Finding Faith in New Beginnings

My Journey to Conversion

I’m proud to say that I am a daughter and disciple of Jesus Christ. But that identity didn’t come overnight — it’s been a journey of discovery, change, and deep spiritual growth. 

If you had asked me a year ago what religion I was, I would’ve told you Lutheran. I grew up loosely Lutheran — going to church occasionally to please my grandparents but never confirmed and without a strong personal understanding of the faith. I was baptized as a baby, but many parts of the Lutheran church didn’t quite click for me. 

That all began to shift when I started going to church with my now-fiancé, who was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had never even heard of the LDS Church before meeting him. Honestly, it was a bit of a culture shock at first. As someone who tends to get anxious in big groups or unfamiliar settings, walking into a new church filled with unfamiliar faces was overwhelming. 

But something felt different. 

One of the things that stood out to me right away was how members of the congregation are the ones who speak during sacrament meetings. It felt so real — so personal. Unlike the elevated pulpit and formal sermon, I was used to from Lutheran services, this felt warm, grounded, and heartfelt. I felt like I was being invited in, not just spoken to. 

Throughout all of this, my fiancé was incredibly patient, always answering my questions. And the sister missionaries — oh, they were such a blessing. I connected deeply with one of them in particular. We’d meet to talk, and our conversations would stretch far longer than planned. Though I appreciated both sisters, there was a special friendship that formed with her — the kind that sticks with you. I cried when she returned home, but we’ve stayed in touch, and my fiancé and I even plan to name our future child after her. 

After months of learning, praying, and reflecting, I made the decision to be baptized. My fiancé was able to perform the baptism, and the sister missionary I bonded with was there as a witness. It was one of the most powerful, emotional days of my life — not just because of the ceremony, but because I knew I was stepping into truth. 

Joining the Church during a time of incredible global growth has felt like being part of something much bigger than myself. In A Year Unlike Any Other: The Church Reports Record Global Growth, the Church reported that in 2024, more than 308,000 people were baptized — the highest number in 25 years! Elder Quentin L. Cook announced this historic growth as part of a broader update on the Church’s progress. To me, this remarkable increase is a clear sign that people around the world are discovering and embracing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It makes my heart so full to know I’m one of them. 

As I’ve grown in the gospel, that sense of belonging has deepened — not just with the global Church, but with my own family, including those who have passed on. One of the most profound ways I’ve felt this connection is through temple work. 

One experience that really touched me was watching my fiancé perform baptisms and confirmations for my grandfather. I was never especially close to him in life, but in that moment, I felt something deep — like I was standing in a sacred space between generations, helping in the work of salvation. I know not every soul we perform ordinances for will accept them, but even if just one does — it’s worth everything. 

President Russell M. Nelson spoke in the October 2024 General Conference, in a talk titled The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again, about preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He said, 

“Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority.” 

One of the ways he encouraged us to do that was by regularly worshipping in the temple. He promised: 

“Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel.” 

That line hits my heart every time I hear it. I can testify that it’s true. The temple is where I’ve felt the Savior’s peace most clearly. It centers me. It answers questions I didn’t even know I had. 

So today, I share this testimony: I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one true church of Jesus Christ. I know that President Russell M. Nelson is a living prophet of God. And I know, without question, that our Heavenly Father sees you, knows you, and loves you — always.