Author: barlowsintkm

Tender Mercies in the TKM: Juan

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by Sister Angell and Sister Covington

Sister Angell and Sister Bosh were on an exchange in Signal Mountain. They passed Juan in the Walmart parking lot and decided to invite him to the Tabernacle Choir Watch Party using the TABCAT cards. Juan was so kind and said he would love to come to the Watch Party. He seemed so interested to learn more, they invited him to meet them for a church tour the following Saturday.

That Saturday, July 27, 2024, Juan was heading to meet the sister missionaries for the chapel tour. Previous to the chapel tour, while Juan was driving to work, he found himself in a situation where he could have had a serious or fatal injury. Ending up with no injury, Juan felt the impression that God must really want him to meet with those missionaries that day. 

Then on his way to the Signal Mountain building, Juan was running seven minutes late, so he sped up his pace to try to arrive on time to the appointment. He got pulled over for speeding and told the police officer he was trying to find the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The officer pointed to Juan’s right and said, “You’re there!” He let Juan off with a warning and told him that his meeting was important and that he should hurry in. This was another witness to Juan that he needed to be there that night. The sisters invited Juan to church and he attended sacrament meeting the following day.

Over the next few weeks Juan continued to meet with the missionaries regularly at the Burger King. The Spanish missionaries, Elder Lindsay and Elder Youngberg started coming to the lessons and helping Juan get a better understanding of what was being taught. Juan was excited to continue to learn and to come to church and began to come to our church regularly. The ward members were incredible. He made many friends in the ward and started to feel at home. 

Juan joined the Tabernacle Choir Watch Party at the Chattanooga Stake Center on Saturday, September 7th. It was a great opportunity for him to meet more members and enjoy uplifting music from the choir. Everyone at the event loved Juan and his enthusiasm. At the Watch Party, Juan met Brother Derek Porter, who is the presenter of Music and the Spoken Word, and talked with him a lot about baptism. 

On Monday, September 9th, Juan joined the missionaries and other friends at President Nelson’s 100th Birthday Party.

One day Sister Covington and Sister Angell had a lesson with Juan in one of the members’ homes. They were talking about prophets. The missionaries asked Juan if baptism was something he was interested in. He responded that he had been thinking about it a lot and felt that it was something he needed to do. He knew that baptism would change his life. They were able to spend the next two weeks preparing Him for baptism. 

During one of their lessons at the Burger King the following week, Juan asked the sisters what was different about our church. After a short discussion the missionaries asked Juan what his thoughts were. He said that our church committed to Jesus Christ in a way that he had never seen before. He loved that level of commitment. That is why he wanted to be baptized, to further commit to his Savior and receive more of his love, strength, mercy, and power in his life.

The morning of his baptism Juan walked into the church building with a big smile on his face. He had the support of many ward members that had become his close friends. Juan was baptized on October 22, 2024. He entered the baptismal font and was baptized by one of his close friends. Juan came out of the water with a big smile on His face. He then shared his powerful testimony and love for the Savior.

Juan shared how he had always wanted to move to the United States. He had an idea of this country being a magical place full of good people. He has lived in the United States for many years now. He said that he never found the America he had always dreamed of until he joined our church. When he found this new church family, he felt at home. He said he now had what he had always dreamed of as a little boy.

Juan is now a proud member of the church. He does not hesitate to engage in missionary work. He connected his cousin in Colombia with the missionaries there. One week after His baptism he was able to attend the Atlanta temple and do proxy baptisms for his parents and grandparents. He wants everyone to find the joy that he has from the gospel.

Juan is a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He has a desire to serve others and help them come closer to our Savior.

#TKMTenderMercies

Tender Mercies in the TKM: Matt

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Matt was outside his home when a member of the Marion Ward, Brother Van Brederode, was running by his house. As he was passing by, Brother Van Brederode felt like he needed to stop and invite Matt to church. After some conversation, Brother Van Brederode got Matt’s information and called the missionaries.

Sister Dever and Sister Hodges met with Matt and he felt the Spirit when learning about the Book of Mormon and it gave him a real desire to know if it was true. He prayed and received a strong answer that it was true. As Matt got this confirmation, he began coming to church. The Browns welcomed Matt and gave him rides to church every week. The Browns became his friends and really helped with his progression.

Matt had some concerns that held him back from being baptized. But over time, things really began to change and he felt a great desire to make this covenant. As he read, prayed and came to church he decided to press forward despite his concerns. He attended a baptism where he felt the Spirit and could see the change in those individuals. At the baptism, he told the missionaries, “Someday that is going to be me!” That was a turning point.

The missionaries talked to him about temples and that was a powerful lesson as well. As Matt overcame his concerns, he felt happier and ready for his baptism.

Sister Hunt, Brother Brown, Matt, and Sister Bingham

Matt was baptized by Brother Brown on September 1, 2024. He is now preparing for the temple and to receive the priesthood. Matt has joined in lessons with other friends the missionaries are teaching and shared his experience. His faith and testimony is really making a difference for other people.

#TKMTenderMercies

Studying General Conference

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Message in the October 25, 2024 Newsletter

In his BYU Devotional titled “Hold Fast to the Words of the Prophets”, Elder Neil L. Andersen asked the following questions: 

  1. Could you tell me the names of the three members of the First Presidency and the names of each of those who comprise the Quorum of the Twelve? 
  2. Do you sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators?
  3. Could you share with me the counsel given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from last October’s general conference?
  4. Perhaps more important, could you share with me a recent decision where you changed something in your life because of counsel received from one of these 15 men?

We had a wonderful General Conference earlier this month. We invite you to study the talks given, especially by those who we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. 

As you study their talks, you will find that prophets and apostles are Preach My Gospel Master Inviters! You will see that they follow the pattern we are asked to follow in Chapter 11 of PMG:

Teach Doctrine > Invite with Clear Language > Promise Blessings > Testify

For many years, I’ve used this template as I study talks from General Conference, and invite you to try it out. As you study these talks, identify and write down the following:

  1. What did the prophets say that you want to remember?
  2. What did they invite you to do?
  3. What blessings did they promise?

We promise that as you record their invitations and promised blessings, you will feel a strong desire to act on their invitations and claim every promised blessing made by prophets.

Use this same pattern as you teach your friends to help them make and keep commitments (as you know, you can learn more about it in PMG: Chapter 11):

Teach Doctrine > Invite with Clear Language > Promise Blessings > Testify > Follow Up

We love you! Let us know if you need anything.

President and Sister Barlow

Book of Mormon and PMG Every Day!

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Message in the October 9, 2024 Newsletter

Hello, Amazing Missionaries of the TKM!

We’re already at mid transfer- can you believe it? We hope the district accountability that was implemented is going well. I like to think of a district as a little group of siblings working together, cheering each other on, and helping each other when things are tough. When accountability is done with love and support, it will unite the district. Always remember that these things are to better help us fulfill our missionary purpose to invite everyone to come unto Christ and then to help them receive His restored gospel. He is the heart and the center of everything we do.

If you’re struggling in an area of accountability, let the members of your district help. Everyone has been there at one time or another so reach out- I promise you will be wrapped up in love and support and the day will come when you will be able to offer that same kindness to someone else. 

We also hope that everyone is deeply invested in reading the Book of Mormon and studying Preach My Gospel every day! Even on P-day! As I have really done a deep study of PMG, I have felt that things you learn through the Spirit will not only bless you as a missionary, it will bless every aspect of your life in the future. Think of the knowledge and skill you will use in future callings, ministering, and most importantly – your own future family. You are learning how to plan, how to interact with others, essential gospel truths that will bless you for the rest of your life, the power of scripture study, how to make and keep commitments, how to build faith in the Savior, and so many other things!

A mission is the perfect time to fully immerse yourself in The Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel. You won’t have another opportunity quite like a mission to be able to deeply study, learn, and grow. There is no downside here! Make the effort and reap the blessings. 

We love you,

Sister Barlow

The Restoration Proclamation

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As a way to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Russell M. Nelson, in August we invited all missionaries in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission to memorize “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World“.

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The Restoration Proclamation was issued by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the April 2020 General Conference. This proclamation commemorates the 200th anniversary of The First Vision received by the Prophet Joseph Smith that initiated the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and ushered in “the dispensation of the fullness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Our efforts to memorize The Restoration Proclamation was based on this promise from President Nelson at the 2021 Mission Leader Seminar:

We live in this unique and exciting time when the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to unfold. I would encourage each of you to study, ponder, and teach from the bicentennial proclamation of the Restoration, introduced at the April 2020 general conference. Teach it often to your missionaries. There is power in its declarations. It proclaims truths concerning the Godhead, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the First Vision, the organization of the Lord’s Church, the restoration of priesthood authority, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and modern-day prophets. The more your missionaries understand about these fundamental gospel truths, the more their own testimonies will grow—which of course will help them teach and testify with greater power.

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Important eternal truths are taught in The Restoration Proclamation that are valuable for missionaries to know and teach:

  1. Heavenly Father loves His children.
  2. God knows you, loves you, and has a plan for your life. He will direct your path.
  3. After the death of His apostles, Christ’s New Testament Church was lost from the earth.
  4. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith to initiate the restoration of Jesus Christ’s Church.
  5. Heavenly messengers re-established His Church.
  6. The Book of Mormon, like the Bible, is sacred scripture that teaches the Doctrine of Christ.
  7. Priesthood authority has been restored.
  8. Missionaries carry the message of the Restoration to the world.
  9. The Restoration is ongoing.
  10. You can know for yourself of the reality of this Restoration.

This was no easy task for our missionaries. The Restoration Proclamation is 608 words. Similar to when we memorized “The Living Christ”, Sister Barlow created flip cards that would help us memorize the Restoration Proclamation. She also noted that we will record a video of missionaries reciting “The Restoration Proclamation” just like we did with “The Living Christ.”

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Memorizing this proclamation has been a great experience for our mission. Missionaries shared that they often find themselves quoting The Restoration Proclamation as they teach. Combining it with our efforts to memorize The Living Christ has been powerful. Memorizing and pondering these words from living prophets have strengthened our faith and is helping us to testify with greater power.

#WhatsUpInTKM

Tender Mercies in the TKM: Lorie

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It all started with Randall. Sister Webb and Sister Harrop got a referral from a man named Randall. Unfortunately, he wasn’t very interested, but where the Sisters asked who else he knew who might be interested, he told the sisters to see his friend Cody. While visiting Cody, they met his sister Angel. Angel was too busy to meet at that time, but she gave them her address so they could visit her later. When they followed up, Angel was nowhere to be found at the given address, but after asking the man there who might be interested in their message, he said to try the lady at the back of the neighborhood. And this is where Sister Harrop and Sister Webb met Lorie! 

Lorie was open to talking with the sisters because she remembered her grandfather talking to missionaries when she was a little girl. She liked that the missionaries would come visit her and teach her the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. She has always been a very faithful follower of Jesus Christ and has strove to keep his commandments throughout her life. She enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon because it works so well with the Holy Bible.

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 When the sisters presented her with the opportunity to be baptized to show the Lord that she was willing to follow Him and to be bound to Him through Jesus Christ’s priesthood, she wanted to take that step! She said that she couldn’t find anything wrong with the Book of Mormon or with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so she wanted to be a part of it. 

The Chatt Valley Ward was so welcoming as Lorie came to church and prepared to be baptized. Sister Alma Griffey was an amazing fellowshipper and was always willing to help Lorie progress in her goal of being baptized. Lorie was baptized on August 31. 2024. Her baptism was beautiful and the Spirit was powerful. After she was baptized, she said she felt “clean”. 

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When Lorie was confirmed on Sunday and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, Sister Webb and Sister Bunderson noted that she was glowing with the Spirit. She had a new light about her and the Spirit she carried was clearly visible. Lorie looked so beautiful and so happy. The sisters could feel the love that Heavenly Father has for Lorie, one of His beloved daughters.

#TKMTenderMercies

Welcome to the TKM!

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On September 18th, we welcomed 16 new missionaries to the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. After challenges the last few transfers with delayed flights, this transfer everyone arrived on time which made for an enjoyable first evening in Tennessee.

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We first went to the mission home to have dinner. Everyone started with very early wake up calls at the MTC for their travel day, so they were grateful to get to the hotel early to get some sleep.

Elder Farnes
Elder Harley
Elder Bergeson
Elder Huss
Sister Bundy
Elder Jack
Elder Rigtrup
Elder Johnson
Sister Brunner
Elder Crowther
Elder Miller
Sister Low
Elder Carroll
Elder Gardner
Sister Petersen
Sister Schouten

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The next morning, after some initial orientation at the stake center, we went to Fort Dickerson Park in Knoxville to provide some training on the Finding Flow, and then we went to the University of Tennessee campus and Market Square to find people to teach. Everyone had success with passing out Books of Mormon and teaching their first lessons.

We then went back to the stake center where we introduced them to their trainers. They will begin in the following areas:

New Missionarytrainerarea
Sister BrunnerSister FaulknerGrove Park
Sister LowSister HallAsheville
Sister PetersenSister EricksonEast Ridge
Sister SchoutenSister HollidayCleveland
Sister BundySister CritchfieldRinggold
Elder JackElder PorterRockwood
Elder GardnerElder WagnonAsheville Central
Elder FarnesElder RansomAthens
Elder MillerElder HaderlieDayton
Elder RigtrupElder WyethHixson 2
Elder CrowtherElder PhillipsRocky Face
Elder HussElder Porter/UlmCookeville 2nd
Elder HarleyElder BecksteadLivingston
Elder BergesonElder KwantMelton Lake
Elder JohnsonElder AndreasenGray
Elder CarrollElder MechamWatuaga
 

Hold

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The departing missionaries made some great welcome poster for the new missionaries. We are grateful each of these missionaries made the decision to serve and we look forward to working side-by-side with them for the next 18 and 24 months!

#WhatsUpInTKM