Growing up I wasn’t too exposed to a certain church or religion in general. I was always taught to believe in God and Jesus Christ, but never raised in a habit of attending church. The rare times my family would attend usually would fall on Christmas and Easter. Then from about age ten to about age sixteen, I don’t remember ever attending church.
When I was about sixteen I experienced a spark of interest in religion. I have an aunt who is very open about her religious beliefs. She always sends religious cards and text messages with scriptures. Her example prompted me to discover my own personal beliefs. I started on my own reading Bible verses, and copy down favorites into a notebook. Soon after I realized that I had a lot of question that needed answering, so I asked my mom if we could start going to church again.
The next Sunday we attended the Presbyterian church that we used to attend on Christmas and Easter. It was a very traditional setting, and semi formal. One thing that stood out to me the most was the congregation was made up mostly of people quite a bit older than I was. Because I was a minority due to my age, I felt a little uncomfortable.
The sermons given by the pastor were mainly suggestions on how we can live a better life, defended by scripture. I felt I was hearing things I already knew. Things my parents had already taught me. My desired outcome in coming to church was to learn about my relationship with God, and my purpose and potential in life. I wasn’t learning that at the Presbyterian church. So after a couple of weekends of attendance, I decided that church was not the one to answer my questions.
Just down the street from where I live is a non-denominational Christian “mega-church.” When one first walks into the building, the first feeling that comes to mind is one of being lost, especially on a Sunday during services; hundreds of people walking in every direction. The church is very modern and casual. Most people attend in regular every-day clothes. The church also provided services on Saturday nights. The auditorium is of massive size, with seats for 3,000 people, a large stage, and with two big screens on each side of the stage, it’s not exactly comfortable. My favorite part about the worship services was the music. Church volunteers make up very talented rock band that leads the congregation in singing and worship. I enjoyed the music a great deal. I did not however, find much interest in the sermons. Just like the Presbyterian church, the pastor would talk about ways to better improve your life, and enforce these teachings with scripture. There would occasionally be guest speakers and celebrity speakers.
During this time, I can remember one day at school, in between classes, one of my really good friends gave me a Book of Mormon with his testimony written on the inside. He also invited me to come to church with him.
I’ll never forget the first Sacrament Meeting I attended. The minute I sat down I felt different. I felt good. I was excited to see what would happen. The program included a returned missionary giving his homecoming talk. I remember him bearing his testimony, and realizing that he knew everything I wanted to know. He knew his relationship with God, he knew God’s plan. My interest level was to the maximum at this point.
I continued to attend the church for a few weeks, and read the Book of Mormon. I had a feeling that joining the church was what I needed to do, but my parents had different feelings. When I asked permission to join the church, I was told no pretty quickly. They told me that the Mormons didn’t believe the same things as they did, and that they didn’t feel comfortable with me converting. My heart was crushed. One of the greatest desires of my heart at this point in my life, and there was no possible way of achieving it.
However, from great trials and testing come great blessings to those who endure with faith. Even though I could not be baptized right away, I attended church nearly every Sunday until my eighteenth birthday when the missionaries could finally come over. By then the lessons were just a review. I was baptized on May 12, 2007 in Henderson, Nevada. 9 months later I received a mission called to the Washington Tacoma Mission. Currently I attend BYU-Idaho, where I’m studying music with my fiancé. We plan to be married in the temple at the end of August.
~ Jimmy Lewis ~
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I think this is the 4th story that I’ve read here that they said they immediately felt the spirit as they walked through the doors of the church or as they sat down. Very cool.
What a great story!
This makes me so happy! Thanks for sharing.
I’m always so impressed by converts who often choose to be baptized in the face of family disapproval. That would be so difficult, I think, and I admire your courage. Well done, my friend!
Awesome! You rock!
Hug, and a fist bump for the good old Snow Building! God bless for sticking with it for so long on your own, especially since we don’t have really talented rock bands as part of the services. 🙂
You are blessed because you honored your parents. They are blessed because you hold and honor the priesthood. And soon you will begin your eternal family. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Great story, once again I’m impressed by your desire and commitment. I hope your parents can now see how you church membership has blessed you and helped you grow as a disciple of Christ.
I am always so impressed with youth who have the faith and desire to seek out the truth during some of the most difficult years of life (teenage). Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for being an example of faith and endurance.
I am so happy for you.
Best wishes to you and your fiance as you begin an eternal family together. -Lisa
That’s awesome! (Had to chuckle because I’m also at BYU-I.
Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Awesome story! Your perseverance and faith are a wonderful example for us all. Congratulations to you and your sweetheart.
Congratulations Jimmy! I love your story. Many kudos to your friend for giving you the Book of Mormon!
[hug] Jimmy, it is very impressive that you kept coming to church on your own even though your parents wouldn’t let you be baptized. Your example is an inspiration.
Hooray for the fellow Nevadan!
I love your story, Jimmy! It’s such a joy to see people finding meanings and purpose of life in the restored Gospel. Best wishes to you and your fiancé!
Hugs to Jimmy! (and your fiance) Thank you.
Congratulations!!!