In November 1977, while on a business trip to Salt Lake City, Tom decided to stop by Temple Square. Curious but not anticipating anything profound, he stepped into the visitors’ center.
There, standing before the display of the 13 Articles of Faith, he felt something stir within him. The clear, powerful statements resonated deeply, and in that quiet moment, Tom knew he had been converted. Before leaving, he filled out a referral card, requested a copy of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and gathered several missionary tracts.
He flew home to Santa Clara, California, excited to share his experience with his wife. Together they read and discussed the materials over the following weeks, but it wasn’t until February 1978 that two missionaries finally knocked on their door.
The elders taught Tom and his wife with patience and clarity. They helped him break long-held habits—he quit drinking and smoking—and both felt the Spirit strongly confirming the truth of the message. On April 22, 1978, they were baptized, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Years later, Tom had the extraordinary chance to visit one of those missionaries, now living in Caldwell, Idaho. During their conversation, the elder shared a part of the story Tom had never known.
He explained that the mission had temporarily closed the Santa Clara area to missionary work. When it reopened, he was assigned to collect a new companion from the MTC and restart the work there.
Arriving at their apartment, they found it in shambles. The elder told the mission president they couldn’t begin teaching until it was cleaned. So they changed into “grubbies” and set to work scrubbing and tidying. As they pulled a desk away from the wall, a small card stuck to the back fell loose. It was Tom’s referral card—overlooked for months.
The elder peeled it off, read the name and address, and realized it had never been followed up. Turning to his companion, he said, “Put your suit on. We’re going to this house right now.”
They arrived at Tom’s home at exactly the moment he and his wife were prepared to receive them. The timing felt nothing short of miraculous. Hearing the elder’s account years later filled Tom with awe and deep gratitude.
What he had viewed as a simple referral card was part of a divine plan, carefully arranged so the gospel would reach their home precisely when their hearts were ready. It stands as one of Tom’s strongest testimonies of the Lord’s tender mercies and perfect timing.
Like this story? Read about 5 powerful miracles in the last dispensation.
Thanks to Tom for allowing us to share his story.
Thank you for sharing this story. We don’t always understand the Lords timing, but He has a plan and puts all the pieces together so that the last piece always fits perfectly.