I Want Jesus to Walk with Me: The Bonner Family Story

by The Bonner Family

The Bonner family is a remarkable testament to resilience,faith, and love. Beginning their journey when Harry and Debra were newlyweds serving as Baptist missionaries in aLiberian village, the family later navigated life’s challenges throughout the United States, transforming hardship into hope.

Now recognized globally for their inspiring music and stories,they exemplify the power of faith and family. As devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,their shared commitment to Christ has shaped every step of their lives. Learn from their heartfelt stories of love, sacrifice,and unwavering faith in this captivating book—part memoir,part inspiration.

Discover what drives the Bonners as they face trials and triumphs, revealing a bond rooted in devotion to one another and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This volume offers a rare glimpse into their origins and guiding values, with insights that can help tie our own lives more closely to the Savior. Join the Bonners on their journey as modern-day pioneers and disciples of Christ whose faith and enduring love inspire all who encounter their story.

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

Reviews

[Kathryn Lazenby]

Wow! What an incredible book. I saw some of the Bonner Family perform at Time Out for Women in Idaho Falls in 2019. I was so moved by their performance and the message that they shared. When I heard they came out with a book about their story, I knew I had to read it. Their story was awe inspiring. Their love of Jesus shines through every word. Honestly, I want to have faith like they do. I have strong faith, but the mother, Debra and her ability to trust and follow every prompting immediately really touched my heart and made me want to be more like that. With some of the trials they shared, I was very touched by how their love of the Savior carried them through and how the faith of their parents helped them to all have such a strong love of Him. This is a book everyone should read. I could go on, but just go do yourself a favor and read this book! It was just the uplifting read I needed.

[Emily]

This is the Bonner family’s spiritual memoir. What a fascinating and inspirational journey. The first half of the book is the parent’s story of putting their faith in God and their conversion to the Restored Church, with all its ups and downs (I’m so grateful to hear about the Christlike actions of the Ross family that helped offset the judgmental and non-welcoming ward members). Their story is beautiful and full of faith and miracles. I was so impressed with Debra’s confidence in recognizing when God spoke to her, and her courage to act in big ways on promptings with limited direction (Like, “Go West”). And Harry had complete trust in his wife’s revelations from God. They truly have the gift of faith. The second half consists of the stories and testimonies of their eight children. They are also gifted and I loved witnessing how music strengthened their relationship with each other and God. I appreciated how their parents encouraged them to attend a variety of Christian churches, alongside their LDS ward, to help enrich their worship and relationship with Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is clearly their family’s foundation and I’m grateful to have learned from their testimony and example.

Notes and qutoes:

-I liked the change from “only true” to “truest”

-Set aside ten minutes of stillness each morning to sit with God, listen, and feel

-Importance of the church “village”

-He “poured love into me” - dad during a conflict

-“I learned that you do not have to know what you are doing in order to do what needs to be done.” Mauli making Green Flake

-“When you keep stepping forward, the Lord makes a way.”

-“Well Lord, I’m going to let you take this one.”

[Dallas]

Truly inspirational, maybe we are more alike than I thought.

Sometimes we look at someone or maybe a family and see their success. We may be happy for their success but we miss that they got to that success just like us.
This book bridges that gap and helps us to see them and appreciate them more because now we see they got there the hard way, just like us. And they are still in the hard way, just like us.
This book helps me see them as they really are instead of how I envisioned them, bringing insight and tears into my life through music but also through their efforts and example. Thank you for that!

[Rachael]

The Bonner parents have a fascinating story and it was so inspirational. We are so lucky to have them in our church! I loved hearing what they've done to support each other and their kids as their family has grown up too. I feel blessed to know about the Bonner family, to know one of them personally, and be able to enjoy their musical talents.

[Gail Tavis]

Excellent

A very interesting book about the Bonner Family. I didn’t know about the family at all, except to see their name on some music in the church bookstore. Very interesting lives, all 10 of them. I enjoyed reading about them and their faith in Jesus Christ and their love for him.

[Kerstin Kohlhepp]

I love listening to the Bonner family so hearing their life's story is great. I love how they have always relied on the Lord. I listened to the audio book and loved listening to it. It was fun hearing their voices and excitement of the gospel.

[Adam]

Much better than I anticipated. A beautiful exploration of faith and the family‘s journey. Incredible accounts so humbly put forward.

[Marci]

Very inspiring

[Catherine]

I listened to this book, and liked that the family members each narrated their own sections.