by Sister Sorenson

Codie Branch referred himself to the missionaries over media in October of 2023. He saw an ad online and asked for missionaries to visit him. We tried multiple times to reach out to him and never got a response. On our last effort, he answered the phone and told us he was indeed interested in growing closer to Jesus Christ. He explained that he drives a truck commercially, so technology was the best way to stay in contact.

A couple of days later, we called him and taught him the Message of the Restoration of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. We shared the First Vision experience and invited him to pray about our message and whether or not it is true. Then, we planned a time to meet with him in person a couple of days later.

When we arrived for the appointment, Codie shared his experience with the invitation. He said he prayed and all he could tell was his gut was telling him to trust us and believe what we say! We were so excited to hear about this special experience. That lesson, we also introduced Damon Seal to Codie. Damon quickly clicked with Codie and became one of his main friends at church.

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On November 17th, we invited Codie to be baptized on December 17th. He accepted and committed to living the commandments.

We continued to have zoom lessons with Codie through the months, with in person lessons during the random weekends he was at home. One such lesson he shared with us that he had never felt so connected to the Savior before. He finally felt like somebody understood him and his life experiences. He also shared with us that his family gave a lot of opposition to meeting with us and being baptized. Another lesson was a church tour with the Fredlines, a wonderful couple in the Lakeway Ward. We walked through the building and showed him the baptismal font. He was excited to join us for church.

As the months went on, we had to push Codie’s baptism back two different times. The first time we had to push it back was because Codie’s job had prevented him from being in town and attending church a second time. The second time we pushed it back was because of Christmas Eve. Both times were discouraging for him, but he continued to prepare for his baptism.

Codie was finally baptized on January 14th, 2024. He had a small baptismal program. The Fredlines provided the music. Jeremy Seal baptized and confirmed Codie. Jeremy’s wife, Mary Seal, spoke. So did another member named Damon Seal, who is not related to Jeremy and Mary. He was welcomed to the ward by the Elders Quorum President, President Mike Moffat.

Codie has continued to grow in his conversion and discipleship. He is currently working on reading through the Book of Mormon and keeping commandments. He has learned how the Atoning sacrifice of the Savior brings grace that gives him strength and power. He shared that since he has received the gift of the Holy Ghost, he has had more strength and peace in his life.

#TKMTenderMercies

by Sister Hunt

Jessica Hendley has a good friend, Mark Webb, who was recently baptized. After his baptism, he started sharing the gospel with her and asked the missionaries to come by her home to meet her. But when the missionaries would knock on her door, Jess wouldn’t answer.

A few weeks later, Jess got a new job working for the Bishop of the Cookeville 2nd Ward. Bishop Riches started sharing things about the restored gospel with Jess. She recognized many of the things he shared because they had been shared with her by Brother Webb. After a few conversations with Bishop Riches, she finally agreed to meet with missionaries.

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When Jess began meeting with the missionaries, it was clear that her heart had been prepared by Heavenly Father to receive restored truths. Initially, she was really quiet and timid and didn’t want to go to church. But as the Spirit testified to her, her desire grew, and she agreed to attend sacrament meeting.

Once Jess attended church, everything just clicked for her. The ward members were so welcoming and kind, and she felt a connection with many of them.

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Soon after attending church for the first time, Jess expressed that she wanted to be baptized. We even moved her baptism up a week from the original date because she was so excited to be baptized.

It was a beautiful day. Jess’ sister Jennifer came to support her at the baptism. After the baptism, she told us that she had seen such an amazing change in Jess, and that she wanted what Jess now had. We began teaching her and she is now on date to be baptized on April 20, 2024. It is amazing how Mark’s baptism led him to share the gospel with Jess, and her baptism led her to share the gospel with Jennifer. This again shows us the power that members have in sharing the gospel.

Jess loves all the things we teach her. She will send us verses and quotes from general conference. Her testimony continues to grow and she knows that she was being prepared. Because of her faith and decision to be baptized, she is now bringing others to the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings from making covenants with Him.

#TKMTenderMercies