Hi, my name is Julia. I was raised as a member of the Church, but my family stopped attending in my teen years. My personal testimony and faith weren't strong enough to go on my own. Fast forward several years. I got married and my husband and I were happy doing well, but I felt that something was missing.

Deep down, I knew that something was the Church.

After being away almost 15 years, the doors to the church seemed like the scariest place on earth. I knew I needed to go back, but the fear to do it was overwhelming. But that’s when my own miracle happened, proof that Heavenly Father was looking out for me. I got a letter in the mail from someone named Melissa. She said she was my ministering sister. She gave me her phone number and asked if I wanted any contact with the ward. Without really thinking, I picked up the phone and called her. To my surprise, her husband, Eric, answered. I explained the letter and asked what time church started on Sunday.

After I hung up, I started to panic. I realized that now I had to go on Sunday. They were expecting me. That first Sunday I was planning to just go to sacrament meeting and then quickly leave. I knew it would be a good start and take all the courage I had. I had to force myself to walk through the doors.

My heart was racing, but I was doing it. It took all my courage to walk through the doors of the chapel and I sat in the back trying to hide. But that wasn’t Heavenly Father’s plan.

Melissa somehow knew exactly who I was, even though we hadn't met before. At the end of the meeting, she made a beeline for me before I could sneak out. She invited me to sit with her and her husband during the rest of the meetings that day. That's all it took. I just needed to know that someone knew I was missing and that they wanted me back. I needed to feel loved and included.

I kept coming because my ward loved and supported me.

My experience can be summed up in one scripture: 3 Nephi 18:32. “Unto such shall ye continue to minister for ye know not, but when they will return and repent and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them.”

Mine is a story full of miracles and tender mercies, starting with Melissa’s simple letter.

She was concerned about me before we even met. The miracles continued. My husband started meeting with missionaries and was baptized, all thanks to someone who felt inspired to reach out.

When my husband and I were sealed in the temple, Melissa and Eric were sitting right there with us.

I will forever be grateful for the genuine kindness and love I felt as I was welcomed back with open arms.