Jared Garfield

My name is Jared Thomas Garfield. I was born in Portland, Oregon, and now live in Queen Creek, Arizona. I graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree and a minor in military science. During my time in the service, I gained experience working with Nike Hercules missile systems. But more important than the titles or technical training, my life has been shaped by my faith in God and the unmistakable moments where I’ve seen His hand guide both my personal journey and the course of world history.

I’m a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of church callings. At age nineteen I was a full-time missionary in New Zealand for two years followed by: scout master, gospel doctrine teacher, bishop’s counselor, bishop, and stake mission president. Each of these roles helped deepen my understanding of how the Lord works through individuals to carry out His purposes. I’ve always felt a deep desire to be a good missionary, a faithful example, and a strong soldier in both spiritual and literal ways.

The inspiration for God’s Hand in History began when I lived in Europe for four years. Surrounded by medieval castles, cathedrals, and centuries of tradition, I saw firsthand how much of the world’s history has been shaped during the time of apostasy and by the spread of pagan customs. But more importantly, I felt a strong prompting to dig deeper, to study the threads where God’s influence has quietly, powerfully guided the course of nations, leaders, and even common people.

This platform is my way of sharing that perspective. Through blog posts and videos, I try to uncover those moments where divine direction has clearly intersected with world events. My audience is anyone who has ever wondered if God still speaks to His children, if He really does guide kings, protect the faithful, and orchestrate events behind the scenes. I know the answer is yes!

One of my favorite historical figures is the young French maiden Joan of Arc. Her courage, her willingness to act on revelation, and the angelic guidance she received that opened the way to eject the British army from France are powerful reminders that God's hand has been active in shaping world-wide historical events and proves that the heavens have always guided the footsteps of the righteous.

I’ve had many personal experiences that confirm that truth. When I was in the army, my security clearance was delayed and I was prevented from moving forward to my next training station. My wife Valerie was in the later stages of her pregnancy, and I was deeply concerned about whether she could get to our new home in time near Redstone Arsenal at Huntsville, Alabama where I would receive missile training. 

Despite my best efforts, the timing just didn’t work out. I thought I had failed her. But without me knowing, my father-in-law who worked for Schluberge Oil Exploration had just been promoted to be in charge of all off-shore oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. So, on his way to his new office in Covington, Louisiana he was able to drive my wife, Valerie to Alabama and put her in our new apartment before she had our baby. I know the Lord had His hand in that and He provided the way for us to be together.

Outside of my research and writing, I enjoy history, photography, video production, hiking, shooting, scouting, and traveling. But my favorite calling is being a good husband and father. Through it all, I hold to a strong testimony: that God lives! That He directs us, individually and collectively. That Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. His Atonement is real. The Book of Mormon is true, and I love the gospel with all my heart.

Jared Thomas Garfield Sr.