Michel was born in Nicaragua and grew up constantly facing dangerous situations. One night, two men kidnapped and tried to kill her. She said a prayer and miraculously was able to fend off her attackers and escape. She immediately learned trust in God and to do everything He asked. She learned He would deliver her and not lead her astray. She knew she could trust Him and made the hardest decision of her life, deciding to leave everything behind and move to the United States for a safer future for her and her family.
Elder Barrow and Elder Johns first knocked on Michel’s door in December of 2023, but unfortunately they weren’t able to contact her after their first visit. Shortly after meeting the missionaries, Michel moved to Dallas, Texas. The missionaries in Dallas met Michel on a bus. She loved their message and later attended one of their services. The missionaries continued teaching her until she decided to move back to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Elder Rodriguez and Elder Colling then got a phone call from the Dallas, Texas missionaries about Michel and were able to meet with her immediately. Michel was very grateful to see the missionaries and progressed quickly.
In the very first lesson Michel accepted the invitation to be baptized. During this lesson they talked about how we can become closer to God, and prepare ourselves for baptism. She readily agreed and started finding joy in daily prayer and studying in the Book Of Mormon. She knew she was being led down the right path.
An important moment in Michel’s conversion is when she made the decision to come to church. Sunday service was very special for her and her kids. They learned so much about Jesus Christ and her daughter loved Primary.
We also could not have done this without the Gilday family who has supported Michel in so many ways! The Gildays have helped her understand the true concept of charity! They have also been a friend to Michel in some of her hardest times and done so much for Michel.
Michel was baptized on January 4, 2025 as a member of the West Hills Ward. One of the most powerful moments at Michel’s baptism is when she bore her testimony about her love of Jesus Christ. You could feel the spirit that entered the room when she bore testimony about the Savior. You could tell that she knew what it meant to come unto Christ! We are so grateful for this decision that Michel has made to be baptized and know she will be a great disciple of Christ.
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Barlows in TKM 