In mid November, I was in Atlanta for the Deseret News to cover the Season 3 premiere of “The Chosen,” a popular Christian television series about the life of Jesus Christ that is not sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As we awaited the start of a cast-and-crew “teal” carpet media event, I became acquainted with another member of the media.
After brief introductions, our conversation played out something like this:
My friend: “So you are from Utah?”
Me: “Yes, that’s right.”
My friend: “Are you a Mormon?”
Me: “Yes.”
My friend: “My daughter just started dating a Mormon boy and I have some questions about your church.”
It was a conversation I felt prepared for, but we both knew it wasn’t the right time or place as the event was about to begin.
My mind also flashed back to our Garland Utah Stake Conference about six months earlier. Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, our visiting General Authority Seventy, who was accompanied by Elder Richard N. Holzapfel, an Area Seventy, related an experience he had while visiting Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Elder Sikahema had asked a young man and fellow tourist to take a photo of him and others. After the photo, they began visiting and Elder Sikahema learned the young man lived near the Atlanta Georgia Temple. They began to talk about the gospel and Elder Sikahema digitally shared the Book of Mormon app with the young man. He even shared a verse and asked the young man to share his impressions, which he did.
Elder Sikahema’s experience demonstrated the convenience of using technology to share the gospel and the Book of Mormon.
I asked my friend that I met in Georgia if he would be open to a visit from the full-time missionaries. He told me he is happy with his Catholic faith, but was genuinely interested in learning more about the Church and its teachings. He gave me his information and I sent a missionary referral, along with the Book of Mormon app. The warm feeling that washed over me told me this was one of the main reasons I came to Atlanta.
Latter-day Saints have been encouraged by many Church leaders to look for natural ways to share the gospel and the Book of Mormon.
“As we love, share and invite, we take part in that great and glorious work that prepares the earth for the return of its Messiah,” said Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in his April 2022 general conference talk, “Love, Share, Invite.”
President Russell M. Nelson said the Book of Mormon is central to the gathering of Israel.
“It declares the doctrine of the gathering. It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel and join His Church,” President Nelson said in his October 2006 general conference address, “The Gathering of Scattered Israel.” “In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur.”
“When you hand them a Book of Mormon, you are opening their minds and hearts to the word of God,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve in his October 2022 general conference talk, “This Day.” “Think of all those who could be blessed by the gospel in their lives, and then send them a copy of the Book of Mormon from your phone. Remember to include your testimony and how this book has blessed your life.”
What I learned in Atlanta is that we shouldn’t be afraid to stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things and in all places (Mosiah 18:9). I also learned that sharing the gospel and the Book of Mormon can be easier than you think. If we are willing, opportunities will come.
I don’t know what will happen with my friend, but I know the good feeling that comes with sharing the gospel and I’m looking forward to doing it again soon.
