Conversion

 

    My wife Marilee and I sat at Arby's in Sedona, Arizona, enjoying a meal of beef and cheddar with curly fries. It was a good day, as we had just finished a hike and needed to replenish the calories we had burned. We had been married for a little over a year and avoided discussing religion, as it was a painful topic for both of us. I was Catholic and she was LDS. I had plans to have our children baptized Catholic to protect them from eternal damnation, but Marilee was not ready to start a family yet due to her depression. Despite this, I had hope that she would overcome her sadness eventually. During our meal, I had a thought to ask her if she would ever consider joining my church. To my delight, she responded with a definite "Yes, if I know it's true." This filled me with happiness, as I believed I could show her the truth and that we would be able to start a family soon. However, her response was followed by a "But," and I knew this would not lead to anything good. I listened as she explained that if she had to learn about my church, it was only fair for me to learn about hers as well. Although I didn't want to learn about Mormons, something inside me told me it was the only way. Reluctantly, I agreed, but insisted that we study Catholicism first.

    The next day, I hurried to the nearest Catholic Church and gathered several books on theology and the Catholic perspective. I was eager and determined to save my wife and possibly her family, seeing it as an opportunity to bring people in Utah back to the right path. That night, as we prepared for bed, we decided to read a few pages before sleep every night. The first book we chose was one published and verified by the Vatican, intended to help teach others about the church. However, as we read, we came across ideas that contradicted my beliefs. Each time I tried to provide an answer to Marilee, the book stated otherwise. Frustrated, she suggested that I find the answer for myself while also investigating her church. I didn't want to go down that path, but once again, I heard the words "This is the only way." Reluctantly, I agreed to investigate her church while finding answers within mine.

    Marilee had not been active in the LDS Church since our marriage, as it was painful for her to face the reality of not being able to have a temple marriage. So, you can imagine her surprise when two stake missionaries showed up at our door, claiming they felt she needed help. She informed them that I was at work and would be home by 4. When I arrived home, Marilee told me about the missionaries and that they would be returning to meet me at 4. I felt uneasy about their presence, as if someone was forcing me, but once again, I heard the words "This is the only way." So, I invited them in. As they entered, I felt an overwhelming sensation, something I had never experienced before. It scared me, as I believed the power they possessed could only come from the devil. Just as I was about to ask them to leave, I heard it again, "This is the only way."

    We talked for a few minutes before they asked if I would watch a video called "Together Forever." Although I didn't feel any spiritual connection to it, I accepted out of politeness. Before they left, they asked if they could say a prayer. I had no objections, as I never minded others praying. As they prayed, I observed their unique arm folding and closed eyes, suspicious of their actions. Even my wife seemed different to me in that moment. After they left, I found myself in an argument with Marilee, who was upset by my discomfort.

Following day, the missionaries showed up and asked if I liked the video. I have to say, nothing on this video touched me. I admit, it was pretty to look at, but I definitely haven’t felt any spirit. They asked me if I wouldn’t mind talking to the field missionary. So we set the days for Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    The first Tuesday came and two young men about 19-20 years old showed up, right on time. We talked for a while before discussing religion. I saw a lot of similarities in our faiths, which made it easier for all of us to have a decent conversation. After a while they asked if I would take the Book of Mormon and read 3 Nephi chapter 11, before the next meeting on Thursday. I agreed but wasn’t going to read it. I heard plenty of stories about that book. I knew that whole bunch of old men got together and wrote rules to work for them and to control people of that sect.

    

    Thursday came and of course they asked if I did my homework. I had to say the truth, because I didn’t. Once we were done with second discussion the missionaries said the prayer and left. My sweet wife said to me, “I am so embarrassed, because you represent me and I do you. They asked you to read that chapter and you didn’t do it. I know you don’t care, but they did all this preparation for you, and you said that you will try to learn about my church. So far it looks like you just want to be done with this so you can pursue on converting me.” It was true; I didn't truly want to be on this journey. I had dreamed of teaching Marilee about my church, not the other way around. Yet, once again, I heard the words "This is the only way." So, I agreed to read the assigned chapter before going to sleep that night.

    As I opened the Book of Mormon and began to read, I found myself captivated by the words on the page. It wasn't what I had expected. Curiosity consumed me, and I wanted to know more. I wanted to understand why Jesus appeared to those people in the book. I told Marilee that I wanted to read it from the beginning to fully comprehend the events. She noticed a spark in me and left me to my reading without saying a word. That night, I couldn't sleep. I prayed for three days, each day with a different prayer based on my changing thoughts. I prayed for wisdom, knowledge, and strength to show Marilee the truth. As I prayed, I continued reading the book, seeing similarities between my prayers and those of Joseph Smith. It began to scare me, but I couldn't put the book down. I prayed while driving, showering, and working. The book intrigued me, and I wanted to know more. On the third day, as I read 1 Nephi chapter 13 at work, something incredible happened. I felt a surge of understanding and a connection to the information in the book. It was like a vision, but not quite. All my questions were answered, and everything made sense. Overwhelmed, I closed the book and cried, feeling the power of the Holy Spirit. I thanked the Lord for the testimony I had received and immediately shared the news with my wife. We both cried and hugged each other, knowing something significant had occurred.

    During my third discussion with the missionaries, I interrupted their conversation to share what had happened to me. They were filled with excitement, and three weeks later, I was baptized. Two months later, I received the Melchizedek priesthood, and a year after that, we were sealed in the Jordan River Temple. Now, we live in Cache Valley with our five beautiful children. Our oldest son is currently serving a mission in Canada, and our second son will begin his mission in a year.