Tribe of Testimonies

Latest Episodes:

Kelly Baker - Mandan & Hidatsa Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

Mark and I sat together with Keali'i (Kelly) and Hannah Baker for much longer than just the interview. They are so good for each other. Together they are building a wonderful life centered on their testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Kelly knows that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can change hearts, minds, and bodies. Before he went on his mission, he had never really read the Book of Mormon. After time lost, he finally read it--in six days! That experience ensured his testimony of that scripture. He talks about how his heritage has given him a purpose. And I really loved his explanation of what it means to be a member of the Tribe of Israel--stick around for that. Kelly is the type of person you want in your life because of his attitude, love, and strength.

Carmelita Red Elk Thomas - Comanche Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

What a fun experience! Visiting with Carmelita Thomas about her life was absolutely delightful. She was raised in Oklahoma but landed in the Cache Valley in Utah. When she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a young adult, she promised that she wasn't going to be "wishy washy" about the Gospel. She's held true to that promise. As a valiant disciple of Christ, she has made temple and family history work a priority in her life. She showed me (we were on Skype) a box full of names that she has done temple work for. She's pretty proud of that--in a humble way of course. She testifies of the Atonement as part of her life. And she testifies that living a Christlike life is the best life. I'm so glad that I could visit with this young lady: Carmelita Red Elk.

Melvin Sam - Navajo Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

There are so many other things that we could have talked about, Melvin Sam and I. But we ended up talking about conversion, marriage, children, places they've lived, and covenants. Covenants was a big thing that I have been thinking about a lot lately. Mel felt lost in the world until he truly came to know the Plan on Salvation and that he was truly a part of Heavenly Father's plan. But when Mel came to know for sure that there was purpose and reasoning, he has hung tight to that knowledge. In some ways, it has become a mission for him now to spread the word. What a great word to spread! The good word! Also, we tagged on an extra part about participating in The Book of Mormon videos and about how that not only felt in 2021, but how it likely felt when the Savior actually came to the people of Bountiful.

Lana LaBelle - Yethka (Chiniki, also known as the Stoneys) Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

I talked to Sister LaBelle just the day before we recorded our conversation. She was both excited and nervous to share her testimony and her story. She was excited because she knows that the gathering of Israel is a priority in the world today. She was nervous because she wanted to make sure her words were right, and that she could reach those who need to be reached. But as I listened to her soft voice and her careful words, I knew that the Holy Ghost was her companion. The Lord is blessing her as she takes care of her mother, her family, and her community. I am grateful for Lana.

Jake Collins - Choctaw, Ponca, & Peoria Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

The Gathering of Nations! Jake Collins has a mixed heritage. And now so do his children (as his wife is also of a different tribe). I loved talking to Jake. He was full of energy. Education...then strength training....then dentistry. The Lord was in the details, as always. It was so great to hear of how Jake and his family were served by members of their ward who had their eyes and hearts open to serving. It was also so great to hear how Jake and his fellow dental students and staff were able to serve people in Jamaica. There are so many little things that Jake was able to tell me about how he has come closer to the Savior. It was a delight to talk to him. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Stephanie Chadwick - Navajo Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

As a best practice, we should be teaching our children every day Gospel principles and setting examples of how the Gospel actually works in and through our very lives. Stephanie Chadwick does this not only with the Gospel but also with her Navajo heritage. Her children have been blessed to have parents who have given them opportunities to experience how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grounded Stephanie and how their divine natures teach them to be strong and independent. Stephanie has also been able to influence many other young people to reach high and far in their lives. In other words, Stephanie is a pretty amazing person. I'm glad to have been able to reach out to her all the way on the other side of the world.

Franklin Keel - Chickasaw & Choctaw Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

As I've been blessed to get to know Franklin Keel, I just imagine all the good that he's been able to do in the world. He has sought to help people with his education and abilities. I love how he tenderly talks about family and people he admires. I love his firm testimony of how Heavenly Father loves His daughters. Just hearing Franklin express that made me feel God's love for me. I am impressed with his knowledge of a wide variety of things: histories, law, relationships, government, languages. He's so humble, and yet I could sit and learn from him for days. I am so grateful for his testimony of our divine nature and our relationship with our Savior--it has certainly strengthened mine.

Sosha Cox - Seneca Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

It's rare for most of us to be given very specific instructions about what to do with our lives. Sosha Cox says it's rare for her--but when it does happen, it is VERY specific. At different times in her life, she has been directed to go on a mission, to move to Provo, and to find a child through adoption. Perhaps those were all such huge life-changing events that the Spirit needed to be that clear. With each step, her testimony has been tested and strengthened. She has grown closer to the Savior and to the truths of the Gospel. I hope you enjoy this conversation that is so raw, vulnerable, and relatable.

John Beck - Catawba Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

Brother John Beck was raised in South Carolina with a great many of his Catawba family. He had the Gospel growing up, but not necessarily perfect examples of living Gospel standards. Because he did stick with what he learned to be true, he has been led again and again to new and greater opportunities. At the end of this conversation John acknowledges that the more we are blessed, the greater the responsibility we have to share and live the Gospel. I loved that we were surprise opportunities that John was given because he was in the right place at the right time. But the thing that I loved the most was the experiences he had with his father in returning to full activity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after almost a lifetime of inactivity. I got emotional when he described the blessing this was to him. I hope you enjoy this time together.

Gwendena Lee-Gatewood - White Mountain Apache Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

I thought that when I was told by the Spirit to start a podcast that it was pretty big. Gwendena Lee-Gatewood was moved by the Spirit to run for the White Mountain Apache chairmanship. That. Is. Huge!!!!! Well, she did. She ran four years ago and won. She is coming to the end of her four-year term right now. And she's chosen to run again. I just want to hug her and let her know how much I admire her. She has used her position as chairwoman to teach people the Gospel of Jesus Christ--through service and love. She has been willing to be humble and learn from different events how to become a better leader. She says that as a young girl she was very shy, but she has taken the opportunities presented her to challenge and stretch herself. I think you're going to admire her and be strengthened by her as well.

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