Remembering the Book of Mormon

“Beloved Mexico, awaken to the high destiny that awaits you and receive the writings of your prophets,” the first converts in central Mexico wrote in 1879 after reading the Book of Mormon. They promised that if people in Mexico did so, “the God of your fathers will fulfill all his predictions regarding your children.” Many Mexican Saints, like those early converts, have felt connected to the history and prophecies in the Book of Mormon.

Mexico City Temple

Mexico City Mexico Temple

At the dedication of the Mexico City Mexico Temple, apostles and prophets felt Book of Mormon prophecies were being realized. “Those who labored to prepare the Book of Mormon,” said Elder Richard G. Scott, “would say to you today that they are ending hundreds of years of preparation. … They have prepared a people. You represent that people.” He then called on Saints in Mexico to more carefully study the Book of Mormon to carry on that legacy.

President Ezra Taft Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also felt a strong prompting at the time. “As I participated in the Mexico City Temple dedication,” he later recalled, “I received the distinct impression that God is not pleased with our neglect of the Book of Mormon.” Later, as President of the Church, he called on Latter-day Saints around the world to “flood the earth with the Book of Mormon.” The inspiration he received in Mexico City became a major influence on the lives of countless Latter-day Saints who have made Book of Mormon study a priority in their own lives.