Warren

I first learned for myself that the church was true when I was about 12 years old. I had decided that it was time to start reading my scriptures, and especially the Book of Mormon on my own like we'd been commanded to. As I did I found myself immersed in them, and what started as one chapter a night eventually became up to five chapters a night. I was immersed, but I didn't know if I should ask to know if the Book of Mormon was true because my Dad said he'd always known it was true and had never needed to ask. I just wasn't sure which one I should follow. I eventually decided after a five chapter night that I needed to pray to know for myself beyond all doubt that The Book of Mormon was true. As I got down on my knees I felt a huge wave of peace wash over me and a voice to my mind that said, "It's true, you've always known it's true." I realized that I had both followed my Dad, as well as learned for myself of its truthfulness. I cried tears of joy that night and it is that testimony that has shaped my life from that point on.

Carolyn

I have always known that God lives and that the church is true. Grandpa Wally was a great example of being a member missionary and was always preaching the gospel to his aquaintances. Living and growing up in Taos also gave me opportunities to tell and show my friends what I believed. Grandma Nora, in her quiet and loving ways was also a good Christlike example to her family members who struggled with their faith. I was very shy growing up and did not get the courage to bear my testimony until I attended Stake Youth Conferences and did so there. Doing that strengthened my testimony, as did reading the Book of Mormon all the way through for the first time when I was a BYU freshman.

Chris

I remember I was around 16 years old & I wanted to know if the church was true. I found a quiet place & prayed to asked Heavenly Father if the church was true. I waited for an answer & the Spirit distinctly told me that I already knew it was true. It explained that it had become just so natural to me that I had not recognized it.I then tried to picture my life without the gospel & realized it was true & I had known it all along just as the spirit has whispered.

Dave

 

I was 13 years old and had spent the summer up in Portland, Oregon with my Aunt and Uncle and cousins. Their ward was going on a youth temple trip to the Oakland temple. I was invited to go and helped with the fundraising projects to help pay for the trip. The night before doing baptisms we had a testimony meeting outside the temple. It was a beautiful setting with the temple and fountains all lit up and the San Francisco bay down below. I remember listening to the other kids bearing their testimonies and having such a warm, burning feeling in my chest. In fact, I found myself just sitting there sobbing. I was rather embarrassed with it all, but the kind bishop came over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. He told me that I was feeling "the spirit" and that it's okay to cry when you feel that great feeling. I've remembered that experience all my life and have always appreciated an attentive and caring bishop taking the time to explain to me how the spirit testifies to your heart and soul. I'm grateful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost in my life and understand that a lovi
ng Heavenly Father speaks to us in this special way. This is how my testimony began and how it has grown throughout the years.

Shannon

  This is Shannon's conversion story according to her: When I was 17 I was dating a young man named Tom Smith. He was a member of the church and I was my father's daughter- very "free". We never talked about church, but one day Tom told me he had to stop dating me because he was going on a mission and his Bishop told him to. Well this made me mad so I called up this person and told him who I was (Bishop Sumners said I called him a priest) and asked would he like to go out for lunch. (that is what polite people do). He stammered and studderd on the phone and said No. (My thoughts were "what kind of idiot turns down a free lunch") Then he asked if I would like to meet with him at his church on a certain evening. I said OK. I rode my bike to the redlands church- about 15-20 miles.  I heard that you were supposed to dress up for these people, so I brought a change of clothes (a dress, of which I owned like 2). When I was walking around trying to find the Bishops office, saw a troop of actors from BYU (?) practicing for a play to be presented later that night. The play was "My Turn on Earth". I liked what I saw. I met with Bishop Sumners and told him what I thought about his ideas of not dating Tom. We talked a while and he gave me a Marvelous work and a Wonder and invited me to church. I was also told I could come see the play if I wanted to. I rode my bike home (which Bishop was impressed I did in the first place).   I called my Aunt Beth and asked if I could take her daughters to a play that evening. She said yes. So I went to "MY Turn on Earth". It made sense. I guess I was touched by the spirit. That next Sunday I started going to church. I was taught by the sister missionaries (no boy ones :( ) I loved the sisters. One young and one old (Sister Bird). I would take them places in dad's jeep. I loved that jeep. I had my lessons in a members house. I was adopted by the Huffakers, and generally loved by many. I often rode my bike to church. I was a golden contact.   I chose to be baptized on my 18th Birthday. My dad thought I was joining a cult and made me go see a psychologist and I was determined that I was not crazy and I made him go see the shrink. Grandpa tried to get me to not join. He asked me to wait 1 year and then do it (because it would pass by then), but I wouldn't. My life was not perfect. I still had challenges, but I vowed to myself that I would never not go to church on Sunday's, no matter how challenging my life was- or what problems I might have. This has served me well over the years. The Lord always sends us challenges and then helps us overcome them. I have always known that this church is true! I know this with all my heart. I love my children. I know that you (Savannah) are serving the Lord and he will bless you for this.

ps- Tom and I moved our separate ways. He couldn't keep his commitments to the Lord or me. I was lucky enough to meet Kevin at a tri stake Halloween dance. He was perfect. He loved me. I think we all know the rest of the story!