By Billy Brim, age 9, Belgium
One day, my piano teacher saw me talking to the Latter-Day Saint missionaries. After my lesson was over, she offered me a drink of lemonade, and then she asked me how I knew the elders. I told her I was a Mormon.
She said that the elders had knocked on her door a while ago, but she hadn't let them in. She asked if we believed in Jesus. I told her we did and recited the first Article of Faith. I also told her about Joseph Smith in the sacred grove and about how he became the first prophet of the Church.
She was really interested and asked me a lot of questions. Since that day we have talked about the Church at almost every piano lesson. When I told her about the Word of Wisdom, she said she thought it was a good rule and that it would keep our bodies healthy.
It makes me feel good to tell my piano teacher about the gospel. She is very nice and I hope someday she will become a member of the Church.
By JoAnne Hilditch, age 10, Fountain Valley, California
When I was eight years old, we moved to Fountain Valley, California. Since we had some friends who were Mormons, Mom and Dad wanted to learn about the gospel. So when the missionaries knocked on our door, Mom asked them to come back that night when Dad was home. They did. The feeling was so good that evening that we asked the missionaries to return.
Later on, Mom, Dad, and I were baptized, and a few weeks later my little sisters were blessed. Then my older sister was baptized. A year later, my dad died of cancer. About a year after this death, our family was sealed together in the temple.
I am really thankful that we have the gospel in our home.
The Work of God
By Tina Perry, age 12, Salt Lake City, Utah
When my brother Jeff was called on a mission to Houston, Texas, we were all excited. It was hard to think that we wouldn't see him for two years, but we had a strong feeling that Jeff would be safe and do well on his mission. Time passed quickly and soon we went with him to President Pulton's office where he received a blessing. The Spirit was truly there.
We are very happy now even though our brother is away from us. I know that this is the true Church and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I hope boys and girls can plan and prepare for a mission. It truly is the work of God.
A Day to Remember
By Debra George
When I was four years old, we lived in Mebourne, Florida, near Cape Kennedy where my father worked. While living there, I often went across the street to visit a really nice family, the Cranstons, who had recently moved in. Usually I played with their youngest son, Thad, who was my age. Other times I would sit and talk with Mrs. Cranston while she ironed or folded clothes.
One day I asked Mrs. Cranston if she would like to hear a story. She said she would, so I told her the story of Joseph Smith. After I was through she looked sort of surprised, but said it was a nice story. Later that afternoon, Mrs. Cranston asked my mother about it, because she was amazed that a little girl could relate a story so vividly.
My mother told her a little more about the Church and invited her older son to join the Cub Scout den she was teaching in our home. He joined and completed all of his requirements. Their whole family even came to our monthly pack meetings.
Later we invited them all over for a special family home evening, and the missionaries showed the filmstrip "Meet the Mormons." The Cranstons asked questions about it and became even more interested, so the missionaries came back and taught the discussions. A couple of months later, my father baptized the whole family. I remember after they were baptized, Sister Cranston cried because she was so happy that they had all become members of the Church.
Some years later, our family attended fast meeting in Titusville, Florida, where the Cranstons had moved. Sister Cranston was the Relief Society President of their ward, and her husband was adviser to the priests. During the meeting, Sister Cranston bore her testimony and said how happy and grateful she was for that day years ago when a little neighbor girl told her about Joseph Smith and his vision.
Our Lives Changed
By Kent Richards, St. Clairsville, Ohio
After I had been living in Fairfield, Ohio, for about a year, the Nielson family moved into our neighborhood. It wasn't long until Brett Nielson and I became best friends. One day, he asked me to go to his church for a dinner. My parents said it was okay.
When we arrived at the Church, he showed me around the building. Later we saw a movie called "Meet the Mormons," and he asked if I would like to join the Mormon Church. I said I might, and when I got home, I told my mom that I wanted to be a Mormon when I grew up.
My mom thought she'd better see what her son was getting into. So she went to see Sister Nielson, and asked her if she had any books about the Mormons. Sister Nielson gave Mom some books and pamphlets to read.
Pretty soon, the missionaries gave us the discussions and we were baptized. Dad was baptized a year later and this year we were sealed together as a family for time and all eternity.
Even though we have since moved to St. Clairsville, Ohio, Brett and I are just like brothers. We plan to go to Brigham Young University together. I know that when you bring the gospel to someone, you grow closer to that person.
Good Neighbor
By Tina Bubar, age 13, Fort Fairfield, Maine
Soon I'll be celebrating the first anniversary of my baptism, thanks to the efforts of my neighbor Diane Novak who is ten.
Diane invited me to Primary at thee Caribou Branch of the Church at Houlton-Maine District of the Canada-Halifax Mission. Later, I met with the missionaries and was baptized by Diane's father in the swimming pool at Loring Air Force Base. Now I got to Mutual and take my nonmember brother and one of his friends with me.
How I Became a Mormon
By Sandy Tandy
I was born and reared in England. When I was ten years old, my friend Kathy asked me to go to Primary with her. I went out of curiosity and because I didn't have anything else to do. That first Primary was a great beginning for me. Every Thursday after that, I went to Primary.
As I began to understand the first principles of the gospel, my own church became less important to me. Soon it was time for me to start taking classes of confirmation in the Church of England, but the lessons seemed confusing. I was especially confused about babies being born in sin, for I couldn't see how my new baby sister could have already sinned.
I told my mother how I felt, and fortunately she understood and let me go to Sunday School with Kathy. Then the elders started visiting our home to give the missionary lessons. My mother could not accept the gospel, but she gave me permission to be baptized.
I was baptized one week after my thirteenth birthday. What a beautiful birthday present to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost! I will always be grateful to my wonderful friend Kathy and to the Primary where I first learned about the Church.
Wade's Miracle
By Karla Hayne, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Before Wade Holmstead passed away, I had the opportunity of being his Primary president. All his life he had serious health problems, but he also had an insight and understanding that few eleven-year-olds have.
When I interviewed Wade for Primary graduation, he was well prepared and anxious to become a deacon and a scout. Then we spoke of missionary work and his future plans. Some of his neighbors were inactive and the children did no attend Primary. I asked Wade if he would be a missionary and try to get these children to attend Primary. He agreed.
The next week, Primary was about to begin when Wade and these children entered the chapel. I was stunned! What a miracle. Later, I asked him, "How did you ever get the children to come to Primary?"
Wade looked at me with wonder and answered quietly, "It wasn't hard at all, Sister Haynie. I just reminded them. All they needed was to be reminded."
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