025 - Teach All Nations

Many people who live without God do so because they don’t know how to find his message. But that’s the job of any follower of Christ; spread the word of God wherever we go, because it helps those who couldn’t find it otherwise. It’s our duty to teach all nations how to be a follower of Christ, and in this episode, Donald explains how to do just that.

Scripture outlines the correct approach:

• Matthew 28:19-20 explains exactly how a follower of Christ should interact with another man.

• It’s important to remember the difference between teaching and being overbearing. Everyone has choices, and it’s ultimately up to them whether or not they choose to follow the word of God.

• It’s all about teaching the principle and making an outward sign of an inward promise.

• Teach them to observe all things Christ has commanded.

Many followers of Christ do not spread his message.

• So many of us don’t share the Gospel with others because we’re afraid of the reaction those people will have. 

• But nothing in that verse tells us to hate others, because Christ is love.

• If someone doesn’t agree with you, that doesn’t mean you hate them. Instead, set a positive example through your response and your actions to glorify God.

Building the perfect message:

• Don’t worry what people will say.

• Share God’s light through example, and people will gravitate towards you.

• Share the truth through invitation. Invite people to service, to help the homeless, or to choir. Don’t just spread the word of Christ, but the actions those words represent.

What happens if you don’t share the word?

• Think about the blessings people around us are missing out on

• Don’t let fear of someon’’s reaction prevent you from sharing this blessing with others. 

• Think of the positive impact your message can have on those around you, and use that to motivate you to share the word.

We’re still battling the pandemic, loss of work, and other factors. If you encounter someone facing a challenge, ask if you can pray for them. Share the message, and do what you can to spread the message of love and everlasting life everyone should have the opportunity to hear.

Subscribe and share this message with someone you feel needs to hear it! Listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on our website. 

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

024 - My Family Needed Me

There comes a point in everyone’s lives where we’re faced with challenges, and you either embrace them or wait to make a decision. On today’s episode of Changing, we’re joined by Scott Schlofman, who chose the latter option. He had a problem but waited until a significant life event brought the issue to light.

Scott worked his way to an international sales position.

• Scott would be gone weeks at a time, leaving his wife to look after their two young kids. 

• While he was in Columbia, he was FaceTiming his wife while she was getting their kids ready for bed.

• The conversation came to a sudden halt when one of their kids began screaming, and she quickly hung up. 

Scott wasn’t able to help, and it made him feel helpless.

• Their son had slipped and fallen in their bathtub, catching the webbing between his toes in the drain, popping it and blood profusely.

• Scott wanted to fly home, but there were no flights until the morning. He called their neighbors and emergency services, trying to do what he could.

• This event made him realize he needed to change. While he loved the cultural experience his international travels brought, it wasn’t what was really important to him. 

He decided he was leaving the international sales position. 

• Many people didn’t understand why he would ever want to leave such a fun opportunity.

• But for him, it just wasn’t working. His family couldn’t handle it. 

• Scott found a more stable sales position, and he and his family wanted to move to South Florida. 

• However, his VP told him no, sending him to California. Then, when they were about to sign a one-year lease, he received a call from his manager asking if he wanted to work in Florida. And he took it.

There are two types of timing :

• When you’re the one hindering the timing, and when the timing just isn’t right.

• For example, Scott loved to play hide and seek as a kid. He would hide so well that he would start making noises so people could find him easier.

• Now, as an adult playing hide and seek with his kids, he knows where all the hiding spots are. He can find them easily. But he gives them time to hide.

• How many times are you trying to hide from God? (AKA someone who knows everything about you and all of your personal hiding spots.) 

• Adam and Eve took the fruit and tried to hide it. But they failed because God knows everything. 

How has his life been blessed since Scott’s decision?

• Scott has realized that if you aren’t changing, you aren’t improving. 

• After he decided to stay at home and give up his interrelationship travels, he asked himself what other areas of his life could he make similar changes in.

• They weren’t necessarily significant, but they were meaningful to him.

What advice would Scott give people to initiate a change they need to make?

• Accept it will be hard. Because if it’s easy, you would have already done it.

• Remember, you’re hiding from somebody who knows everything - there’s no point in hiding.

• You’ll encounter challenges and problems along the way. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone about it.

• Many people drop off when faced with challenges because they do it themselves. But you aren’t supposed to do it yourself; you do it with Jesus Christ. Just ask him for help, and he’ll be there.

Reach out to Scott on LinkedIn or send him an email at schlofman@gmail.com to connect with him to hear more about his story.

Subscribe and share this message with someone you feel needs to hear it! Listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on our website. 

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

023 - Of You It's Required To Forgive All Man Part 2

In our last episode, Donald spoke about the importance of forgiveness. And on today’s episode, he shares his own story about his path to forgiveness. After all, if Christ can forgive us for our sins, how are we unable to forgive other people?

Donald’s subpar step-father:

• Donald’s mom began to date a man when Donald was about 12 years old.

• He moved into their home, where things took a turn for the worse.

• He started to verbally abuse Donald’s mom. And when he drank, he would break stuff. That later led to physical abuse. 

• While he never hit Donald or his little siblings, he did hit Donald’s mother.

A particularly traumatic experience happened:

• One night he came home and started to argue with his mom. Donald’s mom was in the kitchen, and he knocked her down to the floor, stomping her head into the linoleum floor.

• Donald ran out screaming and yelling, trying to stop the situation. He called his aunt and the cops because his mom was lying in a pool of blood.

• While the ambulance came and took his mom to the hospital, and the cops came to arrest his stepfather, Donald was still angry.

The aftermath:

• They (thankfully) never got back together. But while he wasn’t the best figure, the money Donald’s stepfather brought was helpful.

• Because he no longer contributed, Donald’s family couldn’t afford their home because his mom wasn’t able to work.

Donald’s faith saved him:

• Luckily, Donald started to go to church again. And while Donald was on a church mission, he realized he was preaching about how God forgave us for our sins, yet he could not forgive his stepfather.

• Donald sent a letter to his stepfather detailing the emotions he was feeling. However, Donald realized when he got back from his mission that it never made it to him.

• Fast forward a few years later, Donald was working on a speech about forgiveness. But he still had that hate in his heart. So he called his stepfather.

• He told him on the phone that he forgave him, and it was one of the hardest things he’s ever done.

After that, Donald was in a much better place. 

• Is Donald 100% healed from the experience? He’s close. But it took him nearly half his life to get to that point. And it’s a continual battle.

• If Jesus can forgive us for our shortcomings, who are we not to forgive the sins of our fellow humans?

• To those who are still holding on to the mistakes of others: let it go. 

• We’ve all made mistakes in our lives. We’ve all done things we aren’t proud of. All we can do is ask for forgiveness and look for ways to liberate ourselves from hate.

Who’s the person you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask for forgiveness? If you need help or want to speak with Donald about your own path to forgiveness, email him at donaldckelly019@gmail.com or post it in our Facebook group.

Subscribe and share this message with someone you feel needs to hear it! Listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on our website. 

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

022 - Of You It's Required To Forgive All Man Part 1

Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice to forgive us for our sins. He was able to forgive us despite us being completely unworthy. Despite this, we are quick to judge others. We are quick not to forgive our fellow man. How can we let go and forgive? We must learn about and practice forgiveness, and on today’s episode of Changing, Donald shares an important parable that stresses just that.

We all have our problems, difficulties, and skeletons in our closets.

• But whatever our past holds, the Lord will forgive and heal us.

• This is a gift God gives us; he gave his only son so we could be saved.

• If he can forgive you and make you whole, why shouldn’t you forgive other people?

• Many beliefs, religions, and ideologies can cause us to be angry. 

• If we were to forgive people, but much happier would he be if we could forgive others?

The parable of the indebted servant.

• A servant owned 10,000 talents to his lord. But, upon hearing the servant’s plea for patience and mercy, the lord was moved with compassion and forgave the debt. 

• Then, that same servant would not forgive a fellow servant who owed him 100 pence. 

• Upon hearing this, the king lamented to the one he had forgiven.

• To make it comparable to modern-day, let’s say the 100 pence equals $100. With that in mind, the 10,000 talents debt would’ve totaled about $1 billion (or more.) 

What can we learn from this story?

• This number is so incomprehensible because that’s what the Lord was trying to show us in this parable. 

• We can’t repay the Lord for Jesus’s sacrifice. We were freely forgiven for an unpayable debt. 

• So who are we to not forgive someone for an infinitely smaller debt?

• That doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with the person. And it doesn’t have to happen instantaneously. But it should happen.

• When you carry around the burden of unforgiveness inside you, it’s like carrying around poison. It only hurts you, not the other person. Forgiveness gives you freedom.

Another example:

• Leo Tolstoy wrote of a priest who was criticized by one of his congregates for not living as resolutely as he should.

• The critic concluded that the principles the priest taught must be erroneous because he’s a hypocrite.

• To that, the priest responded, look at my life now and compare it to my former life. You’ll see I’m trying to live out the truth I proclaim.

• Unable to live up to the ideals he taught, the priest admits he has failed. But he states, ”Attack me if you wish. I do this myself, but don’t attack the path I follow.”

• Everyone makes mistakes. But just because we’re all sinners doesn’t mean the path is wrong. 

• When you forgive God, he will love you, care for you, and help you.

The takeaway from this podcast? You’ll feel happiness and joy by forgiving those around you. Focus not on judgment but on helping the people around us and putting grievances behind us. Because we’re all God’s children. 

Subscribe and share this message with someone you feel needs to hear it! Listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on our website. 

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

021 - I Was Humbled By The Lord

In today’s episode, we’re going through the story of none other than our host Donald Kelly. While he grew up with a sense of spirituality and religious values, it wasn’t until a specific moment made Donald change and grow closer to God. 

Donald grew up with a sense of spirituality.

• Because he grew up in Jamaica, everyone knew they were supposed to go to church.

• Donald immigrated to the United States at nine years old, and he and his family continued to attend church. While it wasn’t every week, it was consistent. But it slowly grew less and less frequent.

His friends weren’t the best influence.

• While walking home from school, Donald and his friends jumped a fence to watch people making out (they were middle school boys, after all.)

• An older man who lived in the building simply saw three African Americans by his building, so he thought they were breaking into his home.

• He came out with a bat and chased them. While Donald’s friends ran away, the guy managed to grab Donald’s backpack, forcing Donald to abandon it to escape. 

• When he got home, his mom knew something was up. So she and Donald went back to the building to collect his backpack.

The plot only thickens:

• When they got there, the police were there collecting statements. The man said he saw Donald break into his house.

• The police had Donald come to the station, where they took his statement. Afterward, the officer read Donald his Miranda rights, put him in handcuffs, and drove him to the detention center, where Donald was charged with attempted burglary. 

• After fighting the case with his lawyer, Donald accepted a plea deal for a misdemeanor, resulting in 50 hours of community service and a year of house detention.

• Because of house detention, Donald didn’t go to church or church activities because he didn’t want to explain to people why he couldn’t go to things or do things.

Donald began to go to church again.

• One day, his friend told him about scouting, something Donald always wanted to do. But he was on house detention.

• His friend invited him to the Easter Sunday church service, and at that service, Donald began to take spiritual ownership. He listened and asked questions.

• He began to read scripture, participate in church activities, and even go scouting. As Donald continued to read and learn, he realized he was changing. 

• Christ took an opportunity to mold Donald into a humble servant. Without that experience, Donald wouldn’t be on the right path.

• Don’t wait to be humbled. If you know you need a change, have temptations or addictions, or just want to impact your life positively, make the change today. Just look to the Lord for help.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

020 - Christ Strengthened My Mental Health

Nearly 2.2 million people in the United States are impacted by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While it might seem overpowering and debilitating, today’s guest Jordan Jensen relied on his strong relationship with Christ to make a change in his life, overcome his OCD, and grow closer to Christ.

Jordan began to display signs of OCD at 13 years of age.

• His father had bipolar disorder, so there were elements of mental illness in his family.

• After his dad received professional help, it dawned on Jordan that there might be mental illness affecting him.

• In 1996, he used the limited internet access available to research his symptoms and was diagnosed with OCD in 1997 by the same psychiatrist who saw his father.

• While Jordan’s family couldn’t relate to his OCD, his father’s illness meant his family was supportive and understanding of those with mental illnesses, which makes the situation dramatically better.

It was a long, difficult journey to gain control.

• At 19 years old, Jordan traveled to Canada on a mission with his church. The president over his mission was very supportive with helping him by finding professional counselors.

• While Jordan received professional support, the president also gave him spiritual support that was a crucial component in working through his demons.

• The president said his OCD might impact his marriage later in life. Jordan interpreted that to mean that it might prevent him from becoming a husband completely.

This realization made him determined to overcome his illness.

• At first, Jordan struggled after returning home. He hit rock bottom and realized he’d never have a family if he stays the way he is now. 

• From that point on, he prayed, fasted, read scripture, visited professionals, and took medication to minimize his symptoms.

• Over time, he started to see the fruits from his labors. Christ magnified his efforts to help his heart and mind.

Jordan began to live the life he wanted.

• In 2001, he couldn’t even get a girlfriend. But as Jordan grew more confident and social, he eventually met his future wife in 2006 and they married in 2008.

• To this day Jordan takes medication and visits healthcare professionals every six months. But as long as he practices what he’s learned, Jordan functions on a plane that’s brought him personal and professional success.

• While he’s put in a lot of work to get where he is, Jordan knows it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Jesus Christ. 

Jordan’s advice to people dealing with mental health issues:

• Some regions have a cultural perception that mental health issues can be shaken off and don’t need support. 

• His spiritual faith was what helped him persevere, because he wouldn’t be able to finish God’s plan if he let his mental illness run his life.

• Before you think or do anything else, find a quiet place and speak to your heavenly father. Talk to him, be transparent, and tell him everything you’re feeling.

• After that, go to someone you trust, and talk to them about your problem. God will eventually lead you to the person who can help, but you have to remain committed and determined to make progress.

To get in touch with Jordan, go to freedomfocused.com or email him at jordan.jensen@freedomfocused.com. He also writes a weekly blog about personal change, which you can sign up for free.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

019 - I Found Christ In a Foxhole

As we kick off the second season of Changing, we’re thrilled to welcome Jim Henderson to share his changing experience with Christ. Even when we grow up with Christ in our lives, it can take a specific moment in life to remind us of his importance. This holds for Jim, as he was reminded of Christ’s importance while in the foxholes of Desert Shield.

Jim grew up with Christ in his life.

• Jim’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were pastors, so he grew up knowing the value and sacrifice of Christ. 

• He was never called to be a pastor, so after college, he joined the army.

• While he hated his first six years, after gaining rank, he grew into the position.

• However, his deployment to Desert Shield suddenly made his theoretical training became real.

Jim’s night in the foxhole:

• On January 17, 1991, the rules of engagement changed when President Bush decided to take the metaphorical gloves off.

• Jim was in a foxhole at that time, and he and his friend were stationed at an observation post. In that position, you serve as a tripwire - alerting people if and when something happens.

• Jim and his friend were doing everything they were trained to do, working to make sure they could protect their brothers and sisters in the event something happens.

• While they were preparing, it suddenly dawned on Jim that he hadn’t prayed. 

That realization changed Jim’s perspective:

• It wasn't that he found God - he just finally remembered where Jim put him. Jim realized that God was always with him, and he had allowed other things to come in and clutter up a space that was his.

• When he finished praying, Jim had confidence he’d never known up to that point. Not emotional confidence, but assurance that if he didn’t live to see the sun come up, everything would be okay. Because God had it handled.

• He realized that what he’d been concentrating on was religion when the answer was faith.

How do we retain that level of commitment throughout our lives?

• Have a daily realization of who you are and what your goals are for that day. More importantly, realize that God is who got you to this point. To be the kind of person God wants you to be, be mindful of who you are and your dependence upon God.

• There are things in your life that help you stay where you need to be spiritually or help lead you away from where you shouldn’t be spiritually.

• Take life a day at a time. Live your day not regretting yesterday or thinking of tomorrow, but making an effort with today. 

To get in contact with Jim, email him at jamesa_henderson@yahoo.com.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

018 - Season Wrap Up

On the last episode of Changing, Donald explained that Changing would take a one-week break as the studio prepared for an exciting season two. While we love publishing fantastic episodes for you, that break is now going to extend for about a month. 

Here are three reasons why:

1. We want to make sure we’re fully prepared to deliver an awesome season of content.

2. Based on our guest’s schedules and availability, it would be difficult to get quality content out so rapidly.

3. All the fine folk of TSE Studios need time to relax and refresh. So consider this our Sabbath; it’s time to prepare and relax so that season two is even better than the last (if that’s even possible.)

A Season Two Sneak Peek:

• In an upcoming episode, guest Jim Henderson tells the story of how he got reacquainted with God: in an actual foxhole.

• Another guest Jordan Jensen will tell his story of finding God while overcoming his problems with mental health.

• These incredible stories (and many more) are what you have to look forward to for an incredible season two of Changing. We’ll see you then!

In the meantime, go back and watch season one of the podcast. Improve your discipleship with Christ, and subscribe to the podcast for more stories of Changing and growing closer to Christ.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

017 - Season Closing

As we wrap up the first season of Changing, Donald looks back at the main takeaways from the first season and remembers the challenges, takeaways, and times of growth through the stories we’ve heard.
Some of the first season highlights:

• Converting from Judaism to Christianity was a process for Andy Lustig.

• Reggie Taylor was willing to leave the life he was comfortable with to follow Christ.

• Despite being a devout follower of Christ, Shay realized something was missing in her worship and searched for a solution. 

We are all changing and becoming better each and every day. If you look at yourself, what is something you could change in your life?

• Some people are prompted with experiences like Gustini Nelson. Others, however, might just have a thought or something minor that brings on a change.

• Gina Dorsan shared how it was tough for her to stop sharing her parent’s testimony and start sharing her own. Even though she was always a believer, she realized it was necessary to make a change.

• Our friend Michael and his experience reminded us that we all have challenges. 

• COVID threw a wrench in everyone’s lives. But these experiences are all a testament to one thing - we need to come back to Christ.

Look forward to the future.

• There are many more stories to come - stories of anxiety, overcoming years of neglect and doubt, and stories of growth. We’re thrilled to go on that path with you and learn from the experiences of others.

• During our one-week break, listen to a couple of episodes and share them with someone you think needs a change. And let’s make the world a better place.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

016 - The Lord Helped Me Through My Trials

Many of us have an experience in our lives that significantly impacts us. It could be something big or something small, but it moves us in a way that delivers us back to Christ. For Jonathan Plummer, he encountered a major event many of us cannot fathom that changed his trajectory and showed him the true power Christ has.

How did Jonathan join the church?

• When missionaries came to his house in 1986, his mom wanted his sister to tell them she wasn’t home. His sister responded, “Mom, I thought you told us not to tell lies.”

• Because of that, his mom invited the missionaries inside. She had a notepad with questions no religious person had been able to answer. And, little by little, the missionaries resolved his mother’s concerns. 

• Once her questions were answered, Jonathan wanted to join.

One major life event changed his life.

• Jonathan and his friends went out one night. Before work the following day, he checked in on his friend, Sean. He stopped by his home to find Sean wasn’t there.

• Jonathan walked to the sidewalk, only to find a police car with Sean in the back seat.

• The policemen then handcuffed Jonathan and put him in the backseat of the car. 

Why were they arrested?

• After they got home from their night out, Sean realized his doors were locked. And because his incredibly strict step-dad had the keys, he decided to stay outside for the night.

• Sean decided to go to another party. But, on his way there, he stumbled across a crime scene.

• People had broken into a store and stolen merchandise, setting off the alarms. Soon the shop owner, residents, and police arrived, only to find Sean instead of the perpetrators.

Jonathan’s time in prison.

• He and Sean were questioned at the police station, but their matching stories made the officers split them apart.

• They moved Johnny to a cell with murderers and robbers, figuring Jonathan would be truthful once they beat him.

• Luckily, a man in the cell recognized Jonathan, and another knew his dad. Because of that, nobody messed with him.

• That night, Jonathan awoke around two o'clock in the morning and completely broke down. 

• At this low point, he reached out to God, saying, “If you help me to get out of this situation, I will serve you for the rest of my life.”

Jonathan’s release from prison:

• The next morning, the prisoners decided to have a boxing match.

• As the new guy, they volunteered Jonathan to fight against a much larger guy.

• The man landed a hit right in Jonathan’s eye, and he saw stars. Enraged, Jonathan went in on him like Mike Tyson and took him out.

• About an hour later, the officers let Johnny go because they had no charges against him. 

• On the other hand, Sean spent about two months in jail because he was at the crime scene.

What did Jonathan learn from this experience?

• Jonathan never looked back from the experience and continued to serve Christ with all his heart.

• When you put your trust in the Lord, he never deserts you. And if you reach out to Him, the Lord will answer.

• Jonathan later received the Melchizedek Priesthood and served a full-time mission in Jamaica.

• After his mission, he moved to the United States and served in multiple religious organizations and schools, pushing the Lord’s word forward.

Jonathan’s advice to someone trying to change:

• If you genuinely want to change your life, go on your knees and ask the Lord for help. 

• God might not do drastic things to change your life, but what's important is recognizing when something in your life is the Lord speaking to you. 

Did Jonathan’s story speak with you? Contact him on Facebook or LinkedIn, at plummer35@gmail.com, or (954) 588-9918.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

015 - God Helped Me Handle My Anxiety

Almost 40 million Americans today deal with anxiety, and it can be challenging to overcome if you don’t have the proper tools to work through it. Our guest, BJ Allen, faced those challenges, and on today’s episode of Changing, he shares how he overcame his anxiety with the help of Jesus Christ.

BJ’s history with anxiety.

• BJ had struggled with religious-based anxiety ever when he was a young child, obsessively worrying if he was enough for God or if God was disappointed in him.

• A lot of his family struggles with anxiety, and it was his mom’s bad bout that encouraged her to learn how to manage it thanks to psychologists, counselors, and books. 

• Because of his mom’s efforts, BJ’s anxiety was calmed. 

His mission reengaged his anxiety.

• Going on his mission meant leaving his safe place. He felt vulnerable, especially as a representative of Jesus Christ.

• He became aware of his weaknesses and mistakes. However, now as an adult, he changed the way he looks at his relationship with God.

When was his anxiety the most challenging?

• Growing up as a teenager and hearing the various commandments, asking himself if he’s truly following them.

• These obsessive thoughts manifest into other areas of his life, making him doubt himself in his profession and family.

BJ sought divine help.

• Instead of praying to take it away, BJ asked God what he wanted him to learn from these experiences. 

• God changed how BJ viewed his religion and the commandments, teaching him that everyone, including himself, is worthy of love and admiration. God doesn't just love the perfectly obedient; God loves everybody.

BJ’s advice to anyone facing anxiety: 

• Don't battle it alone. Talk to your church leader, counselors, or even get on medication because God has given all those tools to help us. 

• Jesus Christ plays a central role in calming your anxiety. Remember that your worthiness and validation don’t come through yourself. They come through Jesus Christ.

• The only one who can make you complete is Jesus Christ, and because he is always with us, you’ll always be complete through him.

If you have any more questions or want to learn more about BJ’s story, connect with him on LinkedIn, or email him at bjallen03@gmail.com.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

014 - He Didn't Give Up On Me

Today’s episode of Changing features Gustini Nelson. We’ve all felt like the lone sheep at one point, waiting for Christ to be our shepherd and lead us back to his flock. Gustini shares his story about this and how Christ guided him back onto the right path in life.

Gustini grew up with the church.

• Born and raised in Haiti, Gustini moved to the United States when he was sixteen.

• Growing up in his house meant there were three places more crucial than anywhere else: home, school, and church. 

• He attended Catholic school, participated in additional services throughout the week, and felt a spiritual connection to Christ. 

His move to the United States affected his relationship with the church.

• When he initially moved to the United States, he visited a Haitian church with his mother. While he felt fellowship and community with this new church, he didn’t feel the spirit. He knew this isn’t where he needed to be.

• He started going to The Church of Latter-Day Saints and found the spiritual connection he needed.

Gustini had difficulty sticking with his faith.

• While there were ups and downs, he met good people and felt he was growing in his faith.

• But life started getting in the way, and Gustini began to miss service. He became complacent, and he stopped reading scripture. And then, everything went downhill.

So what changed?

• After his son was born, Gustini knew he wanted his son to grow up with the right values. 

• This meant going to church to learn those values.

• Gustini began attending again. And, one day, Donald Kelly spoke at his church. 

• Donald’s speech invigorated Gustini, and he began to attend church regularly.

Gustini thanks Christ for leading him back onto the right path.

• He still had challenges in his life, but now they all seem more manageable.

• Rather than get frustrated with his obstacles, Gustini asks God to teach him whatever lesson he needs to overcome or learn from this obstacle.

• Gustini’s final advice? Don’t let outside judgments influence your decisions. When you ask the Heavenly Father for help, he will give it to you.

Want to reach out to Gustini and learn more about his story? Follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

013 - Living Congruent With Who I Know I Am

Today’s episode of Changing features Scott Romney. A long-time follower of Christ, Scott has been a devout church-goer his entire life. But despite being a follower of Christ, Scott still experienced a change that made him realize he wasn’t the best version of himself.

How did Scott realize he wasn’t his best self?

• His story of change started in high school. While he was a friendly and open person, he typically avoided the questions or situations that would lead him to encounter experiences that weren’t his own. 

• Growing up in Utah, his minority friends did not share the same experiences as Scott.

• His friends opened up new perspectives for Scott, and he began to realize nativity is not an excuse to ask hard questions.

• Christ didn’t sacrifice himself for one particular group or area; it was for all people of this earth.

What were the hard questions Scott didn’t want to address?

• He didn’t want to address any questioning of his religion because those questions made him doubt his devotion.

• With his friendship and later marriage, there were times he would do or say something, intending to be helpful but instead hurting those people he cared about. He had to acknowledge that he hurt them, even though he had the best intentions.

Scott’s religious views guide his actions.

• There are many things Christ could have said in the Old Testament and New Testament through prophets’ mouths or could have been written.

• God chose to start start with the most important commandments: love God and love thy neighbor. And that was it.

• Christ didn’t set out to say that he “I’m right,” he set out to say, this is what is right. We should all follow that example.

• God doesn’t only work miracles through his followers; he works miracles through all people. 

• Scott’s final piece of advice: Have a sincere heart and make the appropriate changes. Focus on the intent of every conversation on what is right and not who is right.

If Scott’s story speaks with you, connect with him on LinkedIn.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

012 - Listening to The Still Small Voice

Today’s episode of Changing features Jared Easley, a man whose daughter blessed him with the motivation to renew his relationship with God. While his entrepreneurial work might’ve influenced his departure from God, he now thanks the small voice that encouraged him to pursue that relationship again. 

Jared’s daughter is the reason he went back to Christ. 

• Jared grew up in church, but that doesn’t always translate to personal faith. He found himself slipping away from that foundation as he grew older.

• But he wanted to be a good father to his daughter, Lana, and maximize her potential. To do this, he took her to church.

• While he was there, Jared asked God to use him and help him reflect who God is to others.

His renewal of Christ led to changes. 

•  He started writing out scriptures on three-by-five note cards and hanging them around his house.

• Psalm 32:8 - “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.”

• John 16:33 -  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

• Once you start reading the Bible and praying, God answers that prayer; he'll put things on your heart and mind.

His renewal of Christ led to changes. 

• Jared was driving one day and passed by a daycare. He sensed in his spirit to go inside and tell the main person that he’s donating money to help a single parent pay their bill.

• When he talked to the principal, she had just gotten off the phone with a mother having a  difficult time. 

• Jared made the payment for the amount he believed he was supposed to make, and he moved on.

• Later on, Jared was able to have a phone conversation with the mom. 

• She said she was so discouraged and distraught, praying and asking God to help her find a way to pay that bill. And then, all of a sudden, Jared showed up with the exact amount she needed.

• Jared walked away feeling good, not about his own ego, but that God helped someone in a time they needed it.

What is Jared’s takeaway from this story?

• When you’re encouraged by God to do something, do it. Maybe it's to bless someone else; maybe it's something completely different. But he hopes that people will pray about it and listen and take that step of faith because you don't know what results will come.

• Jared’s parting advice? God has made you; he knows you. He wants you to trust Him, and He wants you to know him. And when you do that, He will guide your life.

• If you want to connect with Jared to talk about his story, find him on Twitter or his company website. 

  MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
  (Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

011 - I Lost Everything!

In today’s episode of Changing, we’re joined by fellow podcaster Stephen A. Hart as he describes his relationship with Christ and how he gained faith amid multiple obstacles in his life. 

Stephen was incredibly successful as a business owner.

• After graduating from college in ‘99, Stephen found himself in the mortgage industry before starting his first business in the financial sector in 2005.

• In 2007, his business was thriving. Because of that, he purchased things like a million-dollar brownstone and a Jamaican wedding.

• His success was cut short, however, when he discovered a massive investment had tanked.

How did Stephen recover from the tanked investment?

• Having everything ripped from under him three weeks into marriage had a massive blow to his pride. 

• Shortly after the business collapse, so did the real estate and financial market.

• Everything fell apart. Left with personal debt, Stephen had to dissolve his business and start over with a new structure.

Amid this turmoil, he found God.

• After this ordeal, Stephen wanted to understand what life was really about. 

• He realized he needed to look to God for what's next. He changed his entire mindset and began to focus on new goals.

• And so, over the next ten years, he reframed everything. The way he looks at money, his life, and his legacy. 

How does Stephen maintain his relationship with God?

• Throughout the pandemic, Stephen anchored himself in Matthew 6:25-34 and Phillippians 4:6-8.

• His focus this last year was to go not one day at a time, but one hour at a time.

• Stephen’s lasting advice: change happens. We’re always working on ourselves, but over time, those changes will lead to positivity in your future if God is at the center.

Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as his website. Reach out to him if you have any questions or want to know more about his journey to Christ.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

010 - How Seeing Those I Love Strengthened My Relationship with Christ

Today’s episode of Changing features Linda Yates as she shares her journey with Christ. More specifically, what events in her life led to a departure and eventual return to a strong and thriving relationship. 

Linda loses her relationship with Christ.

• While she grew up with Christ in her life, Linda found herself in a career that involved constant travel. That lifestyle made it difficult for her to attend church.

• She and her husband found themselves at a crossroads six months into their marriage after a significant event. Her relationship, combined with her infrequent church attendances, left Linda angry at herself, her situation, and God.

What brought her back on her spiritual journey?

• The only person aware of her relationship issues was her younger brother. She was afraid he would judge her when she first confided in him, but he accepted her with open arms.

• Her brother was going through a repentance process after losing his membership in the church.

• As he was rebaptized, Linda realized she wasn’t spiritually where she needed to be to make these major relationship decisions in her life. She needed to change.

Linda finds herself back on the right path.

• When she was on the road, she made church a priority and saw improvements in her mentality and well-being. 

• She spent the next couple of years developing spiritually when a significant career change moved her family to Florida. 

• While at that new house, she realized she didn’t want to lose her marriage and missed her husband.

Where is she in her relationship with Christ?

• God knows her struggles, and Linda knows she can look to Him for strength when she needs it.

• She is humbled by her relationship with her children and grandchildren and hopes they know they can always look to Christ.

• Linda’s journey to Christ didn’t happen instantaneously. It took years. But it was all a part of his plan for her. 

If Linda’s story impacted you, or you want to talk with her about her journey with Christ, email her at linda@lhyatesconsulting.com.

 
MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

009 - How Christ Changed Me From a Prosecutor to His Follower

On today’s episode of Changing, we’re joined by Michael Simmons. An account executive at Atris Technologies, Michael tells us his story of departure and return to a life following Christ. 

How did Michael grow apart from Jesus?

• Michael grew up in south Georgia, where attending church was a Sunday staple for just about every family.

• While church was a weekly family activity, his father’s untimely death from lung cancer led Michael to an abusive situation with his step-father.

• Feeling betrayed and angry, Michael didn’t understand how God could exist in a life of chaos and abuse. He stopped regularly attending church and largely renounced his relationship with Christ.

What changed?

• It wasn’t until his late 20s that Michael finally began to let go of his feelings of anger and betrayal.

• He was now a working professional, yet he still felt empty despite attaining money and a successful life.

• Michael thought back to what made him happy as a child and realized it was when he had a strong relationship with Jesus.

• After going back to church, Michael realized that material possesses fade, but a relationship with God will last forever.

Michael developed his relationship with God.

• God didn’t force Michael to follow him because God doesn’t take away your agency. Instead, God gave Michael the gentle nudge needed to get back on the right path.

• Michael admits that people are often afraid to deal with issues they don’t want to talk about. But even if they think nobody is listening, God always is. And if you have problems, you don’t have to deal with them alone.

• Some people think they have to be a certain way to go to church. But God doesn’t expect perfection; God uses rejected people to transform the world. Jesus says, “come as you are,” and God will do the rest.

If Michael’s story resonates with you, reach out to him on LinkedIn or email at msimmons@atris.com.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

008 - I Was The Prodigal Son

Today’s episode of Changing features Andres Escobar as he shares his journey that led him both away and back to Christ.

• Andres grew up in faith. However, he struggled to fit in with those around him while maintaining his faith. 

• When he reached high school, he was determined to fit in with those around him. He turned to drugs, porn, and other vices that led him away from God.

• Andres liked how these vices made him feel. He didn’t want to address the consequences associated with his actions. But he knew his current path wasn’t fulfilling, and he was living without purpose.

What changed?

• At his lowest point in 2009, Andres had an emotional love affair. His wife, however, was able to forgive him, thinking, “if Jesus can forgive, so can I.” Her forgiveness inspired Andres and allowed him to develop his own relationship with Christ after seeing her strength.

• While his relationship with Christ was growing, Andres was still unable to give up porn. 

How did Andres surrender his vice?

• At a church retreat in November of 2018, Andres found the right path. In a retreat activity, each attendee wrote something they wanted to surrender to God. Different people then threw one another’s struggles onto a fire. Andres chose porn.

• Shortly after the retreat, he got fired from his job. Andres realized that fruit doesn’t grow in the mountains, but in the valleys - God was leading him on this path for a reason.

• He met a man at a business conference, and that man eventually offered Andres his next job. That same man even credits Andres for leading him on his own path to God.

• Now, Andres and his family live through Christ and live by the message “We must preach the gospel, and when necessary, use words.” - St. Francis.

• Andres’s advice for someone starting a relationship with God? Find a few people with whom you connect, and do life with them. Be accountable for one another in your relationships with God, and be yourself.

Check out Andres’s business reviewbiz.io, and reach out to him via reviewbiz.io’s Instagram.

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

007 - From Rockstar to Christian

Today on Changing, we’re joined by Alan and Christiane Hawkshaw, who talk about how they began their relationship with Christ and what that looks like today.

Alan is a professional musician who toured all over the world, meeting Chris while in Germany. Self-described as “love at first sight,” Alan and Chris met one fateful date in a department store when Chris sold Alan a cheap coffee grinder.

This led to a 53-year marriage still going strong today.

How did they start a relationship with God?

• Neither Chris nor Alan grew up in church. But one day, two missionaries came by their house and intrigued Chris when they mentioned a family could be together forever. After a lengthy conversation, the two missionaries challenged Chris to stop drinking; a challenge honored to this day. Her favorite scripture soon became Alma 32:27, which she lovingly interprets to mean “get up and do something with your life.”

• Shortly after, she joined the church. It only took two years for Chris to become baptized, but it took Alan many years to develop a similar relationship. 

Why was Alan reluctant to create a relationship with God?

• He didn’t want to interact with the people. He had a negative perception of church-goers and felt he couldn’t trust them. However, after interacting with them through Chris, he slowly realized they were genuine people.

• He also realized that there were truths in scripture he was hesitant to admit. But, after the untimely loss of his close friend, he decided he needed to have faith and create positivity in his life.

• It dawned on him that Jesus was the answer to a lot of his problems associated with his old life. The church’s teachings began to make more sense to him, and he felt Jesus become a companion rather than a figure.

What advice do they have for people?

• Family is forever. Chris knows that whatever happens, she’ll be together with her family again. Whatever goes wrong in life, Jesus forgives her for her mistakes.

• Alan knows firsthand that you can’t be expected to convert overnight. Don’t try and believe everything at once. Just start doing good things, and your life will begin to mean something.

Want to get in touch with Alan and Chris? Email Christiane at chawkshaw1@me.com and Alan at bigal3001@ymail.com. 

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)