Conversion Stories Fireside

          This is Brad Smith, between the Elders who taught him the Gospel.  His grandchild had recently died and he was looking for answers.  He had lived in Utah, at Hill AFB, for two years and saw good examples of Church members.  He  served in Iraq and now is a Contractor serving in Iraq.  The timing was right for him.  He listened to the missionaries and found answers to his questions.  It has changed his life and brought him the peace he was looking for.

         This lady is Denise.  She is here with her 11 year old daughter.  She married a member many years ago which brought her in association with many other members.  But, she was raised Catholic and never wanted to change.  However, she let her two children attend the Church with their grandmother.  When both of them wanted to be baptized, she sat in on the lessons with the missionaries.  Was it her time?  She asked her husband if he would attend so they could do this as a family.  To her surprise, he said it was time for him also.   The entire family is baptized and attends church together as a complete family.  She said it was a miracle!

         This is John Edwards, "Little John" with the missionary who taught him.  He was going through some difficult trials and on his knees praying to the Lord for guidance.  Just then, the missionaries knocked on his door.  He was in tune enough to recognize the answer from the Lord.  He listened and humbly bore his testimony of how the Gospel Message changed his life and put him on a path of joy and happiness he can never forget.

         This is Marco with Sister Atwood.  When he took the missionary discussions, he was full of questions.  He was searching for TRUTHS.  Every question he asked, was answered exactly the way he needed.  He knew it was the truth he was looking for.  He was so excited, he took off work and went to the South to tell his family, Sister and Nephews about his new church.  They were a bit surprised and confused, but could see he was convinced.  While visiting there, two young missionaries drove by on their bikes, and guess what?  He invited them to teach his relatives.  He's already a missionary in action.

         This is Peter.  His life was not going well.  He attended another church and felt scared and fearful because of his past life, but was sincerely looking for a new way to live.  Then, he met the missionaries.  They made him feel accepted.  He listened, read the Book of Mormon, and was baptized.  At his baptism, as he came out of the water, he heard someone ask, "How do you feel now?"  He said, "I feel so good!"  No one was there.  He felt it was a miracle for him.

         This couple, Brother & Sister Merchon, are members of our Riverview Ward.  They are very active and dedicated.  Brother Merchon speaks Spanish and just a little English.  However, when Sister Atwood gave a talk in church, he experienced something special.  He heard every word she said in English and understood it.  What a blessing for him to experience this gift.

         This is President Jeff Clayton with his wife and Sister Atwood.  They were visiting the mission.  He is the second great grandson of William Clayton.  He was the Mission President of Independence Missouri ten years ago.  He is the man who originated the Firesides we currently have bi-monthly where these new converts share their testimonies with us.  He and his wife are now laboring in Africa, where he serves as an Attorney for the Church.  He bore a powerful testimony of the Missionary Work.  He said, with experiences too many to mention, that Joseph Smith leads this work from beyond the veil.  That the time is hastening and the work is being done.  President Keyes concluded with his powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and who He really is.
       
         I also know that Joseph Smith is the prophet who restored this Gospel and Church again upon the earth.  That he gave his life in obedience to God's commandments to bring the Priesthood and the ordinances.  That he was persecuted, slandered, ridiculed, and tried.  Yet, he knew it was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who appeared to him and guided him in this complete restoration.
        I also know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He gave His life setting up His Church in His day; proclaiming the truths and the ordinances for each of us to have Salvation and Exaltation.  He is now giving us all another chance to accept these truths, follow Him, be baptized, enter into the covenants and temple ordinances and endure to the end, so that we can return to Him.  The time is shortening.  Now is the time for each of us to choose to follow our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, so that when He comes, we will be like Him and ready to live with Him.