The Book of Mormon, often called the "keystone of our religion" is also a key element in missionary work, and has been since the first copy was printed nearly 162 years ago.

Since that first publication of 5,000 copies in 1830, the book, or selections of the book, have been printed in 93 languages. The cumulative total is estimated at 61.6 million copies, according to the Church's Curriculum Department.And since 1830, more than half a million missionaries have testified to the truth of the book in most countries of the world. According to missionaries, the book's effectiveness comes because its truthfulness is manifest "by the power of the Holy Ghost." (Moro. 10:4.) The power of the Holy Ghost cuts across cultures and applies to Christians and non-Christians.

Formal missionary work with the Book of Mormon began about June 30, 1830, when one of the Church's first missionaries, Samuel H. Smith, took several copies of that first edition on a missionary journey in upstate New York.

Among his first attempts to share the book was with a tavern landlord, at whose establishment he hoped to spend the night. His explanation that the book was translated from some plates found in a hillside failed to impress the landlord, who subsequently banished him from the premises.

However, later in the same journey he left a copy of the book with the Rev. John P. Greene. Three weeks later he returned to retrieve it. Instead, he felt impressed by the Spirit to leave the book, so he did.

This copy led to the conversion of not only the Rev. Greene and his family, but also the families of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, who later became prominent Church leaders.

The Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" and a companion scripture to the Bible. And, under the direction of President Ezra Taft Benson, the book is being introduced to more people than ever before. (See accompanying chart.)

President Benson has instructed: "The Book of Mormon is to be used `for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel,' the Lord says, and its words `shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth.' (2 Ne. 29:2.) We, the members of the Church, and particularly the missionaries, have to be the `hissers' or tellers and testifiers of the Book of Mormon unto the ends of the earth." (Regional conference address Jan. 26, 1986, in El Paso, Texas.)

In a later address, President Benson instructed: "Missionaries need to know how to use the Book of Mormon to arouse mankind's interest in studying it. They need to know how it answers the great questions of the soul. Missionaries need to read with those they teach various passages from the Book of Mormon." (1988 October general conference.)

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve and executive director of the Missionary Department, said in a recent interview, "There has been just a remarkable transition that has occurred in the lives of so many of our missionaries as they have spent more time reading the Book of Mormon and becoming converted to it."

However, Elder Perry continued: "We have learned that just handing the investigator a copy of the Book of Mormon is not the answer. It is when the missionaries sit down and have them read the Book of Mormon that they get a testimony of it. Then they really become converted to the gospel.

"The Book of Mormon is the greatest converting tool our missionaries have, and they use it thoroughly."

The newly published Encyclopedia of Mormonism explains that the Book of Mormon is a tutor in teaching people to discern the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

"Many Latter-day Saints, including those born into LDS families, trace their conversions to Jesus Christ and their commitment toward the Church to prayerful study of the Book of Mormon, and through it they learn to recognize the Holy Spirit. Thus the book becomes a continuing symbol of personal revelation and of God's love for and attention to the needs of each person.

"The Book of Mormon is the base from which millions have begun a personal journey of spiritual growth and of service to others." (Vol. 1, p. 142.)

Missionaries in all areas of the world use the Book of Mormon in their missionary work. Sister Cami Walker of Weiser, Idaho, serving in the Washington Tacoma Mission, said she introduces the Book of Mormon to investigators by first talking about its passages, and then making a reading assignment.

On the next visit to that investigator, she and her companion continue to discuss scriptures and make new assignments.

"It makes all the difference in the world when investigators read the Book of Mormon," she said. "In some instances those who join love the missionaries and the ward, but those who really gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon are solid. They know the Church is true because they have felt the Spirit.

Elder Scott E. Swaner of Salt Lake City, serving in the same mission, explained that before he began teaching with the Book of Mormon, he read it frequently and it became a vital force in his life.

One family he taught didn't feel a need for baptism. "They thought baptism was just an outward ordinance," he said. "We showed them the Book of Mormon's emphasis to do our part to come unto Christ. If we are going to be followers of Christ, we must be obedient."

He said that in 3 Nephi, the Savior makes it plain that there are to be no disputations about His doctrine, and that His doctrine includes repentance and baptism.

After studying these scriptures the family accepted baptism, said Elder Swaner.

Pres. Michael E. Nicholes of the Korea Seoul Mission said that the Book of Mormon is an important proselyting tool in Korea. Many people in Korea follow beliefs that have been amalgamated into various independent Christian and non-Christian congregations, from which independent preachers gain their livelihood. Others have adapted ancient Asian philosophies into a religion.

Missionaries teach the gospel to these people, as well as those of orthodox religions. Non-Christians are first told about Joseph Smith's vision and then introduced to the Book of Mormon.

"It fits in nicely after people have listened to the account of Joseph's vision of the Father and the Son," said Pres. Nicholes.

After investigators are introduced to the book and begin reading, it "rings a bell of truth in them," because it introduces them to Jesus Christ, he said.

Converts who read the book find an anchor, he said. "I look at members who have weathered many years in the Church. It has been the Book of Mormon that has helped them. That, and continual Church service, helps them keep active."

Elder Jason Wharton, Mesa, Ariz., serving in the Korea Seoul Mission, said he first tries to determine how much Bible knowledge an investigator has. He tells non-Christians that the Book of Mormon "helps me to feel good." He then explains how reading it can give them strength and joy.

"A lot struggle to understand in a more detailed way, but they can feel the purpose and spirit of the book."

Elder Humberto Antonio Martinez Flores of the El Salvador San Salvador East Mission said that few investigators relate the Book of Mormon to ancient traditions of their ancestors.

Rather, the teachings of the book help them look past the traditions of their fathers to a new belief.

"We are teaching a family now that has gained a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon," he said. "They know it is a book about God, and teaches them about Him.

"When they feel the Spirit, they know it is a true book. When they read enough, they become members of the Church."

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(Chart)

Copies of Book of Mormon Distributed

Copies of the Book of Mormon distributed have increased dramatically during the past 10 years. Most books years. Most books are missionary editions.

in millions

1981 1,814,426*

1982 1,150,724*

1983 974,439

1984 1,212,053

1985 2,017,527

1986 3,178,727

1987 3,319,556

1988 3,966,380

1989 5,325,096

1990 6,558,383

1991 6,600,000**

*Reflects sales of news scriptures **Estimated