BYUH students share their perspectives on how reading the Book of Mormon changes lives
The Book of Mormon is an important scripture for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ezra Taft Benson, former president of the church, said the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to know more about Christ and to "draw closer to Him."
“The Book of Mormon is written for our day. God who sees all things abridged centuries of records that would be helpful to His children,” he added.
Braver to take on trials
The Book of Mormon answered all my questions about life, said Pim Hootini, a junior majoring in political science from Thailand. “I brought all my questions and worries to Heavenly Father in prayer and He would answer me through scripture verses in the Book of Mormon,” she added.
She recalled trials in her life such as her parent’s divorce. “My parents divorced when I was 10, and I was raised together with my sister by my mom all on her own. When I was in my teenage years, I had to go to school far away from home, and I had to figure out life by myself.”
The Book of Mormon is how God communicates with her, said Hootini. “Through all the trials life brings, I didn't feel alone,” she said.
Being a new member of the Church, Hootini saidt he story of Ammon and King Lamoni impacted her. “I doubted my ability to teach well on my mission due to my lack of scriptural knowledge. Ammon’s example showed me the Spirit of God teaches, and I just needed to be a worthy instrument.”
Gospel culture
Ralph Martinez, a junior majoring in finance from the Philippines, said his mom was a member of the church, but she became less-active when he was younger. “When she got married to my dad and had me, I vividly remember my mom telling me that I should join the church when I get older,” he added. Martinez said he did not understand why his mom encouraged him to join the church until he entered high school.
Martinez recalled an important person he met in high school who eventually led him to the church. He said he had a classmate who was the only member of the church in his class. “I eventually had a conversation with her and she helped me get acquainted with the missionaries and the church.”
He said during the missionary lessons, he immediately believed in the Book of Mormon. “I knelt down one night asking God if the book was true and sure enough, I could recognize the Spirit and knew that it was all true.” Martinez said.
BYU–Hawaii is a culture filled-university, said Martinez. “Reading the Book of Mormon daily has helped me remember despite all the differences in our cultures, we are part of one culture, and that is, ‘Gospel Culture’ or the ‘Culture of Christ’,” he added.
Worth more than diamonds
Which of diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon is of great worth to members of the church? asked President Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church. During the October General Conference in 2017, President Nelson gave a message to encourage members to prioritize reading the Book of Mormon daily. He quoted former president of the church, Thomas S. Monson, saying, “Each of us must study and ponder the Book of Mormon everyday.”
A picture of a young missionary running to give a copy of the Book of Mormon was shown on the screen during President Nelson’s talk. He encouraged everyone to be like the missionary and act in urgency. “The Book of Mormon is unequivocally the word of God. We must feel it so deeply that we would never want to live even one day without it,” he added.
Sister Ronda Wadman, a senior missionary, said reading the Book of Mormon daily brought her closer to Jesus Christ. She compared herself to Nephi’s brother, Sam. “I have been blessed with a believing heart and because of that, I know the Savior heals, comforts and strengthens us through the gospel.”
The Book of Mormon is a guiding compass and always makes the day better, said Wadman. She reminded everyone to continue reading the Book of Mormon daily. “You don’t have to read it in one go. But it is easier to finish if you just take the time to start.”