Elder David Bednar was introduced as '"the youngest of the Twelve but like Nephi of old, has wisdom and maturity beyond his years," by Jeffrey Holland. Wednesday morning, the last full day of the training and following President Boyd Packer's talk, Elder Bednar addressed the Mission Presidents and wives reminding each and everyone of the importance of the Book of Mormon as it is a "keystone of our religion." He stated that the only event that preceded the publishing of the Book of Mormon was the First Vision!! What a powerful reminder!! It is the only book that the Lord has testified to be the "most correct" of all books on the earth.

There are three reasons why it is the greatest tool for conversion. They are:

(1) It is the keystone of the witness of our Savior as it focuses on His life and divine mission. It uses clarity and understandable language as it teaches His doctrine. The "convincing power of the Book or Mormon results from both a central focus upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the inspired plainness and clarity of its teachings." See 1 Nephi 13:26. Because many plain and simple truths were removed from the Bible, 'many do stumble.' "No other scriptural source provides more knowledge about or describes so sublimely and clearly the Father's plan of happiness and the infinite Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ." The word atonement was used only once in the KJV of the Bible; however, it appears 39 times in the Book of Mormon. "In a world that grows more secular and confused about the identity and mission of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon is a singular source of plain, precious, and eternally satisfying answers 'to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.'"

(2) It is relevant for our day. Moroni stated in Mormon 8:35 that materials were included in the ancient writings for us today. We should continually to be asking ourselves, "Why did the Lord inspire _______(prophet) to include this in his record?

The word "war" was included 132 times--10% of the Book of Mormon is about war; we are in a war for the souls of men. This book teaches us how to win; small groups of faithful emerged over outnumbered weapons and numbers. Peace was brought to their souls as well as hope. See Alma 58:12-13

(3) The Book of Mormon is a tangible reality that cannot be ignored!! A truly intellectual person cannot discount it as a fraud or the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith. George Cannon stated that "no wicked man could write it or no good man would write it unless he was commanded of God to do so!"

We should all focus on the converting power of the Book of Mormon, not only for new converts but also for missionaries who return home. President Ezra T. Benson stated that "there is a power in the Book of Mormon which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book." Elder Bednar stated that "those who study seriously the Book of Mormon will continue to do so after they arrive home. It will become a serious source of daily assistance." He promised that topics studied that day will be used that day. See Alma 23:6 When the Lamanites became converted to the Lord (Book of Mormon), they never fell away. So let it be with us.