Kris was found on Facebook about three years ago. He called the first missionaries to meet with him “The Carson Twins”, Carson Noble and Carson Hagberg. From the beginning, Kris was interested in the things they had to say and enjoyed meeting with the elders.
Eventually, as he continued to meet with the missionaries, listen to the Book of Mormon, and come to church, Kris felt a desire to be baptized. He was unable to be baptized for a few years due to personal matters, but continued to be taught by the missionaries and to build relationships with the ward. Great members of the Hixson ward like Harold and Trudy Johnson, Joe Thomas, and Brad Tobler kept Kris fellowshipped and encouraged him to live the gospel while he waited for his time to be baptized to come.
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On May 28th, Kris received word that he would finally be able to get baptized. This was a huge deal! He was elated! Christ was baptized on June 8, 2024. There was great support for Kris at his baptism. He was very excited to finally become a member of Christ’s church.
Kris was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on June 9, 2024. The week previous, he bore his testimony in sacrament meeting, testifying that he knew he was making the right choice and that the gospel of Jesus Christ would continue to bless his life. Kris plans to travel the United States soon and visit as many temples as he can, doing the work for others. His story is a testament to the fact that the Lord can open doors and change lives.
At our December Zone Conference, we invited our missionaries to memorize”The Living Christ“. We did this last year as well, but now have a new group of missionaries who weren’t with us then. When each missionary arrives in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, we give them a flip book that will help them memorize this powerful statement about the Savior.
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Speaking of “The Living Christ”, President Russell M. Nelson said:
The more we know about the Savior’s ministry and mission—the more we understand His doctrine and what He did for us—the more we know that He can provide the power that we need for our lives…
As you seek to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study “The Living Christ.” As we invest time in learning about the Savior and His atoning sacrifice, we are drawn to participate in another key element to accessing His power: we choose to have faith in Him and follow Him.”
This story is about a valiant seeker of truth, who is a powerhouse of knowledge and the Spirit, and loves Jesus Christ. Her name, is Angela.
One day, Angela was down by the pool at her apartment complex, when she met Tevin, who is a member but had not been to church in a while. They got to talking, and began to do Bible studies together, which of course led to discussions about church. Angela had been looking for a church to attend since she moved here, and while she had visited a few, none of them felt quite right. She’d always had a strong relationship with God, and when Tevin brought up the Church, she convinced him to go to church and to bring her as well. She enjoyed the experience, listening to the talks and the music, and she introduced herself to the missionaries, and expressed interest in learning more.
We set up a time to come see her later that week. We went over and got to know her, and even at that first meeting it was clear that she had a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, and that it meant a lot to her. One of the first lessons we taught her was about prophets, and how important they are, and we invited her to listen to some talks by President Nelson. After listening to some of his talks she remarked that she had never felt so much peace in her home as she did when she would play his sermons. She explained that she would turn it on and have it play in the background becasue of how much peace it brought to her. During this same time she started her study of the Book of Mormon.
As she opened the Book of Mormon for the first time, she read the Testimonies of the Three Witnesses, the Eight Witnesses, and of course, the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. As she read Joseph Smith’s testimony, she gained her own testimony of it’s truthfulness, and the reality of the First Vision, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that he had indeed found the ancient record and translated it by the gift and power of God. She said that God had been preparing her for a long time, so when we taught her the doctrine of baptism, it was more like she taught us, and as we extended the invitation to be baptized, she was more than ready to accept.
Angela’s original date for baptism was September 28, 2024. But the day before her baptism, Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, and unfortunately for us, we were stuck right in the middle of it. Due to a lack of water, power, and service, we were unable to have Angela’s baptism that day, despite our best efforts.
Following the hurricane, there were also a lot of needs in the community and our church family that prevented us from using the church building. As we consulted with the Bishop, he said that her baptism (and eternal salvation) was top priority, and he even offered his pool if the church remained unavailable. Fortunately, the church got power and water back in time for us to perform Angela’s baptism on October 9, 2024.
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It is often said that the opposition in our lives reflects the faith that we have. We know that Angela’s faith was so strong, that a literal hurricane was the only thing that could slow her down. She was able to persevere, and make that sacred covenant with God. We’re grateful for Angela’s faith, and for God’s hand in her life.
Angela is proof that God is preparing people, and He has a plan for each of us. One visit, Angela said that she wished she could have heard this message earlier, but she recognizes that she wasn’t ready at that time, but that God had been preparing her for, and leading her to, the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God is in the details of each of our lives. We each experience hardships and trials that may feel like a hurricane. We can testify that there are no accidents and that God always provides a way. He did for Angela and he will for you!
We found Deybinxon from a media referral we received from his aunt, Emily Ochoa. On the first lesson we had with Emily, her sister Marianne (Deybinxon’s mom), and their neighbor Yaquelin, the Spirit was felt very strongly and we extended to them the baptismal date of August 10, 2024.
Within the next couple lessons we were also introduced to the parejas of Emily and Marianny, as well as Emily’s son, Neyder, and his cousin, Marianny’s son, Deybinxon. Both sons had the same baptismal date extended to them as well. As we taught, most everyone was interested in our message, but we could tell that Deybinxon especially felt the Spirit from the truths that were taught.
Over time and with the help of the Lemon family in the ward, Deybinxon was taught all the missionary lessons. Any time we talked about their baptism, Deybinxon and his cousin Neyder would literally bounce up and down in their seats and clap their hands from excitement.
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Deybinxon was only able to come to church once before his scheduled baptismal date on August 10, so we had to move his date back. Nevertheless he continued to take the lessons and had a wonderful ability to understand and remember the things we taught.
A super important moment for him was when he attended the baptism of another young person, Adrian, who was baptized on September 14. After the baptism he told members that he wanted to be baptized too, and the very next Friday if possible, since that would be when his dad was off work so his whole family could attend.
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On September 20, 2024, Deybinxon had a powerful baptismal service and in his own words, he said he felt God touch his hand and he could feel His presence immediately after getting out of the baptismal water. He was confirmed on September 22, 2024. Since then he has loved listening to General Conference and watching the children’s Book of Mormon Stories on YouTube.
Michael just moved and he wanted to find a new church to go to near him. He saw an ad for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Snapchat and decided to fill it out with his information and he sent in a media referral! Sister Bingham and Sister Hodges got this referral and saw Michael was just down the street from the church.
Michael began taking the lessons and it wasn’t long until he said yes to his invitation to be baptized! He said he felt like he needed a fresh start and to renew himself.
Michael was referred May 14, 2024 and was baptized and confirmed June 16, 2024! Michael said that after he was baptized he felt like all his worries were swept away.
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Michael says that he loves coming to church because everyone is so kind and helpful. He says he feel at home. Right after Michael was baptized he wanted to learn more about his family history and started coming Wednesday nights to meet with Family History Consultants to learn more! He is very excited to go to the temple with the ward this next month!
There is a quote that the Sisters love that Michael said once. He said: “God and Christ are like a bomb shelter. The outside may get hurt but he is protecting the most important part, our hearts and our souls.”
Charles was on YouTube and saw and ad that offered the opportunity to meet with the missionaries. He sent a request to meet the missionaries so that he could feel God’s love for him in his life more fully.
As Charles talked with the missionaries, he prayed and asked God if what he was learning was true. He received the confirmation that Jesus Christ’s gospel has been restored and that he needed to be baptized into His restored church.
Charles immediately made changes in his life so he would be ready for baptism. He told us he had an urgent feeling to be baptized, and he’d do whatever he needed to so that he could be. Without a way to church, Charles was able to get rides from amazing members in the ward. Supporting him on his journey closer to Christ, the members continue to support him in his efforts to come to church and remember his covenants.
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Charles was baptized on August 31, 2024. There is a new light around him, one which he has recognized as the joy he received from the Holy Ghost. He has told many about his baptism, and the joy he felt from the promises he has now made with God. It was only one month between when Charles saw the ad on YouTube, met with the missionaries, and was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Michelle’s story started when her boyfriend, Jerson, was assigned to work with Daniel Godoy, a member of the Cleveland Ward, for the day. They had never met before then, but as coworkers, started up a conversation. Brother Godoy explained that he had two children, a daughter and a son who was currently serving a mission for his church. Jerson, having a suspicion in his mind, asked what church the Godoy’s belong to. To which Brother Godoy promptly responded, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.”
Jerson had grown up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but since moving to the United States, he had not participated in any church meetings. When Jerson told Brother Godoy that he was a member of the Church, Brother Godoy quickly invited both him and his girlfriend to church.
On Sunday, while we were greeting people as they came in, Brother Godoy came up to us and told us that he was bringing someone to church. We were excited to meet them, but they showed up a little late so we didn’t have time introduce ourselves. After Sacrament Meeting had ended, Jerson and Michelle had to leave but we had enough time to exchange information and set up a return appointment.
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When we arrived a couple days later for our appointment, we had no idea what to expect going in. With the Spirit’s guidance, we taught the importance of marriage, temples, how families can be together forever, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ fortifies the family. Leaving that first lesson, Michelle wanted those blessings that we shared. She felt the spirit testify to her of what she heard that night.
We continued teaching them, explaining that the first step before baptism was the need to be married. We left one night inviting them to pray and to ask God when it would be right. The next morning we got a call from Jerson telling us that they wanted to get married that very weekend.
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Everyone came together and made it a night to remember. The following week, on July 7, 2024, Michelle was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As they keep growing their family in this constantly changing world, they find peace knowing that they have the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with the hope of one day being sealed together as a family.
Rachel and Paul Lam didn’t decide to join the church until after they discovered how much the gospel could bless their growing family.
Rachel has lived in Tennessee her whole life. She was introduced to the gospel in high school by a friend who invited her to church. Paul was raised in California. His grandparents were members and he was around the church often.
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A few years ago, Paul decided to move to Tennessee and met Rachel. They discovered that they both had experience with the church and decided to reach out to the missionaries. This is what Rachel says about her experience:
“Growing up, I knew nothing about God or Jesus. My mother was a bitter alcoholic that didn’t have room for His love in her heart or home. I didn’t learn of His warmth or care until I was in High School.”
“My closest friend and her family were members of our local church. I spent a lot of my time with them, and it was in their home that I first felt safe and loved. It was with them I attended my first sacrament meeting. I remember feeling peace and love during the service. That feeling followed me, even when I struck out on my own.”
“It wasn’t until I felt truly lost that I really felt the drive to embrace Him. When I was at my lowest point, two missionaries showed up at my door. They brought me back from the edge with their lessons. It all seemed to fall into place the more I learned.”
“My husband, in his own calling, came into my life and subsequently into my daughter’s life. I’ve learned so much from the church and feel so grateful for the gospel, and for Joseph Smith’s revelation. I know in my heart the church is true, and the day I was baptized marked the day my journey to a better life truly began. It feels like everything in my life has led me to the church.”
We first met Elie when she came to church with her brother Jared. As soon as we met her, we immediately knew that we would be great friends. She had moved to the University of Tennessee for school and her brother decided to invite her to come to church with him. Since that day, she never stopped coming!
Elie was raised learning the doctrine of Jesus Christ and of the Book of Mormon from her parents, but was never baptized. When she attended church for the first time in a long time, it all rang true.
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Her first lesson, she joined her brother, Elder O’Brien, and Elder Hathaway for a lesson with their friend. She recognized the Spirit strongly in that lesson and started to remember the teachings of her father about the Book of Mormon and the Plan of Salvation. We started to meet with her and go over God’s plan, the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything made sense to Elie and she knew it was true.
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The turning point for Elie was when she attended the baptism of Cece, the same friend she participated in the lesson with at the very beginning. After the baptism, we all gathered to talk about it. We asked about if she wanted to get baptized and she said, “How about the 13th of October?” We made all the arrangements and Elie was baptized on October 13, 2024.
We were able to attend the temple with her, and as soon as we exited she said, “I want to go back!” Elie now is serving as a ward missionary and sharing her testimony with so many others. Her influence has stretched to everyone in the YSA and all those around her.
In 2013, missionaries found Simon pushing buggies, TVs, and other heavy items. The sisters offered to help, and introduced The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Simon for the first time. Simon was at first nervous, but was more open as they talked. The missionaries kept visiting Simon at Walmart until one time they just stop coming.
Fast forward to near the end of September 2023, Simon made the decision to come to church after a member had invited him for nearly two months. That’s when Simon met with missionaries again.
As Simon walked into church each week, he felt a sense of peace. Simon noticed how things started to work out better within his life as he was going to church as when he wasn’t. He really desired to come closer to Jesus Christ and live his life according to God’s will.
Due to his busy work schedule, the Elders would meet at the shop Simon worked at to teach principles of the Plan of Salvation, and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Wakefield and Elder Safsten even helped him move a transmission out of a car!
Many of the missionaries invited Simon to be baptized, but he was just not sure about it. Simon had a lot of questions in regards to the Church of Jesus Christ that he had trouble finding answers to. Many of the members in the Franklin branch shared their love for Simon and helped him feel comfortable at church. One of those members was Brother Sam Carter, who spent a lot of his time answering Simon’s questions. One of those questions was about the temple. He had heard a lot of things about the temple and how special it was, but he couldn’t just take the word of others to know.
One day at church, as Elder Collins and Elder Wakefield were greeting people at church, Brother Carter walked in and said that Simon has set a date to be baptized! The Elders were eager to know what made Simon make the decision. They talked with Simon and he shared what happened the day before.
Simon’s desire to go to the temple, to see for himself, to feel the special Spirit at the temple, and ultimately follow the example of Jesus Christ helped him make his first covenant with his Father in Heaven. Brother Carter and a few other members traveled to Atlanta to see the temple, answering Simon’s questions about the temple along the way. Although Simon wasn’t able to go inside, he shared how he noticed how happy everyone was entering and leaving the temple. Simon stated how he was able to feel uninterrupted peace for an hour, a type of peace he hasn’t truly felt in years. That peace was the Holy Ghost bringing comfort to Simon. He shared how he now knew that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s true church restored.
Elder Collins and Elder Colunga consistently met with Simon, as well as Brother Carter, to answer the rest of Simon’s questions. After learning more about the Book of Mormon, Simon shared that he perfectly understood how the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon work together to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Simon was baptized and confirmed on September 15th, 2024.
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There has always been a special spirit about him. The Elders noticed how that spirit amplified after this special day.
A few days after making a covenant and receiving the Holy Ghost, Simon expressed how he was unable to sleep for nearly three long months, but since his baptism, he was able to sleep in peace. He continues to bring joy in the lives of others with his willingness to share the Book of Mormon with everyone. Simon is an example of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Barlows in TKM 