"The hour of true conversion" was the topic of Elder Robert K. Dellenbach's Saturday afternoon address.
He related how, while traveling by ship to a mission in Germany some years ago, some thoughts dawned on him: "I'm really going on a mission. Do I truly have a testimony? Am I prepared to bear it at all times and in all places'?" (Mosiah 18:9.)Elder Dellenbach, who was sustained to the Seventy last April, said as a young missionary he thought he had a testimony, but the real trial of his faith was yet to come. "I was going to a foreign land where the only words I could speak in German wereVolkswagen' and `Aurwiedersehen,' he exclaimed, evoking laughter from the congregation.
He said he realized his testimony was not a spiritual fire of conviction, particularly of the Book of Mormon. As his voice broke with emotion, Elder Dellenbach recalled how he knelt on the cold steel floor of the rocking ship and begged the Lord to help him know the Book of Mormon is true.
"Somewhere out on the lonely Atlantic, during those turbulent days, a sweet peace and spirit came to me. . . . I received a witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that supernal event became my hour of conversion," said Elder Dellenbach.
He counseled those who question whether they have a testimony of the restored gospel to read, ponder and study the Book of Mormon. He then presented four steps one can take toward obtaining a more profound testimony:
Desire: He quoted the Lord's counsel to Oliver Cowdery: " . . . if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart. . . . Did I not speak to your mind concerning the matter?' (D&C 6:22-23.)
Works: "Righteous works yield a divine harvest."
Prayer: "As we sincerely pray . . . and rely upon His divine whisperings, that still small voice will come to us."
Trust: "We can trust the Lord," said Elder Dellenbach. "He is our truest friend."
Lifting a copy of the Book of Mormon, Elder Dellenbach appealed to the congregation: "Please take the Book of Mormon into your hands. As you read it, ask yourself, Could any man write this?' Then ask the Lord,Is this thy word?'
Then, offering a word of caution, Elder Dellenbach said, "Satan wants to stop you. He will try to distract, deceive and weaken your righteous desire, your trust in the Lord, your resolve. Do not be afraid. We have already overcome Satan at another time and place. . . . We had a valiant testimony in our preexistent state and we can awaken it again.
"The Book of Mormon is our testimonial Liahona," he declared. "The Book of Mormon is the path that will lead you to your hour of conversion."
