This article is Part 3 of Sister Natalie Shawver’s series “Born and Raised”…Or Not.

“No amount of debate or list of fact will convince anyone that Christ died for their sins or that this is THE Church of Jesus Christ. True conviction comes through the manifestation of the spirit and power of Christ.” – Brother Frank Natoli, Detroit, Michigan

Some churches have contemporary worship services. Some offer free meals. Some even have Starbucks in their lobbies. Each church advertises something that sets it apart from the rest. Something to draw in those who are searching.

The Church of Jesus Christ has that something. But it doesn’t come in the form of a hot cup of cappuccino.

It’s something indescribable. It’s something we want everyone to have. It’s more than a feeling and bigger than each of us. It’s the power and authority given to us alone.

“My first memory of The Church of Jesus Christ was witnessing Brother Tony Corrado crying while he prayed. This was extremely strange to me. I had no comfort level on this first visit simply because I had been raised Catholic and the service was nothing like I was used to. It was later that I finally understood those tears of Brother Tony.” – Sister Karen Pezzenti, Cincinnati-Morrow, Ohio

For some, the power of God is exhibited in tears. For others, it was feeling something like never before.

“I was touched by the Spirit at a Sunday meeting in Bogota, Colombia and had the desire to give my life to the Lord that same day. I love when the Spirit of God enters our meetings and fills my soul with a greater joy than I feel anywhere else.” – Sister Jimena Mott, Columbus, Ohio

So many witness that something. It can’t easily be put into words, but it’s something that draws us back and is guaranteed every time. It’s something we know we need. It’s there from the first visit until the moment we draw our last breath.

“Just go and listen. Pray for understanding. God will change your heart and you will feel His spirit.” – Sister Karen Pezzenti

We don’t don fancy robes and we don’t have glamorous buildings. Our Church was founded on the simple principles of Christ’s teachings: Love me and love your neighbor. Visitors to our church, like those above, recognized this difference. These beliefs and experiences played a key role in their conversion testimonies. The Spirit worked with each of them — as it does with each of us — in just the ways they needed, always reminding them that there was something there. Something they needed. Something special, something beautiful, something good.

Dare to Share Verse of the Day

Alma 7:23 – And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.