How many Church members can say they have read the Book of Mormon 37 times in three years? Not only has Miguel Nuez repeatedly read this sacred book of scripture that many times, he has been a member of the Church for just three years.
Miguel Angel Nuez came to the United States with his family when he was 13 years old. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, in 1981, Miguel remembered attending church only a few times during his childhood.
When the Nuez family moved to the Bronx in New York City, Miguel did not know English, but soon picked it up through his new friends and school. He graduated from high school and then attended Berkeley College.
As a young adult, Miguel was riding a bus one afternoon and noticed a pretty girl who was also from the Dominican Republic. Not unusual for New York City, this bus got stuck in traffic. As he and Kenya del Rosario got acquainted during this extended bus trip, he learned that she was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had joined the Church in 1993 and later served a mission in the Dominican Republic. Their friendship didn’t end with the bus ride, however, and Miguel often visited Kenya at her home.
Miguel acquired a Book of Mormon that an acquaintance had found on the street, much in the same way Vincenzo di Francesca, an Italian pastor, did in the Church film How Rare A Possession. Miguel had recently been laid off of his job and was at home one night, bored and flipping channels with one hand. With the other hand, he picked up this Book of Mormon and started reading. He was intrigued by the story of Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem and kept reading.
By then, Miguel and Kenya were dating, and she invited him to go to church. It was a disappointing experience, as no one welcomed them or talked to them. Miguel felt they should go again the next week so that he could prove this wasn’t a good church. They had the same experience, and Miguel concluded that “there was something wrong with us.” Just then, two sister missionaries introduced themselves, which led to Miguel wanting to learn more. It was decided to have elders teach him; one of the missionaries only had two days left in the mission field.
After the second meeting with the elders, Miguel said he was ready to be baptized. The missionaries asked him, “Are you sure? Usually we need to give five lessons. Please read 3 Nephi and pray.”
By then, Miguel had taken a night job and was drinking five 16 ounce cups of coffee every night to stay awake. When he learned about the Word of Wisdom, he didn’t think he could quit. The elders challenged him to pray about this. On the fourth night, he gave up coffee completely.
At age 28, Miguel was baptized on May 24, 2009, in Queens, New York. The following Sunday he was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. One year later he received the Melchizedek Priesthood.
When the stake president asked him to learn more about the Church’s doctrines and history, Miguel ordered “tons of books” and read them voraciously. He describes himself as a “most active” member of the Church; he reads the scriptures every single day, prays, fulfills his callings, and visits his home teaching families at least twice a month.
During the intervening year between his baptism and eligibility to receive temple ordinances, Miguel and Kenya’s courtship developed, and they wanted to be married in the temple. Their dream was realized on March 12, 2011, when they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manhattan New York Temple.
When the newly married couple exited the door of the Manhattan Temple and Miguel saw the security guard sitting at the desk in the foyer of the building, he thought working in that position would be a wonderful job. A few days later he was hired. During his shift, Miguel warmly greets visitors, missionaries, temple patrons and workers and assists in any way he can. He answers questions, gives directions, and makes everyone feel welcome.
As there are times during the day when the foyer is empty, Miguel has an opportunity to read at his desk. His reading material is always Church-related, whether it’s Church magazines or the scriptures, particularly El Libro de Mormon. His study of this beloved book isn’t limited to his work hours. He reads on the subway, at home, and during certain times at church.
Through Miguel’s many readings of the Book of Mormon both in Spanish and in English, he feels that his life has changed for the better. He says that before he became a member of the Church, he was an impatient person and that he was concerned about buying clothes, showing off to people, and that partying was “the life.” He has since found peace, a family, and a meaningful life.
Miguel testifies: “The first thing I will say is that the Book of Mormon is the most perfect book on earth. Combined with the Bible, they are the perfect combination and the best instruction to get to heaven. In the Book of Mormon people will find the answers to their needs. They will know that Christ sacrificed for us and that God loves us. This book contains the most amazing story of the people who lived in the Americas. I recommend the Book of Mormon as a guide to go and live with Heavenly Father. It will teach you the true word of God.
“Joseph Smith knew this book was true. I testify that Christ is the Son of God, that this is the true church. I testify that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are God’s words, and if we do what God commands us to do we will be in Heaven. I testify that we have a living prophet who receives revelation from God.”
