Stories of Faith

What happened when I read the entire Book of Mormon for the first time

Arnold and Sethrina Odonko in front of their home near Accra, Ghana
Arnold and Sethrina Odonko in front of their home near Accra, Ghana
Photograph courtesy of the Odonkos

Our son was born with an unusual sickness with his heart. We visited many hospitals, searching for answers. One scary night, we went to the emergency unit in Accra, where we watched our son’s heart be pumped so that he would live. He wasn’t more than three months old.

Our baby stayed in the hospital for another three months. He needed a rare medication, and we traveled to many different pharmacy shops to try and purchase even one small bottle.

This was a very difficult and very spiritual experience for me. Before this, I had never read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover. My husband and I had both been active members of the Church for many years, but I hadn’t truly experienced conversion. During those trying months in the hospital, however, I had no choice but to get nearer to Heavenly Father. There was nothing else I could do. And it was through reading the Book of Mormon from beginning to end that I found Him. Through the Book of Mormon, I felt power flow into my life, helping me endure this challenge. I could feel God’s love surrounding and shaping me.

Our son is 25 now and living life as a young man should. Brother Odonko and I were later called to serve as mission leaders in Jamaica. I always thought I was one who would stay at the back and help push people forward; I didn’t know that God was looking at me at the back and slowly pushing me forward to come do His work. I’d always seen myself as nobody, but God sees me as someone who can lead His children to the promised land.

There is no doubt in Brother Odonko’s and my minds: the Book of Mormon helps us come closer to Heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. And the Savior has the power to help us overcome our challenges and do what we never thought we would.

More articles for you:
How meeting missionaries changed my life as a young single mom
Watch: 11 Church leaders share their conversion stories
Must-see portrait of Christ made with seashells


A reminder of His love

This awe-inspiring cultured marble Christus statue depicts Jesus Christ just as the scriptures describe Him, beckoning to us with open arms, as if saying, “Come unto me.” Available in 3”—perfect for a ministering gift, missionary care package, or display in your home.

Share
Stay in the loop!
Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content