The Book of Mormon is a book of inspired scripture that exists to give us direction in our lives and connect us to Jesus. Where does the name come from? Hundreds of years ago in the ancient Americas, a prophet named Mormon compiled a record of his people. They faced a lot of the same challenges that we do. And, just like us, they found strength when they turned to Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon is meant to be read alongside the Bible as another testament of Jesus Christ and His divine mission as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Together, the Bible and the Book of Mormon provide more understanding of God’s great love for all of us and can help us come closer to Him.

Like the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ. The central event recorded in the Book of Mormon is Jesus Christ’s visit—including His teachings and ministry—to believers in the ancient Americas. This account shows that God extends the same blessings and opportunities to all His children and that His love isn’t confined to people from a single area of the world. No matter what language we speak or what we look like, God loves us and wants us to come closer to Him.

Here’s a synopsis of the epic thousand-year history recounted in the Book of Mormon:

In essence, the Book of Mormon is a story about a family. The father of that family, Lehi, is a prophet in ancient Jerusalem. God warns Lehi in a dream to take his family and leave Jerusalem, because the city and its people will soon be taken captive by another nation. They cross the ocean to the Americas. Laman and Lemuel, the oldest sons, don’t believe their father, Lehi, was inspired. They are always complaining. Their younger brother Nephi is full of faith. Nephi is chosen by God to lead the family and be their teacher.

The people eventually split into two groups, the Nephites and the Lamanites. These groups are often at war, and their faith is constantly being tested. This faith fills the pages of the Book of Mormon in the form of powerful sermons, prophecies, life lessons, and spiritual experiences.

After Jesus is resurrected in Jerusalem, He appears to the people in the Americas. He teaches them about baptism, repentance, and forgiveness. He heals their sick and blesses their children. He establishes His Church. Unlike those in Jerusalem, the people listen to Jesus. Afterward, they live in peace for hundreds of years. Over time, the people lose their faith and a prophet named Moroni buries their records to preserve them for a future time and people—for us! Joseph Smith was directed to those records and translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God. Its teachings increase faith in Jesus Christ and inspire millions of people today.

Church service times vary from congregation to congregation. However, you can always count on one main worship service for everyone, followed by classes for children, youth, and adults.

The service for everyone is called “sacrament meeting.” This meeting consists of songs, prayers, and sermons (or “talks”) given by different members of the congregation every week. But the most important part of the meeting is when we take the sacrament (which is similar to Communion) to remember the Savior.