A couple of years ago, I invited Manti Te‘o, a Latter-day Saint and former professional football player, to speak at an event hosted by my company. I didn’t know him personally, but I admired his story and had heard he was a gifted speaker. He graciously accepted—and more than delivered. His remarks were authentic, thoughtful, and left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
A few months later, Manti and I met for lunch. Somewhere between conversation and casual brainstorms, the idea came up for him to gain some experience in private equity. Before long, he joined our team.
He shared an office with my colleague Bogdan Manoli. The two hit it off quickly and developed a strong connection.
Bogdan’s story couldn’t have been more different from Manti’s. Bogdan grew up in Romania and served in the armed services. His assignments took him around the world before immigrating to the United States. He eventually ended up in a career managing real estate development and construction projects and joined our company a few years ago.
Manti worked with us for a few months before receiving an incredible opportunity to become an analyst on Good Morning Football with the NFL Network. We cheered him on and sent him off with full support.
Seeing Bogdan Baptized
Last September, Manti dropped by the office to say hello. He, Bogdan, and I had lunch together in the conference room. I remember the warmth in the room that day—it was tangible. We laughed, caught up, and simply enjoyed being together again.
After Manti left, Bogdan and I returned to our offices. That’s when something unexpected happened.
As I sat down, I had a spiritual experience I still struggle to fully describe. The closest I can come is a verse from Doctrine and Covenants 110: “The eyes of [my] understanding were opened.” In my mind’s eye, I saw Manti baptizing Bogdan, and I saw myself confirming him.
The impression was strong, clear, and surprising; Bogdan and I had never really talked about religion.
That evening, I sent this text to Manti:
“I had this thought when I got back to my office where we were at Bogdan’s baptism. One of us baptized him and one of us confirmed him. We got work to do!”
Manti replied, “Let’s do it!!! That would be one of the greatest accomplishments for me… Nothing more important. Let me know how we should go about it.”
Truthfully, I didn’t know. I hadn’t been shown the how, just the end.
The Door Opens
A couple of months later, Bogdan and I were in Texas for a work trip. During lunch at a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant, the conversation turned spiritual. Bogdan shared that he was looking for greater spirituality in his life. That opened the door for me to share what the gospel and the Savior had done for me. I asked if he’d be open to meeting with the missionaries and coming to church.
He said yes.
That began a months-long journey full of conversations, lessons with the missionaries, and thoughtful discussions with coworkers, ward members, Manti, and me. Everyone brought something: testimony, support, experience, and love.
Then, in May, Manti stopped by the office again. The three of us sat in my office and caught up. The same warm spirit filled the room.
Bogdan looked at us and said, “I’ve decided to be baptized.”
A month later, Manti baptized him, and I confirmed him.
I still don’t fully understand why I had that sort of vision of Bogdan being baptized. But I know it was real. I know the Lord had been preparing Bogdan. And I know He allowed me to witness and be part of one of the greatest miracles of my life: a friend finding the truth and choosing to follow Christ.
More articles for you:
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▶ ‘We had to know more’: Family from Florida joins the Church after camping in Utah
▶ 2 words I hope my missionary never forgets
