The Book of Mormon

The course of study for the church this year is the Book of Mormon. All during the year families throughout the church will be reading from its pages. I would hope that each of my grandchildren would read in the Book of Mormon this year.

Those of you who are too young to read it yourself can have it read to them by their parents. This may seem like a strange request from your grandfather. You may not be able to understand or comprehend many of the things that are written therein, but it will set you on the path to give you the spiritual nourishment, which you will need later on in your life. In the document, which we printed and bound for you, I included the following, which I would like at the present time to make a part of my blog, so it is reproduced here for you to read.
My feelings about the Book of Mormon written 23 August 1994.

I can clearly remember reading the Book of Mormon as a family seated around the dinner table as I was growing up. It happened while I was in High School. I had the usual teenagers response to the whole thing. I did not want to read and really did not enjoy the process. I can remember wondering when we would ever get through Alma. I read, but I don't remember ever getting any special feeling, because I did not read with a sincere intent. 

When I went into the mission home, they asked all the missionaries about the Book of Mormon. They ask how many of the 200 plus missionaries there had read the Book of Mormon. I raised my hand with about one-half of the missionaries. Then they asked how many had read it twice and I raised my hand again with less than 30 of those present. They asked again how many of those missionaries had read the Book of Mormon three times and I was one of only a few who had read it three times. I would not have been able to do that if my parents had not read it as a family. This is not to say that I had understood or had gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon.

While on my mission I read in English for a while, then with Elder Peterson I read the Book of Mormon in German and translated into English. One of us would read 5 verses and translate while the other looked on in his English version. I read through the Book of Mormon at least once that I am sure of and probably more often. We have read the Book of Mormon as a family 5 verses at a time. I have not stopped to count the times. While I was Stake President I read the triple through while I lay in bed waiting for my wife to get herself ready for bed each night. I do not consider myself to be a student of the book, but certainly more than a casual reader.

I remember reading about Elder Joseph F. Merrill and his experience with the Book of Mormon. As I remember he said that he read it early in his life and prayed to receive a testimony of its truthfulness. He said that after twenty years of praying for a testimony he received one. 

My experience is not dissimilar. When I was in Flensburg with Elder Kleinman we were reading in First Nephi about Lehi's vision and then how Nephi subsequently was permitted to view the same vision. I reasoned that if Nephi could do it that I could too. I started praying that I too would be permitted to see the same vision. I prayed intermittently throughout the rest of my mission for that experience. I did so intermittently and sporadically, while I finished college and in medical school. I knew that the Lord would give me an answer, but I had received none. 

I do not remember when I had the experience in matter of time, but I think it was well into my term as Stake President when pondering about the situation I received the following answer, which satisfied me. I have not asked since. The impression came to me as if by a voice which said. " The vision is written plainly in the Book of Mormon for all to read and understand. I gave the vision to Nephi because he had to write it down and record it for posterity. You do not need to see it because it is written as it was given".

I have a testimony that the book is true. I have never doubted it and bear this witness to my posterity that the Book of Mormon is true. I can bear witness to its divine authenticity even though I was not there and have not witnessed its translation. If you read it you will gain an undeniable witness of its truthfulness, but more than that you will know that by living the principles that are expounded in the book you will enrich your life and come to know the source of the doctrine contained therein. You will come to have a personal experience with Jesus Christ so that you can be a true disciple.

I have had many experiences being guided by the spirit in my life. Some of them are written in my more detailed personal history. As I was contemplating what I might share with you, I just want you to know that I have had the spirit guide me as I have given blessings to people, telling me what to say. Often it would be like taking dictation. The words would come into my mind and I would have to speak rapidly to keep up with the things that the Lord wanted the people to hear. I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is His son and the Savior of mankind.

Love,

Grandpa