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

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.

.

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. 

.

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.

.

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!

#TKMTenderMercies

Robert’s story began one evening while he was on Facebook. At the time, he felt he was in a dark place in life. As he scrolled, he came across an invitation asking if he wanted to come closer to Christ. In that moment, he said he was overcome by a prompting within, guiding him to take the first step on his journey.

The very next day, missionaries contacted Robert and visited his home. They shared a scripture with him and gave him a Book of Mormon.

Reflecting on that experience, Robert said:

“After our meeting they prayed with me and made arrangements to come back for more lessons. It was through these lessons that I learned about Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon, and the Plan of Salvation. I learned more about our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, and how much they love us! I learned that faith leads to repentance which leads to baptism and the Holy Ghost. By praying, reading scripture, and attending church regularly, I could feel my faith growing stronger every day! It caused me to fall to my knees and repent with all my heart while asking for forgiveness of my past.”

On July 5, 2025, Robert was baptized and confirmed. Since then, he has taken another step forward by being ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood and receiving a calling as a ward missionary.

Robert shares, “I love my church family, and am joyous to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”

Not a day goes by that Robert doesn’t bring a smile to those around him. He continues to fill the world with light everywhere he goes.

#TKMTenderMercies

Minyue was first introduced to the gospel by a couple of her friends online while she still lived in Singapore. For a the last couple of years she had been reading from the Book of Mormon and praying about the things she was learning.

She eventually came to America and married her husband who was a recent convert himself. Her friends encouraged her to continue to pray and gain her testimony of the gospel. She wanted to know more about the things her husband was experiencing, such as receiving the priesthood and his patriarchal blessing. She said she felt prompted by Heavenly Father that she needed to be baptized.

Over time she understood more and more about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and His gospel. For two months she was meeting with the missionaries and coming to church. She knew baptism was something she wanted to do but didn’t yet feel prepared. Something that strengthened her testimony was reading from the Book of Mormon every day.

While she felt nervous to make the commitment to be baptized, she knew this choice would bring eternal blessings, that will last forever. She accepted the invitation to be baptized and was baptized and confirmed on June 28, 2025.

Minyue is very excited to stay on this path and be able to be sealed to her husband in the temple for eternity. After her baptism, she has felt much happier and more confident. She knows that God cares about us no matter where we come from or what circumstances we’ve experienced. She knows that Heavenly Father knows her, loves her, and has a plan for her.