- Translated into 80 languages

- Ignited a flame- Testifies of Christ

"Do we realize the profound miracle that is the translation of the Book of Mormon?" Elder Robert K. Dellenbach of the Seventy asked Saturday morning.

Calling the translation of the Book of Mormon a "modern-day miracle," Elder Dellenbach explained: "The Book of Mormon is presently in print in over 80 languages and is now being translated or prepared for publication in many, many more. Consider the Church's current process of translating the Book of Mormon from English into another language. The Church contracts capable, experienced member translators who are fluent in English, as well as their native tongue and who possess integrity and high moral character so that the spirit of inspiration will guide their work. Just as in Joseph Smith's day, the ability to translate holy writ today is a spiritual gift from God.

"Unlike Joseph's day, however," he continued, "many of our modern translators utilize computers, and word processors, lexicons and encyclopedias to help them in this sacred assignment. Yet, even with the most capable member translators and advanced technology, the translation process takes about four years.

"Now contrast the translation of the Book of Mormon by young Joseph Smith. Joseph was raised on a farm in upstate New York and was only 24 years of age when he completed his translation from reformed Egyptian to English.

"Joseph had little formal education, perhaps no more than three years of elementary school." In addition, Elder Dellenbach said, "On Joseph's shoulders rested not only the translation of the Book of Mormon, but also the restoration and re-establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph's many responsibilities often interrupted the translation process, sometimes for several months. Yet, once Joseph was free to dedicate his entire effort to translation, the work surged forward and he translated eight to 10 pages a day - completing the preponderance of the Book of Mormon in approximately 63 working days.

"Could any one of us today produce such a work? Could a thousand of the world's best theologians and scholars of ancient languages or antiquities write a similar book of such supernal, transcendent value? No other person with such limited education and facility as Joseph has single-handedly translated in such a short period of time from ancient writings over 500 pages of scriptural text. That translation now has 73 million books in distribution.

"Joseph's translation of this ancient, sacred scripture has withstood the scrutiny of many skeptics. This divine spark from heaven, over 165 years ago, has ignited a flame that is dawning a new day. All over the world people are seeking the witness of Jesus Christ as found in the Book of Mormon. They come from every nation, kindred, tongue and people."