It is hard to express the joy, peace and comfort I have in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father lives and has a plan for each person on this earth.

We have not been left alone. Our Father in Heaven lives. He knows us. He has a plan for our salvation. Through the grace of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ and the atonement, He has prepared a way for us to return to Him. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know us, they know our names, our strengths and limitations. They know our struggles, both spiritually and those of this world. In His infinite mercy, our Father has given us many gifts to help us to remember our divine nature as His sons and daughters: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the gift of revelation from the Holy Ghost, prophets, friends, and teachers.

I converted to the Church just over five years ago. I was not looking for a church, but I had a hope, deep inside my heart, that there was a God, and that He remember his children. Sitting in the back of a van crossing over the mountains, I could see the diffuse glow of the sunlight through the clouds settled over the peaks. I was sitting in silence, having just heard the testimony of one of my friends. Never had I felt such a strong impression of truth. Still in silence, I began to pray. I promised the Lord that if this was the His church, I would follow Him, wherever it may bring me. I looked over that mountain and I could feel the Spirit of the Lord with me. I felt assurance that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church on earth. I cannot explain to you the feelings that come from the spirit of truth, but I can promise you, that when that assurance comes, you will know it, and you will not be able to deny it.

I went to my cabin that night and knelt down in prayer, again promising our Father in Heaven that if He told me the church was true, I would go and follow the Lord in His church. The next morning I woke, and sat on the steps outside with the Book of Mormon. Something was different. The Spirit of God was with me. I read with new eyes words that I had seen several times before, now with the revelation of the Holy Ghost to help me to understand the Lord's true message. The Book of Mormon was true, the church was true, and I was going to be part of the Lord's work here on earth.

I was baptized a short while later. It is the best decision I have made in my life. That one act of faith has not only blessed me, but my family, friends, and everyone I have come in contact with.

That was it. A knowledge of the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ was all I had to start with. My testimony has grown to include a knowledge of the truthfulness of Joseph Smith and all the prophets of the Lord, the divine purpose and blessing of the temple, the blessings of the priesthood, and so much more. I now often feel the soft sure voice of the Spirit prompting me to understand and follow the word of the Lord.

I don't know who may read this, but my heart is full of love for you. Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. He loves you and sees promise in your future. Whatever path you may be on, take one moment; open your heart to our Heavenly Father. He knows you and is waiting to encompass you in His love and the assurance that He has not forgotten you.