Our conversion story

 My dear sisters,

I have become impressed to share with you my beginnings of conversion that started long before you were born. You see, back when I first joined the church (I was eight), the following day after my baptism, I lied to my mother. Realizing the error later that night, I turned to the Lord in prayer and in my innocence, I asked why I was so flawed. Our dear Father in Heaven said through the new gift of the Holy Ghost, "Nathan, I am glad that you realize your error. I know that you are not my Begotten, but you are my son. I have brought you here at this time to learn your place and who you are. You will be a great teacher and leader if you are patient and a good listener". I reflected on the moment because at the time I wept that I was so imperfect. I saw only my flaws. 

Some years later I was a missionary. My first three months, I lost two relatives and was with a harsh and an abusive trainer, I was constantly comparing myself to my MTC companion who had sacrificed everything for the gospel and I a whinny kid from Spanish Fork. I was again wondering what was my purpose. I wanted to go home. Again I reflected on that moment, and it made me wonder how I could help others. Why this was occurring? Where was this all going? (So you know it turned out ok and I got over myself and got to work.)

Heavenly Father has many times shown me how I am like the vineyard in Jacob chapter five. Everything we experience is to save us. Every person we meet, every accident, twist and turn are for our good. At times, we wonder if God would extend his hand and pull us out of our Carthage jail, our Liberty jail. We are asked to go through fires like Daniel and Abenadi. Most you step out of unharmed but for some this seals the testimony in a way that changes you forever.

Sometime things happen that ask us "Why?" We should ask "Why not?" and press forward. Some times as a parent it is nessisary to allow pain.  Example, mother that doesn't stop an immunization shot, or a father that doesn't stop a child from falling off a bike? Each event is part of the path that will help us be saved. It is part of our salvation, our pruning, hedging or weeding. The very thing that will, when we look back realize that was part of our eternal progression. 

Sisters, write your conversion story. Write the moments that lead you on the path of following the Savior. You will realize the little seeds that moved you along the path that made you the wonderful missionaries that you are today.  Even more so, this mission will become a beacon of learning for your future. God has a plan, and you are part of it. Your days are counted, and each day angels are watching over you. 

I want you to know that I love your fathers and mothers. I know them and the example that they are attempting to give you. Furthermore, I lived with your fathers and saw the women that they chose as companions and their virtue (strength) and valiance. You are on a wonderful path that will have even more twists and turns than you could imagine, but remember this, God is with you. He is before your face, He is to your left and right and has your back. Never at any time has he left you to bear your tears alone but hears your cries. You will be blessed daily for your work. Count it a blessing to be where you are today and know that we here at home have a testimony of Jesus our Master, that we have a testimony of Joseph and the restoration. Thrust in your sickle with all your might and you will be truly blessed is my prayer. 

Nathan Bingham