On November 12th, we welcomed 21 new missionaries to the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. This is an amazing group of young men and young women who have decided to volunteer for the next 18 and 24 months to serve the people of Tennessee and help strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.
We went straight from the airport to the hotel where we had dinner and interviewed all 21 missionaries. When they arrive they are exhausted from such an early wake up call and long day of travel.
The next morning, we introduced them to their trainers and sent them out to the University of Tennessee campus to find people to teach.
We are so grateful for the 24 trainers we have this transfer. These trainers are outstanding and will ensure these missionaries get off to a great start.
On November 12th we had 16 outstanding missionaries finish their service in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. These missionaries have helped to change the mission for the better.
Sister Samantha EricksonSister McKensie NunnSister Maya DiedeSister Loral IsomElder Ty StakerElder Cooper UlmElder Dallan CroneyElder Cameron AndreasenElder Ryan CreechElder Christopher WickliffeElder Kaden WilsonElder Baylie CritchfieldElder Kyle RobinsonElder Tate FisherSister Nessa LarsonSister Gabriela Hernandez Lopez
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We competed in four events: ping pong, corn hole, Sequence, and of course the Welcome Poster contest.
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The missionaries took very seriously the opportunity to present their posters to the judges.
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Congratulations to the gold medal winners!
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For the first time in the history of the TKM Family Olympics we had a tie for the gold medal. Congratulations to Sister Larson and Sister Hernandez along with Elder Wilson and Elder Croney.
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We love these missionaries and know great things are coming up with their next steps in life. They are well prepared to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Izzy and Kevin were at Walmart when they met Sister Baldwin. Sister Baldwin was at Walmart picking up some “get well supplies” for another member of the Harlan group who was sick. She ran into Kevin and Izzy and their three boys and they became instant friends. Sister Baldwin invited them to come worship with us at sacrament meeting and also to have the missionaries to stop by their house for a lesson. When Sister Baldwin called the missionaries, she kept saying that Kevin and Izzy were filled with light.
The Baldwins became very good friends with Kevin and Izzy’s family, to the point that their son, Opie began to call them grandma and grandpa. They spent a lot of time with the Baldwins, learning about the gospel, the Book of Mormon, and the church. As the missionaries taught the discussions, they readily accepted the invitation to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. Because of their desire, Kevin and Izzy progressed very quickly.
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Izzy later said that Kevin’s heart was softened as he read the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart. She could see him changing. The missionaries began to notice their little family gaining more and more light as they began coming to church and began expressing further desire to learn more.
Although somewhat resistant at first, Kevin had become fully invested into studying the Book of Mormon, and this was apparent by the many, many pages of notes that he had taken as he studied. Elder Croney said that he’s never seen someone’s heart change so much in such a short amount of time, and such a willingness to learn. It wasn’t long before they accepted the invitation to be baptized.
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Kevin and Izzy were baptized on October 12, 2025 in the Harlan Group as members of the Powell Valley Ward. Kevin was baptized by Elder Croney. After his baptism, he came out of the font, and sat on a chair next to the font where he was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Immediately after that, he was given the Aaronic priesthood and ordained and elder. He then took Izzy into the water and baptized his wife. It was an incredible experience!
The Sunday after Kevin and Izzy were baptized, Kevin shared this talk in sacrament meeting about what led him to be baptized.
“As some of you know, over a year ago I was in a car wreck that shattered my leg and ankle. I went through several surgeries, a lot of pain and a long recovery. I’ll be honest — I was mad at God. I blamed Him for what happened. I didn’t understand why it had to happen to me, but I had turned away from him for a time. I was raised in church so I’ve always believed in our Savior, but at that time I felt angry and lost.
After a year of many struggles, physical therapy, and still feeling lost, God sent my family Sister Baldwin who sent Elder Croney and Elder Helm to our door. They didn’t judge us or push me into anything. They listened, shared scriptures, invited us to pray, and uplifted us with their words.
I started reading the Book of Mormon and felt something shift in my heart. That hardness toward Him began to melt. I could feel His Spirit again, guiding me and helping me see that He had never left me – He was just waiting for me to reach out.
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Last week, right after I was baptized, I was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood and had the amazing blessing of baptizing my wife. That moment was unforgettable. Despite the freezing water, I felt Heavenly Father’s love so strongly that He didn’t have to warm me up but He did pour the Holy Spirit over me. It reminded me that baptism is about healing, and new beginnings.
I know that God lives and that He loves us, even when we’re angry or struggling. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and that He delivers us when we rely on Him.”
Since Izzy and Kevin were baptized, they have been hard at work, sharing their experiences with others being taught by the missionaries, and serving faithfully in every way they can. Their story has blessed the lives of so many and they have become a great strength to the Harlan group as well as the Powell Valley Ward!
On October 1, 2025, we welcomed 18 new missionaries to the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. We will continue to see large groups of new missionaries as the mission grows from 165 missionaries to 200 missionaries. This group is outstanding and will make a tremendous difference in the TKM.
Once again, shout out to our welcoming committee and the wonderful Welcome Posters made by our departing missionaries.
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We went straight to the hotel where we did welcome interviews, had dinner together, and got them to bed. The next morning, we introduced them to their trainers, talked about our missionary purpose and the central focus on baptism, and then they went to the University of Tennessee campus to find people to teach. They each had great success on their first day.
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We are so grateful for the 18 trainers this transfer. We know they will make an incredible difference in helping these elders and sisters begin their service in the TKM.
Barlows in TKM 