the
following experience is about two missionaries in Canada, as reported by
President Thomas S. Monson
“The
prayer he offered astonished the missionaries. He said, ‘Heavenly Father, bless
these two unfortunate, misguided missionaries, that they may return to their
homes and not waste their time telling the people of Canada about a message
which is so fantastic and about which they know so little.’
“As
they arose from their knees, Mr. Pollard asked the missionaries never to return
to his home. As they left, he said mockingly to them, ‘You can’t tell me you
really believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, anyway!’ and he slammed
the door” (“The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.
2005, 69).
The
two returned to Mr. Pollard’s door. Mr. Pollard answered the knock and angrily
said, ‘I thought I told you young men never to return!’
“The
junior companion then said, with all the courage he could muster, ‘Mr. Pollard,
when we left your door, you said that we didn’t really believe Joseph Smith was
a prophet of God. I want to testify to you, Mr. Pollard, that I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that by
inspiration he translated the sacred record known as the Book
of Mormon, that he did see God the Father and Jesus
the Son.’ The missionaries then departed the doorstep.
“[Mr.
Pollard later testified:] ‘That evening, sleep would not come. I tossed and
turned. Over and over in my mind I heard the words, “Joseph Smith was a prophet
of God. I know it. … I know it. … I know it.” I could scarcely wait for morning
to come. I telephoned the missionaries. … They returned, and this time my wife,
my family, and I joined in the discussion as earnest seekers of truth. As a
result, we have all embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ’” (“The Prophet Joseph
Smith: Teacher by Example,” 69).
