In late April, Luis saw an invitation online to meet with missionaries and filled out a request. When Hermana Brunner and Hermana Briggs reached out, he expressed that he hadn’t gone to church in a while, but was looking to get closer to Jesus Christ. Luis has lived in the United States for 5 years taking care of his dad. He is only 19 years old, yet still he had felt something pulling him to the Savior.
His first week while being in contact with the missionaries, he came to church and enjoyed the peace and refuge he felt there. His second week at church, the sisters showed him the baptismal font and taught him the doctrine of baptism. Later that week they invited him to be baptized, but Luis declined the invitation. Hermana Briggs and Brunner invited him to pray about it and study the scriptures.
After a week and a half with little to no contact, Hermana Brunner and Hernandez were able to reach Luis. He said he had received an answer to his questions and wanted to attend church more. He then attended the Chattanooga Stake Conference and was able to meet the two General Authorities who were presiding and President and Sister Barlow. Later that week, Hermana Brunner and Hernandez once again extended the invitation to be baptized, to which he said “Yes! I meant to tell you before, I really want to get baptized now!”
Luis was baptized on June 29, 2025 by a recent concert, Ricardo Quintanilla, into the Spring Creek branch. When asked about his experience he explained that as he was receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost he “felt a spark within [his] heart.” He said the experience was indescribable. After his baptism, a member asked him what made him decide to get baptized. He shared, “One night I prayed about my fears and doubts about being baptized, and that night I had a dream, filled with peace and power. When I woke up I knew I needed to be baptized.”
Since being baptized, Luis has received the Aaronic priesthood and has expressed interest in serving a mission of his own! He is excited to help in missionary work and helping others to receive these great blessings from God.
Barlows in TKM 