Austin Purvis

I was born in 1978 in Oelwein, a small town in Northeast Iowa. My family attended the small RLDS church there, and my grandfather baptized me when I was eight years old. Soon after my baptism, doctrinal changes outside my family’s control invaded the church in Oelwein. My parents decided that it would be best for us to no longer attend the branch and start having church in our home. They did their best to support my two brothers and me and teach us the doctrine of Jesus Christ and what His church truly is. I heard my mother’s testimonies of angelic ministry and my father talk about his testimony of the Creston experience. Unfortunately, even though my parents did their best to convince me that Jesus was the Son of God, I went my own way and indulged in the things of the world. Even though I walked away from God, He did not walk away from me.

 

I had the start of my conversion experience in my early twenties. In short, the Lord reached down and brought me to my knees. He caused me to recognize that He is the only way, the truth, and the light. The Lord persuaded me to pursue Him through the study of the Scriptures, prayer, fasting, and obedience. Jesus showed me where I belonged and to whom I belonged. Soon after I started walking the narrow path, He gathered me to the Center Place in November 2002. I was led to the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – the church in succession to the church Joseph Smith Jr. was led to bring forth in the 1830s. 

 

Soon after I moved to the Center Place, I met an amazing young woman, Christina Evans. We quickly became close friends and spent a lot of time together but did not date. In 2005, I went on a mission trip to the eastern United States. While I was there, I quickly realized how much I missed Christina, and when I returned, one of the first things I did was ask her to marry me. We have been married ever since, and I can say that Christina was my best friend before she was my wife. We have three beautiful girls: Lydia, Adeline, and Claire. We live in Bountiful, the church’s Zionic community. 

 

It is my desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all who will listen. I know that my Redeemer lives and wants to have a relationship with anyone who will keep His word. I believe with all my being that Jesus is going to establish His kingdom on earth and return to be our King and Ruler. I invite all to come and be a part of the Kingdom of God.