TWICE TESTED OUR LEAP OF FAITH

How Trust in God Transformed Our Family’s Journey

Four years ago, as we stood on the brink of moving to Utah in the last week of June 2021, I poured my heart into this article. That decision, born from a quiet nudge of the Holy Spirit, was a leap into the unknown. When we settled in Utah, it was as if the windows of heaven swung wide, drenching my family in blessings—peace, togetherness, and provision that filled our days with joy. Yet, I hesitated to share then, feeling deep within that the fullest measure of God’s plan was still unfolding. Now, four years later, I marvel at how He has showered us with blessings beyond my imagination. My hope is that this story will stir your heart to trust God’s gentle whispers through the Holy Spirit. It’s a long read, but I warmly invite you to walk beside me as I trace the Spirit’s tender guidance in our lives.

Why We Act Without Knowing Why

Have you ever wondered why we sometimes act without grasping the reasons at the time? After reading these stories, you might chuckle and think, “You’re all a bit crazy!” My friend Julie would call it “a leap of faith!” Family, friends, and co-workers were floored by how swiftly we decided to move to Utah in June 2021, turning the impossible into reality. Our children and others whispered, “Yeah, right!” when we shared our plans. My purpose here is to unveil how faith and blessings weave together. You’ve heard of a “leap of faith,” but these tales will show how it transforms towering challenges into sacred opportunities, followed by abundant rewards.

Craziness or Leap of Faith?

Throughout my life, I’ve followed strong impressions—big or small—even when the “why” eluded me. Two moments stand out with crystal clarity:

Shall We Move to Utah?

Our move to Utah in 2021 defied all logic. Visiting our five children there in April 2021 was pure heaven—laughter and love under one roof. Within days, my wife and I felt an undeniable pull to pack up and relocate, jobs or not. I applied for work, ready to accept a 50% pay cut, surrender 24 years of seniority and benefits, and even offer to buy a house in Sandy, Utah, before securing a loan or selling our Washington home. The stakes were high, but we trusted God had a divine design. Family became my treasure over wealth or career, reflecting the truth that true joy flows from God, the wellspring of eternal love. Togetherness with His greatest gift—our family—could last forever.

The Craziness Began…

Early in 2020, my wife felt a strong impression: “Let’s take a $30,000 home equity loan to remodel our Tacoma home.” Though our house seemed fine, I trusted her intuition. With that loan, our cousin Michael transformed our master bathroom, stairs, downstairs with two bedrooms, a computer den, restroom, living room, and sewing room—all for under $30,000. The result was a renewed home that later became a cornerstone of blessing.

Job Hunting…

During our April 2021 visit, I applied at a West Jordan sleep clinic. The interviewer was impressed by my 27 years of experience and urged my wife to apply in Respiratory. With no offer after waiting, I prayed, “Heavenly Father, I’ll follow wherever You lead.” The next day, Jason from the University of Utah called for an interview. With Jason and Lara’s support, I secured a job matching my previous pay, working just three days a week instead of four. I treasure this role and my wonderful co-workers.

House Hunting…

The 2021 housing market was a battlefield—homes vanished overnight. We bid 50K to 70K above asking price three times but were outbid. Our Realtor, Ryler, creatively offered a 1% commission instead of 3%. Shifting to owner-sold homes, we found our perfect match without overpaying. In Washington, our Realtor Brady listed our remodeled home with a 1% commission. Within a day, we received an offer 100K above asking price with an inspection waiver. That $30,000 loan blossomed into a $100,000 return—a testament to divine timing.

Reasons and Blessings of Our Leap of Faith

We all act without full understanding at times, but looking back, the reasons and blessings emerge. Consider these:

• Months after moving, I was called as first counselor in the Elders Quorum. My lighter schedule opened time for God’s work and personal dreams.
• Since our first child left eight years ago, we’d seen our other four sporadically. Now, weekly visits and dinners in Utah let us support Jacob’s move, fix Eliza’s car, help Spencer and Morgan with their twins, and guide Rachel through trials—blessings distance couldn’t allow.
• Since July 2021, unexpected income, health, thriving children, and a new RAM 3500 Long Horn truck—gifted through our Realtors’ kindness—have flowed in.

Shall I Take a New Job?

In September 1997, facing a Tacoma job offer with a pay cut and lost seniority at Auburn, I prayed for direction. A clear impression led me to accept. Soon after, my wife and I felt urged to buy a red Ford Aerostar van, and I was called as Asian Branch President for Khmer Saints. Working three nights instead of five, with an eight-mile commute versus thirty, I gained time for God’s work. That van became a lifeline, ferrying members across towns, and blessings poured from unexpected places.

A Standout Epilogue: Faith Tested Again

Four years later, in July 2025, our faith faced a new trial. A sudden health scare with our youngest, Rachel, shook us to the core. Doctors diagnosed a rare condition, forecasting months of uncertainty. Yet, that familiar impression returned—I felt compelled to fast and pray with our family. Within weeks, a breakthrough treatment emerged, defying odds, and Rachel recovered swiftly. This echoed our Utah move and job shift, reaffirming God’s presence. As Hebrews 11:1 declares, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” paired with Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” This journey proves that faith, even in the dark, invites divine guidance.

Since moving to Utah four years ago, blessings have multiplied. My two daughters met their future husbands—connections unimaginable in Washington. My wife delights in babysitting Spencer’s twin sons and Jacob’s nine-month-old son, freeing them to work and thrive. Our support helped Rachel become a licensed Master Esthetician, launch her business, and grow into a social media influencer with over 20 million likes. Eliza earned her Master’s in Education and she just bought a house, Jacob bought a house and started a tattoo business and rental businesses, and we now share Sunday dinners—a bond distance couldn’t forge. These endless gifts trace back to that initial whisper in Washington, a living testament to God’s perfect love and timing.

In Closing

This article shines a light on how faith in Jesus Christ and His commandments unlocks abundant blessings. When challenges loom large, kneel in earnest prayer—God hears and answers. He is good, love itself, and the source of all love. May God bless you and your family always!

Michael B. Nhem
Blogger and founder of MapToHappiness.Com