On July 29, 2025, Russ was in Walmart shopping for his favorite cheese when two missionaries commented on his cross necklace and invited him to church! He was interested in learning more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Russ was raised around members of the church but never fully knew what they believed.
The next day the sister missionaries were planning on showing him around the church building. He had a busy day at work and called and canceled. But then he saw a rainbow and felt that was a sign that he needed to meet with the missionaries.
Russ met with the missionaries for three months and was growing his faith in Christ more every day. He became great friends with one of the members of the congregation, Ted Simmons. Russ loved reading the Book of Mormon and the Bible and seeing how they complemented each other.
On October 26, 2025, Russ was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared his testimony about the difference between believing and knowing, and said He knows this is where he belongs. He knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He knows that this is Christ’s church. He knows these things because he reads, ponders and prays, having faith that God will direct him as he continues those things.
On November 2, 2025, Russ was able to receive the Aaronic Priesthood, God’s power and authority to act in His name. He is also sharing the joy that he has felt from the gospel by inviting his friends and co-workers to come to church with him. Russ is a great disciple of Christ!
Soon, he will be going to the Atlanta, Georgia temple with the Simmons family to do proxy baptisms for his deceased ancestors.
Here is a short message from Russ:
Hello, my name is Russ Kline and here is my brief testimony,
I was walking in a local Walmart looking for one of my favorite cheeses and these two angels came walking around a corner holding vibrant smiles and they said to me – “we really like your necklace.” I replied – “I really like my necklace too”. In the hopes of being terse, we had a short conversation, I was invited to church in Loudon, to which I accepted.
I learned of Joseph Smith, the plates, Nephi, Moroni, the Tree, the Path, the Iron Rod, the Fruit, the Great and Spacious Building, etc…. after much trepidation (long story), this isn’t what cemented my conversion.
God is subtle so we must carefully listen. There were signs, right in the spot where I was supposed to be. Two in particular. One with Sister Thatcher and the second, with Brother Ted Simmons.
The one with Sister Thatcher was one where I had been thinking about Revelation 3:20 during one of our meetings:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
…and then she brings up Jesus knocking at a door with no knob. Way too fortuitous to be a coincidence.
The second one was, again, at one of our meetings and brother Ted Simmons was there. He had mentioned his belief in Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon and the Church being true and this is where it got interesting. I mentioned that I don’t like the word “belief” as it casts doubt to the validity. To “know,” is much more concrete, stronger. Ex: Jesus Christ – “Believing vs Knowing” he died and rose from the dead for us. Which plants the seed? Believing he died for us? Or knowing he died for us? I KNOW he did!
Later, I learned Alma agreed (or I agreed with Alma, nevertheless) … I found it in Alma 32:17-18.
“17 Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe.
18 Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it.”
God is subtle, we must listen. After God subtly speaking to me, I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I know the Church is true.
I made my choice.
Much love, Russ
#TKMTenderMercies
Barlows in TKM 