My husband, his brother, and I were in out mid twenties, 1976. Central NJ. We had been searching for something better than what man and society had to offer. We had missioaries from every religion and sect coming out of the woodwork…even Hare Krishna and Maher Baba were represented. We listened to the all, but yet none ever were just quite it. We were by no means looking to join a church. We just didn’t realize what we were seeking was truth.
We were thinking maybe there just wasn’t one belief that was right, so maybe we could start our own church, and if so, what would it have to be like? We made a list, which when later compared to the 17 Points of True Church, was pretty dang close. We kew christ had to be at the head. We needed a bible, so I headed off to the loccal christian Bookstore, told them what we were looking to do, and they recommended a nice ‘beginners’ bible. I came home with it soon after. My husband and his brother were a few doors down, helping an elderly neighbor clear some brush with machetes. ( I should at this point tell you they were both with full beards, ponytails and overalls).
I was home alone with our 2 children, ages 5 and 6 mos. Our dog tied outside started going crazy barking. I looked out the window and saw 2 young men walking across our lawn. It was cold, so their jackets hid their nametags. Not that it would have mattered to me, I didn’t know what Mormons were. As they knocked, I stood out of sight, ignoring them. I didn’t want to let them in because the guys weren’t there, just me and the little ones. There had been a home invasion and assault on our street a few days before, so I was suspicious.Just then, a voice spoke to me clearly and said “Let them in, it will be OK.” I had never experienced anything like that before, but it was co calming and seemed so natural a thing that I listened and let them in. They began to teach me that there was a Prophet on the earth today. I had left the TV on for the kids, just turned the sound down, so I immediately turned to see the screen, thinking there would be a newsflash, and I imagined a Charlton Heston/Moses type individual in an open convertible in a ticker tape parade. Surely if a Prophet was here, he must have just come! Then threy began o teach, and when I heard 1830….I was dumbfounded!!! How could we not know????? So they taught and made an appt to come back when my husband and brother in law were home the next night. They then left.
As the guys were out in the neighbor’s yard, my husband hears a voice that says “Turn and greet thy Brethren”. He didn’t even know what ‘brethren’ meant. But he did. He turned, saw these 2 young men walking along and he began to yell to them…waving his machete in the air.
They returned as planned and taught us. We were what they called Golden Contacts. We continued with the discussions, taking off a week when we had a trip planned to go see an old friend. While on the trip, from NJ to Kentucky, we got lost. Driving at night, hit a snow storm, and had idea where we were. we got off the turnpike at the next exit, rather than go any farther north, It was Harmony PA. Didn’t mean anything to us at the time, but our next discussion was when they presented us with the Doctrine & Covenants, and we found out about Harmony.
After our first meeting with the elders (one of whom we still keep in touch with) y husband asked me, “what will we do if we find out this church is true?” A big deal, because we really weren’t looking for a church, just a way of life. We decided if it was true, we would know and we would join. So we did. My brother-in-law also, and his fiance’. That was December 17, 1976.
We have since been sealed in the Cardston Alberta Temple, and have 5 children, 14 grands. One son served a mission in the Phillipines. We have 2 Eagle scouts, the 3 married children were temple marriages. We have held numerous positions; teachers, scout leaders, librarian, RS pres. ward and Stake, Primary pres.,, High priest Group Leader, Stake Exec. Sec., Bishop, seminary teacher. My husband retired from 20+ years as a senior mechanic for the Church Facilities Management Dpt, having worked in Missoula MT FM Group, East Brunswick NJ FM Group and retired from the Worland WY FM Group. We now reside in sunny St George UT.
It’s true. Turn and greet thy brethren.
~ Sid & Chris Pendle ~
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Your story really made me smile. I especially liked the part about looking at the TV for the prophet. You joined the church about a year after I did. Thanks for sharing! From the other Laura
Hugs to both of you. Thank you for keeping the faith!
I love this story of our family. Another favorite Mom, was when you saw the news cast on June 8th, 1978….how happy it made you. And of course my favorite is the day we got sealed…quite an adventure! We Pendles never seem to do anything in an uneventful manner!! =)
Posted by Chris Ayres Pendle: This comment is made by our daughter, Clover, who was the 6 mo.old at the time of our baptism (and who loaded her drawers just as it was my turn in the font). She’s referring to the day I heard the news that Pres. Kimball had received the revelation to allow all worthy male members to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. I was completely overwhelmed with the Spirit and I knew it was true. (it was also Clover’s 2nd birthday that day)
One of my favorite stories Mom and Dad! My other is June 8th 1978 =) When you saw the news cast.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, and hugs to you! This story resonates so well with me; I also felt as I took the lessons with my parents that we were learning things we already knew. Your decision to listen to that whispering of the spirit has blessed generations. And us, too.
Thanks for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes.
As I read these, the thought that keeps coming to mind is, “Blood of Israel.” You are all amazing. Thanks for lifting your brothers and sisters in the Gospel!
Wow, that is an amazing conversion! Thanks for sharing
Beautiful.
Hugs to Sid and Chris! So beautiful that you were in tune with the Spirit from the start.
Awww…love your story, Sid and Chris! Thank you for sharing such a special experience you had searching for truth. *hugs*
Thank you for sharing your story! I love to hear about ways the Spirit teaches us. Hugs to you both! Maybe I will even see you out and about in sunny St. George, too!