My Conversion Story 
by: Bev Qualheim 

I often have people ask me: "What made you decide to join the LDS Church?" Be assured that this was not an idle decision. That I spent many years reading, studying the beliefs of many churches; seeking truth, and most importantly testing the teachings I learned, and then praying about them, is an understatement. This is my story: 

I first found out about the Church because of the Osmond Brothers (Donny in particular). I was living in England at the time and thought they belonged to some 'American Church'. When we moved to the United States, I began taking the Missionary Discussions with some friends (in Hudson WI) I'd made in High School who were also Osmond fans. I was given a Book of Mormon to read. I have to say that I was not kind to any of the sets of missionaries I went through! I have to thoroughly search things out for myself and I did just that. I argued to them (not with them, since they didn't argue), threw scriptures in their faces that I thought contradicted them, constantly asked strange questions, and had a lot of doubts. I will never forget one missionary (Elder Sanders) told me that someday I would become one of the strongest members of the LDS Church... I ignored him too! 

At one point I even threw my Book of Mormon up into the attic, at the recommendation of friends of another faith, (actually, they told me to throw it out!) and in defiance I refused to read it. I kept going to the lessons though. I was starting to understand a few things and they sounded nice but I wasn't convinced. One day when I was home from school, sick with the flu, was laying in bed and I felt a peaceful, calm voice tell me to go and get my Book of Mormon and read it. I ignored the voice. It happened again, and again. The words came into my head as if a person were really whispering them to me. I decided I had nothing to lose so I went upstairs to get it and began to read. 

At first I just read bits and pieces and then I remembered that Moroni 10:4-5 held a promise for me...for everyone! I read it over and over and decided to do what it said, to ask the Father if these things were not true! I knew if I got an answer that the Book of Mormon were true, then all the other things I had heard were true also. I knelt down and quietly asked Father in Heaven if the Book of Mormon were true. I felt the most incredible flood of warmth from head to toe and I knew it was true! I have never forgotten that witness and never will. My parents were very upset and made me promise that I would not join until I was 21 and by then I would be an adult. I cannot tell you what agony and pain that brought to me. I knew what truth was, I knew the Holy spirit had touched my heart and my soul and I was so hurt that I would have to wait. I did not understand the Lords purposes for this wait at the time. I do now. 

 I was true to my promise and I was Baptized May 30, 1980 by Elder Carl Landeen. I know with all my heart that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he restored the Lord Jesus Christ's Church in its fulness and glory. 

I am so grateful to all who helped me seek and find truth, especially Donny Osmond, Elder Sanders and all the other patient Missionaries, my friend Martha Lewis and the Larry Groth family. I have been so very blessed with peace in my heart and joy in my life. That is why I want to share this gift with all of you. 

I'd like to add that I have a strong Testimony that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth today. I know that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior, and that He is the only way back to our Heavenly  Father. I know that if we follow the things Jesus has taught us to do, we will be happy. He has given us light and truth. John 14:6 states: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." I think this says it all! 

I know that the Bible is the word of God and that The Book of Mormon is also God's word. These 2 books are sacred and bear strong testimony and evidence that Jesus is the Christ. These scriptures have been given to us so we can learn and grow and become more like God and His son. 

I want to express my thanks to our Heavenly Father, for letting us all know that there has been more than one literary witness written testifying that Jesus *IS* the Christ, that He lives, and loves us. The Book of Mormon is a 2nd witness, I know that to be true. I have asked God in the name of His son, Jesus Christ. I am sure there are many more written records that have not yet been brought forth.

I have never quite understood why it was ok for mankind to 'limit' God. Why it was ok to say there is ONLY one holy book about God and Jesus. 'Other Sheep' have been taught, and have received His Gospel, and obeyed Him and kept sacred records as He commanded, and I don't believe we have the right to limit the power or influence of God. 

I am extremely grateful. beyond mere words, that the Gospel Christ originally taught, has been restored for ALL of us, not just for a select few. It is there for all who wish to ask God what things are true. The Holy Spirit was sent to the original Apostles to testifiy of truth, and He will bear witness to you of truth, by the Peace he sends, the goodness, and the feeling of warmth and love. 

Someday we will all bow and all confess that Jesus is the Christ, all mankind will do this, and I want to know all about Him, our glorious Savior, that I can possibly learn in this time I have on earth.

I want to add to this testimony, that I could never deny this witness of light and truth. I have been through so many adversities in this life, I have faced great opposition to my being a member, from family, even from my husband whom I married before I became LDS. Well intentioned friends, neighbors, relatives have all tried to discredit what I have fought for, what I know to be true.The witness of the Holy Ghost is forever emblazened upon my spirit and I would never be able to deny this. Living the Gospel brings such joy into my life that I know through first-hand experience, cannot be achieved by any other means. 



Who Jesus Christ is to me


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