One advantage of being in basic training is there were many varied options to explore religion. I went to several different services, Jewish, Catholic, and non-denominational Christian. I then was befriended by George, he was a unique guy and he began sharing with me some strange beliefs, but I was intrigued. I attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the first time at basic training.
The sacrament service was nothing really unusual to me. However, we then met with some young missionaries and they told me a story about a boy that actually saw God! I seemed to remember reading in the Bible that no man could see the face of God and live. (Exodus 33:20, John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:14-16, 1 John 4:12) George listened to my concerns and then showed me several scriptures where God spoke to man face to face even as on man speaketh to another. (Genesis 32:30, Exodus 33:11, Deuteronomy 5:4, Deuteronomy 34:10, Numbers 12:8, Ezekiel 20:35) This satisfied my concerns for the time.
After basic training we were both transferred to Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. George was there for six weeks; I was there for six months. I continued studying with the missionaries and was what they called a "Golden" convert. One thing that helped me very much was the belief that God the Father and Jesus Christ had resurrected bodies of flesh and bone. This helped me to visualize a loving Heavenly Father when I prayed. I was challenged to read The Book of Mormon and pray about it to learn for myself if it was true. I took on this challenge. I was one day reading in the 32nd chapter of the book of Alma and I could feel the scripture as it described the swelling motions. I could feel them within my own breast. This was the sweet confirmation of the Spirit that this book was truly the Word of God.
YOU ARE READING
My Israel
EspiritualI was moved to write this story in an effort to educate people about God, His laws and how it caused me to separate myself from a religion I practiced for nearly 40 years. I also hope to inspire others to gain an interest and perhaps, as I have obt...
