Local Pages
From Contractor to Convert
My name is Somaro Manning, and I am a professional building contractor in Jamaica. In October 2023, my business partner, Loren McDonald, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I had the opportunity to bid on and complete a Church humanitarian project in our area. Little did I know this opportunity would lead to my baptism into the Church.
I have been acquainted with the Church for more than three decades through my mother, Suzette Ferguson. I watched as my mother and sister, Jerri Ann Jenkins-Todd, joined the Church, serving and living the gospel. I read the Book of Mormon and other materials concerning the Church to know more about my mother’s new religion. I also studied information about my father’s religious beliefs.
I found the lessons and structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to be profound and compelling in influencing people’s lives on their journey of salvation, but I was skeptical of their intent. I believe people of olive skin have had many unfortunate experiences at the hands and minds of others. I believe in our limitless potential through Jesus Christ’s teachings, but I realized I had a limited view of the gospel.
My perspective changed after long conversations with Brother Leroye Blake, whom we worked with on the humanitarian project in October. Brother Blake and I talked about life’s teachings and philosophies, how they shape our lives, and how everything we do, from family to personal matters, is meant to help us grow and get closer to Heavenly Father. We discussed the history of the Church. We discussed the big picture and how the gospel relates to all that is true. The gospel is not one-sided; it is balanced and involves every aspect of our life experiences.
I realized that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that everyone, regardless of color or gender, has an important role in God’s kingdom. We are all spiritual beings having a physical experience, each with different perspectives. Guided by God’s prophets, who are inspired by our Heavenly Father, the Church teaches us to look beyond physical differences and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters.
My business partner, whom I consider to be my brother, would often nudge me, encouraging me to be baptized. After working on the humanitarian project and having in-depth conversations with strong men in the gospel, I met with the missionaries and saw how truthful and sincere they were in spreading the gospel of Christ. On November 6, 2023, I was baptized a member of the Church. My wife is not yet a member, but my hope is that she will accept the gospel soon so that she, too, can experience the joy and blessings that the gospel brings.
I know this restored gospel, with its emphasis on family, can restore Heavenly Father’s children through Christ. I testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true Church.