Hello. My name is Sister Nalani Lana Clements. I am a convert to the church. I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I was sixteen when I first met the Elders, and I was not a member of any church. I began to read some chapters in Alma and I really loved what I was reading. I wanted to know more, so I wrote down my questions for the next visit, and guess what? Yeppers, no more visits. I do not know why they didn’t return. But after a very miraculous event happened to me (I knew there was something that was or had happened to me) I joined the Baptist church. I met some very great people there and made a lot of friends. But I never was feeling what I felt that night (when the LDS missionaries came over). Something was missing; I did not feel that sweet presence near me like I had when I opened the Book of Mormon. What was missing here?
So after twenty plus years I went to Utah to visit a dear friend. She took me and my sister and her two kids to Temple Square, and suddenly I felt the Holy Ghost all around me, and I felt such peace. I was so worn out in body but not spirit, from a very very long bus trip from North Alabama, but the sweetest peace came over me. I like to think that this is how the pioneers must have felt, after coming across in wagons and on foot. The pains and agony just vanish at the first glance of Zion. I knew I was standing in Holy places, but I did not know why I was feeling this way. I was not a Mormon; I thought I was not, Ha Ha. J However, I began to notice other things about this place. The air was sweet. The birds seemed to sing louder. Then I truly knew this was a holy place. (Later as we left Utah I was sad. I did not want to leave such beauty and peace behind me, but I was ready to travel Into Nevada.)
As Sunday morning was dawning (before leaving Utah), my friend was getting dressed for church. She invited us along, and knowing we were Baptist said, “If you would like to join me I would love to bring you along”. I said yes, of course. As we got there, not expecting anything different from any other church, I went inside. But oh was I wrong! The Holy Spirit came down around me, and testified to me, that I was truly in the church of Jesus Christ. The church he established on earth as he walked among men, teaching and healing, and comforting those he came in contact with. This was truly his church, and my eyes filled with tears. I knew this is where I belong. I am a daughter of God, His son is the Christ whom was sent, and I knew the truths I had been seeking were here in these walls, In this church, his church, the gospel light of truth was burning bright, and I knew that it was good.
I came home and a year later, I met the missionaries again. I knew that the prophet of God was here on earth and was the one who lead the church through revelations. Just as the prophet Joseph Smith did when Heavenly Father and His son appeared to him in a grove of trees on a spring morning. I was baptized into the church in May 2012. I knew my Father in Heaven was pleased with my choice. I was endowed a year later and I know making more covenants with him is a good choice. I testify that this gospel is true. The Book of Mormon is a testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have a living prophet who guides us, even Thomas Monson. We are children of a Heavenly Father who lives and whom sent his only begotten son so that we can return to him someday. Let us all endure this life and its trials so that we all can look with an eye of faith to that glorious day. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. -Sister Lana Clements