When Sean Dixon, a young man in Provo, Utah, received a letter from Stephen Anjum, a Pakistani Christian captivated by the Book of Mormon, he had no idea of the chain of miracles that would follow. From a single book passed between continents to the formation of thriving gospel communities in Pakistan, this true story shares the heartwarming and miraculous events of conversion, courage, and connection.
More than just a history, From Provo to Pakistan uses a narrative style to teach
The power of the Book of Mormon to change livesVarious first-hand examples and ideas on how to effectively use the Book of Mormon as a missionary toolHow the Book of Mormon leads people to Jesus Christ and helps them to become anchored to Him through covenantsChrist-centered friendships that can develop across borders and culturesThe miracles that can happen as we engage in the work of the LordHow “small and simple things can bring great things to pass” (Alma 37:6-7)As you read From Provo to Pakistan you will be inspired to accept Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s general conference invitation to help flood the earth with the Book of Mormon! (“This Day,” October 2022)
WOW! This story is incredible! One copy of The Book of Mormon with a testimony inside from a boy from Provo made its way to England and then to Pakistan where a man named Stephen gained a testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. He shared the gospel with many of his family and friends and created a branch of the church there in Pakistan. From that branch came the first baptisms in Pakistan, the first full time missionary from Pakistan, and the first children born into the faith in Pakistan. What's crazy is this happened IN MY LIFETIME! This is something happening currently with missionary work going forth to all the world. So cool!
It really is a testimony to the power of The Book of Mormon and how it changes hearts and brings people to Christ.
An inspiring story written in a very accessible, first-person style. It starts with a simple testimony glued inside a give-away copy of The Book of Mormon and eventually becomes the story of Stephen Anjum, his family, and his earnest missionary efforts. The book goes on to recount the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pakistan. Underneath it all, both Sean Dixon as well as Stephen Anjum highlight the power of The Book of Mormon in their lives, the power it has had in the lives of others they love or met, and encourage readers to discover its power in their own lives.
I knew some of the high-level details of this story because of my friendship and familiarity with Sean Dixon. However, being able to read the letters, having 100+ pages for the story to unfold, and consuming it over the course of a few days really allowed me to appreciate the miracle at the center of the book. Seeing all of the things that happened along the way really reinforced the message God gave to Moses, "this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." His work moves forward on the earth, The Book of Mormon is one of the primary tools of the Restoration.
Read as part of the 52 Book Club 2026 Challenge prompt 8, "a three-syllable word in the title."
This is a powerful and inspiring book that beautifully illustrates how a simple act—sharing the Book of Mormon—can lead to a ripple effect of faith, miracles, and transformation. The story of Stephen Anjum is both humbling and awe-inspiring, showing how God prepares His children through even the most painful trials to become instruments in His hands. The author emphasizes the power of friendship as a foundation for missionary work, and I loved how that theme was woven throughout.
While I found myself deeply moved by Stephen’s journey, I was occasionally distracted when the narrative shifted to the author’s unrelated experiences. At times, this felt like it pulled focus from the central story, which was compelling enough to stand on its own.
Still, the overall message is clear: when we trust in the power of the Book of Mormon and are willing to extend friendship, lives can change—ours included. This is a book full of faith, miracles, and the quiet courage of ordinary people who believe in Jesus Christ.
This is a wonderful story of how a simple sharing of the Book of Mormon can change more than one person's life. We may never know the rippling effect our missionary efforts reach, but we just need to trust the Book of Mormon to touch people's hearts and bring them closer to Jesus Christ. It shares how friendship is the important first step to seeing miracles in our lives.
This is a remarkable story. I was a bit annoyed when it left the story and started to talk about the author's other experiences. It felt like he was trying to make it longer and it needed to stay focused on the main story.
Such an inspiring and uplifting read! Amazing to see how the Lord accomplishes His miracles, and wants to unite all of God’s family together— regardless of when or where we live. We truly can be instruments in His hands!
Loved it! It's a very inspiring story. The story is full of hope, hard work and the Holy Ghost! And loved the pictures and letters at the end of the book.
Such an inspiring story of sharing our testimonies!! I love all the details and you can feel the love these people had for each other through the pages.