This book has special meaning for me. As a new missionary to the Alabama-a Mission in 1972, Hartman Rector Jr. was my mission president. I received a personalized copy of this book from him. His conversion story is first in the book. Another story is Irving Cohen, a Jewish convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a friend of Hartman Rector. President Rector invited Bro. Cohen to speak at missionary zone conferences where he related his conversion story to us. Also, John Heidenreich, whose story is in the book, was my seminary principle at Skyline High Seminary. All the stories are inspiring messages of the Lord changing the hearts of His children and bringing them to a knowledge of His restored church on the earth today.
It was particularly enjoyable reading about the conversions to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of a few people I know. I met Helma Hahn in Rottenburg, Germany, with Ricks College (Rex- burg, Idaho) performers. We went to the most photographed house in Rottenburg, which is the most photographed city in Germany. One person lived in that famous house, Helma Hahn, and we had dinner with her one night. She said, over and over in her broken English, "My Mormons, my Mormons." She was converted to the Church by a missionary who felt strongly that was someone in that house who would join the Church. I'll never forget meeting her.
This book was so inspiring to me, and I learned a lot from reading the stories of conversion from such a wide variety of people. It is so interesting to learn what drew people to the Gospel message, and what confirmations of the Spirit they received. It helped me to not take for granted the Church that I have grown up in my whole life. This would be a great pre-mission read for families with you men and women planning to serve missions.
This collection of narratives, relating how individuals and families were introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, describes many of the challenges and triumphs that come when mortal man comes into contact with the things of eternity. The compliers of these histories have included a broad range of cultural and social and spiritual backgrounds. Each example offers new insight into the conversion process. This is an engaging chronicle, however, each story is prefaced with an italicized introduction, which in many cases shared too much of what was to follow (spoilers). Once I took up the practice of saving the introduction to be read after I finished the chapter, I found it to be a more enjoyable read.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for all of my life, I didn't understand what it's like to switch churches. This gave me a lot of insight and encouragement. It talks about people who found what they were looking for, and what they did about it, with some of the experiences they had in the process.
I have it in the "own-keep" category, but actually I passed the book on to someone else who needs encouragement. I may never see another copy of it, since it's not new and not likely to be republished, but it has enriched my life and I hope it will enrich many more.
I first read these books as a young man...Hartman Rector and his wife, Connie, have collected the conversion stories of numerous people now members of the LDS Church. There are three volumes of these books, and all were well-written and thoughtful. The stories of these converts are powerful, often poignant, insightful, and heart-warming. Far better than any fiction, the true stories of these faithful people are worth reading.
This is a novel compiled of nineteen inspiring true stories of converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. Each account is filled with the faith and courage of each of individual. I recommend it to anyone, especially to those who want a greater testimony of missionary work.
This book was published several years ago and is a collection of incredible stories of conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I would be surprised if it is still in print. The copy I read was loaned to me by my husband's 98 year old grandfather. Definitely old fashioned in tone, but a pretty light and fun read.
I read this many years ago and recently added it to my library. I enjoyed reading about inspiring people who is some cases are as ordinary as I am and their conversion to the Gospel that has blessed their lives as it blesses mine daily.
I love short stories. These are conversion stories of people who joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. Some of the stories were better than others, but overall a good book to read.
Story of the conversion of Elder Hartman Rector Jr. to the Church. This story is special to me, due to the fact that the missionary that brought the gospel to Elder Rector was my father. There is a chapter dedicated to him in this book.
This collection of conversion stories is hard to put down. I love how the Lord reaches after people in all kinds of places and tailors His message to what they need and what will touch them. (This review pertains to volume 1 of the series.)