A LIVING TESTIMONY
Sometimes we get those gentle reminders that this is the Lord's work and that if we are willing, we can be instruments in His hands and that He will put the words in our mouths that He would have spoken. On Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Sister Boyle and I were serving in the Seventies Hall. She had just finished a beautiful presentation in the main part of the hall to a father and mother and their two teenage sons.
For some reason she added, "Would any of you like to stand at the pulpit and bear your testimony? There was silence until the words escaped my lips, "Dad, this is your golden opportunity!"
After a brief pause, Dad replied, "Yes, I think I will." He walked up to the pulpit and opened the scriptures sitting there. He began to read D&C 135:3 with deep emotion. "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it." He continued reading until he had quoted the entire verse. He concluded by bearing a fervent and powerful testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration.
The whole room was filled with warmth. As I sat in the pew behind the family, I could see the mother frequently wiping her eyes. The older son's shoulders shook as he silently wept. Everyone sat basking in the conviction and love that filled the room. All of us were in tears.
As the family at last stood to leave, the older boy threw his arms around his father. Together they wept as they embraced. I'm sure there were many special moments for this choice family visiting Nauvoo. But perhaps the most priceless of all will be the tender memories of a father sharing with his family his burning conviction of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restored Gospel.
A repeat picture but the only one I have handy of the Seventies Hall.
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