My wife, Mei, and I are fresh, new members of the Church. We are still very limited in our knowledge of many things. In fact, we have just started to read the Book of Mormon.
During our reading of First Nephi, we noticed that the word “faith” appeared many times. According to Nephi, his father, Lehi, left Jerusalem and went into the wilderness. He took his wife and four sons, Laman, Lemuel, Sam and Nephi with him. It was a hard decision, since they left their land and all their property. Lehi did it because he had strong faith in the Lord. Laman and Lemuel murmured against their father, because they lacked faith in the Lord. On the contrary, the youngest brother Nephi was obedient and prayed in faith.
Because of faith, Nephi was guided by the Spirit, so that he was able to slay Laban at the Lord`s command and secure the Plates of Brass.
Because of faith, Nephi was freed miraculously after his brothers bound him with cords.
Because of faith, Nephi constructed a ship after the manner, which the Lord showed him.
Because of faith, Nephi`s prayer stopped the storm, so that he could lead his people across the water and arrive at the promised land.
I know that faith in the Lord is the key to everything and it certainly has brought positive changes to our family since the moment we decided to exercise faith. We were baptized on 23th December last year. Some of our friends asked us, “How can you make such decision so fast?” I am going to tell you the truth, it was because of faith. I remember a missionary told me that faith is like a seed. Our friends at Church helped us to plant that seed on the first day we came and that seed has been growing each day.
I still remember the first time we stepped into a meeting house of this Church. We were so impressed. The building was so humble and the people were so kind. During the sacrament meeting, we heard so many lovely songs and touching speeches. After the meeting, many brothers and sisters came to give us a warm greeting and to assist us in many ways. For example, they showed us where Primary was held for our children and then lead us to our class to make us feel at home. Their kindness and righteousness made us fall in love with this Church instantly! We started to build faith in the Lord from that moment because we believed that their kindness and righteousness came from Him. We wanted to be just like them. We wanted to be loved and be blessed by the Lord as well. Every member of our ward has set a good example for us and helped us to build faith.
I still remember how a missionary once sent me a message. He advised me to read the Book of Mormon every day. He said that even 5 minutes would help. Since that day, we have been reading that book, maybe not every day, but it is already working to strength our faith.
Because of faith, we quit drinking coffee and green tea, which were our favorite drinks for many years.
Because of faith, we are trying to control our temper at all times. Whenever our kids now act out, my wife and I help each other to be more patient, because we think this is what the Lord wants us to do. The Lord knows that we have the potential to be goodly parents, so He has given us two precious gifts—our sons.
Because of faith, our older son, Victor, now leads our evening prayer every day before bed. He loves doing it so much and even reminds us sometimes to pray if we have forgotten.
Because of faith, we keep coming to Church each Sunday. Every time after finishing our meetings, we can feel small improvements in our family.
My wife and I both come from non-religious families. Without the Book of Mormon, we would never know that God has such a beautiful plan for each one of us. If we repent, all of our sins can be washed away and we will be able to live with Him someday. Without the Book of Mormon, we would never conquer our fear of death. Without the Book of Mormon, we would never know that our family can be sealed together for eternity. We have never felt safer and happier. I can really see the light in front of us. It is the hope for us all.
We have come a long way and we have found our home. We know that we have made the right choice for our family. I am here to testify that the Book of Mormon is true.