Tag: jesus

Tender Mercies in the TKM: Jennifer

~ barlowsintkm ~ Leave a comment

I’m a native of Hendersonville and the oldest of five kids. I grew up Southern Baptist. I believed in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. I loved going to church and being active there. I loved singing the hymns and learning about Jesus, but I had questions. Questions that were brushed off or ignored if they didn’t fit in the box of their theology.

I went to Southern Baptist University to study nursing. I knew at a very young age that I was called to be a nurse. That was one of the clearest promptings that I ever had. Now, it is second to the clarity that I had when I made the decision to join this church, and the answers and confirmation that I received during my baptism and confirmation. Even in college, my questions still weren’t answered to my satisfaction. I felt like there was something more out there, and that something was missing. I didn’t know what it was.  

After school, I came back home and helped start a non-denominational church that split from the church of my childhood. I was very active in the children and youth programs.  I loved spending time with them and trying to answer their questions. Then I got married. At first, we were still going to church regularly. As time passed, he didn’t want to go anymore. I was frustrated with the lack of answers and fell away in my faith as well.

Over the years, I was cut off from friends and family. My finances were in ruins. In 2023 things began to escalate. Small tiffs suddenly became explosive arguments. I tried praying and felt no one was listening as things kept getting worse. I was utterly devastated and could not figure out why my life had been spared to be left with crippling anxiety, pain, and darkness. My prayers felt empty and like they were hitting the ceiling. 

In July 2024, I had COVID for 3 weeks. This pushed me deep into a dark place. Coupled with court dates and an upcoming birthday, my world became dark and painful. I felt desperately alone. On August 4th, I prayed in desperation. I begged God to give me a sign, to show me a reason to keep going on. On August 6th, Elder Huff and Elder Johns arrived at my door. A physical answer to my prayer. 

 I answered my door, something that was very rare, and the first words out of my mouth were, “Y’all are here to tell me about Jesus.” We stood on my porch and talked in the hot August sun, they gave me a Book of Mormon, asked me to pray about it, and we set up a meeting later that week at the park with the Sheltons joining us. I walked inside, put the book on my shelf and left it there. I wasn’t sure what to do. I felt confused but strangely hopeful. So I did as the Elders asked. I prayed. And I read the verse they had asked of me. 3 Nephi 9:14. 

Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. 3 Nephi 9:14

I showed up at the next meeting. I read the next thing they asked then went off on my own, reading and praying and questioning. I sent them a list of questions. I knew the answers they shared with me were true. I was filled with a peace that I cannot explain. I was still nervous and began to overthink and actually delayed my baptism. I continued to search and pray.  I was constantly reminded of one of my favorite verses. Isaiah 52:7. I will be forever grateful to all the missionaries that I have met for being the feet on the mountains.

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52:7

Prior to my baptism, during a lesson either on prayer or the Holy Spirit, I informed the Elders and the Sheltons that I had been impressed with a phrase that I simply could not shake but did not have direction on. The phrase was “Called to Serve”. I then learned that it is also a song. And we sang it. Little did I know, that was to be a calling that would encompass my life.  The covenant that I made in baptism has been so very precious to me. In the temple I was reminded of my covenant and the joy it brings.

I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 22, 2024

Since my baptism, there was the hurricane and I changed jobs. During the hurricane, my house and my family’s houses were spared. Immediately after the hurricane, I spent a lot of time with friends who lost everything. Like many of you, serving those in need. Loving and being examples of Christ. In case you ever wonder, that can make a huge difference. It did for me.

My first experiences with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was with the Sheltons, the Creasmans and Brother Watson. I knew a bit about the church, but more so, I knew how they lived their lives. I had watched them and their kids for years. I know Heavenly Father sends us moments of clarity and assurance when we need them most. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Elliott

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Elliott’s family had been members of the church since he could remember, but, despite passing the usual age of eight, he hadn’t yet been baptized. Elliott began to think about spiritual things more as he got older as he realized that he, unlike his family, had not been baptized. He saw how happy the gospel made them, and how it united them with others and he wanted that as well.

“I saw that all my family is baptized, my dad and my mom, and my brothers and sister, and I wanted to be just like them!” he recounted. Elliott’s parents, Robert and Mallory, also felt a responsibility to teach their kids gospel principles, morals, and values. 

When the decision was finally made for Elliott to start taking the missionary discussions, he was ecstatic! He had a lot of questions and he needed answers. The lessons were difficult at first — being only nine years old, Elliott was easily distracted and quick to lose focus — but Elliott began to feel the Spirit working. He felt happy when the missionaries were over because he really enjoyed learning about God and why we do what we do in church.

Although he didn’t always like to read his scriptures and pray, he gradually learned to love it. He began practicing praying, and as he did so he had experiences where his prayers were answered. He remembered one event in particular in which he prayed to be able to help his sister and, shortly thereafter, he had impressions on what he should do. His family and friends note that his disposition began to change after he learned to pray. He became more focused and compassionate as his relationship with Christ grew.

The week leading up to the baptism brought a lot of emotions for Elliott and his family. His parents shared that all he would talk about was his baptism, asking “Is it Saturday yet?” Needless to say he was excited!

Elliott was baptized on August 31, 2024 in the Pleasant Ridge ward. On the day of the baptism, he stated that he felt God’s spirit in the church and he was grateful he finally got to be baptized. He said of the experience “I felt clean and happy after I came out of the water. I felt totally different, way more calm than I usually am!”

In the weeks since his baptism, Elliott has said he feels “100% different” from the way he was before his baptism. His family has also noticed a change in him. He is looking forward to a life of discipleship and participating at church, and is even considering serving a mission when he is older. Elliott is grateful to finally be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Ronnie

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Seven years ago, Ronnie’s wife Kim joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had met with missionaries, gained a love for the Book of Mormon, and a love for the people at Powell Valley Ward. She now serves in the church and bears her testimony to everyone, “I thought I was happy before I was baptized, but I realize now how much happier my life has been since I joined the church!” 

Ever since his wife began to attend church regularly, Ronnie began to come with his wife on and off for a few years. He has always had a love for the Lord ever since his father read bible stories to him at a young age. He has a firm testimony that the Lord hears and answers prayers and has seen the Lord answer prayers especially for his family members, sometimes in miraculous ways. He knew that keeping the sabbath day holy was the right thing to do, but every week there would always be a struggle between his busy work schedule and church. 

Ronnie had loved the community of saints found at church. He stated, “There was a lot of love at the church, I could definitely tell that everyone there was trying to live what was being taught.” This dedication and devotion Ronnie saw in others and most importantly in his wife Kim sparked a change in him as he began to set spiritual goals for himself in his own life. Missionaries began to visit with him more frequently as Ronnie began to improve himself. He set a goal to make it to church every single week, and found spiritual support during missionary visits during his journey. Ronnie said this while reflecting on his progress: “I am grateful for all the time the missionaries spent helping me for so long. I know they didn’t have to be there, but they wanted to be.” 

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Elder Driggs reflects on the experience, “I had the priviledge of seeing Ronnie change and grow over the course of 6 months. Teaching the gospel in the Raymer home has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my missioanry service. I felt that Ronnie was ready for baptism when I had first met him, I remember inviting him to make that commitment our first evening together! He explained that he wanted to feel more prepared before making the commitment and he most certainly did prepare! His faith and hard work was inspiring, and Sister Raymer’s testimony was always so powerful and encouraging.” 

Ronnie was baptized on June 22, 2024.

Ronnie now attends church weekly and feels confidence in the Lord as he chooses to keep the commandments. He is an incredible example of making small improvements everyday and his faith in the restored gospel is powerful. He stated, “I never had any doubt. I always had in faith in the Book of Mormon and I never doubted Joseph Smith.” Ronnie’s spiritual foundation is set with faith, goal setting, and steady progress. He has just been ordained to the office of priest in the Aaronic priesthood, and will continue with faith together with his wife to aim towards to the temple, improving every day.

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Lyric

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Lyric had been around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his whole life and always told everyone that he was a member of the church when asked about his religion. His family and friends in the Chattanooga Valley ward helped Lyric to build his faith and love of the gospel throughout his life.

The missionaries met Lyric when Sister Harrop and Sister Webb were invited over to have dinner with Bishop Flynn and his wife. While we were eating, Lyric, their grandson, came in looking for a toy his little brother had left at their house. His grandpa invited him to stay for dinner, so he did and he told the missionaries all about his High School. Then, after dinner he joined them for a lesson about the story of Nephi and Laban. He found it interesting, and and his grandpa invited him to read the Book of Mormon and come to church with his cousin that weekend.

That Sunday, Lyric came to church with his cousin Liam who had recently returned from his own mission. He helped Lyric get excited about the gospel and started bringing him to church every Sunday. The next Sunday Lyric saw the missionaries giving another friend of theirs a tour of the church and decided to come join. As the sisters showed them the baptismal font Lyric told them that he planned on being baptized in that font. And the missionaries set a date right then for Lyric to be baptized!

As he prepared for his baptism he quickly read through the Book of Mormon and always had notes on what he was reading ready for the missionaries when they came over. Everyone could see his excitement; he invited all his friends and family to come to his baptism.

Lyric was baptized by his grandpa on September 14, 2024. At his baptism, Lyric bore the most beautiful testimony of the impact that the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Chatt Valley Ward had had on him. We could see the powerful impact his testimony had on so many who were in attendance at his baptism. He was confirmed the following Sunday morning by his grandpa and was given an opportunity to bear his testimony in the sacrament meeting. Again, his testimony was powerful and invited the Spirit into the meeting.

He told us that he now understood what the purpose of a missionary is in helping people come unto Christ through making covenants with Him at baptism, and he wants to serve a mission himself in the future.

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Johnny

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Johnny’s story is nothing short of a miracle! His story starts with with his Aunt Barbara. His Aunt Barbara had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints within the past few years. The missionaries would stop by frequently to teach Barbara, and, because of life situations, Johnny was living with her when the missionaries would stop by. Time and time again, he turned the Elders away.

This changed one day after he had lost his leg in a tragic accident. This accident resulted with Johnny losing one of his legs and having to learn how to live his life with one leg. The Elders had taught Johnny about church and promised him great blessing if he came to church with them. Johnny promised the Elders that if he got a leg, he’d go to church that Sunday. Elder Clayton gave Johnny a powerful priesthood blessing and Johnny received his prosthetic leg the next day. This miracle led to Johnny coming to church and starting on the beautiful journey of walking the covenant path. This blessing was a huge turning point in Johnny’s conversion.

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Another turning point in Johnny’s conversion was watching “Jospeh Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration” video. He watched what had happened to Joseph Smith and everything he went through and knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that God’s power was restored to the earth. As he read the Book of Mormon, he could simply feel and knew that it was true. He couldn’t deny it. He learned that the Book of Mormon is a light and a guide for him and anyone else who reads its pages.

As Johnny has continued down the covenant path, he would determinedly say that “I’m dedicated, already.” His greatest desire is to help the people around him to find the relief, love, and joy that he’s felt as he’s learned about Jesus Christ and how he can be born again and bless his family. He really wants to help his immediate family to come unto Christ and be baptized. He plans to be baptized for some of his family members who have passed when he goes to the temple to perform baptisms for the dead. He expresses so much thanks to his Aunt Barbara for helping him to find the church and truly find the light Christ offers to each of us.

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Johnny’s life before meeting the missionaries was not easy. He had a lot of experiences and hardships in his life. After meeting the missionaries, his life began to change! He still experienced many hardships and challenges as he prepared for baptism. Nevertheless, he tackled the harships and set backs with faith and hope.

Johnny was baptized on October 19, 2024 in the Hardin Valley Ward. When he finally made it to the waters of baptism, he was so excited! He stated that after his baptism and confirmation that, “My soul feels clean since I’ve been baptized.” He loves feeling clean, good, happier, and saved through Christ because of the covenant he has made with God. He has since received the Aaronic priesthood and is excited to help others.

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The story doesn’t end there! Johnny is so excited to continue to learn everything he can and continue to feel the love and hope that comes from Jesus Christ and the covenants we make. He makes an effort to share the gospel and the Book of Mormon with everyone that he interacts with! He has been changed through Christ and wants others to feel the pure joy that he has experienced. 

In the end, this promise from Johnny is a show of his testimony. He promises, “I will be faithful.” Johnny has been and continues to be faithful to Jesus Christ! Johnny loves the Lord and is filled with love and joy. He truly has been born again through the power of God and the redeeming power in Jesus Christ’s Atonement.

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Kaden

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Growing up, Kaden has always been a good kid. He has a special spirit and a light that shines from within. He has been faithfully attending church from a young age and has loved learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how families can be together forever. He had the strong desire to one day be baptized. But it wouldn’t be an easy road and there were other things that needed to happen first. He needed to be adopted.

Kaden is the adopted son of Barry and Beverley, local members in the Powell Valley ward. Kaden has a deep love for them, especially his momma Beverley. They love Kaden and see the light and joy he radiates into the world and wanted to be able to help him grow that light. They’ve felt it is their calling to help and care for kids just like Kaden.

Barry and his wife Beverley have adopted 6 kids, and fostered over 100 in their home over the years. They have felt such joy as they mimister to the needs of God’s children. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. As they’ve done all they can to help these children of God find healing and joy in life, many have been introduced to the gospel and the power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Their family has had many special experiences teaching the gospel in their home. They have gained a pure witness of the divinity of God’s children. Every single one is special, with unique gifts, personalities, struggles, and ways they are meant to bless the world. The Ison’s have seen lots of answers to prayers, mighty miracles even as they have cared for these special children who have come through their home. They see all of them as choice spirits, precious sons and daughters of God. Although there has been lots of trial and heartache, there has been lots of love and blessings poured out from heaven. They have found it a blessing to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands in touching the hearts of many. Many of these kids have come to know their Savior more deeply, kids like Kaden.

Before Kaden could be baptized he needed to be adopted. There were worries that it would not be possible, but Kaden’s great grandpa promised he would keep him and his brother together. They would do all that they could to see him happy and safe. There was a time where things got difficult and it seemed like things wouldn’t work out but through persistent effort and the power of God in working many miracles they were kept together. This family, who had been raising these two boys and teaching them to follow Jesus Christ, were finally able to adopt Kaden and his brother. Once they were adopted they became eligible for baptism.

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In preparation for his baptism, Kaden began meeting with the missionaries. He always felt good meeting with the missionaries and especially enjoyed learning about the temple where families can be sealed together forever. He has a firm testimony of God’s plan for eternal families. One day he will be sealed to his parents and great granpapa.

Kaden Ison and his brother Garrett were baptized on April 21, 2024. Kaden has felt so much joy in his life since his baptism. For him, baptism was a great milestone and a true outward expression of his inward commitment to following Jesus Christ and trying to be like him.

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Jacob

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Jacob’s story begins with the sister missionaries teaching his mom Rebecca. She said that he had asked why the elders never stop by to visit him. While the sisters had tried to teach him, he was not interested so this was a big change and a surprise for the sisters.

Immediately the sisters called the Hixson elders, Elder Mendenhall and Elder Harmon. They set up a time to visit with Jacob the next day. During the first lesson Jacob talked about how he has been trying to live a better life and wanted to change to be better. He also talked about how he was actually an atheist and hated god and used to tell people god wasn’t real, but as he saw his mom gain joy and happiness with meeting with missionaries he wanted to see what it was all about.

The missionaries explained that baptism was the way to gain a relationship with God. Jacob said he wanted to be baptized but didn’t feel now was the right time. In the next few lessons, his heart was softened by the Spirit and he went from saying he would be baptized at 18 to being baptized in a few months.

A big moment in his conversion was the story found in Mosiah 18 when Alma was teaching the people at the Waters of Mormon. As we watched the Book of Momorn video with him he was inspired and touched by the Spirit. It seemed every lesson after that the Spirt was teaching Jacob. Elder Mendenhall was transferred out and Elder Haderlie had came to serve in Hixson as a new missionary.

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During the whole process of preparing Jacob to be baptized, Jacob had been attending church with his mom and building friendships with the youth his age. After a few weeks of teaching Jacob, his mom Rebecca was baptized. At her baptism, he shared his testimony and expressed how happy he was and that he felt he was ready to be baptized.

At the beginning of the planning stages for Jacob’s Baptism, he expressed that he didn’t want very many people at his baptism and only wanted his closest friends and family. But as members kept expressing their love for him and as he attended youth activities he was gaining true friendships that would be life long. He started inviting people to his baptism.

Jacob was baptized on August 4, 2024. He couldn’t have been more happy. His closest friend came to his baptism as well as six other non-members, including his sister who was also taking the missionary lessons. As he came out of the water, Jacob had the biggest smile, gave Elder Harmon a hug, and expressed how much he felt God’s love.

While changing back and drying off Elder Harmon said Jacob told him he felt something and it was warm and powerful and knew it was the Spirit. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, he was visibly happier and more joyful. His mom shared her testimony at the baptism on how as a mother, she saw the hand of the Lord working in Jacob’s life and it was incredible to see his mighty change of heart.

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A few months later Jacob was able to go to the temple and do baptisms for the dead. While waiting to go back and change, the Temple President came in and talked to him about the joys of the temple. Jacob expressed that this was the most beautiful place he had ever seen. After doing baptisms, and as everyone was walking around the temple grounds, he talked to the Elders saying he wished he could explore more of the temple. They shared that one day he would get the chance to experience everything the temple offered. He was so happy and expressed he looks forward to that day.

Jacob is now serving and a faithful priesthood holder, blessing and passing the sacrament to the members and friends of the Hixson ward.

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Kris

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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.

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The Living Christ – Round 2

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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.”

President Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives“, April 2017 General Conference

We hope families will join with their missionaries memorizing The Living Christ. Here are the images we use so you can print up your own flip book:

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Tender Mercies in the TKM: Angela

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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!

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