Scripture Stories
The Apostles Serve a Mission to Great Britain


“The Apostles Serve a Mission to Great Britain,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories (2024)

“The Apostles Serve a Mission to Great Britain,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories

July 1838–July 1841

The Apostles Serve a Mission to Great Britain

Trusting the Lord’s promises

Joseph Smith receiving a revelation to call Apostles of the Church on a mission to Great Britain.

In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord called the Apostles on a mission across the ocean to Great Britain. Even though it was hard for Joseph to have the Apostles so far away, he trusted the Lord. It was also hard for the Apostles to leave their families. But the Lord promised to bless them.

Doctrine and Covenants 118

Heber Kimball and his family.

Heber C. Kimball and his wife, Vilate, had a young family. They had a baby who was only one month old. Many members of their family were very sick.

Saints, 1:405

Brigham Young preparing to leave on his mission.

Brigham Young was also sick, and his family was poor. But Brigham’s wife, Mary Ann, told him, “Go and fill your mission, and the Lord will bless you.”

Saints, 1:404–5

Brigham Young staying with Heber C. Kimball.

Brigham started to go, but by the time he got to Heber’s house, he was so weak he couldn’t walk. He stayed with Heber’s family for a few days.

Saints, 1:405

Mary Ann Young taking care of Brigham and Heber.

Mary Ann came to take care of Brigham until he and Heber were well enough to leave. They were both very weak, but they wanted to preach the gospel.

Saints, 1:405

Brigham and Heber departing for their mission.

Heber and Brigham said goodbye to their wives and climbed into the back of a wagon. They felt bad about leaving their families so sick and poor. As the wagon drove away, Heber said to Brigham, “This is pretty tough.” He wanted to help their families feel brave. Heber asked the wagon driver to stop.

Saints, 1:405–6

Brigham and Heber stopping to say goodbye.

From inside the house, Vilate heard a noise. She came to the door, where Mary Ann was standing. They saw Heber and Brigham standing in the back of the wagon, waving their hats in the air and yelling, “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah for Israel!” The women replied, “Goodbye! God bless you!”

Saints, 1:406

Brigham and Heber preaching in Great Britain.

After a long trip across the ocean, Heber and Brigham arrived in Great Britain. With other Apostles, they taught many people about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Thousands of people were baptized and joined the Savior’s Church.

Saints, 1:408–11

Saints traveling to live in Nauvoo.

Many of the people who were baptized in Great Britain moved to Nauvoo and helped build the city and the temple. The Lord kept His promise to take care of Heber’s and Brigham’s families while they were serving Him as missionaries.

Saints, 1:437–39