Tony O'Neal Hudgens loves to watch sports. His first preference is to cheer for teams from his state of Alabama. But occasionally, while flipping from one channel to another, he'd catch a glimpse of games broadcast on BYU Television. One evening, tears began streaming down his cheeks while watching BYU Television. He wasn't watching a ball game this time, but rather a program of various addresses given by former presidents of the Church.

It was early July 2008. Life was painful for him. He anguished over his marriage, which would eventually end in divorce. The counsel from these venerable leaders reached deep in his heart and seemed to soothe his soul.

One day during this troublesome time, Elder Stephen Branvold and Elder Aaron Stewart stopped at the Trussville Post Office in suburban Birmingham to buy stamps and mail letters. Mr. Hudgens happened to be standing at a nearby counter addressing a package. As a former minister in the South, where he had preached for more than 40 years, Mr. Hudgens was neither hesitant nor shy about religion and was engaging others in conversation.

Overhearing him speak with others, Elder Branvold felt he should talk with him. He walked over and asked if he would like to learn more about Jesus Christ. The missionaries knew nothing of Mr. Hudgens' previous experience watching BYU Television, but were delighted when he agreed to meet with them.

But before they could meet, mission transfers sent Elder Branvold and Elder Stewart to other reaches in the mission. Newly assigned missionaries to the Birmingham 2nd Ward, Birmingham Alabama Stake, were Elder Russell Gordon and Elder Ross Christensen. They were informed of Mr. Hudgens' possibilities and wasted no time meeting him. Within two weeks of beginning the lessons, he was baptized a member of the Church on July 26, 2008, by Bishop Richard O. Fleming. Shortly after his baptism, he moved to the Montgomery Alabama Stake, where he attends the Carter Hill Ward. He has since received the Melchizedek Priesthood and been called as assistant ward mission leader.

Since then, Brother Hudgens has been a voracious reader of Church history and doctrine. Every day is an adventure of discovering truth. He's now finding answers to questions that have long vexed him about life, causing him to exclaim, "My bones are on fire."

Since becoming a member, Brother Hudgens has baptized a former parishioner. Now, he is a popular speaker at firesides where he proclaims his testimony with power and conviction.

— Shaun Stahle