Tender Mercies in the TKM: Kaden

Growing up, Kaden has always been a good kid. He has a special spirit and a light that shines from within. He has been faithfully attending church from a young age and has loved learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how families can be together forever. He had the strong desire to one day be baptized. But it wouldn’t be an easy road and there were other things that needed to happen first. He needed to be adopted.

Kaden is the adopted son of Barry and Beverley, local members in the Powell Valley ward. Kaden has a deep love for them, especially his momma Beverley. They love Kaden and see the light and joy he radiates into the world and wanted to be able to help him grow that light. They’ve felt it is their calling to help and care for kids just like Kaden.

Barry and his wife Beverley have adopted 6 kids, and fostered over 100 in their home over the years. They have felt such joy as they mimister to the needs of God’s children. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. As they’ve done all they can to help these children of God find healing and joy in life, many have been introduced to the gospel and the power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Their family has had many special experiences teaching the gospel in their home. They have gained a pure witness of the divinity of God’s children. Every single one is special, with unique gifts, personalities, struggles, and ways they are meant to bless the world. The Ison’s have seen lots of answers to prayers, mighty miracles even as they have cared for these special children who have come through their home. They see all of them as choice spirits, precious sons and daughters of God. Although there has been lots of trial and heartache, there has been lots of love and blessings poured out from heaven. They have found it a blessing to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands in touching the hearts of many. Many of these kids have come to know their Savior more deeply, kids like Kaden.

Before Kaden could be baptized he needed to be adopted. There were worries that it would not be possible, but Kaden’s great grandpa promised he would keep him and his brother together. They would do all that they could to see him happy and safe. There was a time where things got difficult and it seemed like things wouldn’t work out but through persistent effort and the power of God in working many miracles they were kept together. This family, who had been raising these two boys and teaching them to follow Jesus Christ, were finally able to adopt Kaden and his brother. Once they were adopted they became eligible for baptism.

In preparation for his baptism, Kaden began meeting with the missionaries. He always felt good meeting with the missionaries and especially enjoyed learning about the temple where families can be sealed together forever. He has a firm testimony of God’s plan for eternal families. One day he will be sealed to his parents and great granpapa.

Kaden Ison and his brother Garrett were baptized on April 21, 2024. Kaden has felt so much joy in his life since his baptism. For him, baptism was a great milestone and a true outward expression of his inward commitment to following Jesus Christ and trying to be like him.