07/16/2026
Christian Heritage Ministries, who supports Open Hand, is redoing their web page and has asked for testimonies and pictures. This testimony came from one of our own. ❤️
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Open Hand changed my life. And nobody was more surprised than me.
I’m Lindsy. I was a devout Mormon. Married with children. I did all the things I was supposed to do: I went to church every Sunday, I paid my tithing, I held Family Home Evening, I read my scriptures, I watched General Conference, I went to the temple. But I was experiencing a faith crisis because I did not find Jesus there. I felt disconnected from my spirituality, and I was confused by history that bothered me: Black people couldn’t hold the Priesthood, Joseph Smith was married to numerous women, the Mountain Meadow Massacre happened. I was confused by principles that didn’t make sense: regular people can become gods, works are required to earn heaven, and, quite simply, Jesus is not enough to be saved.
Meanwhile, I was a social worker who visited Open Hand with a few of my clients during each distribution day. The clients I brought with me were individuals overcoming crisis: mental health issues, substance use addiction, domestic violence, su***de attempts, legitimate hunger, or other life challenges. My clients were working hard, and the food generously provided by Open Hand helped lighten their burdens. The food and fellowship gave them hope when times were dark. The volunteers were friendly, welcoming, and caring. They visited, laughed, and cried with my clients. They prayed for my daughter and her health challenges. They remembered fun events I had talked about. And Ken… well, Ken talked to me about Jesus…
I was not a fan. He asked questions that were uncomfortable because I didn’t know the answers. He asked questions that echoed the confusion and uncertainty about my Mormon faith that already existed within my own mind. So I (nicely) asked him not to talk to me about Jesus again. I requested that we keep our conversations focused on my clients and supporting their needs. He agreed, but he also said that if the Holy Spirit had put a proverbial rock in my shoe, then maybe I should explore that. I did explore that. I shared my thoughts and feelings out loud with my husband, who then walked out on our relationship, leaving me without a husband but with a Savior who loved me. Enough to die for me. Enough to live for me.
Still searching for answers, I dove into my Bible. I prayed. I searched. I went to church at True North, the church that hosts the Open Hand Food Pantry. And then I kept going. And I found the answers that I had been searching for. I read the entire Bible in a year. Then I did it again. In 2024, I got baptized into my faith community. I still faithfully attend church every Sunday, I go to Bible Study during the week, and I join in church activities. And this year, I started volunteering at Open Hand. It was a true full circle moment!
I will always be grateful for Open Hand. Open Hand provided valuable support for many of my social work clients who were overcoming hardships. On a more personal note, Open Hand led me on a personal faith journey that allowed me to find peace and joy on my walk with Christ. Open Hand also created an opportunity for me to give back to the community that helped me in ways that I needed help the most.
The beauty of Open Hand is that it offers so much more than food. Of course, the food provides nourishment to people facing difficulty circumstances. But more importantly, Open Hand also provides love, friendship, faith, and fellowship. Open Hand creates opportunities to share the love of Jesus and remind people that they are seen, heard, and valued. While we serve with Open Hands and Open Hearts, we become living examples of Christ’s love, and that brings hope that nourishes the body AND the soul!
