Bobby was found when the missionaries we’re making phone calls on a park bench and he stopped by to use the restroom. He wasn’t planning on being there that day but the missionaries invited him to church and he said “YES!”
His best friend of 28 years and then fiancé hopped out of the car and it turns out she was a long-lost member from South Carolina who wanted to come back to church. She had just recently pointed the church building out to Bobby and said she wanted to go, but was really nervous. Bobby kept saying, “Wow, God knew I needed to come to this park tonight, and you guys just called after me, He is amazing!”
In our first lesson with Bobby, we taught the restoration and Jodi shared her testimony and insights too. As we shared Joseph Smith’s First Vision experience, Bobby immediately responded saying “I know that is true!” He was so aware of the spirit testifying of the truth of our message.
The missionaries recognized his tremendous faith and desire to follow in Christ’s footsteps and invited Bobby to be baptized right on the spot, and he happily accepted! He began reading the Book of Mormon every day and attending church every week. Mike n’ Ikes became his new best friend to help overcome an addiction he had, and he likes to joke that their trash can is only full of empty Mike n’ Ike boxes.
The branch and missionaries planned Bobby and Jodi’s wedding just 3 weeks out so that he wouldn’t have to wait any longer to be baptized. Their wedding was beautiful and they already look forward to the day they can be sealed.
Bobby never missed a lesson and was so excited when he understood what a covenant was. He loves to say “ahh that special promise!” And the day he was baptized he remarked that he finally got to make his special promise. Jodi’s Aunt and Uncle drove down from Kentucky to be able to attend and baptize Bobby, and the love and support from everyone in the branch was wonderful. He was baptized on June 23, 2024.
Bobby loves sharing his love for Jesus Christ with everyone around him, in every possible way. He is so excited to continue to learn and grow and says “Don’t forget enduring to the end!”
#TKMTenderMercies
Barlows in TKM 