“Listening to the Prophet,” Friend, Oct. 2023, 4–5.
Listening to the Prophet
Francesco was excited to listen to President Nelson.
This story took place in Argentina.
Francesco sat on the sofa next to the window. He lined up his toy cars on the windowsill.
“Time to read scriptures,” Mamá said. Francesco and his brothers and sisters gathered in the living room. Mamá opened her Book of Mormon.
Francesco listened as Mamá read the story of Abinadi. He was a prophet who tried to teach the people. But they didn’t listen.
“Wasn’t he brave?” Mamá asked. “He had an important message from Jesus Christ to teach the people. And he didn’t stop trying!”
Francesco nodded. He imagined Abinadi teaching the people.
“Do you remember what will happen next week?” Papá asked.
“Yes!” Francesco sat up tall. “General conference!”
“That’s right,” said Mamá. “At general conference we can listen to our prophet.”
Suddenly they heard a sound from the street outside. “Today I have pumpkins, bell peppers, and tomatoes!” a loud voice called out.
Francesco knew that voice! It was Ramón, the fruit and vegetable seller. Every day he drove his truck down the street, telling everyone what fruits and vegetables he had to sell. He used a loudspeaker so people could hear him from inside their houses. Then they could go outside to buy food.
“I also have apples and tasty bananas!” Ramón’s voice called out.
That gave Francesco an idea. “Mamá! Prophets are like loudspeakers!”
“What do you mean?” his sister asked.
“Jesus uses the prophet to share His words, just like Ramón uses the loudspeaker. That way everyone in the world can hear Him!” Francesco smiled big.
Days passed, and soon it was time for general conference. Papá set up a projector so they could watch conference on the wall. It was kind of like a movie theater!
Mamá made chocolate chip cookies to eat while they watched. They were all excited when it was the prophet’s turn to speak.
“Get on the covenant path and stay there,” President Nelson said.*
“I want to do that!” said Francesco. “But how?”
“You’re already doing it.” Papá smiled. “You followed Jesus Christ by being baptized. And now you can stay on the covenant path by trying to follow Him every day.”
Francesco grinned. He wanted to follow Jesus Christ. And he could do that by following the prophet!
Illustration by Carolina Farías