In 1979, Marshall Almarode met a remarkable woman named Thelma Geer, affectionately known as “Granny,” the author of Mormonism, Mama and Me. Granny had a deep burden for Mormons and a passion for seeing them come to faith in the real Jesus Christ. When she met Marshall, she encouraged him to keep sharing the truth with Mormons and prayed fervently for his ministry. She specifically prayed that God would allow him to lead at least one Mormon to the saving knowledge of Christ within the year.
Granny’s faith and prayers exemplify the biblical truth found in James 5:16: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Her encouragement strengthened Marshall and reminded him that God works through the prayers and faith of His people.
Over the following months, Marshall faithfully studied Scripture, deepened his understanding of Mormon teachings, and began boldly sharing the gospel with Mormons at fairs, public events, and through personal conversations. He relied on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, remembering Jesus’ promise: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
Then, in God’s perfect timing, a breakthrough came. Through careful witness, prayer, and the sharing of biblical truth, Marshall was able to lead a Mormon to Christ — answering Granny’s prayer in a tangible and powerful way. This moment was a testimony to the faithfulness of God, who delights in using ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Granny’s prayer and Marshall’s obedience serve as a reminder that God is actively at work even when we cannot see the full picture. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). The story of Granny’s prayer being answered demonstrates that faithful intercession, combined with faithful action, can bring people out of darkness and into the light of Christ.
Marshall often shares this story to encourage other Christians: no prayer is too small, no effort too humble, when God is involved. Every step of faithful witness is part of His larger plan to draw souls to Himself.
