I found this webpage by chance and I’ve read through a lot of the comments, so I decided to add one of my own. I am not mormon, but to tell you the truth I would like to become one. I got to know this religion thanks to a classmate of mine who is now like my brother. He has wanted me to come to church with him for a long time, but I always turned down his invitation because I thought the mormons were bad. One day I finally accepted his invitation and went to a youth activity. I also went on a ward campout and spent a weekend with the mormons. I soon began to understand many things, things that my current religion does not teach, things that I really liked to learn. I soon met a young man who had already sent in his papers to serve a mission. In the beginning I didn’t want anything to do with him because I knew that he would have to go, and that this would hurt me, but we ended up dating anyway. He’s been on his mission for six months already. I decided to wait for him and to pursue my interests in the church. I would really like to be baptized, but my mom won’t let me even go to church, nor will she let me participate in mutual. He left on his mission with the impression that when I came back I would be a strong member of the church, that I would have made the important covenants with our father. I would really like to, not just for him but because I think the church is true. I’m not even a member yet, but you have no idea how my life has already changed. Talking with bishops and returned missionaries, I’m getting a little bit worried, though. They say that my friend will grow a lot on his mission, and that he may not be interested in me when he returns. I’m willing to wait for him and to reason with my mom so that I can be baptized when I’m 18, but if he comes back mentally and spiritually more mature, maybe he won’t like me anymore. I would love to get some suggestions from people. Thanks.
2 Responses to “I found this webpage by chance and I’ve read through a lot o…”
Bruno Rios
2010-03-22 00:19:43
Hi Narumí. I'm very happy to hear that you are interested in the church! I've been a member of the church for many years, and every year my faith in Jesus Christ grows stronger. The church has brought me many blessings because it has helped me grow closer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You said that your life has already changed, even though you're not yet officially a member of the church, so you already know about the transforming power of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no greater blessing.
It's so challenging when a young man or woman is interested in the church but their parents do not approve of their participation. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the church circulating in the media and on the Internet. Your mom has probably received some of this misinformation and only wants to do what is best for you. Hopefully, as you help her see that the church is a wonderful force for good in your life, her heart will change. I suggest that you speak with her often about the church, and that you fast and pray that God will soften her heart.
It is true that your missionary friend will change a lot on his mission. He'll grow closer to Jesus Christ as he spends his time helping others to learn about the restored gospel. He'll grow more spiritually mature. Even if you can't be baptized until your 18th birthday, it's important that you grow spiritually as well. Read the Book of Mormon and the Bible every day. Pray regularly, asking God to strengthen you. Read good books about the church that are available on the Internet. For example, since you can't attend church every week, you could read the Sunday-school manuals online. Whenever possible, try to attend your church meetings so you can be strengthened by the other members of your congregation.
If you make a commitment to grow spiritually, perhaps you and your missionary friend will be well matched when he returns from his mission. Even if things don't work out with him in the end, though, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can still be a great blessing in your life. I strongly encourage you to nurture your interest in the wonderful gospel message. This could be the beginning of a wonderful spiritual journey for you. God bless you.
Richard
2010-03-22 17:01:40
Other persons have answered this as I would have.. I'd like to add write to your missionary and keep him updated on things at home and even how you feel (if you are feeling brave enough) Remember as well that there are many LDS missionary "fish" in the great and vast LDS sea. Keep working on yourself as suggested by others, and hope, pray, and most importanly live yoru life as virtuous as possible for your own sake. I also recomend reading the talk "But If Not" by Elder Dennis E. Simmons of the Seventy
Best of luck and keep praying and hoping for the best
Bruno Rios: Incidentally, that is one of my favorite talks of all time.
It's so challenging when a young man or woman is interested in the church but their parents do not approve of their participation. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the church circulating in the media and on the Internet. Your mom has probably received some of this misinformation and only wants to do what is best for you. Hopefully, as you help her see that the church is a wonderful force for good in your life, her heart will change. I suggest that you speak with her often about the church, and that you fast and pray that God will soften her heart.
It is true that your missionary friend will change a lot on his mission. He'll grow closer to Jesus Christ as he spends his time helping others to learn about the restored gospel. He'll grow more spiritually mature. Even if you can't be baptized until your 18th birthday, it's important that you grow spiritually as well. Read the Book of Mormon and the Bible every day. Pray regularly, asking God to strengthen you. Read good books about the church that are available on the Internet. For example, since you can't attend church every week, you could read the Sunday-school manuals online. Whenever possible, try to attend your church meetings so you can be strengthened by the other members of your congregation.
If you make a commitment to grow spiritually, perhaps you and your missionary friend will be well matched when he returns from his mission. Even if things don't work out with him in the end, though, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can still be a great blessing in your life. I strongly encourage you to nurture your interest in the wonderful gospel message. This could be the beginning of a wonderful spiritual journey for you. God bless you.
Best of luck and keep praying and hoping for the best
Bruno Rios: Incidentally, that is one of my favorite talks of all time.