Where Did All These Mormons Come From?

Thirty years ago Mormonism was perceived as a strange cult out of Utah. Over the past two decades you’ve probably seen more and more Mormons all over the place. You see their missionaries, you hear about them on the news, or perhaps your neighbor or a co-worker is a Mormon. At this point you might be asking yourself, “Where did all these Mormons come from?!”

In the spring of 1820, a 14 year old farm boy named Joseph Smith from upstate New York was confused about the religious uprising in his town. He and his family read the Bible regularly, and after reading from the Epistle of James he decided to pray to God and ask Him what religion to join. Joseph went to a grove of trees to vocally pray. Upon praying, Joseph describes his experience this way:

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. […]When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Pearl of Great Price, JS-H 1:16-17).

In answer to Joseph’s prayer, he received a visit from God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. After this initial visit, Joseph received divine instruction to not join any of the churches established at that time. Over time he received the authority to organize a church. The church he organized is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or more commonly today as the Mormon Church.

The church was organized on April 6^th, 1830 with only 6 members. Immediately, revelation was given to the church to send proselytizing missionaries throughout the world. Starting with only a few missionaries, the restored gospel was taken to any country that would allow missionaries. The commandment to share the gospel is still in effect today for members of the Church of Jesus Christ. Today there are over 330 missions with nearly 60,000 missionaries worldwide. Those missionaries continue to find people seeking the truth. 

The church continues to grow each year as missionaries talk to new people every day. Mormons still find themselves in obscurity when it comes to their beliefs, but not when it comes to the name of their church. If you have a question about their beliefs, track down those pesky missionaries or ask one of your Mormon friends right away, they’ll love it. 

And that is where all those Mormons come from.