In late October 2019, President Russell M. Nelson marked a significant upcoming anniversary, announcing, “In the springtime of the year 2020, it will be exactly 200 years since Joseph Smith experienced the theophany that we know as the First Vision … Thus, the year 2020 will be designated as the bicentennial year” (“Closing Remarks,” Ensign, Nov. 2019). This bicentennial year prompted reflection on spiritually defining moments, and for me, it immediately brought to mind a transformative experience in the Sacred Grove during my youth. This pivotal memory led to profound self-examination and has served as a cornerstone of my testimony throughout my life.
Answering the Missionary Call at Hill Cumorah
In 1972, I received a wonderful opportunity to serve as a missionary, assisting with the Hill Cumorah Pageant, a powerful production known as “America’s Witness for Christ.” The pageant involved a cast of 525 dedicated volunteers and was performed annually at the sacred Hill Cumorah in Palmyra, New York.
Missionary Volunteers at Hill Cumorah
Accompanied by priesthood leaders, our group of volunteers, primarily women, journeyed from Salt Lake City to Palmyra on six buses, a trip that spanned approximately a week. We dedicated a week to rehearsals and performances of the Pageant, which drew around 100,000 visitors. The return bus trip to Salt Lake City took another week. Throughout our travels and stay in Palmyra, we were graciously hosted in meetinghouses and local homes. This experience was deeply immersive, preparing us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ during the week-long pageant.
As “bus sisters,” we embraced missionary life, adhering to missionary dress and schedules, and working with assigned companions. Our days were filled with scripture study on the bus, modified visiting teaching, enthusiastic hymn singing, and a dedicated focus on becoming true witnesses of Jesus Christ. One of the most cherished aspects was connecting with visitors before the evening performances, sharing our testimonies of the Book of Mormon. A particularly moving moment was a testimony meeting held in the Sacred Grove for a large group of sisters and elders.
Receiving a Spiritual Witness
The most impactful and life-changing part of this mission occurred during our return trip to Salt Lake City. Our supervisor, Elder Brown, initiated a discussion about our pageant experiences. He then read a powerful scripture: “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” (Alma 5:14).
After a reflective pause, he continued with verse 26: “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” (Alma 5:26).
These questions resonated deeply within me. With absolute certainty, I knew I had been spiritually reborn and had experienced a change of heart during my time at the pageant. Daily, I felt the Holy Ghost strengthening my conviction that Jesus is the Living Christ and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. The spiritual witnesses I received solidified my testimony, touching my heart and soul with a strength that could only come from the Holy Ghost. This profound experience taught me the importance of being able to Sing A Song of redeeming love in my heart.
Cultivating a Lasting Testimony of Jesus Christ
Elder Neal A. Maxwell eloquently described the development of a testimony: “My testimony came in three ways: early in life came the witness of the *Spirit***, then the **intellectual conversion, and then the experiential conversion, with the three ‘witnesses’ flowing together, resonating together in terms of the validity of the message of the Master. The witness of the Spirit is more sure, but the other witnesses corroborate increasingly the relevancy of the gospel for our time” (“Spiritual Ecology,” New Era, Feb. 1975; italics added).
As a young woman, I first felt the spirit of testimony regarding Jesus Christ as my Redeemer and Savior. I knew I had a loving Heavenly Father. This spiritual awakening changed my heart and guided countless decisions throughout my life.
Shortly after the Pageant mission, I prayerfully accepted a marriage proposal from a worthy young man. We were sealed in the Provo Temple, united for eternity. As a young couple, we faced many decisions, seeking guidance from the Lord through prayer and temple worship. Together, we planned significant life choices, including education, careers, location, and family.
Often, the paths we took were unexpected, yet we felt directed by promptings from the Holy Ghost. These experiences became the “intellectual” aspect of my growing testimony, finding answers through study and prayer. In time, clarity came.
Now, in my later years, I recognize the “experiential” dimension of my testimony, as Elder Maxwell described. From childhood, I was taught to serve willingly in Church callings. While I desired to serve, leadership roles sometimes felt daunting. In these moments, I recalled the “mighty change” of heart I had experienced (Alma 5:14). I felt the Holy Ghost empowering me as I served. Often, I felt more blessed than those I served, understanding the true joy of service and continuing to sing a song of redeeming love through my actions.
As we commemorate the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, the call to be “spiritually born of God” (Alma 5:14) is universal. Regardless of the trials we face, even global challenges like the recent pandemic, we must continue to sing the song of redeeming love (Alma 5:26). This spiritual song provides strength and hope in adversity.
President Russell M. Nelson offered reassurance during challenging times: “These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways” (“President Nelson Shares Message of Hope During COVID-19 Outbreak,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org Newsroom, Mar. 14, 2020).
Visiting the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, and other historical sites was a privilege, but feeling the Spirit of the Lord strengthened my faith in Jesus Christ. Like modern Apostles, I testify: “He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” Ensign, May 2017). My ongoing prayer is to endure to the end, living worthy of this testimony and continuing to sing the song of redeeming love throughout my life’s journey.
