He was short in stature but tall in testimony.
Not long after his arrival, together with his companion, he called at the home of Elmer Pollard in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Feeling sorry for the young men who, during a blinding blizzard, were going house to house, Mr. Pollard invited the missionaries into his home.
They presented to him their message.
He did not catch the spirit.
In due time he asked that they leave and not return.
His last words to the elders as they departed his front porch were spoken in derision: "You can't tell me you actually believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of God!"
The door was shut.
The elders walked down the path.
Our country boy spoke to his companion: "Elder, we didn't respond to Mr. Pollard.
He said we didn't believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet.
Let's return and bear our testimonies to him."
At first the more experienced missionary hesitated but finally agreed to accompany his companion.
Fear struck their hearts as they approached the door fro which they had just been ejected.
They knocked, confronted Mr. Pollard, spent an agonizing moment, and then with power borne of the Spirit, our inexperienced missionary spoke: "Mr Pollard, you said we didn't really believe Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God.
I testify to you that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
He did translate the Book of Mormon.
He saw God the Father and Jesus the Son.
I know it."
Some time later, Mr. Pollard, now Brother Pollard stood in a priesthood meeting and declared, "That night I could not sleep.
Resounding in my ears I heard the words 'Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
I know it.
I know it.
I know it.'
The next day I telephoned the missionaries and asked them to return.
Their message, coupled with their testimonies, changed my life and the lives of my family."
Brethren, teach the truth with testimony.
-Thomas S. Monson -Come, All Ye Sons of God -April 2013 General Conference
Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!
-Sarnic Dirchi
No comments:
Post a Comment