30 Conversion Stories

Annett Kaiser, Leipzig Ward 
Baptized May 7, 1989, Age 17

On April 29, I visited the church house in Leipzig for the first time to watch the baptism of a good friend. He had already told me a lot about the missionaries and also about the discussions. I was very interested and also very impressed with the baptism and with the members. It was my first time there, but they accepted me as if I had been coming for years.

After the baptism, a missionary approached me. He introduced himself, told me where he was from and why he was here. Elder [Johannes] Grimmer invited me to hear the six discussions. On May 2, I heard the first discussion. Elder [Roger] Muir and Elder Grimmer introduced the Book of Mormon to me and told me many other things.

They frequently asked me how I felt about certain things or how I felt about prayer. I answered them truthfully. I told them that I felt an inner warmth and peace, and they told me that this was the Holy Ghost. With his help, I would be able to find out if what they were telling me was true or not. We read together Moroni 10:3–5. These verses helped me a great deal when I was alone at home. I prayed before I began reading. I asked the Lord to show me if the scriptures were true. I had the most wonderful feeling while I was praying and also while I was reading. I suddenly knew that it had to be true. I knew I would have to be baptized in order to be able to return to my Father in Heaven.

When I was asked if I would like to be baptized, I answered that I was ready to take this step. I knew I would have to totally change my life, but I wanted to do it. I knew full well that I would experience some difficulties, but I also knew that with the help of God, I would be able to overcome my problems. I was certain my Father in Heaven would give me the means and show me the way.

I had never imagined, for example, that I would be able to do without my daily coffee, but I was able to overcome my desires. My parents were a much greater problem than the coffee. They simply could not understand why I would want to be baptized. They found a thousand arguments to keep me from taking this step that was so important for me. But as time went by, they saw that it was of no use, and they agreed with my decision. That was truly an answer to my prayers. I had prayed that my parents would understand me and that we would not be driven apart. Now my parents support me, and this is a clear answer to my fasting and prayers.

As I have mentioned, the Church has totally transformed my life in keeping the commandments, the Word of Wisdom, and the law of chastity. Also I now have entirely different goals. I want to go on a mission and want to be married in the temple. My philosophy of life has changed since I have learned about the plan of salvation.

I know the path I have chosen is the only correct one, and I am thankful to the missionaries from the bottom of my heart that they helped me find this path.

[Annett Kaiser married Kai Berthold, who served a mission in California. They were married in the Freiberg Temple. As of 1995, Annett is a teacher in the Sunday School in the Leipzig Ward.]

Anita Jander, Dresden Ward
Baptized June 11, 1989, Age 41

At the outset, I must say that, before I became acquainted with the Church, I was without faith and was just existing. I am so full of joy and happiness that I have found the way to God, I would like to describe it.

My name is Anita Jander. I am forty-one years old and have three sons, ages nineteen, twelve, and six. I have been divorced for one year.

One Saturday evening, I was out for a little drive with my two sons, something we did frequently. On the way home, I passed by the church, and it seemed to me as if an inner voice was calling out to me that I had to stop the car and go in. I followed the instructions of this voice and went into the building with my two sons. We received a very friendly greeting at the door from Brother [Steffan] Gabber, and he offered to show us the building and explain it to us. I was overwhelmed with the love and friendliness that surrounded us. I had a feeling of happiness in my heart that I had never known before. I wanted to learn more about faith, about the gospel, and about the Mormons. We were all so impressed that we talked and thought about it all the way home and into the evening. We were invited to receive the lessons from Elder [Thorsten] Ludwig and Elder [Jörg] von Allmen, and we gladly accepted the offer.

So my faith grew, and I realized I had chosen the right path. On June 11, I was baptized along with my son Danilo Kenneth. I cannot express in words what I felt on that occasion. I was so happy. My heart was full of joy and humility. It was indescribably beautiful. I am so thankful that I have found the right direction for my life and that I now have a goal in life. At my blessing after the holy baptism, I felt the Holy Ghost so distinctly in my heart that I became a totally new person. My life and that of my family has changed.

I am so thankful that I am no longer alone, that I can turn to God with all of my sorrows and problems and he will help me through them. Before, I was in such despair with my problems, but now I know that if I approach God in prayer he will not deny me his help. This knowledge has made me strong. I simply could not live anymore without my faith, and I am so full of joy that I would like to shout it out to the whole world—to share it with everyone. I have a strong, a firm, testimony.

I have faith that God lives, that the gospel is true. I have faith that the Book of Mormon is true, that God loves all people equally. We are all children of God and can turn to him at any time. God sent his son Jesus Christ to the earth so that all mankind could be saved, so that our sins could be forgiven if we will come to him in prayer. Knowing this gives me such joy. I love to live the commandments that have been given to us, and I hope someday to be worthy to enter the temple. I want to prepare myself for that event.

My desire is also for many more people to realize that this is the true way. I want them to be as happy as I am.

I say all of this as my testimony, and I say it in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

[Anita Jander has served as a stake missionary and as a teacher in the Relief Society. As of 1995, she is a teacher in the Sunday School in the Dresden Ward.]

Birga Weber, Freiberg Ward
Baptized June 11, 1989, Age 22

I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since June 11. I would like to tell you how I came to this church.

I was certainly not burdened with a predilection toward any church. In my family there was no one who had the slightest belief in God, to say nothing of a desire to visit a church. So I pushed all thoughts and feelings about God far from me, although in the depths of my heart I always hoped that there might be a God.

Since I am a great lover of American Indian culture (I am a member of an Indian Studies group), I was, of course, present for the performance of the Lamanite Generation in Freiberg. It far exceeded my expectations. After the performance, I got into a conversation with Elder [Mont] Didericksen and Elder [Robbie] Dean. I already knew that the members of the Lamanite Generation were Mormons, but I had only the most superficial knowledge of the gospel. The missionaries asked me if I was interested in the Mormons, and they told me a few things about Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the gospel. In that moment, I knew immediately: this is it. And I was absolutely certain that I would become a Mormon. Nothing in the world could prevent me, and I felt an irresistible longing for more knowledge. This all took place in a matter of seconds, one thought after another. I gave the two missionaries my address. They promised to visit me and tell me more about the gospel.

For a week, I could hardly wait, but they finally came. I felt such a wonderful feeling in their presence, and it became stronger and stronger. It is hard to describe. They radiated such warmth, goodness, and friendliness. My entire life changed, inwardly as well as outwardly. I have become much calmer, more even tempered, and more satisfied. I now see life from a different perspective.

Within a week, I received the six discussions and was baptized on the following Sunday, just one week after the missionaries first visited me. The baptism was the most beautiful experience of my life. I know I will never regret this step. I have never in all my life felt such genuine friendliness, goodness, and security as I feel here in the one true church of God. This is what I had always been seeking but had never found. I am happy again, and I know that there is someone who loves me and my son (two and one-half years old), someone to whom I can turn and who will help me always if I live according to his commandments and continue to study the gospel.

I know that God lives and that his son Jesus Christ is in charge of this world. They require nothing that is impossible for us. I know they will continually test me because only in this way can I become more like God and return to him when I have found and fulfilled my assignment on this earth.

It was not accidental that the missionaries found me just at this time. God had prepared me, and I am so thankful to him for this and love him with all my heart. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

[As of 1995, Birga Weber is the music leader in the Freiberg Ward.]

Uta Schmidt, Annaberg Ward
Baptized June 25, 1989, Age 29

I have known about the Church for several years because of my sister, who has been a member for fourteen years. She is the wife of the current bishop. They have both attempted numerous times to tell me about the gospel. I did not want to listen, and I refused to accept any religion. I continued to smoke, drink my coffee, and even drink alcohol occasionally.

About two years ago, my life took a dramatic change. In my apartment, I had an accident that injured my spinal column, and since that time, I have been severely crippled. Six months ago, the doctors informed me that within two years I would be confined to a wheelchair, but my health has deteriorated much more rapidly than they anticipated.

From that time, I began to think more seriously about the meaning and purpose of life. I constantly asked, “Why?” My marriage of seven years ended in divorce five years ago. I was plagued by one sickness after another. My son, who is now eight years old, had to learn very early to be self-sufficient. About the end of June, I reached the lowest point in my life. I could simply no longer deal with the fact that I was a cripple. Did God really intend that at age twenty-nine I would no longer be able to walk? I had so many plans, so many things to do, and I still had a child to raise. In any case, I was filled with despair and bitterness! I no longer wanted to live, not even for my child.

Just at this time, the missionaries arrived in our city. I asked my brother-in-law (the bishop) if he could send them by to see me. Some time earlier, he had asked me if I would like to receive the missionaries. I had many questions, which no one had ever been able to answer for me, such as Why are there so many churches? I knew there was a God. But which was the true church? If I had not been filled with such despair, I would probably never have asked my brother-in-law this favor.

The missionaries were there within the hour. Their presence was a comfort to me. I had a very good feeling. They immediately noticed that I needed help. We got into a conversation, and they gave me the first discussion without my realizing it. I was inspired by their presence, their confidence, their manner of presentation, their friendliness, and the love that flowed from them!

Elder [Dale] Moss and Elder [David] Tingey asked me to read 3 Nephi 11. I read this chapter several times, and it moved me so much that I wept each time I read it. I prayed to God to ask him if the things I was reading were true, if this book was true, and if I was doing the right thing. I wept with each prayer. I had such an unusual feeling in my heart, something I had never before experienced.

At the second visit of the missionaries, Elder Moss explained that my tears were an answer to my questions, that I had learned that the Church was true! But still I had many, many questions.

After the second discussion, the missionaries asked me when I would like to be baptized, on June 26? I indeed knew that the Church was true, but I declined to be baptized. My desire for baptism had to come from my own heart. The missionaries were somewhat disappointed at my answer, but nevertheless they continued to visit me and share with me their love.

On the following Sunday, my sister and her husband took me to church with them. I was looking forward to this occasion because on this Sunday there was to be a baptism. I had never seen a baptism, and I was rather anxious to see one. Today I realize that I had within me the desire to be baptized at that time.

It was an unforgettable experience for me. I was so touched by it all. When the new converts were being given the gift of the Holy Ghost, I was overcome once again by an amazing feeling, but this time much stronger than before. I was brought to tears, my heart was pounding, and something within me said, “Now!”

As the converts were being congratulated, I went over to the missionaries and shared with them my decision. They were rather amazed, and my sister stood there with an open mouth. They were all very happy about my decision, but my joy was too great. Not two minutes later I lost my strength completely. For the rest of the day, I was unable to walk, but I was indifferent to that; I had made a decision that would change the course of my entire life.

On the following Sunday (June 25), my son and I were baptized. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father that he has accepted me and my child. I have finally discovered a meaning and purpose to life! Our Heavenly Father has accepted me, he leads me and guides me. I have faith; I have hope—my support for life.

My physical condition is no longer of such importance to me, even though I must use a wheelchair from time to time. I have a duty; I have a calling, which I am attempting to fulfill as well as I possibly can. I have friends and a feeling of fulfillment. I can share my joy with others. I can tell them that God loves even me, that I am so thankful for the knowledge I have received. I am so thankful I can have a testimony. My faith has helped me so much to keep the Word of Wisdom. I have not had the slightest difficulty giving up smoking, coffee, and alcohol. I knew I was damaging my body with these things, and to this day, I have not had the least desire for them. I also realize that I would never have had the strength to give up my smoking without my faith.

The Church brings fulfillment to my life! I am happy and so thankful that I can be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every Sunday I receive what I need for my life from the Church and from the members. It is such a powerful feeling. I once heard a saying, “Yes, my body is weak, but in exchange my soul has been healed.” That is the way I feel, and this saying helps me at times, such as when I must lie down and when I feel such pain. I have lost many “friends” because of the Church, but I have gained many more. I feel strong, and that is very important to me. I have a testimony that God lives, that he hears my prayers, that he helps me when it is necessary.

Our Heavenly Father knows that I am so thankful for his laws and commandments, for his Son Jesus Christ, for his eternal gospel, for the missionaries that have been able to come into our country to bring the gospel to so many people.

I pray for all of those people who are seeking the truth, who are ready to accept the gospel and take upon them the name of Jesus Christ. May they, with God’s help, find their way. Amen.

[As of 1995, Uta Schmidt is a teacher in the Relief Society of the Annaberg Ward.]

Katrin Richter, Annaberg Ward
Baptized July 13, 1989, Age 23

I became acquainted with the Church through my present husband, who invited me to attend with him in April 1988. Gradually, I came to understand better the true principles and teachings of the gospel. I had already lived according to the Word of Wisdom before I knew the Church, but everything else was new to me. We were married in July 1988. My husband and I visited the temple grounds in Freiberg and attended the spring conference of the Church, which was held in Dresden. We regularly attended Church services in Annaberg. I read the scriptures and received the discussions from the stake missionaries. I intended to be baptized someday; we just didn’t know when we would do it.

On July 1, 1989, I had been at the maternity clinic for about a week as we were expecting a baby at any time. I had had a difficult day. I felt separated from my husband and lonely. Above all, I felt a dark and evil influence. On other the hand, I had received a priesthood blessing. At the same time, I was pondering the talk of a newly baptized sister. I felt I understood for the first time what it was to be so down and then to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. I wanted to have this spirit with me continually. Because of these feelings, I was, on July 13, driven to leave the clinic—at my own risk.

As I was walking along, I saw the two American missionaries. I had not yet met them, but they were speaking English and were carrying the scriptures. I am normally very shy, but on this day, I spoke to them and asked them if they were missionaries. I told them of my desire to be baptized. I invited them to our home for that evening.

We talked about the Church, about our Heavenly Father, and about baptism. Since we could not find another day, the missionaries suddenly asked me if I wanted to be baptized that day. And so it was that at 9:30 that evening we held an open-air baptismal service. It was an unforgettable experience for me, for my husband, and for the members who had assembled on short notice. I had finally found someone who understood me and had made it possible for me to feel the Holy Ghost fully and completely. The Lord was with me. And so not only was my baptism held without complication, but three days later our daughter Mandy was born without complications.

Because of the Church, I have become an entirely different person. I have grown in faith and confidence in God. The birth was much easier than expected, in spite of its being a breech birth. I have learned so many things. We have become a better family, we understand one another better, and we have more in common. I also have an inner peace and calmness because I have learned to pray again, as I used to do when I was a child. Through the Church, I have learned to enjoy contact with other people. Many members are friendly to me and have become my good friends.

[As of 1995, Katrin Richter is a teacher in the Primary in the Annaberg Ward.]