On October 1st, we said goodbye to 11 incredible missionaries who completed their service in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. They have made a remarkable difference and their impact has changed the mission. More importantly, they leave ready to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Because of the size of the group, we did departing interviews throughout the transfer. As we met on Tuesday, we had a great discussion on what they’ve learned and how those lessons will help them in the future.

.

We then held the 20th TKM Family Olympics. The yard was so wet we couldn’t do our normal events. This transfer we competed in corn hold, Sequence, and of course, the Welcome Poster Contest.

.

As it usually does, the gold medal came down to the Welcome Poster Contest. The missionaries are given the chance to present their posters to the judges, who are the senior missionaries in our office.

Only one team can win the gold medal!

.

We love these missionaries and look forward to the great things coming up next in their lives!

#WhatsUpInTKM

In January 2025, Steve was struggling and was unhappy. He asked his phone to “Call God”, and the missionaries phone number came up. He called the number and asked to have missionaries come visit him. The missionaries reached out and started to meet with him and help him grow closer to Jesus Christ.

When talking with Steve about his experience, he shared, “Back in January of 2025, I hit rock bottom and was feeling hopeless. I had zero faith in God and was angry with Him. I decided to reach out to someone who was affiliated with the church, any church it didn’t matter. At the time I did not know they were affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They sent two missionaries out to my house. About 7 months later, here I was baptized and became a member of the church.”

While meeting with the missionaries for a few months, Steve was able to read the entire Book of Mormon before he was baptized. He decided to prepare for baptism on June 6, 2025, and continued learning, asking questions, and growing closer to his Father in Heaven.

Steve said, “Since meeting the missionaries and finding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have gained many new friends and a new church family. I enjoy going to church because when I’m in the house of worship and surrounded by God-fearing people I feel closer to God.”

“Learning about the Pre-mortal life, the Atonement, and the Plan of Salvation has been a wonderful experience and something that has increased my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Since my Baptism and Confirmation, I have found it easier to fight off temptations, which makes it easier to follow the word of wisdom.”

Steve was baptized and confirmed on July 6, 2025 by his friend Brother Jensen as a member of the Maryville Ward in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Steve now has a new family, and has been able to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and grow his testimony in Jesus Christ and His Restored Gospel.

#TKMTenderMercies

One day Kevin listened to one of his favorite gospel songs from his childhood. It brought back memories and he felt the spirit. As the song ended, the missionaries knocked on his door.

Kevin told the missionaries he was busy and was unable to talk to them at that time. They asked if they could come back at a better time, and he said they could come back later. Later Kevin told them he didn’t expect that they would really come back so he was surprised when they did.

Kevin was curious about the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wanted to get a first-hand perspective. The missionaries shared the message about Joseph Smith, the First Vision, and the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ. As he listened to the elders, the message they shared piqued his interest even more.

Elder Bronson and Elder Hassard invited Kevin to come to church. Kevin shared that the first time he came to church, he felt really intimidated, but he felt really curious about the messages he heard. The members of the Rotherwood Ward were very kind and Kevin made many new friends. The friendliness of the members really helped him recognize the power in the messages he heard. After he learned the doctrine, and saw how people treated each other in his new church family, he wanted to be a part of this community.

Kevin was baptized on July 27, 2025 as a member of the Rotherwood Ward in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

#TKMTenderMercies

Andy’s conversion story is really remarkable. Earlier this year, Andy watched the Book of Mormon Broadway show and thought it was an interesting idea, so he ordered a Book of Mormon on Ebay. Andy started reading it every morning before work. 

After reading for a while, he decided he needed to attend church. Andy showed up early and met some of the members, who greeted him with enthusiasm and invited him to sit with them. He ended up sitting by Brother Henderson before the missionaries even got to church. 

Andy met with Elder Shelley and Elder Wagnon and made friends with every member he met. He loved the Book of Mormon and wrote down all the scriptures he read with the missionaries. He would read on his own every day. He eventually made the decision to be baptized and make a covenant with God.

Andy was baptized on July 6th, 2025. The Hendersons helped him do family history work and find his ancestors, and took him to the temple, He loves sharing the gospel at any chance he gets! 

#TKMTenderMercies

As missionaries finish their service in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, we invite them to share what they’ve learned that will help them be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.

#DiscipleOfChrist

As missionaries finish their service in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, we invite them to share what they’ve learned that will help them be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.

#DiscipleOfChrist

As missionaries finish their service in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, we invite them to share what they’ve learned that will help them be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.

#DiscipleOfChrist

As missionaries finish their service in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, we invite them to share what they’ve learned that will help them be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.

#DiscipleOfChrist