace.
It took some time to set up our campsites, but in no time at all we were all safely tucked in for the night. Over two days the youth participated in various activities geared towards pushing us outside of our comfort zones – something so very difficult for me to do. I’ve always been more of an introvert and placing myself in possibly embarrassing situations went against my every instinct.
The most extraordinary part of the entire conference was on the day before we were to leave. Each group found their own private space to talk for a few minutes. We were handed our own manila envelope and told to find a special, secluded spot where we couldn’t see or hear anyone else.
I found a particularly beautiful spot, and sat on a gnarled old birch tree that had fallen to the earth. I took a few minutes to simply breathe in and out, enjoying the peace of my surroundings. After a time I opened my envelope.
Inside were two more white envelopes, each holding beautiful letters from each of my parents (I still have those letters today). We had also been given a few pieces of paper. On one we were to list questions we’d like to ask our Heavenly Father if ever given the chance. At the bottom of this paper we were given a scripture from the New Testament:
James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
This There were so many out there, each proclaiming to be the only true church, and each preaching entirely different things. It was in this sacred grove that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had its beginning as the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
I took my paper of questions, knelt on the rough, leaf and twig-strewn ground, and began to pray.
I said many things, most of which I don’t remember, but I received the most incredible witness at that time. It turns out I had honestly known for years that this Church was the Lord’s true church. All I had to do was confirm my knowledge.
“I know,” I whispered, “I know that this church is true.” As those words left my lips the most extraordinary feeling of warmth and light poured over my body. I felt separate from this earth, as though I were floating. It was glorious, beyond this world. I knew I was having the most exceptional spiritual experience of my life thus far.
It took several minutes for me to remember where I was. Tears streamed down my face – I don’t even remember crying. My mortal knees began to protest and so I climbed back onto my fallen tree. It was even longer before I came out of my secluded spot, now my sacred grove, to rejoin the others.
It’s been many years since that day, but I have not forgotten the experience. This memory has only grown sweeter as time has passed. Still, to this day, I proclaim to all who will listen that I cannot deny that which the Holy Spirit witnessed to me: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly the Lord’s church, reorganized at this time. I count myself blessed to be a member.
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