The Angels that Intercede in the
Gathering of Israel
By Anne Hinton Pratt · May 16, 2019
Cover image: “Angels Among Us” by Annie Henrie.
As
members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we have been given the privilege to
gather Israel on both sides of the veil. President Nelson has told us
that absolutely nothing happening on the earth right now is
more important. We’re not alone in this arduous yet
joyful pursuit. There are angels available and willing to help us.
Angels
can be influential in all areas of the Gospel, from gaining a testimony to
temple work. Average members as well as missionaries can receive help as
the following true stories illustrate:
Angels Came to Persuade
Elder
F. Enzio Busche shared an experience of when he was the first visiting
authority after the first Spanish stake was created in the Los Angeles area:
“At the
stake conference, a sister from Nicaragua bore her testimony. She told
how her husband had been killed in the middle of the civil war in
Nicaragua. Her family was living in dire circumstances, and she was
always asking God to help her understand the pain and the difficulties they were
going through. They were visited by two men dressed in white who
told her that she would receive a visit from two young men, and they
would give an answer to her prayers.”
“A week
later, two missionaries came to her door, so she listened to them very
carefully. She told them, ‘I was waiting for you because two men in white
announced that you would come.’ They did not understand what she
meant. They told her that there were no other missionaries around and
especially not ones dressed in white. The sister, in tears, then bore her
testimony that those two men were holy angels who came to prepare her because
she would not have listened to the missionaries otherwise. She bore her
testimony that through the help of those missionaries, she was finally able to
immigrate to the United States and could save her children from the onslaught
of the terrible war.” (F. Enzio Busche Yearning for the Living God p.
240-241)
Angels Offer Concerted Influence in Conversion of Family Member
Elder
Busche also tells about angelic intercession in the conversion of a man from
Belgium named Joseph Gilbert. After being a member for a year, Joseph
went to the Swiss temple, and while there, had a revelatory experience:
…“he
saw in vision a great gathering of his ancestors who were looking at him and
pleading with him, ‘Please, don’t forget us. It took a great effort to
get ONE of our descendants to embrace the gospel. We have all waited a
long time for this.’” (F. Enzio Busche, Yearning for the Living God,
p. 212-213)
His
ancestors took special care to single him out. Have they singled you
out? Have they helped soften your heart? Your neighbor’s heart? You’re
investigator’s heart?
Angel Grandfather Helps Grandson on Mission
Lane
Brown, (not his real name) had just received his mission call to Nicaragua.
In preparing to go on a mission, he decided to go do temple baptisms. As
he was in the confirmation area, with hands on his head, and eyes closed, he
felt the presence of his deceased grandfather. He had never met him on
this earth but KNEW that it was him. Lane, out of the blue, blurted out,
“Gramps, how are you?” He was surprised to feel himself communicate with
his grandfather. Lane then felt him say, “I’m so proud of you. “Tell
your mom you will be safe. (Lane’s mother had been very anxious about
him going to Nicaragua, which at that time was a fairly dangerous place),
Gramps continued: “I’ll be there to prepare and soften hearts of people on
your mission. If you’re obedient to mission rules, you’ll be protected.”
On his
mission, when Lane was Zone Leader, his Mission President said, “For September,
I feel prompted that we need to have 500 baptisms. Go pray and see how
many you and your companion will do.” Elder Brown and his companion did
just that. They prayed individually about this goal. Lane felt kind
of nervous setting such lofty ambitions, but he felt his
grandfather saying, “Don’t forget, I’m in this with you!”
When he
and his companion compared prayers, they found that they both came up with the
number 23, which was many times the 3 that the average companionship
achieved. Lane could feel help from his angel grandfather as they more
than achieved their goal and felt his continued aid in the conversion of many
more souls on his mission.
How
many angels might help you as you choose to share the gospel?
Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland boldly taught:
“My
beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels,… In doing so I
am testifying that God never leaves us alone,
never leaves us unaided in the challenges we face.”
“…the
Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are
those angels who come and go all
around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.” (Jeffrey
R. Holland, Oct. Conference 2008)
President
Nelson echoed this theme when he said:
“The
Lord so declared: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right
hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine
angels round about you, to bear you up.’ What a promise! When we
are faithful, He and His angels will help us.”(Russell M. Nelson, April
Conference, 2011)
Remarkable Communication
While
in the MTC, a missionary, (John Nelson) had a remarkable experience. His
companion’s mother had died shortly before he left on his mission. As
John was practicing giving the discussions to this companion, he received a
“lightning bolt” in his mind and heard the words, “Elder Nelson, I need
you to love my son, and I need him to know that I’ll be with him and help him
on his mission.” Elder Nelson shared that amazing understanding with
his companion. It was a great blessing to him, knowing that his mother
was aware of him, and would aid him on his mission, from that side of the veil.
Elder
Eyring taught:
“You
will also find that the Lord puts helpers by your side—on your right, on your
left, and all around you. You do not go alone to serve others for Him.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Trust in That Spirit Which Leadeth to Do Good” April
Conference 2016)
“I Need You to Find My Family!”
When
Matt Hill was in the MTC, he was trying to learn Spanish. During one
particular meeting, he was very discouraged, and didn’t think he could do
it. He heard a voice say, “Elder Hill pick up your head. I need
you to find my family!”
Fast-forward
2-3 months. He and his companion were in a tiny pueblo, and some little
girls playing caught his attention. As he looked at them and the home
they were playing near, he had a strong feeling come over him and heard words
that said: “That’s my house!”
Even
though it was late, Matt convinced his companion to knock on that door.
They were allowed in the house and as they were trying to gain common ground
with the family, Matt’s eyes were “pulled” to a picture on the wall, of men in
uniform on a police force photo. His eyes were drawn to one particular
man. He asked the woman, “Who is that?” She quietly said, “That was
my husband. He’s dead.” At that moment, Matt got chills, and felt a
further confirmation from the spiritual realm, “This is my family!”
Over a
period of time, Elder Hill and his companion were able to baptize this lovely
family. At the baptism, the woman sobbed, “I know my husband is
here!” She had felt a tremendous nudge from her deceased husband to
accept the Gospel and be baptized. She felt that he was so happy that
they were joining the Church.
Pray for Angels to Help Us
Praying
for angelic help in missionary work is a powerful tool.
Elder
Holland says it very simply as he states:
“Ask for angels to help you.” (Jeffrey R.
Holland, “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul,” Ensign,
may 2010,45.)
President
Nelson also said:
“You
may even want to ask God for His angels to walk with you where
you presently do not want to tread.” (Russell M.
Nelson, “Four Gifts that Jesus Christ’s Offers to You”)
Sister
Wendy Nelson asks the question:
“So,
could you use a little more help in your life? If so, keep your
covenants with more exactness than you ever have
before! And then ask for angels (a.k.a. your ancestors and
other loved ones) to help you… Or ask for them to
be dispatched to help those you love! (Wendy Watson Nelson,
Covenant Keepers P. 30)
Because
of the great amount of temple work that has been done in the last few years,
there is a veritable army of engaged angelic beings to help us bring about this
work of conversion, especially within our family lines. This is a work
they want to help us accomplish. They have a convincing power, and the
ability to soften hearts that can aid us in this work. Let’s ask for
their help in gathering Israel.
In Power and Great Glory
Elder
Dieter F. Uchtdorf stated:
My dear
friends, you will rejoice in knowing that you are a significant part in the
long-foretold gathering of Israel, preparing Christ’s coming in ‘power and
great glory, with all the holy angels.’” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf,
April General Conference,
2019)
The
veil is very thin. This work of gathering is the greatest work we can be
involved in. Missionary work, temple work, and nurturing family,
can all bring about angelic help! They come to embrace us with
support, love, and means to gather individuals and families into the joy of the
Gospel. Let’s ask for their help, – then look for them!
https://latterdaysaintmag.com/the-angels-that-intercede-in-the-gathering-of-israel/
