Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Justin Owens, our newly called Elders Quorum President here in the Layton Lakes 3rd Ward.

Now, while Justin is new to this calling, what really drew me to want to sit down with him today isn't his church responsibilities—it's the incredible work he's been doing to build brotherhood and connection among the men in our ward and community. You see, Justin has taken it upon himself to create something pretty special: a men's retreat he calls "Man Camp."

But Justin's story goes much deeper than just organizing camping trips. This is a man who has walked through some of life's toughest battles, including overcoming addiction, and has emerged with a powerful testimony of healing through Jesus Christ. His journey through recovery, including years of 12-step meetings and therapy, has given him unique insights into what men really need—authentic connection and the courage to be vulnerable with one another.

What I love about Justin is that he didn't wait for a calling or permission to start making a difference. He saw a need for men to have real, meaningful relationships—the kind where you can call someone at 2 AM if you need a blessing, or better yet, where you actually feel comfortable doing so. And he decided to do something about it.

In our conversation today, we'll dive into his mission experiences in Argentina, his personal journey of recovery, and how he's working to transform what it means to be part of an Elders Quorum. This is a conversation about brotherhood, healing, and the power of connection in building the community of Christ.

So let's jump right in with Justin Owens.