"A leopard never changes its spots," the saying goes, but Judy Brummer believes otherwise. Her book, "Spots," tells the story of her personal transformation and how anyone can change, no matter their past.
Brummer grew up in the South African outback, surrounded by the Xhosa tribe, a community whose language speaks in clicks.
A Missionary Journey
In 1978, Brummer joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A year later, the Church sent her on a mission to Queenstown, South Africa to teach the Xhosa language.
Her missionary experience and conversion became the foundation for "Spots," a book about personal change and rebirth.
"I believe with all my heart that we can change, that we are not leopards and we actually can change our spots because I did," Brummer said.
Faith That Inspired Others
Jeff Ostler, who worked alongside Brummer during their mission in South Africa, described how her faith impacted the people they served.
"She loves them. And they know it, they feel it. The love that Judy has for people and how she treats people is it. She loves people," Ostler said.
But Brummer admits her own path to transformation wasn't easy.
"You couldn't find a more worldly person than me," she says, recalling her life before her conversion. Even the missionaries teaching her didn't believe she could change.
"One of those girls will be baptized, but it won't be Judy Bester," Brummer recalled them saying. "There's no hope for that one."
But Brummer knew the teachings of the gospel were true, and it was that knowledge that set her on a journey of rebirth.
"The Holy Ghost witnessed to me that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that changed my life," Brummer said.
A Source of Inspiration
Rita Steadman, Brummer's first companion on the mission, shared how she saw Brummer's change firsthand.
"She hadn't been a member very long, I think maybe a year or two when she joined the church," Steadman recalled. "But, oh my goodness, her testimony was so powerful and so strong and so full of gratitude."
Steadman also reflects on how Brummer has always been a source of inspiration to others.
"Anybody who is in Judy's presence, whether it was as a missionary or just as a friend, feels uplifted and loved," Steadman said. "She has that ability just to give and constantly give, and include."
Belief in Change
Brummer's ability to inspire those around her doesn't come just from her actions, it comes from her deep belief that change is possible for everyone. That belief is at the heart of her message.
"I honestly believe we can change, and thank you to the Lord Jesus Christ who atoned for our sins," Brummer said. "My big sins or your little sins — they are equally blotted out and we can become spotless," Brummer said.
Ongoing Service
Brummer's service extends beyond her personal transformation. She has also translated parts of the Book of Mormon and the testimony of Joseph Smith into the Xhosa language.
This year, Brummer plans to release two sequels to "Spots," titled "Spotlight" and "Spotless," continuing her mission of inspiring change.