Johnny’s story is nothing short of a miracle! His story starts with with his Aunt Barbara. His Aunt Barbara had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints within the past few years. The missionaries would stop by frequently to teach Barbara, and, because of life situations, Johnny was living with her when the missionaries would stop by. Time and time again, he turned the Elders away.
This changed one day after he had lost his leg in a tragic accident. This accident resulted with Johnny losing one of his legs and having to learn how to live his life with one leg. The Elders had taught Johnny about church and promised him great blessing if he came to church with them. Johnny promised the Elders that if he got a leg, he’d go to church that Sunday. Elder Clayton gave Johnny a powerful priesthood blessing and Johnny received his prosthetic leg the next day. This miracle led to Johnny coming to church and starting on the beautiful journey of walking the covenant path. This blessing was a huge turning point in Johnny’s conversion.
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Another turning point in Johnny’s conversion was watching “Jospeh Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration” video. He watched what had happened to Joseph Smith and everything he went through and knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that God’s power was restored to the earth. As he read the Book of Mormon, he could simply feel and knew that it was true. He couldn’t deny it. He learned that the Book of Mormon is a light and a guide for him and anyone else who reads its pages.
As Johnny has continued down the covenant path, he would determinedly say that “I’m dedicated, already.” His greatest desire is to help the people around him to find the relief, love, and joy that he’s felt as he’s learned about Jesus Christ and how he can be born again and bless his family. He really wants to help his immediate family to come unto Christ and be baptized. He plans to be baptized for some of his family members who have passed when he goes to the temple to perform baptisms for the dead. He expresses so much thanks to his Aunt Barbara for helping him to find the church and truly find the light Christ offers to each of us.
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Johnny’s life before meeting the missionaries was not easy. He had a lot of experiences and hardships in his life. After meeting the missionaries, his life began to change! He still experienced many hardships and challenges as he prepared for baptism. Nevertheless, he tackled the harships and set backs with faith and hope.
Johnny was baptized on October 19, 2024 in the Hardin Valley Ward. When he finally made it to the waters of baptism, he was so excited! He stated that after his baptism and confirmation that, “My soul feels clean since I’ve been baptized.” He loves feeling clean, good, happier, and saved through Christ because of the covenant he has made with God. He has since received the Aaronic priesthood and is excited to help others.
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The story doesn’t end there! Johnny is so excited to continue to learn everything he can and continue to feel the love and hope that comes from Jesus Christ and the covenants we make. He makes an effort to share the gospel and the Book of Mormon with everyone that he interacts with! He has been changed through Christ and wants others to feel the pure joy that he has experienced.
In the end, this promise from Johnny is a show of his testimony. He promises, “I will be faithful.” Johnny has been and continues to be faithful to Jesus Christ! Johnny loves the Lord and is filled with love and joy. He truly has been born again through the power of God and the redeeming power in Jesus Christ’s Atonement.
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Barlows in TKM 