A Marvelous Work

I went to the Missionary Training Center the other night to volunteer as an "investigator" to help new missionaries practice giving lessons. I'll admit I probably went with a slightly bad attitude (I was volunteered to be in charge of the activity and not allowed to plan any of it, but required to show up), but I've repented. It was well worth the time and effort to show up.

The first set of missionaries was brand new and although they did a fine job for their first time, I'm afraid I was slightly antagonistic. I chatted with my partner for a few minutes after they left, and then the second companionship knocked on the door. We let them in and they suggested we start by having a prayer. After briefly explaining the Latter-day Saint view of prayer, they asked if we would allow one of them to offer a prayer; of course we agreed. The missionaries then moved to their knees. They suggested that if we felt comfortable doing so, we could join them, otherwise it was fine to remain sitting. I was touched by their humility and openess with the Lord.

We started the lesson and I was prone to ask "hard" questions. Shortly in, however, one of the missionaries bore testimony of the role of Jesus Christ as Savior and then asked me to read a scripture. He explained that it was from the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ recorded anciently by prophets in the Americas. As I read from Mosiah the testimony of King Benjamin that Christ truly would come to redeem his people and suffer pains and afflictions of every kind, I could not deny it. I had no further desire to "test" the missionaries; I just wanted to hear what they had to say. I wanted to feel more of that sacred spirit. The Book of Mormon is so wonderful! I can't even count the number of times I have read it, but I felt again its truthfulness and converting power. The minute I held that book in my hands and started to read, the Spirit flooded the room; I felt it, and I hope they felt it as well.

I asked how one could know what was right in today's world -- I knew the answer, but I wanted so much to hear it. The missionaries then moved to an explanation of prophets and authority. I've heard it a million times since before I even started primary, but the doctrine is so beautiful. Prophets on the earth today! I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting, knowing what was coming as they started to tell about a 14-year-old boy who asked God which church was right. Just as one elder started to quote Joseph Smith History, the bell rang, signifying time to switch rooms. I snapped my fingers and said (rather loudly), "darn, we were just getting to the best part!" And I really meant it. They quickly concluded, and got up to leave. They asked how they had done and what they could improve upon. I said they were wonderful.

What I really wanted to say though, was more. I wanted to ask if they were excited, because this stuff is amazing! It seems so incredible, how can anyone believe that a 14-year-old boy saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, that he received a sacred record inscribed on gold plates from an angel and then translated the words on the plates? But it's true! It's true! I hope every time those elders teach the lesson of Joseph Smith's First Vision, they get excited. I get excited just thinking about it. As Heb put it later, I walked out of that room wanting to jump up, punch the air with my fist, and shout, "Yes! This church is true! I want to get baptized!" This is wonderful stuff! What a blessing it is to know the doctrines and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope I never let it become routine for me, because anytime my heart is open, the Spirit will testify. And it feels so great!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth. Prophets are on the earth today, and they hold the keys and authority to administer in the name of Christ. The Book of Mormon is true, and its power lies in the convincing of all people that Jesus is the Christ. What a marvel!