Ben Francisco, M.D.

I will never forget the first time that I seriously read the Book of Mormon.  I was a young freshman in college trying to find my way in life, looking for meaning and truth.  For some reason, I was drawn to this marvelous book, almost like it was a magnet.  As I read it felt like my soul, for the first time, was being fed the most delicious meal I had ever eaten and for the first time in a long time, I was truly and utterly happy.  Something was burning in my heart and mind telling me that this book was from God.  I now know that that burning was the Holy Ghost. I grew up attending The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I was finally experiencing the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost that Christ speaks about.  For the first time, I felt that I could see a clear path in the world of supposed disarray around me.  I decided that I needed to change my life to live a life centered on Christ and his teachings.  Sure there have been bumps in the road since that time, but that single decision and the results of it have led to nothing but happiness and peace in my life.

I know that Jesus Christ lives.  He walked on this earth as the Son of God and as Mary’s son.  He brought healing even to those who could do no more than touch the hem of his garment.  He was and is the Master Physician.  In like manner, in a very real way, He has healed my soul.  He has strengthened my feeble knees and picked up my hands which hang down.  His grace is sufficient to save anyone who will take upon themselves his yoke and be obedient to his commandments.

At times, I wish that I could have lived when Adam, Seth, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Isaiah, or Elijah were on the earth.  But today, there are prophets once again upon the earth, who are as real as the Biblical prophets.  They are God’s mouthpieces upon earth.  I have never been sorry following the counsel that God gives to me through them.  I look for any hint in their words of what God would have me to do and I have been blessed hundreds of times over for obeying them.

I know that God lives, I know that He speaks to us today, and I know that He loves all of his children. We can live with Him again.  He has prepared a way for that to be accomplished through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.  I invite all to study the Book of Mormon and ask God, in prayer, if it is true.  If you will pray sincerely and with intent to act, He will let you know, in His own way and time, that it is true.