Dear Sisters and Elders –
“[The Book of Mormon] is God’s instrument to bring about the gathering of Israel” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, Seminar for New Mission Presidents, 24 June 2012).
“The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion” (PMG, 104).
Why is the Book of Mormon “God’s instrument to bring about the gathering of Israel” and when combined with the Spirit the “most powerful resource in conversion?” While there are a number of reasons, let me mention just a few:
First, the Book of Mormon helps us to know who is prepared to received the message of the restored gospel and who is not. “The Book of Mormon is the great sifter. We should invite people to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. If they respond to the Book, then they are ready. If they do not respond, then they are not ready yet” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Houston Tri-Mission Conference, 18 February 2012).
Second, a witness of the Book of Mormon leads to faith in Jesus Christ and the Restoration. Ezra Taft Benson explained: “The only problem the [investigator] has to resolve…is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was his prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation” (PMG, 109).
Third, it serves as a catalyst for connecting with God and finding spiritual strength. “I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts…the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, June 1988, 6).
I invite each of us to re-evaluate our current use of the Book of Mormon in our missionary efforts. As a companionship, prayerfully consider ways to use it more effectively in finding, teaching, retention, and study. As promised by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: “Pray for a vision of how the Book of Mormon can be used more effectively in your mission. I promise that as you do so, your mind will be enlightened with the direction that you should take (PMG, p. 110).”
Thank you for your effective use of the Book of Mormon and for seeking to use it in the way the Lord intended.
With love and respect,
President Pingree