The Book of Mormon , Russell M. Nelson
3 min read
Editor's Note: In a moving closing message to the new mission presidents, President Russell M. Nelson shared his testimony of the Book of Mormon and its unique power to change lives.
In a prerecorded video presented on Sunday, June 22, 2025, President Russell M. Nelson , world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared a message with new missionary leaders gathered at the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) that would deeply touch their hearts .
“Perhaps there is no other time in their lives when they will see so many changes. And I’m not just talking about those who find and join the Church on their mission,” President Nelson said. “Equally important is the conversion of their missionaries.”
The Book of Mormon: A Jewel of Spiritual Power
In his message, President Nelson encouraged the new presidents and companions to rely on the power of the Book of Mormon to transform souls:
“One of the most powerful conversion tools that you and your missionaries have at your disposal is the Book of Mormon.”
He recalled the testimony of Parley P. Pratt, one of the first converts, who said that when he began reading the book, eating and sleeping became a burden. All he wanted was to keep reading. Thus began his journey of faith that would take him across continents and oceans, preaching the restored gospel.
In his message, President Nelson encouraged the new presidents and companions to rely on the power of the Book of Mormon to transform souls:ook of Mormon is the word of God
” President Nelson testified. “It teaches the doctrine of Christ an d explains more about His Atonement than any other book. It restores precious truths that have been lost over time.”
An experience that touches the soul
President Nelson shared that whenever the First Presidency receives visits from leaders and influential figures, they lovingly present them with a copy of the Book of Mormon . Often, the guests read the sacred account in 3 Nephi 11 , when the Savior appeared to the Nephites.
“Perhaps you can imagine the Spirit that is felt in the room when we read:
'Behold, I am Jesus Christ… I am the light and the life of the world… come unto me, that ye may feel the marks of the nails in my hands and in my feet.'”
According to President Nelson, many visitors are deeply moved when they read those words. “What they feel, of course, is the Holy Ghost testifying of Jesus Christ.”
Power and promises
In closing his message, President Nelson promised the new missionary leaders that if they place the Book of Mormon at the center of their teaching, they will witness miracles. He promised that their missionaries will receive:
- Power to do the impossible.
- Power to become purer.
- Power to teach with divine authority.
He also testified that those who hold fast to the teachings of the Book of Mormon will receive personal guidance, family protection, and greater spiritual conversion.
“Take heart. I love you, my dear friends,” the prophet concluded.
A new generation of leaders
After four days of training, the 167 couples called as new mission presidents are preparing to depart for their assignments. Forty-two of them will serve in the United States , and 125 will serve in 48 other countries around the world. Most will begin their service within the next 10 days and will remain in their assignments for three years.
At More Faith, we testify that the Book of Mormon can change lives. Just as it does for the missionaries, it can do the same for you. Have you read it today?
resorce Church News
You may also be interested in
A look at the new Temple Square Visitors Center
President Oaks receives prestigious award for his legacy at BYU
Why was there racial exclusion in the early Church of Jesus Christ?