Testimony of an Apostle

Adapted from Conference Report, Oct. 1942, 24–26.

Illustrated by Mike Eagle

When Heber J. Grant was a new Apostle, he traveled with a group of brethren to Arizona to visit the Native Americans there.

Heber: Look, the path splits in two. Is the other one safe?

Companion: A rider can travel it, but it’s too muddy for wagons.

Heber: Why don’t the rest of you drive on while I take this path? I’ll meet up with you soon.

Heber wanted to be alone. He felt discouraged and unworthy.

Heber: I shouldn’t testify of the Savior. I’m not fit to be an Apostle.

As he pondered, a vision of heaven appeared in his mind. The Savior, the Prophet Joseph Smith, his own father, and other men he knew were deciding who the new Apostles should be. Heber was one of those decided on.

After that, he could bear testimony with confidence.

Heber: I know that Jesus lives.

President Grant spoke of this experience years later.

Heber: I have never doubted my testimony since. I have had only joy in bearing it. I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God.