Whether members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are born into the Church, or they are converts, everyone has a conversion story to tell. This is the place to hear those stories and this is the place to also tell your story. At some stage, all must question the Lord, and find out if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the restored and true church of the Saviour. And when they have received that spiritual witness, they must then decide to act on it and live their lives on the covenant path, or follow some other way. Follow us to hear some amazing stories.
Belle Boxshall was born in Northern England just before the outbreak of World War II. With her father serving in the military, her mother raised the family through those early years of hardship. As a young woman, Belle married John — a Catholic — while she was a devoted Methodist.In 1965, they made the life-changing decision to emigrate to Australia, seeking a better climate for health reasons and a brighter future for their children.Then, one day in rural South Australia, a simple knock at the door from two young missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would change the course of their lives forever. This is Belle's incredible journey of love, sacrifice, resilience, and spiritual discovery.
Sister Marriam has served in the Australia Melbourne Mission for the last 18 months. She is a convert, having joined the Church in 1981. Her native language is Urdu. She didn't speak a word of English before she started her mission! She has been a wonderful missionary and we will miss her very much when she goes home tomorrow (Saturday 22 Feb 2025).
Stephanie has terminal cancer, but we've managed to do this interview before life gets too uncomfortable for her. She reminisces about growing up post WWII in rural Victoria, Australia, and studying to be a nurse in Melbourne, and there meeting missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Within weeks she would become a member of the Church and within months met her future husband Neville and go onto raise her family, mainly in the Western District of Victoria. She is now staring death in the face and looks forward to reuniting with Neville, who passed away, from cancer, during the Covid epidemic of 2020.
Simon tells his story of leaving the Anglican Church in his teenage years, joining the Open Brethren, and then, invited by a friend and experiencing "holy envy", becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Simon, his wife Yvonne and some of their family live in Sydney, Australia. He has served 3 missions (one in a very surprising location), two with Yvonne.
Born in 1933 in rural Australia, Helena Mauldon (Helena Farr to many of you) has a remarkable ability to recall details from her childhood, like riding a horse four miles to school as a five year old, with her six year old brother. Her conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attending the Footscray Ward in Melbourne happened in the mid 1950s. I'm sure you'll love Helena, like we all do.
Solange Edith Valdez Watts was born in Chile in 1964. By the time she was 8 years old, there was political turmoil in Chile and her family migrated to Australia.Her father had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile, but on settling in to Melbourne, had drifted away from the Church and Solange was raised as a Catholic. Missionaries came to visit and reignited the desire to be with the Church, and at 18 years of age, Solange was baptized and confirmed. As a young lady, Solange was introduced to Richard Watts, a recently returned missionary. They married after a short courtship of about 8 months (well, that's sort of average for LDS). They had 4 children and a few grand-kids, when Solange was diagnosed with a terminal illness, while her youngest son Nathan, was serving as a missionary in London. Solange miraculously survived long enough to see Nathan come home, which was all she prayed for.In this episode I interview, her husband Richard and their children - Dionne, Chantelle, Michael and Nathan. This is a truly uplifting episode! We hope you enjoy it!
(Had some sound issues with the first version of this that I uploaded. Hopefully this one is better.) Bob Grant has an amazing story to tell. He's been a member of more churches than most people have had hot dinners. Anglican, pentecostal, SDA and JW almost, and even his Dad's own church! He was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by an old hunting friend, which was appropriate as Bob had been hunting around for the true Church of Jesus Christ for years. Bob's wife Wendy joins in the conversation briefly towards the end, and will soon be interviewed to tell her story of conversion from Catholicism to also become a Latter-day Saint.
When Craig Sandford was 11 years old, growing up in my home town of Geelong, Victoria, Australia, his family became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was not all smooth sailing though, and his parents later left the Church and even had their names removed from the Church records. Craig was committed though, and had an unshakeable testimony and went on to serve as a missionary. Many years later, just before being called to serve as Bishop, Craig had the privilege of re-baptizing his Mum. This is a great story and I'm sure that you'll learn something from it.
Bob Grant has an amazing story to tell. He's been a member of more churches than most people have had hot dinners. Anglican, pentecostal, SDA and JW almost, and even his Dad's own church! He was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by an old hunting friend, which was appropriate as Bob had been hunting around for the true Church of Jesus Christ for years. Bob's wife Wendy joins in the conversation briefly towards the end, and will soon be interviewed to tell her story of conversion from Catholicism to also become a Latter-day Saint.
It was such a pleasure to interview my old friend, H. J. Brian Horsman. At almost 93 years of age, Brian is not the oldest person that I've interviewed (that was Robert (Bob) Lyon) but this is certainly the longest interview I have done. Even if you think you know Brian very well, I think there will be a few surprises here for you. Brian is somewhat a legend of the Church here in the Geelong Ward anyway. I'm pretty sure he is our oldest attending member. He was a convert back in the 1950's, and later served as one of the early Bishops of the Ward. Brian's wife Mary passed away earlier this year, and as she was going downhill, he cared for her the entire time (with some family assistance) at home. He was determined to fulfil his duty to love and care for her to the end. That's just the type of man he is. I hope you enjoy, and learn, from this interview
Murray interviews John and Nicole Stinchcombe about life growing up in post-war France and England and how they came to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We count the Stinchombes among the early pioneers of the Church here in Australia. They are known and loved by many here in the Melbourne region.
Betty Frew grew up in a tenement building in Scotland in the 1950's and '60's before following some extended family members and migrating with her husband to Australia. She met her late husband, Ray, when he was 16 and she only 14, but managed to hide her relationship with him for a couple of years, as there was a catch. Not only was she too young to have a boyfriend, but Ray was a Mormon! Betty was raised in a traditional Presbyterian home and for her parents, it was quite a shock to have their daughter wanting to go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a story of patience and faith, determination and romance! We hope you enjoy this interview.
40 years ago (1984) the Harvey family became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here, Robert Harvey tells his story about growing up in small towns in Australia, and eventually meeting the missionaries and being taught the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and how his family was blessed and expanded because they became members of the Church.
Today's interview is with my good friend, Gavin Williamson. One beautiful women brought him in to the Church, and another beautiful women brought him back after he drifted away for a few years. I think you'll enjoy hearing his story. I did!
Michelle's life journey is an incredible story of growing up in the Philippines and moving as a child to New Zealand and later as a young married mother to Australia. Her "fun" teenage years brought her in contact with other teenagers who happened to be from Latter-day Saint families. Michelle's naturally charming and bubbly personality shine through in this interview. I'm sure you will love her, just as all her friends and family do!
Russ was a fascinating interviewee, and very patient with the technical difficulties I encountered! He is a wonderful story teller and has many stories to tell. I hope this episode provides an insight into life in Salt Lake City, where Russ grew up as a next door neighbour to Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For older couples, I also hope you might be inspired to want to serve as a senior missionaries. Brother Osguthorpe, currently serves as a Sealer in the Provo Temple. He and his wife Lolly recently served as senior missionaries at BYU-H, they served as President and Matron of the Bismarck North Dakota Temple, he is a former General Sunday School President, and Area Seventy.The Osguthorpes served as mission leaders in South Dakota Rapid City. They are both former members of the Tabernacle Choir. Prior to full-time Church service Russ was Professor of Instructional Psychology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is the author of a number of books. He is also the host of the Filled With His Love podcast.
Murray Ceff interviews 101 year old Bob Lyon about life as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's not every day you get to listen to a 101 year old talk about his life. He lived through the Japanese bombing of Darwin in World War II, experienced miracles while serving in The Church as a Branch President, and continues to bless the lives of other just by being alive.
Christian McOmber @MissionaryUniverse grew up in a Latter-day Saint family in Seattle, served mission for the Church in Brazil, and is a young married father of one, so far :) His first book, a memoir of his mission in Brazil, is now available on Amazon. Search for "With your Shield or Upon It". It is a fantastic read for prospective missionaries, currently serving missionaries, returned missionaries, and anyone else who loves missionary work! Would be a beautiful Christmas present.
Murray Ceff talk with recent convert, Milton Smith, about his journey into the Church. Milton was adopted at a young age, with his sisters into a loving and religious family, attending Pentecostal churches. His adoptive mother passed away at 47 years, and not long after, his father also died. He was then adopted, and raised by, his adoptive sister and her husband. Years later, after some searching he became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You will love hearing him tell his story.
Tim Cabal is an actor, an artist and a 911 dispatcher, and a fascinating character to talk to. He recently played the Lord of the Vineyard in Jacob Chapter 5 of the Book of Mormon videos. I'm sure you'll enjoy listening to him.
Sam Korinek is a young Russian Orthodox man. I am an old LDS man. We came together, Sam in Phoenix, Arizona, and I in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, to talk about our beliefs and learn from each other. We both really enjoyed our time together and hope to make a regular time to talk and learn more about our respective beliefs. We hope you enjoy the conversation!
Sam Shaw grew up as a Latter-day Saint but went through the normal teenage years where almost everything else seemed more exciting than going to Church. Heather grew up as a Baptist, and life was not exactly smooth sailing for her either, but the Lord knew better and brought them together and to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen to their inspiring story! Check out Heather's missionary resource website https://www.shopbeethelight.com/
All good things must come to an end. My wife and I finish our mission here in North Queensland soon and that is part of the reason for my pause in producing the next episode. So, it sounds good (I think) to say that Season 3 is starting soon!
Yoriko Fukuji is not your typical Japanese lady, converting to Christianity and becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 17 years of age, studying abroad at Ricks College in Idaho and the Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I think you'll love our friend like we do!
Both the intro and outro music pieces are from todays's guest, Kyle Jacobs, of https://www.instagram.com/brother_jacobs_jams/ He is a returned missionary from the Nevada Las Vegas Mission and an accomplished author and musician. You can find his music on Spotify and YouTube by searching for Brother Jacobs Jams and his books on Amazon searching for Kyle C. Jacobs. His Connecting to Courage books are fantastic short books that link in to his songs. A great concept!
Murray Ceff interviews Sarah Aland about her service in Chile as a missionary with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can follow Sarah on her Instagram page @letsbegrowing
When Kim Smaellie was young, she wanted to have 12 kids, be a stay-at-home mom, cook, sew, and can. She got married at age 19 and eventually had 7 children (who are her jewels), but God had other plans for her - she had talents that needed to be developed. In 2004, at age 35, and with 6 kids at home, she went back to school to finish her Bachelor's Degree. In 2015 she finally finished her degree, but she felt she needed to continue and get a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and become a therapist. This is part of her story. You can find Kim on Instagram at @minymightymessages https://www.instagram.com/minimightymessages
Aquilar Luki and his wife Sisifo, grew up on the islands of the South Pacific in the 1950's and 60's, before meeting and getting married in New Zealand and later moving to Australia. They are a much loved couple, living and serving in the Church and their family, which is actually a pretty significant part of the Church here in Cairns. I know you will love them!
Murray Ceff usually has other people tell their conversion stories. In this episode he interviews the two "young" missionaries who found him and taught him the Restored Gospel and baptized him on November 11, 1981. Since his baptism, the lives of dozens of people on both sides of the veil, have been affected, because these two young Elders found him and taught him about the Lord and his Church.
Amber Pearce's life has not been your typical LDS life. Amber's parents were living on a hippie commune in New Mexico when they started raising their family, and realized after a little while that this was not the ideal place to be raising children. Amber's mother was puzzled as to why he husband was so relaxed when the "FBI" arrived. Everyone else was running and hiding, but he knew that it was just the Home Teachers, ministering brethren from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Amber runs a very popular Instagram page, Left with a Smile @leftwithasmile and a website, https://leftwithasmile.com, to help provide uplifting content to both Latter-day Saints, as well as the broader Christian community.
Miracle Chukwu tells her story about becoming a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Miracle grew up Nigeria, but didn't discover the Church until she went to study abroad in Malaysia. Accidentally almost falling in to the lap in to a pair of sister missionaries after running to catch a train, and discovering their lovingkindesses, she didn't want to go to "their" Church, but six months or so later, her attitude changed and her curiosity was aroused. Please listen to the rest of her beautiful story!
After making friends with Church members playing basketball, and then a family of Church members moving in next door, Shane responded to a print advertisement for a free Book of Mormon. Baptized and confirmed a member of The Church at 18, Shane went on to serve as a MIssionary in Japan, and then came home and married "the boy next door!" You will love hearing Shane tell her story!
Interview with Scott Salvesen about growing up in a Latter-day Saint family in South Africa and migrating as a teenager to the United States. He talks about integration in to a Latter-day Saint society in Utah and the challenges involved with that, and then getting ready to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Scott is a co-host of the popular Family Bro Evening podcast.
Murray Ceff interviews John Ehlen from Family Bro Evening about his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John was raised by a Latter-day Saint family, and served a two year mission for the Church in Texas. His conversion, like many who are raised as members of The Church, was a gradual, but sure and steady course. Together with his old buddy, Scott Salversen, John hosts the Family Bro Evening podcast, which we thoroughly recommend.
Murray Ceff interviews Stewart Grimes about his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1982. At the age of 30, after being a member of the Church for 2 years, Brother Grimes was able to serve as a missionary in the Birmingham Alabama Mission. He later came home to marry the girl of his dreams, Marie-Claire. With typical English humour, Stewart tells his story and bears his testimony.
Interview with Elder Carter Wintz in the Australia Brisbane Mission. Elder Wintz has only been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 18 months, and here he is, thousands of miles from home, preaching the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Andre Polonski's Instagram page has over 19k followers. There's something about this humble follower of Christ that you can't help but love. He joined the Church as a teenager with his mother and later served a 2 year mission in Scotland. He lives a life of service in Ukraine, seemingly unfazed by the situation around him. His is an inspirational story that is well worth hearing. He talks here today with Murray Ceff.
Sharmain's first encounter with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints happened when she traveled home from university in Auckland, New Zealand, to try to stop her mother being baptized in to the Church. Little did she realize that this would lead her to joining the Church and finding her future husband and ending up being married to the Cairns District President of the Church in the Australia Brisbane Mission.
Catherine Christoforatos (Cee Cee to most people) wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before finding her spiritual home in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her's is great story of love, friendship and being open to the whisperings of the Spirit. You can find Cee Cee at https://genwell.com.au/ or at https://www.facebook.com/genwellglobal
Brother Kelechi (Kcee) E. Udonsi-Kalu,is a young entrepenuer who lives in the city of Umuahia, Abia, Nigeria. He converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a young man and served a 2 year mission in the Nigeria Lagos Mission. He currently serves as Stake Clerk. After his mother was killed in a car accident when he was only 11 years old, he was introduced to the missionaries of the Church by a good friend. Kcee has a certificate in Agribusiness, and Bachelor in Applied Business Management from BYU-Idaho. He is the founder/President of KaluGroup, an entrepreneur and farmer. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches.
Murray Ceff interviews Jame McIvor on Sunday 12 Feb 2023 about his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jame pretty much reached rock bottom, with a life of substance abuse and other bad choices with that. He "borrowed" a Book of Mormon from a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel that he found open at 3.00 a.m. one morning when he was at the lowest point of his life. This is his story. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
(Slightly edited and audio only version) Mahonri Eteru has grown up in a devout fully active Latter-day Saint family. His mother is currently the Relief Society President in her branch, and his father serves in the District Presidency and has been Branch President as well. Virtually all of his extended family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served as a missionary for the Church in Japan and has studied for 4 years at Brigham Young University - Hawaii. But what is it really like growing up as a Latter-day Saint, in a part of the world where we make up about .05% of the population? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
Mahonri Eteru has grown up in a devout fully active Latter-day Saint family. His mother is currently the Relief Society President in her branch, and his father serves in the District Presidency and has been Branch President as well. Virtually all of his extended family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served as a missionary for the Church in Japan and has studied for 4 years at Brigham Young University - Hawaii. But what is it really like growing up as a Latter-day Saint, in a part of the world where we make up about .05% of the population? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
With a story spanning two continents and three countries, Shirley's story is bound to inspire and educate you about the process of conversion. Love from the Lord, love from Church members and some service from the missionaries all added up to a new life for Shirley Skewes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
Matt Smith spent the first 3 years of his life on land that would later be purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to extend their existing meeting-house in Edge Hill, Cairns, Australia. It wasn't till Matt was 20 years old that he got that knock on the door that would change his life. This is his story. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
Patira's early life was traumatic and could have easily ended in tragedy. She grew up in Samoa, but the difficulties arose when she first came to live in Australia. She managed to get away from a very difficult situation and return to her island home, before going to live in New Zealand, where she became became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She now lives in Brisbane, Australia. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
Brother Lewinski tells his story of his family leaving Europe, post World Ward II, migrating to Australia, growing up in country Victoria, marrying and having a son and becoming a widower at a young age, fighting for custody of his son in France, becoming a Buddhist and a founder of a Buddhist retreat in New South Wales, and eventually becoming a Christian and then converting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a long path and he tells his story openly and eloquently. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
Brother Erueti has an amazing story to tell. His family became converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of his old sister getting leukaemia. There is an ironic twist in the end of the story, that you will have to listen to, to understand. It's amazing! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often incorrectly called "The Mormon Church". This has never been the official name of the Church and we only mention it here to help us appear in searches. #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormonchannel #churchofjesuschristpacific #churchofjesuschristworldwide #churchofjesuschristlatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #ldsgatheringoftribes #saintsunscripted #comebackpodcast #dennisschleicher #denschleicher #hearhimdaily #declaremyword #itsettore
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