39. Sam Hewson ON: Sam shares his conversion story to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Divorce, Recommitting, Family History, Temple Work. God is in the Details of our lives.

Sam Hewson and I crossed paths in Gilbert Arizona, and we became close friends quickly. He and his wife April are incredible people who always do their best to serve others, lift people up, and love unconditionally. 

 

 

Sam shares his conversion story to Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He talks about the unforgettable, undeniable, and peaceful witness from the Holy Ghost as he said his first sincere prayer to God when asking God if He was there and if the Church is true. It is a witness he will never be able to deny. 

 

 

Sam talks about swimming for Arizona State University, on scholarship, qualifying for the olympic team, and of his disappointment when President Carter announced the USA would be boycotting the games he would swim in. Confused and not knowing his next steps in life he sought Gods help which lead him to his Patriarchal Blessing, that mentioned he would serve a mission. He shares the miracles that happen that enabled him to go. Although his parents were not happy with his decision to forgo his senior year and last year of his scholarship, Sam ultimately decided he wanted to go and was called to serve in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 

 

 

After his mission and a Divorce, Sam felt shame, remorse, and pain making it easier for him to disengage with God. After years away from the church, but knowing of it's truth and the reality of Jesus Christ, Sam went back to church, and he shares a powerful experience walking into a sacrament meeting late. This experience is one that all Bishops and members of the church should hear. The Bishop, who was making announcements from the pulpit when Sam walked in, recognized Sam, stopped speaking and immediately walked to Sam to hug him. That example caused the entire congregation to follow his example and for the next 15 minutes Sam was wrapped in the arms of his fellow ward family and shown pure love and gratitude to have him there. 

 

 

Sam is now remarried to an incredible woman, April, and although they have had some trials of their own, they are happy and have felt God in the detail of their lives. He talks about Family History work and the power and reality of our ancestors helping us and guiding us in our lives. The peace that comes from attending the temple, and affect it has on the unity and love in our families. Sam also shares a humble, and tender testimony of Jesus Christ at the end of the podcast. There is no doubt Sam knows Jesus!

 

 

Sam you are one of my favorite guys in this world and very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your witness of Jesus Christ, and your incredible journey with us. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you in all that you do.