The Spirit Testifies of the Truthfulness of the Book of Mormon . . .

Dear Brethren,

I had the privellege this last week of visiting the Mormon Trail Center in Omaha Nebraska, again. It is a visitor center that is sort of like a museum showing things about the pioneers that crossed the plains and came to Utah. It is right next to a pioneer cemetary for those that died at Winter Quarters--which is actually positioned right next to the Winter Quarters Temple that is now there. There is a great deal of historic information that is given there, but much more important is the Holy Spirit that is there. Among the many things at the Trail Center, is the Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration movie. Just recently the movie got released on DVD in the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Box Set. I would encourage any and all of you to get this box set, because there are many powerful movies on there--including the Stone Cutter, and a movie about Jacob Tanner, which is absolutely amazing! I would encourage you to watch all of those, and more.
Anyway, we had three investigators, a less-active member, and an active member all at the Trail Center with us. It was a great experience. The Spirit was strong, and powerful testimony was born. I am especially grateful for the Trail Center Sisters, and the Spirit that they carry. I've been there a few times, and I am astonished by some of the profound things they say--especially this time. Powerful witness came of the truthfulness of this Gospel, and of Joseph Smith being a Chosen Prophet of God. The divinity of the Book of Mormon was witnessed to all of us there by the power of the Holy Ghost (for most of us a reconfirming witness). Our investigators all felt it, and admitted to it. One was brought to tears several times. You could see the Spirit in the countenances of all three of them. A profound calm, yet a powerful surge of the Spirit was working within them.
I cannot adequately describe our experience, but I can relate it with my testimony.

Jesus is the Christ. Who can look at this world, and doubt its creator--the Great Jehovah, and Son of the Living God? He lives today, and guides and directs His Chosen Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He called Joseph Smith to restore His church to the earth. A man cannot truly read the Book of Mormon with sincerity and real intent, without knowing it is from God. Elder Holland's father spoke of the Book of Mormon, and though I will slaughter the quote, he did say something along the lines of: No evil man could write a book like this--and no good man would do it, unless it were true, and he were commanded of God to do so. The Book of Mormon was written by Prophets of God in the Ancient Americas, and it was translated by the gift and power of God, through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Who can doubt? If we read it sincerely, and ask God, willing to act on His answer, He will tell us that this is true. My whole mission, I have never run across somebody who has asked, and received a no. Not one. There has only been one person that I have met who has ever claimed so, and she admitted to me later on that she read piecies of it already not believing it before she read it, and she did not ask God wanting to know. Everyone who has ever asked, either did not receive an answer because they lacked sincerity, and real intent (they did not do their part), or they received the answer that the Book of Mormon is true. It is without fail. No man has ever been told no. Our Heavenly Father loves us, and He has promised us that if we lack wisdom and we ask Him, He shall give unto us. What else could you expect from a Father? He is the Father of our spirits, and He wants us to be happy. That is why He gave His only-begotten Son to be offered as a sacrifice for sin. Christ's Atonement makes it possible for all of us to lead happy lives, no matter what the Adversary will do to us. I love you all! Talk to you before you know it!

Love, your brother, Elder Christopher Petersen