“Never come home from your mission!”
Hello all (:
That quote in my email title is from the one and only Elder Holland. At first I thought to obey his counsel I would need to stow away in one of the outbound sisters suitcases haha but I found out that he means it in a different way. Never forget your mission. Never stop doing those things that bring you closer to the Savior. Never stop serving Him and inviting others to come to Him. Never think that you are "done." You are called as a disciple of Christ forever. FOREVER!!! So even though I'll be getting off the plane on October 11th, I will never come home from my mission! You can take the missionary out of Nauvoo but you can never take Nauvoo out of the missionary (;
Anyways, I finished the other half of the Woodruff family's historical fiction this week! (: the first half is Phebe sending a letter to her missionary husband and the second half is Wilford receiving it in England......
July 18, 1840 Nauvoo, Illinois Phebe Woodruff walks down the east side of main street, towards a stone house. She's holding a letter tightly in her hands. Just hours ago, with her best penmsnship she wrote to her beloved husband to tell him the things closest to her heart. The post office, which operates out of Sidney Rigdons kitchen, seems quiet. Phebe knocks on the front door and George Robinson answers. George is Sidney's son in law and the newly appointed post master in Nauvoo. He welcomes her with a soft smile and notices the paper she has in her hands. "Come in." He doesn't ask any questions about the letter or even ask how her week has been, but he watches her with concern in his eyes. Im sure he knows. Word travels fast in Nauvoo, especially news of loss. Just the day before, Phebe had said goodbye to her little 2 year old daughter, Sarah Emma. Sarah Emma was such a bright, happy girl, it was so hard to see her as ill as she was. It was even harder for Phebe to lay her to rest, knowing she would never hold her again in this life. And now, Phebe has to inform her husband, who is hundreds of miles away, that their daughter is gone. I wish I could tell him face to face, I wish it was not by letter. George leaves the room, probably getting the sealing wax. Phebe stands by the sorting box and opens her carefully folded paper to read over her words about Sarah's passing one more time. "Yesterday I was called to witness the departure of our little Sarah Emma from this world- yes she is gone- the relentless hand of death has snatched her from my embrace. When looking on her I have often thought how I should feel to part with her. I thought I could not live without her especially in the absence of my companion-" Phebe's vision blurs as tears fill her eyes. She takes a deep breath, uses a handkerchief and continues reading. "but she is gone, the Lord has taken her to himself for some wise purpose." Phebe feels the gloom of this news settle over her, imagining how it will affect her beloved. Even though she has walked all the way to the post office and is now standing in front of the box, she is still unsure how to finish the letter. Words fail to describe the brokenness of her heart and how she longs for Wilford to be with her. All these feelings begin to overwhelm her and she begins to cry. George Robinson comes around the corner with an ink and quil, notices the tears and quietly hands her a handkerchief. "Please, sit down." He motions to a rocking chair by the fireplace. She nods and sits in the chair, sobbing at this point. George waits in silence for a moment as Phebe weeps. After a moment, he touches her shoulder lightly. "I know not how to comfort you at this time. But I, and many people in this town are praying that the spirit of the Lord will attend you. And that He will bring peace to Wilford as well." "Thank you. Thank God for you." Phebe wipes her eyes, tears still sliding down her cheeks. "I know the letter writing must be difficult." George gestures to the ink he just brought into the room." You may use my quil if you desire, and if you need me I will be in my study. But I wish to give you your privacy." "You are too kind." "I only wish to serve." George nods at her and leaves her alone in the room. Phebe looks at her letter on the counter by the sorting box, and the ink beside it. Oh my Father, what will I tell Wilford? How can I comfort him, when I am still suffering? Suddenly, Phebe realizes the biggest reason why she broke down in tears, and her prayer becomes more sincere as she asks the questions that have been in her heart. Why can I not feel Thy spirit comforting me? Why am I still in anguish? Wilford is so very far away and this burden is hard to bear alone. Dear Father, I need to feel Thy grace. Please help me to feel Thy love. In this moment, the pure love of Christ gently wraps around her. Her mind is filled with memories from these past couple days. Vilate Kimball showing up on her doorstep to care for her sick little girl so she could get some rest. Patty Sessions coming to dress Sarah Emma for burial so that Phebe wouldn't have to. Mary Ann Young putting her arms around her and holding her tightly during the funeral service. Hyrum Smith saying a prayer over the grave and offering to give her a blessing of comfort. Leonora Taylor offering to watch Wilford Jr so that Phebe could rest and write her letter. George Robison offering his handkerchief and kind words. And many many other people just like them. The spirit then whispers words from the bible in her mind: "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." A sweet peaceful feeling enters into her heart and she knows that the Savior understands her. His infinite love calms her troubled mind and soothes her hidden wounds. Because of Christ, I will have my little Sarah Emma again. Gratitude for the Savior and Redeemer of the world swells inside her and she walks over to her unfinished letter on the counter. Taking the quil in her hand she adds an extra line on the bottom of the page. "It is a severe trial for me to pass through particularly so in your absence but the Lord has stood by me in a wonderfully manner." After writing this she barely has space to sign her name. She folds it up and gently touches her lips to the paper. I love you Wilford. The Lord will not leave you comfortless. I trust you into His care.
******************************* August 29, 1840 Hertfordshire, England Wilford Woodruff tugs off his muddy boots and leans against the wooden table to his right. As he looks over, he sees a letter addressed to him. Willard Richards must have stopped by the post office in the heart of the city on the way out of town. Wilford's heart drops down through his stomach as he recognizes the handwriting. It's from Phebe. Fingers trembling from anticipation, he carefully opens the parchment. "My dearest companion, my beloved Wilford." Just reading the first lines in her handwriting cause deep emotions to rise up in his chest and tears to spring up in his eyes. Oh Phebe. How I miss you. How I long to hold you in my arms once again. Wilford takes a deep breath and continues to read. He eagerly reads about the construction of the temple, what revelation the prophet Joseph Smith had received about baptisms for the dead. He quickly skims over the happenings of the town and then to where Phebe begins to tell him how the family is. Wilford smiles as she describes how Wilford Woodruff Jr is growing and very healthy. He then reads about his daughter Sarah Emma. "The departure of our little Sarah Emma from this world- yes she is gone." Wilford stops and blinks his head. Wait, what did that say? "She is gone." No. No it can't be. Not my Sarah. He keeps reading, biting his lip with worry. "The relentless hand of death has snatched her from my embrace. When looking on her I have often thought how I should feel to part with her." Wilford imagines Phebe in a rocking chair, holding an ill Sarah Emma in her arms. His heart shatters at the thought. Phebes words continue on the paper: "I thought I could not live without her especially in the absence of my companion - but she is gone, the Lord has taken her to himself for some wise purpose. It is a severe trial for me to pass through particularly so in your absence but the Lord has stood by me in a wonderfully manner. All my love, Phebe" Wilford sits in shock, staring at the parchment. How can it be? She can't be gone. His eyes jump to the top of the page to see the date. A month and a half ago? A month and a half? My daughter has been dead for nearly two months and I didn't even know. Wilford puts his head in his hands, fighting back tears. For nearly two months my wife has been grieving in deep anguish. alone. without me even knowing of it. Oh my poor Phebe. Wilford struggles with his emotions, half of his suffering from him missing his daughter and the other half coming from his desire to be with and comfort his wife. He takes her letter over to where he keeps her other few and precious letters. He opens the little box and pulls out one from months before to re-read a certain line, which he nearly has memorized at this point: "I think the grace of God is sufficient for all things, even to raise me from a bed of sickness and preseve me and Sarah until thy return, which is my sincere desire." Wilford lies down on his bed, clutching the papers in his hands and tears streaming down his face. Dear God and Father above. How am I to care for my family when I am so far from them? His mind takes him back to when he was first saying goodbye, earlier in 1839. He vividly remembers how little Sarah Emma clug to his legs as he stroked her fine blonde hair. Her cute little smile looking up at him melted his heart, making it hard to part with her. And his sweet Phebe, his beautiful, compassionate and faithful wife. It seems just yesterday that she embraced him, kissed him and told him how much she loved him before he set off to teach the people of England about the Restoration of Christ's Chruch. The words from his journal echo in his memory: "I make a sacrifice of my all for Christ's sake to do his work. It is no small trial of faith to leave my family, yet I do this freely for Christ's sake, trusting in him" Who knew that my sacrifice for Christ would include this. Does He really ask this sacrifice of me? Or should I begin my travel home immediately? Wilford is practically pulled off his bed by the spirit. He needs to sort out his feelings and seek anwers from the heavens. Its time for a walk. He goes back to the kitchen and puts his muddy boots back on, then his coat and top hat. It's sprinkling outside on the cobble stone streets, and a windy chill rips through his clothes. He bows his head in an attempt to stay warm as well as begins to pray. Oh my Father, I come before thee in humility and sorrow. Sorrow for the loss of my daughter and for my desire to comfort my wife. All i seek is to do thy will, but I just need to know: do you really need me here? Is what I am doing more worthwhile than being home with my family? Wilford turns a corner to walk down the main street, shuffling his feet a little. We have only just begun to have success in these parts. Last year I only baptized but one man! Dear God, is that really more important than my wife and children? Wilford continues to ask these questions as he walks through the town. No answers come. As the sky gets darker, it gets colder. The slight drizzle of rain becomes heavier. Discouraged and disappointed, Wilford goes home to bed. Thoughts of Sarah Emma, Phebe and Wilford Jr keep him awake for a good while but sleep eventually takes him. When Wilford wakes up in the morning, it doesn't take long before he remembers the news from the day before. As soon as he does, he feels depressed again. He wishes that Willard was back from his two day journey to an adjacent city so that he wouldn't be so lonely. Can I even go out and preach today? As soon as he questions it, he knows he must. It is his duty. Whether or not he stays in England he must preach the gospel until he leaves. So Wilford gets ready, grabs copies of the Book of Mormon and heads to the corner on main where he usually teaches. He prays that as he teaches, the spirit will touch someone's heart. He also prays for Phebe. And that he will soon get an answer on what he is to do to help her. A crowd of people gather and Wilford begins to preach to them about faith in Christ, using the Book of Mormon. Some people listen for only a moment and then walk away. Others try to argue with him. And a select few begin to get a light in their eyes and nod in agreement to what he says. "The Book of Mormon teaches that we are to have faith in Christ. And to continue to strengthen our faith in Him daily-" Wilford says, opening up to a verse. A man calls out "How is one to strengthen their faith in Christ when they choose to believe in false doctrine?!? The Book of Mormon is blasphemy, written by a false prophet!" Wilford looks up at this angry person, speaking out of love but also boldly. "I testify that it is good and true. Whatsoever is good and true cometh from Christ. I assure you it is not blashpemy. Listen, does this sound like false doctrine to you? This verse here talks about the people in the ancient Americas and how they strengthened their faith in Christ." Everyone leans in just a little as Wilford reads Helaman 3:35 "Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did was stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." The spirit fills his chest, giving him almost a burning sensation. The angry man is silent. "I testify that this book is true. And that all who read it may do as these people did- they can become firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ. They can be filled with joy and consolation. They can have sanctified hearts." One of the earnest listeners walks up towards the front. "But wait sir. How does one yield their heart unto God?" "By doing all that He asks. By loving Him and serving Him with all your heart might mind and strength." As Wilford speaks these words, he realizes the power behind them. In this moment the person's eyes fill with tears and the spirit confirms to Wilford that not only was that the answer to this mans earnest question, it is the answer to his own. He needs to yield his heart to God. And that as he does, the Lord will take care of His Phebe and her precious heart. The spirit puts these powerful words into his mind, as an answer from God. "Trust her to me. I will care for her and for thee. Continue your diligent service. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in both of your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." Wilford shakes this mans hand and gives him a copy of the Book of Mormon. Wilfords own eyes are full of tears also. With the spirit burning within his chest like a literal flame, he stands up to address the rest of the people. "I am a living witness today that the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And that the Book of Mormon is His word, which comforts the weary heart and wounded soul. Any of you who are searching for truth, hope, comfort or solace - you will find it here. This church, even the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints is His restored Chruch. He lives and guides this work. He gives me strength to do His work. He is the light and hope of this world. I know this without any doubt. And I am willing to sacrifice anything for Him. All ye that feel this way about the Savior, come and see. Come and find rest to your souls, as I have."
*************************** So! As you might have guessed, Wilford Woodruff continued his sevice until he went home in 1841! His wife continued to faithfully take care of their family until he returned. Wilford also served 4 more missions before his family left Nauvoo, and even Phebe was able to serve with him at one point! But specifically in that year after his daughter Sarah Emma died, Wilford and Phebe exchanged more letters, strengthening each other with their testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ. Wilford also received a letter from a neighbor in Nauvoo, assuring him that his wife and family would be well taken care of and want for nothing. His missionary efforts became even more successful, and he was able to baptize 336 more people, raise funds for the printing of more scriptures, assist 200 saints as they emigrated to Nauvoo and traveled a total of 7,062 miles at the end of this mission because he went to so many cities to preach the word. In his journal, Wilford stated that while he had never been called to make greater sacrifices, he had also never received greater blessings. Wilford and Phebe Woodruff are astounding examples of yielding their hearts to God. I respect and admire them greatly for their faith. And as they served and gave their will to God, they were blessed beyond what they could even imagine. What blessings will come to you as you re-commit to yielding your heart to God?
I can tell you about the blessings that have come to me. Wilford, that is exactly how i feel about my mission. I have nevrr been called to make such great sacrifices, but also never received greater blessings. In my mission call letter, I was promised: "Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord." That promise has come true. I know that when we give ourselves to the Lord, He is able to make so much more of us than we could ourselves. And just like Wilford and Phebe - I will continue to serve the Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart, might, mind and strength for the rest of my life. I know that He lives. I stand as a witness of His divinity. He is my Savior, my Conqueror and Redeemer. He has stood by me wonderfully throughout my whole life, and especially on my mission. I know He loves us with a perfect love, and I know that we can always trust in Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Thank you all so much! love you! Sister Bush
July 18, 1840 Nauvoo, Illinois Phebe Woodruff walks down the east side of main street, towards a stone house. She's holding a letter tightly in her hands. Just hours ago, with her best penmsnship she wrote to her beloved husband to tell him the things closest to her heart. The post office, which operates out of Sidney Rigdons kitchen, seems quiet. Phebe knocks on the front door and George Robinson answers. George is Sidney's son in law and the newly appointed post master in Nauvoo. He welcomes her with a soft smile and notices the paper she has in her hands. "Come in." He doesn't ask any questions about the letter or even ask how her week has been, but he watches her with concern in his eyes. Im sure he knows. Word travels fast in Nauvoo, especially news of loss. Just the day before, Phebe had said goodbye to her little 2 year old daughter, Sarah Emma. Sarah Emma was such a bright, happy girl, it was so hard to see her as ill as she was. It was even harder for Phebe to lay her to rest, knowing she would never hold her again in this life. And now, Phebe has to inform her husband, who is hundreds of miles away, that their daughter is gone. I wish I could tell him face to face, I wish it was not by letter. George leaves the room, probably getting the sealing wax. Phebe stands by the sorting box and opens her carefully folded paper to read over her words about Sarah's passing one more time. "Yesterday I was called to witness the departure of our little Sarah Emma from this world- yes she is gone- the relentless hand of death has snatched her from my embrace. When looking on her I have often thought how I should feel to part with her. I thought I could not live without her especially in the absence of my companion-" Phebe's vision blurs as tears fill her eyes. She takes a deep breath, uses a handkerchief and continues reading. "but she is gone, the Lord has taken her to himself for some wise purpose." Phebe feels the gloom of this news settle over her, imagining how it will affect her beloved. Even though she has walked all the way to the post office and is now standing in front of the box, she is still unsure how to finish the letter. Words fail to describe the brokenness of her heart and how she longs for Wilford to be with her. All these feelings begin to overwhelm her and she begins to cry. George Robinson comes around the corner with an ink and quil, notices the tears and quietly hands her a handkerchief. "Please, sit down." He motions to a rocking chair by the fireplace. She nods and sits in the chair, sobbing at this point. George waits in silence for a moment as Phebe weeps. After a moment, he touches her shoulder lightly. "I know not how to comfort you at this time. But I, and many people in this town are praying that the spirit of the Lord will attend you. And that He will bring peace to Wilford as well." "Thank you. Thank God for you." Phebe wipes her eyes, tears still sliding down her cheeks. "I know the letter writing must be difficult." George gestures to the ink he just brought into the room." You may use my quil if you desire, and if you need me I will be in my study. But I wish to give you your privacy." "You are too kind." "I only wish to serve." George nods at her and leaves her alone in the room. Phebe looks at her letter on the counter by the sorting box, and the ink beside it. Oh my Father, what will I tell Wilford? How can I comfort him, when I am still suffering? Suddenly, Phebe realizes the biggest reason why she broke down in tears, and her prayer becomes more sincere as she asks the questions that have been in her heart. Why can I not feel Thy spirit comforting me? Why am I still in anguish? Wilford is so very far away and this burden is hard to bear alone. Dear Father, I need to feel Thy grace. Please help me to feel Thy love. In this moment, the pure love of Christ gently wraps around her. Her mind is filled with memories from these past couple days. Vilate Kimball showing up on her doorstep to care for her sick little girl so she could get some rest. Patty Sessions coming to dress Sarah Emma for burial so that Phebe wouldn't have to. Mary Ann Young putting her arms around her and holding her tightly during the funeral service. Hyrum Smith saying a prayer over the grave and offering to give her a blessing of comfort. Leonora Taylor offering to watch Wilford Jr so that Phebe could rest and write her letter. George Robison offering his handkerchief and kind words. And many many other people just like them. The spirit then whispers words from the bible in her mind: "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." A sweet peaceful feeling enters into her heart and she knows that the Savior understands her. His infinite love calms her troubled mind and soothes her hidden wounds. Because of Christ, I will have my little Sarah Emma again. Gratitude for the Savior and Redeemer of the world swells inside her and she walks over to her unfinished letter on the counter. Taking the quil in her hand she adds an extra line on the bottom of the page. "It is a severe trial for me to pass through particularly so in your absence but the Lord has stood by me in a wonderfully manner." After writing this she barely has space to sign her name. She folds it up and gently touches her lips to the paper. I love you Wilford. The Lord will not leave you comfortless. I trust you into His care.
******************************* August 29, 1840 Hertfordshire, England Wilford Woodruff tugs off his muddy boots and leans against the wooden table to his right. As he looks over, he sees a letter addressed to him. Willard Richards must have stopped by the post office in the heart of the city on the way out of town. Wilford's heart drops down through his stomach as he recognizes the handwriting. It's from Phebe. Fingers trembling from anticipation, he carefully opens the parchment. "My dearest companion, my beloved Wilford." Just reading the first lines in her handwriting cause deep emotions to rise up in his chest and tears to spring up in his eyes. Oh Phebe. How I miss you. How I long to hold you in my arms once again. Wilford takes a deep breath and continues to read. He eagerly reads about the construction of the temple, what revelation the prophet Joseph Smith had received about baptisms for the dead. He quickly skims over the happenings of the town and then to where Phebe begins to tell him how the family is. Wilford smiles as she describes how Wilford Woodruff Jr is growing and very healthy. He then reads about his daughter Sarah Emma. "The departure of our little Sarah Emma from this world- yes she is gone." Wilford stops and blinks his head. Wait, what did that say? "She is gone." No. No it can't be. Not my Sarah. He keeps reading, biting his lip with worry. "The relentless hand of death has snatched her from my embrace. When looking on her I have often thought how I should feel to part with her." Wilford imagines Phebe in a rocking chair, holding an ill Sarah Emma in her arms. His heart shatters at the thought. Phebes words continue on the paper: "I thought I could not live without her especially in the absence of my companion - but she is gone, the Lord has taken her to himself for some wise purpose. It is a severe trial for me to pass through particularly so in your absence but the Lord has stood by me in a wonderfully manner. All my love, Phebe" Wilford sits in shock, staring at the parchment. How can it be? She can't be gone. His eyes jump to the top of the page to see the date. A month and a half ago? A month and a half? My daughter has been dead for nearly two months and I didn't even know. Wilford puts his head in his hands, fighting back tears. For nearly two months my wife has been grieving in deep anguish. alone. without me even knowing of it. Oh my poor Phebe. Wilford struggles with his emotions, half of his suffering from him missing his daughter and the other half coming from his desire to be with and comfort his wife. He takes her letter over to where he keeps her other few and precious letters. He opens the little box and pulls out one from months before to re-read a certain line, which he nearly has memorized at this point: "I think the grace of God is sufficient for all things, even to raise me from a bed of sickness and preseve me and Sarah until thy return, which is my sincere desire." Wilford lies down on his bed, clutching the papers in his hands and tears streaming down his face. Dear God and Father above. How am I to care for my family when I am so far from them? His mind takes him back to when he was first saying goodbye, earlier in 1839. He vividly remembers how little Sarah Emma clug to his legs as he stroked her fine blonde hair. Her cute little smile looking up at him melted his heart, making it hard to part with her. And his sweet Phebe, his beautiful, compassionate and faithful wife. It seems just yesterday that she embraced him, kissed him and told him how much she loved him before he set off to teach the people of England about the Restoration of Christ's Chruch. The words from his journal echo in his memory: "I make a sacrifice of my all for Christ's sake to do his work. It is no small trial of faith to leave my family, yet I do this freely for Christ's sake, trusting in him" Who knew that my sacrifice for Christ would include this. Does He really ask this sacrifice of me? Or should I begin my travel home immediately? Wilford is practically pulled off his bed by the spirit. He needs to sort out his feelings and seek anwers from the heavens. Its time for a walk. He goes back to the kitchen and puts his muddy boots back on, then his coat and top hat. It's sprinkling outside on the cobble stone streets, and a windy chill rips through his clothes. He bows his head in an attempt to stay warm as well as begins to pray. Oh my Father, I come before thee in humility and sorrow. Sorrow for the loss of my daughter and for my desire to comfort my wife. All i seek is to do thy will, but I just need to know: do you really need me here? Is what I am doing more worthwhile than being home with my family? Wilford turns a corner to walk down the main street, shuffling his feet a little. We have only just begun to have success in these parts. Last year I only baptized but one man! Dear God, is that really more important than my wife and children? Wilford continues to ask these questions as he walks through the town. No answers come. As the sky gets darker, it gets colder. The slight drizzle of rain becomes heavier. Discouraged and disappointed, Wilford goes home to bed. Thoughts of Sarah Emma, Phebe and Wilford Jr keep him awake for a good while but sleep eventually takes him. When Wilford wakes up in the morning, it doesn't take long before he remembers the news from the day before. As soon as he does, he feels depressed again. He wishes that Willard was back from his two day journey to an adjacent city so that he wouldn't be so lonely. Can I even go out and preach today? As soon as he questions it, he knows he must. It is his duty. Whether or not he stays in England he must preach the gospel until he leaves. So Wilford gets ready, grabs copies of the Book of Mormon and heads to the corner on main where he usually teaches. He prays that as he teaches, the spirit will touch someone's heart. He also prays for Phebe. And that he will soon get an answer on what he is to do to help her. A crowd of people gather and Wilford begins to preach to them about faith in Christ, using the Book of Mormon. Some people listen for only a moment and then walk away. Others try to argue with him. And a select few begin to get a light in their eyes and nod in agreement to what he says. "The Book of Mormon teaches that we are to have faith in Christ. And to continue to strengthen our faith in Him daily-" Wilford says, opening up to a verse. A man calls out "How is one to strengthen their faith in Christ when they choose to believe in false doctrine?!? The Book of Mormon is blasphemy, written by a false prophet!" Wilford looks up at this angry person, speaking out of love but also boldly. "I testify that it is good and true. Whatsoever is good and true cometh from Christ. I assure you it is not blashpemy. Listen, does this sound like false doctrine to you? This verse here talks about the people in the ancient Americas and how they strengthened their faith in Christ." Everyone leans in just a little as Wilford reads Helaman 3:35 "Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did was stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." The spirit fills his chest, giving him almost a burning sensation. The angry man is silent. "I testify that this book is true. And that all who read it may do as these people did- they can become firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ. They can be filled with joy and consolation. They can have sanctified hearts." One of the earnest listeners walks up towards the front. "But wait sir. How does one yield their heart unto God?" "By doing all that He asks. By loving Him and serving Him with all your heart might mind and strength." As Wilford speaks these words, he realizes the power behind them. In this moment the person's eyes fill with tears and the spirit confirms to Wilford that not only was that the answer to this mans earnest question, it is the answer to his own. He needs to yield his heart to God. And that as he does, the Lord will take care of His Phebe and her precious heart. The spirit puts these powerful words into his mind, as an answer from God. "Trust her to me. I will care for her and for thee. Continue your diligent service. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in both of your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." Wilford shakes this mans hand and gives him a copy of the Book of Mormon. Wilfords own eyes are full of tears also. With the spirit burning within his chest like a literal flame, he stands up to address the rest of the people. "I am a living witness today that the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And that the Book of Mormon is His word, which comforts the weary heart and wounded soul. Any of you who are searching for truth, hope, comfort or solace - you will find it here. This church, even the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints is His restored Chruch. He lives and guides this work. He gives me strength to do His work. He is the light and hope of this world. I know this without any doubt. And I am willing to sacrifice anything for Him. All ye that feel this way about the Savior, come and see. Come and find rest to your souls, as I have."
*************************** So! As you might have guessed, Wilford Woodruff continued his sevice until he went home in 1841! His wife continued to faithfully take care of their family until he returned. Wilford also served 4 more missions before his family left Nauvoo, and even Phebe was able to serve with him at one point! But specifically in that year after his daughter Sarah Emma died, Wilford and Phebe exchanged more letters, strengthening each other with their testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ. Wilford also received a letter from a neighbor in Nauvoo, assuring him that his wife and family would be well taken care of and want for nothing. His missionary efforts became even more successful, and he was able to baptize 336 more people, raise funds for the printing of more scriptures, assist 200 saints as they emigrated to Nauvoo and traveled a total of 7,062 miles at the end of this mission because he went to so many cities to preach the word. In his journal, Wilford stated that while he had never been called to make greater sacrifices, he had also never received greater blessings. Wilford and Phebe Woodruff are astounding examples of yielding their hearts to God. I respect and admire them greatly for their faith. And as they served and gave their will to God, they were blessed beyond what they could even imagine. What blessings will come to you as you re-commit to yielding your heart to God?
I can tell you about the blessings that have come to me. Wilford, that is exactly how i feel about my mission. I have nevrr been called to make such great sacrifices, but also never received greater blessings. In my mission call letter, I was promised: "Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord." That promise has come true. I know that when we give ourselves to the Lord, He is able to make so much more of us than we could ourselves. And just like Wilford and Phebe - I will continue to serve the Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart, might, mind and strength for the rest of my life. I know that He lives. I stand as a witness of His divinity. He is my Savior, my Conqueror and Redeemer. He has stood by me wonderfully throughout my whole life, and especially on my mission. I know He loves us with a perfect love, and I know that we can always trust in Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Thank you all so much! love you! Sister Bush
