In our Zone Conferences this month, we have been focusing on the importance of the Book of Mormon in missionary work and in our individual lives.

We are taught in "Preach My Gospel" that "The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion." We are therefore challenging our missionaries to be more skilled at teaching and testifying with this marvelous book of sacred scripture.

To this end, we have also challenged all of our missionaries to read the Book of Mormon together as a mission with the goal of finishing the book by August 25th. All have accepted the challenge with enthusiasm and the reading is underway. In August, each missionary will also write his/her testimony of the Book Mormon and these will be collected into a mission notebook to share with all the missionaries. Even our former missionaries that have already completed their service have been invited to participate.

We want to extend this invitation to those that follow the blog, both family members and friends. Please join us in reading the Book of Mormon and looking for ways to more effectively apply its power and teachings in our lives.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, and we testify of its truthfulness, that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." The book testifies and teaches of Christ in such a clear and powerful way. The blessing of having this sacred companion to the Bible is wonderful. We are excited for all of our mission to experience this great blessing. We hope you will too.