When a bone infection led to the amputation of his right leg in 2021, Emmett Oakley found new hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the unwavering support of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
As a result of his acceptance of the gospel, Elder Oakley experienced multiple setbacks after being called as a serving missionary in 2024, including the amputation of his other leg. He considered ending his mission, but with divine help and the support of others, he found the strength to continue.
Completing that mission in January 2026 will be a monumental accomplishment in Elder Oakley’s young life.
“My mission has taught me so much and strengthened my testimony of the love that God and my Savior have for me,” Oakley said. “I know from personal experience that Christ is with us every step of the way. He does not abandon us in our troubles. He carries us and walks beside us when we feel we can no longer stand.”
“I felt like I belonged.”
Born with spina bifida in Asia in 1999, Oakley spent her childhood in an orphanage before being adopted by a Latter-day Saint family in Iowa at the age of eight.
Haunted by her experiences in an orphanage and facing multiple health problems as a teenager, Oakley struggled to understand her new family’s faith and wondered why God would allow His children to face difficult trials. He began to distance himself from the church and the people around him.
After having his right leg amputated in 2021, Oakley was in a rehabilitation center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, when he realized he needed help and wanted to change his life.
Oakley called Bishop Harold Youngblut of the River Forest Ward in the Cedar Rapids Iowa Stake and asked if he could come to church.
The bishop warmly invited Oakley to attend services each Sunday, and the members eagerly offered to give him a ride to the meetinghouse. They were patient and understanding as he asked questions and learned. Their kindness made him feel loved and supported.
“I really appreciate the support of our members. They’re always happy to give me a ride or text me and say, ‘How are you doing?'” Oakley said. “There were days I wanted to go to church and days I didn’t want to go, but I felt like I belonged there.”
Bishop Youngblut said the challenges Oakley faced could “lead someone to never accept the Holy Spirit,” but Oakley remained engaged, enthusiastic and resilient.
“From day one, I felt he was receptive and wanted to gain a stronger testimony and learn about the gospel,” Bishop said. “There were some struggles and delays and he wasn’t quite ready for things, but he still wanted to come back and be a part of whatever ward it was.”
At some point, Oakley moved and began attending the Cedar Falls Ward in the same stake. This time too, we were warmly welcomed by the members. Bishop Nicholas Bailey helped Oakley prepare for ordination to the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.
Oakley also began volunteering in the community and enjoyed serving with members of his ward at Habitat for Humanity.
service missionary
At age 24, Oakley was taking classes at Hawkeye Community College when he decided to serve a mission. He was called as a serving missionary in February 2024.
During his mission, Elder Oakley has served Habitat for Humanity, local food banks, and the Cedar Valley Boys and Girls Club in Waterloo, Iowa. He also served as a ceremonial minister in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple.
Early in Elder Oakley’s ministry, he faced multiple health challenges, including the amputation of his left leg, which led him to consider quitting the mission.
“It was very difficult. Losing my left leg during a mission was one of the most difficult things I have ever experienced,” he said. “I often asked God, ‘Where are your loving hands?’ I prayed desperately for comfort from my hospital bed.”
Elder Oakley’s prayers were answered by timely visits from friends and members who refreshed his spirit and gave him words of encouragement. He also drew strength from their prayers and fasting on his behalf.
“People at hospitals and rehab centers say, ‘Hey, you’re getting a lot of visitors. You must be loved,'” he says. “That’s true.”
Looking back, Elder Oakley added, “Many times during my recovery, my prayers and sorrows were answered. . . . People would come and talk to me about happy things, and it made me feel joyful and know that I was supported.”
The service missionary said he also drew inspiration from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles’ April 2024 general conference message, “Higher Joy.”
“We must seek higher joys,” Elder Oakley said. “That made me realize that while my feet are important, they are temporary. In my next life, I will have a perfect body. My feet will grow back, and I will have no neuropathy or pain.”
“Joy is possible”
Despite his challenges, Elder Oakley continued to fulfill his mission, serving as a zone leader and inspiring others with his diligence and diligence.
“I’m doing great,” said the elder Oakley, who will turn 27 on March 31, 2026. “My testimony has grown tremendously because of my calling, but also because I have come to understand that even when we go through difficult trials and tribulations, it is possible to endure with joy to the end.”
Bishop Young Brute respects Elder Oakley as the kind of person he wants to be the first to shake someone’s hand when they walk into a room.
“He’s doing a lot of things where other people might think they’re marginal,” Bishop Youngblut said. “He just serves, enjoys life and brings enjoyment to others because of his attitude and personality.”
Watching Elder Oakley walk the covenant path has been a blessing to Bishop Bailey.
“He has lived the Atonement of Jesus Christ in his life. Every day he wants to become a better person and draw closer to his Savior Jesus Christ,” Bishop Bailey said. “This is the person you want to be around.”
Elder Oakley plans to return to college after completing his mission and aspires to one day earn a master’s degree from Brigham Young University. We want others to know that “it’s okay to leave the gospel of Jesus Christ and come back… His arms are always outstretched and His light is always reaching.”
Above all, Elder Oakley knows that he is a beloved child of his Heavenly Father. “That love is unchanging. Through that love we are lifted up, healed and made whole,” he said.
— Susan Sims is communications director for churches in Iowa and western Illinois.
