Conversion at an Emu Ranch
I was born into a family who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Growing up, I had great examples to follow in the church, and I felt at home as I attended church meetings each Sunday. It wasn't until I turned sixteen years old that I began to doubt my faith.
One Summer morning I set out to work at an emu ranch in Blum, TX. Little did I know what impact the story of Joseph Smith's first vision would have on me that day. I reflected on his experience, one as a 14-year old in search of a church to join (see the video). I knew, I too, would have to take the necessary step to pray and ask God for truth.
As I began my duties so began the prayers. I say prayers because the first prayer did not yield the answer I was looking for. In fact, the whole of that morning was filled with prayer after prayer with unyielding results. Looking back, the Lord was testing my sincerity.
After lunch I resumed work, weed-eating along the fences, which separated the emus. I could remember the church members proclaiming their testimonies before the congregation. How they "know" the restored church is true, and "know" that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and, among other things, "know" the Book of Mormon to be the word of God along with the Bible. I was determined to know whether the church and its teachings were true, so I continued praying.
Nothing happened. And, in desparation, I said to myself - I will pray this last time and if I do not receive an answer I will never know. Again, I prayed with no result.
Looking down along the fence line where I was weed-eating I only felt the emptiness of not knowing. Faintly, I felt a prompting to look up from the ground towards the horizon. I peered up and in an instant felt what I can only describe as or compare to a waterfall. It was more spiritual.
I felt that the opportunity was given to me to bring up any doubt before the Lord. As my mind would present a doubt, that doubt would wash away with a sure knowledge of its truth. So, as I questioned Joseph Smith and his first vision I felt those doubts replaced with an affirmation of these truths. In my minds eye I could see Joseph kneeling in the grove of trees surrounded by the light of God, our Heavenly Father, and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, standing in the air before him.
So, too, doubts were overcome with the reality of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as God's Kingdom, restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. I sensed the glory of Christ's church, again upon the earth, as was previously organized by Him with the foundation of apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20).
The truth of the Book of Mormon was solidified as another testament of Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 37:15-20). I felt a connection to the Book of Mormon prophets who sacrificed their lives to engrave their witness of Christ upon metal plates.
Returning home that work day I exclaimed to my mother the joy I then felt. I cannot retell this experience without feeling a sense of rediscovery of a sure testimony borne that day. Any doubt had up to this day has melted in the memory of this turning point in my life.
I join with the echoes of witnesses throughout time, in saying that I know these things are true. I know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of Mankind. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. That he restored the church of Jesus Christ in these latter days, following a period of apostasy. That the Book of Mormon is with the Bible the word of God. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
One Summer morning I set out to work at an emu ranch in Blum, TX. Little did I know what impact the story of Joseph Smith's first vision would have on me that day. I reflected on his experience, one as a 14-year old in search of a church to join (see the video). I knew, I too, would have to take the necessary step to pray and ask God for truth.
As I began my duties so began the prayers. I say prayers because the first prayer did not yield the answer I was looking for. In fact, the whole of that morning was filled with prayer after prayer with unyielding results. Looking back, the Lord was testing my sincerity.
After lunch I resumed work, weed-eating along the fences, which separated the emus. I could remember the church members proclaiming their testimonies before the congregation. How they "know" the restored church is true, and "know" that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and, among other things, "know" the Book of Mormon to be the word of God along with the Bible. I was determined to know whether the church and its teachings were true, so I continued praying.
Nothing happened. And, in desparation, I said to myself - I will pray this last time and if I do not receive an answer I will never know. Again, I prayed with no result.
Looking down along the fence line where I was weed-eating I only felt the emptiness of not knowing. Faintly, I felt a prompting to look up from the ground towards the horizon. I peered up and in an instant felt what I can only describe as or compare to a waterfall. It was more spiritual.
I felt that the opportunity was given to me to bring up any doubt before the Lord. As my mind would present a doubt, that doubt would wash away with a sure knowledge of its truth. So, as I questioned Joseph Smith and his first vision I felt those doubts replaced with an affirmation of these truths. In my minds eye I could see Joseph kneeling in the grove of trees surrounded by the light of God, our Heavenly Father, and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, standing in the air before him.
So, too, doubts were overcome with the reality of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as God's Kingdom, restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. I sensed the glory of Christ's church, again upon the earth, as was previously organized by Him with the foundation of apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20).
The truth of the Book of Mormon was solidified as another testament of Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 37:15-20). I felt a connection to the Book of Mormon prophets who sacrificed their lives to engrave their witness of Christ upon metal plates.
Returning home that work day I exclaimed to my mother the joy I then felt. I cannot retell this experience without feeling a sense of rediscovery of a sure testimony borne that day. Any doubt had up to this day has melted in the memory of this turning point in my life.
I join with the echoes of witnesses throughout time, in saying that I know these things are true. I know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of Mankind. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. That he restored the church of Jesus Christ in these latter days, following a period of apostasy. That the Book of Mormon is with the Bible the word of God. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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