In His Debt

By Lizzie Mills

The most amazing part of my trip to visit Church history sites was when my family and I went to the Smith family homestead. As I sat on the bed in a replica of the room where the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, I felt the pure love of God. I knew at that moment that what is written in the scriptures is true.

That afternoon we were led through the Sacred Grove. Everything in the Sacred Grove seems spiritual, even the birds and animals. I think they must know why we come, so they sing for us as we sit and pray.

I am in awe every time I think about the amazing sacrifices of our first latter-day prophet. All of the pain and suffering must have been overwhelming, physically and spiritually: getting tarred and feathered while at the John Johnson home, losing his son Joseph because of the mobs, and being mocked and scorned almost daily. His strength seems beyond anything except for the suffering and agony endured by Jesus Christ.

I am so incredibly grateful for all Joseph Smith did. I am forever in his debt. I know he restored the gospel of Jesus Christ and translated the Book of Mormon.

• Lizzie Mills is a member of the Gladstone Ward, Milwaukie Oregon Stake.

Illustrated by Sam Lawlor