My first feature article

Overcoming Adversity Through Faith: The Inspiring Story of Jovany Fortes

by Yessica Cardona

Jovany Fortes, a 25-year-old man from Rhode Island, has had a life filled with challenges but has found strength and guidance through his faith.

Born to parents who immigrated from Cape Verde, Jovany grew up in a single-parent household with his mother and sister. Despite these obstacles, Jovany found hope and inspiration through his involvement with The Church of Jesus Christ.

Jovany's parents came to the United States from Cape Verde over three decades ago. According to the Migration Policy Institute, between 1980 and 2017, over 45,000 immigrants from Cape Verde came to the United States. They were seeking better opportunities for themselves and their future children. Jovany's mother worked long hours to provide for her family, often leaving her children alone for extended periods. Jovany's father was not supportive and engaged in behaviors that were harmful to his family, leading to his eventual separation from Jovany's mother. Growing up without a father was not easy, but Jovany found solace and guidance in his faith and the support of his family.

Jovany's sister played a significant role in his spiritual journey. She said, "I feel good about this Church," and was the first in their family to be baptized and introduced Jovany and his family to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was ten. Before joining the Church, Jovany's family had attended several churches, including evangelical, Catholic, and Jehovah's Witness. However, Jovany felt connected to The Church of Jesus Christ and thought it was where he belonged.

Jovany's involvement with the Church has been a source of strength for him, providing him guidance and a sense of community. He credits his faith with helping him through difficult times and providing him with hope for the future. Jovany says, "When I decided to serve a mission… I knew that serving people is a good principle, and I knew that If I serve people, I would be able to be closer to the Lord; serving others is a good thing."

Jovany, like any other member of The Church of Jesus Christ, had to gain a testimony of the gospel by himself. He had to ponder more upon James 1:5 in the Bible: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." This verse profoundly spoke to him, and through his efforts, he gained a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and found the peace and clarity he had been seeking for so long. Jovany says about this experience, "It changed my whole life and mission."

Despite his love for the Gospel, Jovany struggled with feelings of inadequacy regarding being a good parent and husband. He grew up without a good example from his father and worried he wouldn't know how to provide for his family similarly. "Everybody lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ in different ways. This quote reminds me of Jovany", said Jovany's wife, Arely. "Although he may not be hyped up about General Conference like the rest of us, or be talking about scriptures all the time, His love for our Savior is real. A few weeks ago, he was asked to teach a lesson for primary children. He gave a beautiful lesson about our Savior and ended with a fun activity. The following week, one of the moms came up to us and thanked Jovany for the lesson he gave and told him that her son felt so inspired by the lesson and was so happy after Church that Sunday. I can see his love for the Savior by how he cares for his Church calling and ministers his friends, family, and brethren in Christ." she continued.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Jovany remains optimistic about the future. Jovany's unwavering faith and determination are an inspiration to those around him.

Jovany Fortes' life has been marked by adversity, but his faith has given him the strength and resilience to overcome these challenges. Growing up in a single-parent household without a father was difficult, but Jovany found hope and inspiration through involvement with The Church of Jesus Christ. His faith has provided him with a sense of purpose and direction, and he hopes to use his education to impact the world positively.