Many young people in the Church are looking to the Book of Mormon for examples of guidance and direction. Teenagers from the Morgan Hill California Stake were recently asked to share their testimonies of the Book of Mormon, including specific Book of Mormon stories that had touched their lives.
Some of the young people in the stake wrote about the 2,000 stripling warriors, Abinadi, or Nephi as examples of heroes they would like to emulate. Others could not choose a specific story, but wrote about the feelings they have when they read the Book of Mormon or share its unique message with others. Many, as was evident from their testimonies, value the experience of Christ's visit to the Nephites.
Following are excerpts from the Book of Mormon testimonies:
The Book of Mormon means a lot to me. I love the spirit I feel when I read. I feel closer to my Heavenly Father and my Savior when I read and ponder its contents. — Christian Smith, 17.
My favorite Book of Mormon story is Helaman and the 2,000 stripling warriors. These stripling warriors were taught well by their mothers, and were raised to be righteous young men with strong testimonies. When the need came for them to fight, they were left to the task because their fathers had promised never to fight again. Helaman was their leader, and he loved and prayed for them. He hated to take them into a battle. . . . When the battle ended, not one of the 2000 had died; because of their great faith, Heavenly Father had protected them.
I like this story because it reminds me of this generation of youth. We have been told that we are a choice generation and we have the responsibility of leading the Church when the world is against us. But we are not going unprepared. We have had leaders and teachers of the same caliber as Helaman. We are armed with seminary, Sunday school, priesthood and Young Women. We go forward with faith, taught by our parents, and one day it will be our responsibility to teach those standards to our children. — Kimberly Clark, 17.
Abinadi was such a great example of morals and standing up for what you believe in. As young teenagers we are pressured so much with things that are against the Word of Wisdom and by peer pressure. Whenever I read his story it always gives me so much joy that somebody is brave enough to try and preach true doctrine. — Robyn Tilley, 14.
My favorite Book of Mormon story is the one about when Nephi was commanded to get the brass plates. I like this story because it shows great obedience to the Lord no matter what the consequences. The Book of Mormon, to me, is a great testimony of Jesus Christ and His "other flock." — Brian Chipman, 15.
My favorite story in the Book of Mormon is when Jesus Christ visits the Nephites. I put myself in their place and think of how special I would have felt to have been there and know of the love Christ has for me. — Rachel Hart, 14.
The Book of Mormon is an ease and comfort. The Book of Mormon has given me peace and guidance. Without the Book of Mormon's guidance I know what my life would be like, and that scares me. I am so grateful every day for the knowledge I have of my Heavenly Father and His enduring love for me. — Vanessa Zinn, 18.
I play water polo at my high school and one day after practice one of my teammates said, "Hey, you're one of those Mormons, aren't you?" I told him that I was. He then asked me if I believe "all of that Book of Mormon stuff."
I told him that if he were to read the whole thing he would have the same feelings that I do. He never did [read the Book of Mormon] but I was happy to share my small testimony with someone. — Spencer Shattuck, 17.
I would just like everyone to know that I know that this Church is true and the Book of Mormon is the true word of God. And if we put our trust in our Heavenly Father we will be saved in the last day. It says in 2 Nephi 4:34: "O Lord, I have trusted in thee and I will trust thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm." I know that this is true and hope that we all are able to follow the scriptures and put our trust in God. — Jeremy Bell, 17.
My favorite character [in the Book of Mormon] is Moroni (the last Nephite). He is my favorite because even after all his trials (seeing all of his people die, even his father) he still kept his faith in the Lord. . . . The scripture that helps me the most is Moroni 7:16 because it tells me that if I keep being good and believe in Christ then, and only then, I can be even closer to God the Father. — Steven Warren, 16.
I love many Book of Mormon stories, though one of my favorites is the story of Enos. Enos was sorry for all of his sins. He went into the forest and prayed all day for forgiveness of his sins. Heavenly Father told him that his sins were forgiven. Then he started to pray for his people — the Nephites. Heavenly Father said if they followed his commandments they would be blessed. He then prayed for his enemies — the Lamanites. I think he must have been a great man to pray for his enemies. He prayed all day and all night. We think that a five-minute prayer is a long time; imagine how long an all-day prayer is. His faithfulness amazed me. I hope that we will all be able to be like Enos someday. — Tierney Bushman, 14.
One of my favorite stories in the Book of Mormon is the story of how Alma the Younger and the four sons of Mosiah were visited by the angel and converted to righteousness. This event was similar to how Saul in the New Testament was turned to righteousness and became Paul the Apostle. It is really amazing how such wicked people can be overcome by the power of God and turned to righteousness, and how these people end up preaching the gospel. — Scott K. Ferguson, 15.
My favorite Book of Mormon story is the story of Alma and Amulek preaching to the Zoramites. Almost everywhere they tried to preach and everyone they tried to share the gospel with rejected them, and yet they had enough faith in the Lord and their cause to keep going and never give up. I admire these men and all our valiant missionaries for their diligence and willingness to serve the Lord. — Heather Faulk, 15.
My favorite story in the Book of Mormon would have to be about Nephi. I remember watching [an animated movie] on the plates of brass. I always thought that he was courageous, and I wanted to be just like him. My brother and I would dress up as Nephi and Sam and search for the plates of brass. This story helped me to become not only courageous but also obedient. We need to try to keep Nephi 3:7 in our minds when we are asked or called to fulfill responsibilities. — Chris Porter, 15.
Illustration by John Clark
