Talents and Cultural Heritage Help Missionary Share Gospel 

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Elder Keaton Tilmouth, inspired by missionaries serving in the Australian Outback, felt encouraged to leave his parents and siblings for a season to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The youngest, a baby girl, is just a few months old. 

Before his mission, Keaton’s own knowledge and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ increased as he helped the missionaries in his area teach others in their native tongue. Keaton is now a proud indigenous Australian serving a full-time mission for the Church. 

He says, “I loved watching the missionaries serve others. The things I enjoy most about my mission are helping other people, teaching them, and giving blessings [to people].” 

While awaiting his visa to serve in Papua New Guinea, his original assignment, Elder Tilmouth is currently serving in Albury in the Australia Melbourne Mission. 

Just as he was one of triplet brothers at home, he is now serving in a trio with two other missionaries. 

His mission president, Paul Thomas, says, “His transition and adjustment to missionary life is great. The [other] missionaries love him. 

“‘President, can I serve with Elder Tilmouth?’ they ask. "He brings a rich culture and a love of indigenous people, with whom he is connecting.” 

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Growing up in the Alice Springs area, Elder Tilmouth learned to carve boomerangs, spears, shields, and other hunting weapons from strong wood. He also became quite proficient in indigenous dot painting and uses his artwork to teach gospel principles.  

One of these pieces depicts the First Vision of the prophet Joseph Smith. 

“Many indigenous Australians love the First Vision,” says President Thomas. “They have a heritage where dreams and visions, or ‘walk-abouts’ are important.”  

With a powerful connection through the paintings that tell the story of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation, the messages became easily understood and spiritually rewarding for the young man, and many others.  

Keaton enjoys talking with others about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His testimony of the Gospel and the Holy Ghost are very special to him.  

He says, “This Church brings me joy. I always thank Brother Joseph Smith for bringing this Church back. I love my Father in Heaven.”