Donny Osmond

June 1971 – I was nearly 10 years old and in the fifth grade at Immaculate Conception School in Waukegan, Illinois. School had just ended for the summer, and my Father planned a 3-week camping trip to all the historical places in Central and Southern Illinois. I was unusually excited. My teenaged brother and sisters were very unsupportive, certain I had gone awry.

One of our stops was in Nauvoo, Illinois. Here we met some people who called themselves, "Mormons". We learned of their incredible history. We also learned quite candidly of the persecution they’d endured and their subsequent trek across the country to finally enjoy peace and refuge. I found myself so very curious about their prophet, one "Joseph Smith".

We took a bus tour around the tiny city of Nauvoo. I fondly remember touching the cornerstone of the Temple that once stood there at 50 Wells Street. Little electrical impulses shot through my body. Now all that remained was a historical marker. The Temple had been destroyed, but its people had not! For a reason I could not explain, I too, missed the Temple, however, at the time, I couldn’t understand how that could be possible.

Hopeless sadness enveloped my tiny frame as I heard the story of Joseph’s murder. He and his brother were ambushed while unjustly incarcerated at Carthage Jail. Although this horrific crime took place some 130 years ago, still, something inside my heart broke with pain, as I could hear him shouting with unbelievable surprise and begging for his life.

As we were leaving Nauvoo, I realized something inside of me had changed forever. I was quiet, which is not of my nature. I was thoughtful and removed. Although my Father reminded me that we were Catholic and did not believe in the same things the Mormons did, I eyed him suspiciously. How could he have not been touched the way I had been? How could he not know that Joseph Smith was telling the truth and the Book of Mormon was true Scripture? Didn’t electricity shoot through him too? Didn’t he hear Joseph’s cries? Didn’t he feel the burst of happiness I’d felt as the young missionaries told the story of The First Vision? Disappointedly, I guessed he had not.

I didn’t know when it would be, but I knew someday I would return to Nauvoo to see its people rebuild their Temple. I knew they would have their justice. I could not deny I was a part of them and they were of me. Something profound had happened to me that day. I vowed I would return to their church and become reacquainted with my brothers and sisters again someday.

I finally made good on that vow 25 years later.

May 1996 – Nearing 35 years old, I had been married for 13 years, and raising 3 children. Like most people I knew, I became interested and occupied with the Internet. The power I felt having so much information at my fingertips was unbelievable and exciting! I had been online for two years. I’d made dozens of friends from all over the world. I recall seeking out members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I first went online. They intrigued me, and I felt comfortable with them. I was also afraid of them. Having been brought up in a devout Irish, Catholic home, I was all too familiar with the ramifications of leaving the Catholic Church. I was certain that I would be left without a family to love me even if I was caught investigating another church, let alone joining one.

For 25 years, I would often feel my heartstrings pulling at me. I would often hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit guiding me toward the Light of Truth, but I was too frightened to follow that Light. I would not give myself a chance to gain a true testimony. I would rob myself of that happiness, just to please the people around me.

On January 3, 1997, I was blessed to visit with an influential member of the Church. He was gentle and kind and had a lovely Spirit about him. His Spirit was so apparent; I could almost see it fluttering about the room. Chicago Januaries are usually dominated with cold, winter storms, but on this particular day, it was unseasonably and incredibly warm, at 65 degrees.

It had strongly concerned me that I was so sure that the Church was the True Church of Jesus Christ, but that my husband felt absolutely nothing in that regard. Would I again, be able to put this Truth off, for the love and acceptance of another human being? I seriously doubted it. In quiet conversation, the Church member strongly advised me to "fast, pray and see your bishop". I knew I had to do exactly what he told me to do.

The next day I called the local Ward house and had a long, friendly conversation with the clerk. It felt like I had known him all my life! I made an appointment to see the First Ward Bishop the following Sunday, at which time I testified to him I knew the Church was true, that I belonged there, and one of my long time dreams was to do the ordinance work in the Temple for my beloved, departed Mother. He introduced me to Elder Tobler and his companion, and soon thereafter, I began taking the discussions, although, even still, much to my husband’s chagrin.

Finally, after touring Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah, and becoming close friends with three women who were members of the Church, I could deny the Truth no longer. I read the Book of Mormon and as instructed to in Moroni 10:4, I got down on my knees and asked of my Lord, "Is this true?"

He did not waste even a millisecond to answer me! A warm rush of wind enveloped my whole being. I felt someone’s firm arms of love embrace me in a tight hold. I knew at that very moment, "Yes, yes" the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of the Lord! Tears streamed down my face. I shook with fear and happiness and peace and every emotion known to man, as I held my sobbing face in my trembling hands. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.

On May 4, 1997, Shaun David Qualheim, the 16 year-old son of my dear friend and teacher, Bev, baptized me, welcoming me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In July of the same year, I received my Patriarchal Blessing and in July 1998, I was endowed in the Holy Temple of our Lord, in Chicago, Illinois, joined by many, many dear and eternal friends and relatives.

I have since had the wonderful privilege of holding and serving many Church callings and of returning to the Temple to stand in proxy for my kindred dead, that they might also enjoy receiving the ordinances of the Temple. I know that this is correct. I know that I have found ultimate Truth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God. I delight in my love for our Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, and in the general authorities of the Church. I am grateful for a family who continues to disagree with me in this regard, but also continues to vehemently love me. I am grateful for the opportunities to teach my brothers and sisters this Truth. I am grateful to be on the earth during this dispensation. I am grateful for the unselfish and perfect love of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for the ultimate gifts he has given to the world. I know that it His love, and His love alone that completes me. I joyously say these things in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen!