The journey into my belief of the Savior Jesus Christ

Growing up I was raised in the methodist religion, and I felt like religion was forced on me. I was told what to believe, what to read, what to sing.  I soon became an atheist. I grew up with many friends, that were members of the Mormon church. They never tried to push religion on me, just would ask if I would like to join them for church service or attend church activities.  In Dec 1999, I attended my grandfather's funeral. When I went to the viewing and saw his body, I felt this strange feeling come over me. I left and went for a walk. It just happened to be a clear night out and I could see all the stars. I starred up into the night sky and started to wonder, what happens when you die. Is there an after life. In Jan 2000, three yrs after meeting Camille, I received a phone call, at Camille's house, from the mission president in her parents stake. He said that a missionary, by the name of Tyson, who was a friend of Camille's, thought that he should give me a call and see if I wanted to take the discussions. Tyson was in Arizona at the time on his mission. I did not even hesitate, I said sure I would. In Feb. I took the discussions.  The sister missionaries had no idea what they had gotten them selves into.  Oh the questions that I had.  They were able to answer most on the spot, but there were a few they had to go find the answers too.   All of my questions were answered and I knew that what the missionaries had told me, to be true in my heart. In April I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As I walked down the hallway of the church to the sanctuary, I felt this overwhelming peace come over me.  One of the most greatest feelings in my life.  


The church referes to a "Straight and Narrow Path" to God, well I feel like growing up that path forked when I was young and I was not on that right path anymore and that I was separated from that path by a river. Well after meeting Camille, I feel as though a bridge was laid across the river from the path that I was on to that "Straight and Narrow Path." She helped me get across that river and onto the path that rocks. :)

In 2009 my wife and I went to the Temple to be sealed together for time and all eternity.  We were also sealed to our children.  At the time it was Genika, Shay, and Kayla.  That I believe to be the greatest experience in my life.  

I bear my testimony to you, that I have never felt better in my life, about myself, and those around me, then after joining the church. I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is the our savior and redeemer. That GOD has made it possible for us to return to him, our father in heaven, by giving his only begotten son. I believe with every bone in my body that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of GOD and that Thomas S. Monsen is the true prophet today.