Sister Critchfield and Sister Bundy were walking into the mission office one day to do some planning. On their way in, they saw an Amazon worker getting back into his Amazon delivery truck after dropping off a package. They invited him to church and he said he was interested! They shared a quick message about how God has a plan for him and how coming to church can help him understand that plan, then let him head out to his next stop of the day. That invitation to church and to grow closer to God was exactly what Sean needed that day.
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Shortly after that first interaction with Sean, the Sisters found out that his Father had passed away just three weeks prior to meeting him that day in the parking lot. Sean was lost, he was mourning, and was seeking peace, direction and purpose again. He was able to find more peace and guidance in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
A pivotal moment for Sean was learning how to pray. Once he started praying, he was able to start feeling more of God’s love in his life. Sean’s Father loved church and worship and was baptized prior to passing away. The example of his dad gave Sean a desire to come closer to Christ, and as he learned about the gospel of Jesus Christ he felt connected to his dad once again.
The missionaries were able to connect Sean to the YSA congregation here in Knoxville. His very first time coming to church he brought a friend who has attended church with him ever since! Just three weeks after meeting the missionaries, Sean was baptized on July 20, 2025 as a member of the Knoxville YSA Branch.
Sean has been a great example of strength and hope, and is helping others come closer to Jesus Christ as well!
Barlows in TKM 