Book of Mormon Stories

Dear friends and family,

Another good week here in West Philly! I love the people here, the warming-up weather and the Book of Mormon! I've been able to gain a deeper understanding of how amazing the Book of Mormon really is, and that it's something I shouldn't take so much for granted.

Nice weather, and a park in the middle of the 'hood = a great place for a picnic lunch!

We taught Stephanie this week, and she is now officially on date to be baptized on April 17th, and I am so, so excited for her and the decision she has made and prayed about! We went over one night to teach a lesson, and felt that we should bring Brother Holland, a man in our Ward, with us. So he came and we got talking to Stephanie about her Book of Mormon reading. She came across a verse talking about a "cursing of a skin of blackness," being put upon the Lamanites, which was very concerning to her (she is the only white investigator that we are teaching). Brother Holland is African American and addressed her concerns perfectly. It was such a blessing that he was able to come with us because his testimony of the Book of Mormon being the word of God was so powerful! We were able to ease her mind and share other Book of Mormon scriptures that would help her understand. How do you best answer a question about the Book of Mormon? With a scripture from the Book of Mormon of course! 

"I love the colorful row houses!  Lots of doors to knock."

We were out finding, knocking on doors and felt that we needed to stay on a particular street. We all felt very confused about which door it was that we were supposed to knock on, but tried several anyway and nobody was answering. We decided we would try one more door, having the faith that someone would come... No answer. We turned around to start back to our car when we saw a young woman walking her dog. We approached her and almost before we could get out that we were missionaries she told us that she was currently reading the Book of Mormon, and had been interested in learning more about our religion with the temple being built. We invited her to church right then and there, and she came!! I know the Lord is constantly preparing people, and the Spirit will always be felt by those who read the Book of Mormon. We hope to meet with her soon to tell her more!

The mission is all about conversion for everyone, missionaries included! This week I finished reading the Book of Mormon again, which I started reading cover to cover a couple months ago. In the Philly 4th Ward, Bishop has also challenged everyone to finish reading the Book of Mormon through by April 1st, which has been great to talk about with the families in the ward. You really do learn something new every time you read it, and I was able to pick up on so many things I have never noticed before.

  
Something fun I did was take a Sharpie pen (FYI they don't bleed! Woohoo! And if you end up using them as much as I do, they are well worth the dollar haha!) and trace over any mention of the Godhead. I know by reading the Book of Mormon I have come to know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior better, recognize my Heavenly Father's love for me, and all that through the feelings and promptings I receive from the Holy Ghost as I read. I know the Book of Mormon is true and love it's perfect teachings!

I love this quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Those who have read [the Book of Mormon] prayerfully, be they rich or poor, learned or unlearned, have grown under its power. … Without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts … the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." 

Read from the Book of Mormon and the blessings will come! Hurrah for Israel & happy reading!!

Love,

Sister Larsen