Teaching Spiritual Giants in Primary

I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 10 years now, and have been asked to talk about my conversion. In 2014 I was married to a member of the church, but I was not one myself and didn’t really attend much. Bishop Jenkins called my then husband, and asked him to meet to discuss a calling, and asked him to bring me. 

Bishop Jenkins offered him a calling in primary and I thought: “Perfect! He will be gone for 3 hours and I could do whatever I wanted to – Woo who! And then Bishop Jenkins looks at me and says: The calling is for you too…I was so shocked! I wish there was a camera in his office to capture the look on my face!!!

I didn’t know what a calling was, but I knew I didn’t want one – especially since I wasn’t a member and didn’t know much about the church! I had gone to some family home evenings and met some nice people there, but that was the extent of my interaction.

Well, I can’t believe I accepted the calling – despite not being a member, but I did. Our assigned class was for the 8 year olds. Those kids were great! They were kind, loving, fun and SMART! When I tell you who they were, you will understand how special they were then, because to tell you the truth, I did not teach them, they taught me!!

On this one particular day, we were all in the primary room and I heard a little voice saying, “Sister Telford, do you want to get baptized with me?”

I turned the other way and acted like I didn’t hear the question. Again, only louder this time, Sister Telford, “Would you get baptized with me?”

I didn’t know what to say, so I didn’t answer, then I heard, “Sister Telford, it’s a yes or no question.”

I looked at him and said, I’m sure I would have to talk to your dad first. 

If you haven’t already guessed, the young man was our bishop’s son, who promptly responded, “I already did and my dad said YES!”

From that day forward, I had meetings with the missionaries. I also went to the Hardmans’ home (who were members of the Church) many nights for dinners and lessons. The Hardmans graciously took me under their wings, explained things to me, and, more importantly, loved me. 

I would probably not be a member today if not for the Hardmans. I remember one time saying, “I don’t know enough and everyone has been a member forever.” 

One evening at their home, everyone attending were converts to the church, and during the course of the evening, each one of them shared their conversion stories with me. It was very powerful.

Well, back to my baptism. In preparation for the “big event,” Sister Jenkins, the Bishop’s wife, came to me and asked if I had anyone from my family coming? 

I said, “None” (none were members of the Church).

Without hesitation, Sister Jenkins said, “No problem, we are your family now.” I will NEVER forget that moment and how much it meant to me.

Well, I don’t think it was any coincidence that Bishop Jenkins called me to teach in primary. The class was very special at their young age and they have grown to become spiritual giants at their age now. They have all touched many lives in this ward and at the present time some are already serving full time missions.

As I think back to my introductions to the church, I can testify regarding “the strength of youth” and how important they are to the future of this church and to the world. When I said I wasn’t teaching them and they were teaching me, that is absolutely true! 

The Jenkins boy was already a full blown missionary at age 8! I have no doubt he will be very successful on his full time mission. He’s been practicing for 10 years!!!

How we treat newcomers and strangers investigating the church can make the difference between a simple visitor and a new convert. 10 years later, I am back in primary with the 3 year olds. Once again I find myself in the midst of spiritual giants. I love our little people.

The open arms and warm hearts of ward members were a huge part of my conversion.  I’m still a work in progress.  I know everyone’s journey is different, but for me, Sister Jenkins’ quick reply: “We are your family” was what I needed to hear at the time—and 10 years later continues to live in my heart.