James has been prepared from the very beginning.
James was originally found through a member that has since passed away. Our member was a neighbor to James and was always a good example of the gospel. James had only heard good things about the church, the Book of Mormon, and other gospel topics. It was amazing!
Unfortunately, there were challenges in his life that made it difficult to attend church. His wife, Mary, has been very sick since the missionaries have known James. As he took care of her, it prevented him attending sacrament meeting, but he always kept reading the Book of Mormon.
During his time being taught by the missionaries, James was taught by over 20 different missionaries. So many missionaries have been blessed to meet James and to see his firmness in Christ. On the first night of transfers in January 2025, Elder Ransom and Elder Maxfield went over with the intent to extend another baptismal invite to James. His wife had recently passed away, and they had the prompting to discuss the blessings of the temple. As they discussed promised that could come to his life through the temple, James was confident that baptism was the path he was meant to take, and accepted the invitation to be baptized.
James was baptized on February 4, 2025 and then received the Gift of the Holy Ghost through confirmation. We all look forward to the day he can receive the blessings of being sealed to his family in the temple.
Barlows in TKM 