Even though I have been a faithful member of the Church since 1965, one single event in 1986 solidified my testimony of the restored gospel more than anything else.
In October of that year I went to my chapel in Cornwall, England, to watch the broadcast of general conference. After hearing President Ezra Taft Benson's landmark address "The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion," I knew I could improve in my efforts to read the Book of Mormon.
That night I went home, got down on my knees, and covenanted with the Lord that I would not treat the Book of Mormon lightly ever again. Now, 25 years later, I can report that I have not missed reading the Book of Mormon a single day.
The blessings I have received from this decision have been innumerable. There is a special spirit in the Book of Mormon that you can't find anywhere else, not even in other books of scripture. I have felt the Holy Ghost near, helping me experience a sense of comfort in all of life's challenges, especially when my wife of nearly 50 years passed away in February 2007.
Alistair Joseph Welsh, Scotland
1.Introduction to the Book of Mormon.
2.See title page of the Book of Mormon.
3.Marion G. Romney, "The Book of Mormon," Ensign, May 1980, 67.
4.Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God," Ensign, May 1975, 65.