From atheist to believer to BISHOP! | Shane's Conversion

[@Testtech1]

Shane bro this video was awsome you were my real fsy counseler

[@3DMOVIES4YOU]

What a beautiful story Brother .......... If I lived near you, I would love to be your friend ...... Just pretend that I'm young instead of being old. In my mind, I think I'm 38, but my body tells me something else. As you get older, money and things become a lot less important to you .........building up my treasures in Heaven are much more important to me. God bless you Brother on your journey through this life upon planet Earth.

[@benjaminsmith6031]

"Don't rule anybody out!" I love this perspective and fully agree.

[@carytaylor2229]

On my mission, my companion and I met a couple of shaggy haired young men out drinking beer and having a BBQ. We talked to them and one accepted to have us come by a few days later. We didn't think that he would be home but showed up to the appointment. When he opened the door, he was clean shaved, fresh short haircut and completely different. We found out that his wife had been less active and when he came home and told her about us coming over, she sat down with him and started to share what she knew about the church and his conversion was underway before we even sat down with him. He was baptized and within a month or two he was given the opportunity to baptize his dad and 2 brothers who he shared the gospel with. Certainly didn't see that coming from our first introduction!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

@@carytaylor2229 what an amazing experience! The Lord must have been preparing them and you had to meet them. What a great testimony to have of miracles coming from the least expected places and people. What a joy that must be for you to of been a part of that and see all the pieces fit together to allow for the young guy and some of his family to make a life changing decision. Thank you so much for sharing 😁 have a great day!

[@JaneHallstrom1]

What a beautiful story. I love your decision to fit everything else around the gospel and allowing anything that doesn’t fit to fall away rather than trying to fit the gospel around your own agenda. I’m still working on that lesson.

[@mleeb56]

What a great video! As a convert, I can relate to many of things this dialog brought out. No previous religious upbringing, timing of events, members of the ward reaching out to me (still do after 40 years).

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

I love this! Sounds like we had a similar converting experience Morris. It’s true when I said the Love I received felt like it was from a higher place. I’m so glad you felt this too and have been treat so kindly 😁 hope you have a great day!

[@joycezabriskie6827]

What a neat story! Proves the Lord knows you better than you know yourself. How many wanted to convert or prove the Bible as true. To discover the truths in the Book of Mormon does not contradict the Bible.

[@thebonestead]

Instead of trying to get church responsibilities to come second to your worldly wants, he made a choice to put his church duties first. What a great change of perspective!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you 😌 it dawned on me and I knew I had to make conscious effort. That was such a defining moment for me, as I said probably my true conversion. The leap was scary but by putting faith in the process that the important pieces will stay in my life I can honestly say I don’t miss the pieces I left behind 🙂 hope you have a great day!

[@thebonestead]

@@shanewakenshaw6938 truly loved your testimony and story.

[@alyssmorgan7131]

Love you conversion story. It gives me hope for people l love.

[@stevenhyatt3609]

Shane I think you were hand picked by the Lord himself. He does know us and he loves us so much! Way to be ready man!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you Steven! That’s very kind of you to say. I love trying to connect with people, I love Jesus and I love God. I still feel like a primary kid in terms of knowledge, but hopefully people see how much I genuinely care for them first and foremost. Thank you for your testimony 😁 have a great day mate!

[@LPanimal6]

5:30 . I still struggle with the timing how missionaries found me when I was having a rough time

[@diagon90]

Yesterday I was watching SU and thought to myself that it would be great to hear more atheist convert stories, and here my prayers are answered in the span of hours after I thought about it!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

I also find them really interesting. To go from one way of thinking to the total opposite - a whole lot of preparation has to be put in place by the Lord before that happens. Looking back I can see all the preparation and the blueprint 😅

[@trudythoman2219]

Wonderful story! Your ward is blessed with a Bishop with so many experiences in understanding of where someone is at in their own conversion.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you for your kind words Trudy! I often felt like I had nothing to contribute and I was a waste of space. However my experiences have helped a few people already and they know I’m a safe person to open up to. I’m so grateful the Lord has used my mistakes as way to connect with others and teach them how to avoid / move away from the same things I struggled with 😊

[@MrLoganniko]

Amen.

[@MarleneKerr-p6x]

The missionaries are the best teachers they are blessed and sustained from on high and study about how to teach inviting the Holy spirit and give people plenty of time to read scriptures and pray about it the church have this way to teach because its sacred and personal

[@lw1959]

Thank you for sharing your conversion story! What a wonderful reminder to never write anyone off.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you for watching 😁 it’s such an important focus for me - I went from feeling like a nobody into feeling like a somebody because I learned how much God loves me. I felt it for myself, I just want to help others feel that way about themselves too 🙂 thanks again for watching hope you have a great day!

[@karenabbott1796]

I loved your conversion story. What a remarkable man you are! Thank you so much for sharing “never rule anyone out”. Such great advice. And I had to smile when you said you’d be “remiss” if you didn’t share that insight/advice. You’re a Latter-day Saint, alright. How many times have I heard someone say they’d be remiss if they didn’t share their testimony. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that word used outside Fast & Testimony Meeting. I’m sure you’re a great Bishop Shane!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you Karen! I didn’t realise I slipped that in 😂 I’m in too deep. So glad you enjoyed! Have a great evening

[@RyanMercer]

NICE 🎉

[@SaintsUnscripted]

You’re nice!

[@RyanMercer]

@@SaintsUnscripted only when I've had a nap recently

[@samflake8508]

Beautiful conversion story…Thank you so much!!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you for watching Sam 🙂 glad you enjoyed, hope you have a great day!

[@realtomtomeny]

Thank you for your beautiful story and great words that all are to be included.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you for your time in watching 🙂 it’s my biggest focus right now; working with the other ward leaders to create a a culture where anyone can walk in off the street and feel loved and valued. I hope you have a great evening!

[@dianathefiberfan]

Enjoyed your conversion story! I know of South Shields! My grandfather was born there in 1897!!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

That’s awesome! South Shields is maybe only 2-3 miles away - very close by indeed. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and comment 🙂 I hope you have a great day!

[@dlemmon1276]

Thats always the case!!! Happened to me too (not a Bishop) ! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and will be in the Millenium. The Book of Mormon tells of the ancient inhabitants of "this North American" continent. That's who the American indians who greeted Columbus were descended from. While the Bible was being recorded in the Western hemisphere, there was a lot going on over here in the North American continent. Jesus spoke of "other sheep that are not of this "fold"....they too must hear my Gospel". When He was crucified, He went to "them"; He came "here" and set up His church - the same as He set up His church in the Holy Bible. The record of what transpired when our Savior ascended to heaven and came over to the North American continent to visit His "other sheep" is recorded in 3rd Nephi, in the Book of Mormon. It is the most beautiful record I have ever read of the Savior's love. The New Testament has many many beautiful stories of the Saviors love also that are very beautiful. These inhabitants ( Ancestors of the American Indians were not Caucasian; they were of the Lamanite extraction, where the Spanish people descend from. Great promises were given to the Hispanic, Spanish and other South American progenitors of that time. Please read The Book of Mormon.

[@tpbarron]

That was so awesome! Thank you Shane for sharing your story. I felt the spirit as you talked.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you! I’m glad you did, all I mostly felt was nervous 😂 just kidding! I always feel the spirit when I think back to the night I was high and how quickly I sobered up. Never experienced anything like it before up until that point in my life

[@tpbarron]

@@shanewakenshaw6938 Very cool

[@cinnamondan4984]

Found this very encouraging.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

I’m so pleased to hear this! That’s exactly what I was hoping to come from doing this. So happy that you enjoyed it 😁 I hope you have a great day and thanks for watching!

[@brentgarner3143]

Thank you for sharing your story!!

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Thanks for watching!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you for watching Brent 🙂 hope you have a great evening!

[@themanflake]

People become branch presidents and bishops in the Philippines way sooner after they join the church. The amazing country I had the opportunity to serve my mission in.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

I couldn’t imagine! Maybe I should count myself lucky I had 7 years to settle in😂

[@themanflake]

@@shanewakenshaw6938 I remember the branch president in my first area had been a member for 4 years and a branch president for 2. My last area, the branch president was just called and had been a member for three years. No matter where you are the Lord qualifies you if you're faithful

[@schwalbera]

Inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story, brother.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Thanks for giving Shane's video a watch!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you for taking the time to watch 🙂 I hope you have a great day!

[@victoriagledhill5872]

I'm never disappointed with conversation stories...nerve. 😊

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Neither are we!

[@iowaguy6470]

I was sexually molested as a kid...age 10 or so while in foster care by another male foster teen....he was maybe 16ish. I grew up identifying as homosexual and had multiple sexual partners, hung out in adult bookstores and addicted to pornography. I drank, partied and had a same sex partner that I met at a party. We became Wicca. Our relationship eventually fell apart. I had an uncle I was very close to as a child. A few years ago he became very verbally abusive which added to my depression. I began drinking more. I reached a crecendo in depression. I was severely depressed and saw no point to live and convinced God hated me. I placed my pistol to my head. Just as I placed my finger on the trigger Holy Spirit spoke to me in a very firm yet loving voice; "DON'T DO IT!!" I told God if He loves me, prove it. Long story short two missionaries came to my door maybe a week later. I knew without a doubt what they told me was true. This month (April 18th, I was baptized in 2020. I now have peace and feel close to Heavenly Father and teach elders quarum. It's been and still is an amazing journey

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Thank you for sharing your powerful testimony. It's clear that you've been through a lot of difficult experiences, but your resilience and faith are truly inspiring. It's amazing to see how the gospel has brought you peace and a close relationship with Heavenly Father.

[@iowaguy6470]

@@SaintsUnscripted I've never felt closer to Him in my life. I never realized how much peace I could have! As a corrections officer in a penetentry I think about how I was in my own prison but now I've been spiritually paroled and pardoned by the Savior, Jesus Christ.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

My heart breaks for you for what you’ve been through. What an inspiration you are! I’m so pleased that you have found the peace and comfort that you deserve. The Saviour will heal you; you have felt His healing hands already wrap around you in a tight embrace. He loves you so much! Thank you for sharing your experiences and being so vulnerable 😌 I hope you have a great day!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Also what a beautiful converting experience you had, despite the awful situation, to gain a testimony that the Spirit is as real as you and me, and also that God knows exactly what you need at exactly the right time. Sending much love!

[@iowaguy6470]

@@shanewakenshaw6938 hallelujah!!

[@VictorineLieske]

Thank you for sharing your story! I'd love to know if you have any books published. I'm also an LDS author who writes young adult fiction. I would love to check your books out. Thanks for doing the interview. I enjoyed it.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Thanks for watching Shane's story!

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Thank you for watching Victorine 😌 I self published 1 book - it was more like therapy for me during a hard time in my life, but I thought why not get it published? I write under the pen name Tiber Wakenshaw. I’d love to see your writing! Please link me to it or send me a message 😁 have a great day!

[@udval8835]

Thank you for sharing

[@darrenmills8818]

Great conversion story brother. Has your relationships with family and friends that were against you joining improved over time?

[@mikelawlor1533]

@@james8996 what the hell is the matter with you? What’s going on in your life that you search out happiness to try to make people miserable like yourself. So you want people to stop going to LDS church but your not saying which church you go to to join ? Why not

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

It is mixed - I’ll be honest. As they’ve watched me live my life in a way in keeping with the restored Gospel, I can see they have softened. My father passed away during Covid and I was able to do his work at the temple. My family have also been open to me giving blessings and praying for them in certain situations - all huge steps forward compared to where we started. I don’t push my faith on them, they don’t push their beliefs on me. I just try and treat them right. Some close friends who were against it are now advocates for the choices I’ve made as they can see the personal growth in me. One friend in Particular who I love dearly attends ward activities fairly frequently and is very supportive now. I know this isn’t everyone’s experience, I’m so grateful for the acceptance and kind treatment I’ve received more often than not 🙂 thank you for your question and for watching!

[@darrenmills8818]

@@shanewakenshaw6938 glad to hear that. It was similar when I joined a year ago, though more acceptance from my non Christian friends and family who saw the improved choices I was making. Bless you, keep the faith!

[@safrew1]

❤

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

When they told me there were ancient civilizations that there is no evidence of, I was like, SOLD!

[@brentgarner3143]

👍👍

[@whatdidsarahsay]

A Geordie Mormon. Didn’t know they existed

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

We definitely exist! And I was trying so hard to speak in a way where people could understand me 😂

[@mikefoxtrot1314]

8:24 How do you tell the difference between a coincidence and something like a divinely orchestrated bus stop meeting

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

I replied but for some reason it isn’t showing. Whoops! For me, it’s a choice to look at events as either coincidence or part of a divine design. I used to be very pessimistic, always assuming the worst - trying to rationalise everything. Quickly in my journey the Lord blessed me to be a part of many opportunities that could only be described as miracles. I like to think he knew exactly what I need at any given time - and he knew then the best way to me was through my heart and experiences that would move me towards faith filled optimism. There’s been many situations since in which the series of events have been perfectly orchestrated - like I’m following a blueprint without realising it. Even if I was still claiming coincidence now - I can see the events that had to happen. It can be scary, but trusting in God to work out the details is so important. I’ve found that Focusing on being a good person and trying to serve others to the best of your ability; the Lord will put people in your life at the right time end in the right way🙂

[@mikefoxtrot1314]

@@shanewakenshaw6938 I’m not sure I caught your method for determining what is a coincidence and what is a divinely orchestrated situations. Are there ever circumstances that seem miraculous but are just improbable coincidences?

[@Forestgump12able]

Have, Joke, will Tell.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Knock, knock. Who's there? Ether. Ether who? Ether you've read the Book of Mormon or you haven't, either way, it's a fantastic book! 🤣

[@Forestgump12able]

To the R r turn Joke maker. A Latter Day Saint Joke. What do you have, Truman Madsen joke, when a man cuts his Levi,s off at the Knee area and then wishes he hadn,t. Anti knee high Levi, s

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

Anti Knee High Levi’s 😂 awesome!

[@bruce9659]

Still looking for physical evidence (horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chariots, wheels, ferrous metals, DNA etc.) that Hebrews were in the Americas prior to Columbus. Answers that I need prior to becoming a member. Missionaries advise me to pray about it. Physical things do not require prayer....do they?

[@beefmaster4]

There is a lot of scholarship that has gone I to pretty much any question you have, with the internet research is easier, praying is of course always good, but doing your own work is always encouraged. LDS Truth Claims videos covers these types of things briefly and gives some sources for your research.

[@mikelawlor1533]

Wood burns and rots, metal rusts and disappears , Bones 🦴 turn to dust. The earth has had around 14 billion people plus how many other trillions of animals ….but that can’t be true can it… no it can’t because we should be tripping over bones 🦴 if we go by your logic

[@RyanMercer]

Horses: the fossil record has examples of horses (they originally evolved here) in North America ranging from 2 million years ago to 10,000 years ago and it is wholly possible that fossils will be found putting them here much more recently. Pigs: peccary look extremely piglike Goats: look up "goat antelope" there were 12 species native to North America prior to the ice age, 5 species around the time of the Native Americans. Mountain goats also migrated here prior to the last ice age (see oreamnos americanus) Sheep: wild sheep crossed from Asia to North America over the Beringia Land Bridge 750,000 years ago (see ovis canadensis) Wheels: There are extant examples of wheeled toys from pre-columbian times. If they had wheels for toys it is wholly plausible they used wheels or other things. Ferrous metals: There are extant examples of concave iron ore mirrors that the Olmec and Chavin used pre-contact. There is also use of iron pyrite by the Teotihuacan, Toltec, and Chichen Itza cultures pre-contact. Etc.

[@kenwong6742]

Look up Wayne May or Rod Meldrum on You Tube. Wayne May 's Ancient American Civilization has lots of material on this.

[@heatherluna5075]

People used to think you could sail off the end of the world ocean too. Haha. 😂😂😂

[@rtotheizzle]

Yes interesting how most conversions happen when someone hasn't had time to learn much of anything about the church. Of course we can always trust a "feeling." Cults throughout history haven't used the exact same tactic to convince people to join them. How do people not see that the "spirit" and the "feelings" that mormons use as evidence of truth are literally the exact same as members of all other religions and cults.

[@heatherluna5075]

Ya so cute. 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

It’s funny because Reilly I once felt the exact same way. I was pretty brutally anti religious for many years and treat people poorly because of it. Whilst under the influence I thought I would make a joke out of Missionaries, and instead what happened was one of the most sobering & spiritual experiences I have ever had. I knew in my heart I couldn’t deny what I felt. In all my time as a n atheist I had never had an experience that confirmed my viewpoint - But that experience turned my view of the world upside down. It was a precious moment that I’ll treasure forever. Regardless of what anyone believes, as long as we all treat each other with respect, dignity and love that’s the main thing. I know God loves all of his children. I felt his love for me, it was unlike anything I had ever felt. I just want others to feel that love too 😁 I hope you have a great day!

[@rtotheizzle]

@@shanewakenshaw6938 I'm sorry that without religion you couldn't treat people well. Many of the most truly kind and altruistic people I know are not religious. Many mormons I know are not kind at all and in fact there's a huge culture of superficiality and condescension amongst mormons. I'm glad you had a feeling, just consider that millions upon millions of people have had identical experiences that confirm whatever particular faith they believe in. What you are saying is that their feelings, which are just as real and legitimate as yours, are invalid.

[@shanewakenshaw6938]

@@rtotheizzle ​ Perhaps I wasn’t clear, my apologies if so. I used to blame religion for everything, without a reason as to why. My conversion came more so the way I was treat and how loved I felt. It was the first time I had felt that way in my life. fortunately for me I had a lot of genuine and loving people around me. I’m sorry you have had a different experience with members of the church. In time I developed a belief in God and in Jesus. I don’t think religion is what makes someone a good person, I just know that In my personal experience it has helped me grow. This was my particular experience and I found something that I didn’t know I was looking for and it makes me happy. I know that countless people will find what they’re looking for elsewhere. Nothing about my comment was to make anyone else feel like their views and beliefs were invalid - I’m sorry if that’s how it came across. Regardless of belief, as long as people treat each other with kindness and love we can’t go wrong. Thanks again for taking the time to watch 🙂

[@cnault3244]

Sure. What evidence was this "atheist" shown that convinced him the Bible was true?

[@krizilloo2538]

Anyone can imagine that they’re being moved by the Holy Ghost. Humans have amazing imaginations.

[@timwalker6802]

Spoken by one who has never felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost.Very sad indeed

[@yellowladybug4010]

@@timwalker6802 don’t assume he has never felt it. It is very easy to explain away the feelings of the Holy Ghost as random thoughts, “gut feelings”, etc. We have been taught what the Spirit is and how to recognize, but not everyone has. Shane himself said that he didn’t realize it was the Spirit that he felt until later.