How I Know

Although I was baptized at age nine, my family wasn't active in the Church. But when I was 13, the missionaries invited me to attend church, and I did so. I also attended seminary. The course of study was the Doctrine and Covenants, which seemed confusing to me. I especially struggled with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I wanted to find God, but I just wasn't sure how or where.

Over time I thought a lot about conversations with the missionaries. I thought about seminary. I thought about conversations I had had with members of other Christian faiths. Occasionally I prayed to know what was right, but it was more of a passing thought than a sincere question. Then one night I decided to pray with "real intent."

I told Heavenly Father that I wanted to know Him and to be part of His true Church. I promised: "If Thou will let me know whether Joseph Smith is a real prophet and whether the Book of Mormon is true, I'll do whatever Thou would have me do. If The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church, I'll follow it and never give it up."

I had no spectacular manifestation, but I felt at peace and went to bed. Several hours later I awoke with a distinct thought: "Joseph Smith is a true prophet, and the Book of Mormon is true." The thought was accompanied by indescribable peace. I fell asleep again, only to awake later with the exact same thought and feeling.

Since that time, I have never doubted that Joseph Smith is a true prophet. I know that this is the Savior's work and that Heavenly Father will answer our sincere petitions.

Rodolfo Armando Pérez Bonilla, El Salvador