Sunday's Fireside Testimony

Six months ago, if you would have told me I would become a Mormon, I would have thought you were crazy. But my Heavenly Father knew better. He knew that if the missionaries knocked on my door, I would have accepted the gospel, and it would have opened up a new world to me.
I'm not proud of the things I have done in my life, but I am living proof that the Atonement is real and that it works. I grew up in the Catholic Church, so I had a basic knowledge of Jesus Christ. But that's all it was, a basic knowledge. At an early age I began questioning the practices of the church and I eventually strayed from the belief system. I went though my teen years feeling alone and confused. In my late teens, I became active in another church's youth group, but soon after I decided to do some major rebelling-which lasted though my early 20's. I have always believed in God, but when you are on the wrong path, and doing things that are not pleasing to him, it is easier to ignore him than to take a closer look at yourself.
In 2007, I hurt myself while on the job. I herniated 2 disks in my back which required surgery. After a painful and unsuccessful surgery, I became very depressed. The next two years of my life became the longest and most lonely years of my life. At the end of January 09, I ran into a couple of sister missionaries. I was with my mother, and we were returning from a doctors appointment. There was about 3 feet of snow on the ground and the temperature was sub zero. These young women were walking up the street in skirts. They introduced themselves as missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was very intrigued as to what was so important that they were walking in such cold conditions. I invited them inside, but my mother was not interested. She thought that they were Jehovah Witnesses, so she began ushering me into the house shouting that we have both had blood transfusions. I told the sisters to come back later. Sure enough, about an hour later after my mother had left, there was a knock at the door. I invited them in for warmth. I have heard of the Mormons at this point, but I didn't know the first thing about them. I asked the sisters for a complete rundown of everything that would be asked of me. They gave me a brief lesson on just about everything including the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and prophets, the Plan of Salvation, the Commandments, Baptism, and the Word of Wisdom. I was worried about the word of wisdom, because I had been a heavy smoker for about 12 years. I didn't understand why at that point, but I was still willing to listen. At the end of the conversation, Sister McNeill actually said, "And eventually, we are going to ask you to be baptized." I was a bit overwhelmed at this point, but overall curious. I wanted them to come back and teach me more. As the weeks went by, I began to spend more and more time with the missionaries. I began to pray to know the truth, and the truth became very apparent. It took me about 3-4 weeks to have the revelation about the truth. I remember feeling love in my heart and warmth in my soul.
The end of February, I was scheduled or two more back surgeries. One of the Sisters encouraged me to get a blessing from priesthood members. I remember thinking to myself, "It couldn't hurt!" So, the night before my surgery, I was visited by 4 young men. They consecrated me with oil and they all laid their hands on my head and began praying. I remember feeling an overwhelming love from my Savior. A tear fell from my eye as I pictured Jesus Christ himself standing over me with his hands on my head saying the exact words that were being prayed. What a wonderful feeling!!! I knew that the priesthood was real!!!
The next day, as I was being wheeled into surgery, I kept replaying the blessing over and over in my mind. I was nervous, but somehow felt comforted and knew everything was going to be OK. As I awoke from surgery, I had this strong desire to stand up. AND I DID!!! It was a miracle! If any of you say that miracles do not happen this day in age, all you have to do is watch me walk, and you will be proven wrong. Because of my faith in Jesus Christ and the restored power of the priesthood, my Heavenly Father has healed me. I felt a humble responsibility to repay my father for the miracle that he bestowed upon me. The way I plan on repaying him is by dedicating the rest of my life to him. Getting baptized and taking on the name of Christ is the perfect way to thank him.
It was now time to officially quit smoking and to begin living the Word of Wisdom. I was scared and nervous. The Sisters told me that I would be able to quit smoking just by reading the Book of Mormon. I took that statement on faith and began trusting in the Book. I read through that book cover to cover just by opening it every time I had an urge to smoke. The Book of Mormon is a powerful tool, and I testify to that.
I was able to get baptized on April 18th. I remember waking up that morning feeling so excited and feeling untouchable. This day was so amazing. As I entered into the water, I imagined all my past transgressions wash away. I emerged from the water clean and a brand new person. I remember feeling weak at the knees, and for that 1 second I was perfect. The covenant of baptism is an amazing concept. The next day I got the gift of the Holy Ghost. My favorite thing about that is that I will never have to endure anything alone, ever again.
I am just beginning on this new path, in this new world, on this new journey. I know I will never be perfect, but I can strive for it. I do know I can partake of the sacrament each week to renew my baptism covenant. The most important part of my day is when I wake up and decide to be a good person today, and a good member of the church. I testify that the Book of Mormons true. I also testify that the Book of Mormon is a powerful tool, to which it's powers are endless beyond all belief. I also testify that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and he came to earth to atone for my sins. He is the perfect example of what I need to strive for. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet, and has all the keys of God's kingdom. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.