The Privilege of Requesting and Receiving Angelic Assistance By Anne Hinton Pratt

The Privilege of Requesting and Receiving Angelic Assistance

By Anne Hinton Pratt · November 21, 2019

There are privileges afforded us as children of God that many aren’t even aware of. One of these most powerful privileges is accessing the aid and intercession of angels.  I want to share four people’s inspiring experiences illustrating this opportunity that we can all have.

Marvelous Peace and Healing Intervention.

Delores Pack was scheduled to go into surgery in a couple of days.  She was very anxious and worried about it.  As a way to calm her fears she went to the temple and while there began fervently praying for divine help and intervention.  She had a set of marvelous experiences where angels were sent to answer her prayers and minister to her.  She writes:

“I was going into surgery in a few days and was very nervous. I went to the Salt Lake temple trying to help me calm down. I was sitting on the     back row. When the prayer began, I felt hands go on my head and I heard a blessing just for me. I felt that the blessing was given by my deceased grandfather and brother. After the blessing, I immediately became as calm as can be and all my fear left me.”

The surgery went well, but the first night after the surgery, Delores’ husband had to leave, and she again became very anxious and unsettled about how she could handle this night alone without him.  Traditionally for that type of surgery, the first night is an extremely difficult one for pain, and she continued to pray intensely for help.  Suddenly, in the darkened hospital room, she became aware that two beings were helping her.  She continues: 

“While in the hospital, the first night after surgery, I would start to wake up in pain when I could feel someone’s hand holding my hand, and someone put a cool compress on my forehead.  I knew that it was my mother and mother- in- law who had died. Three or four times I felt them patting my head and heard them say, ‘Just rest, you’re fine, we’re watching over you, go back to sleep.’ It made me so happy to hear them.  I have no doubt in my mind that it was them who were with me and helping me.

“The next morning, the nurse came in to see me and said, “I can’t believe  you slept through the whole night.  NO one does that!” 

But Delores knew why it happened and felt extremely blessed to be a recipient of angelic touch, tenderness and healing.

Dispensation of Angels

Since the beginning of the Restoration, angels have played a pivotal role.  This time period is a special dispensation of angels.  They came to bring the gospel, revelation, and help to the world, but they also can be dispatched to help individuals in their time of need.  Elder Holland has taught us a lot about angels and their ministry.  He said:

“God knew the challenges we would face, and he certainly knew how lonely and troubled we would sometimes feel. So, He watches over His mortal family constantly; hears our prayers always, and sends prophets and apostles to teach, counsel, and guide us. But in times of special need, He sends angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them   that heaven is always very close and that His help is always very near.”

(Jeffery R. Holland, The Ministry of Angels, October Conference, 2008 Italics added)

Yes, angels are very close and are so willing to help us as the following woman discovered:

Light on her Path and Angels in her Home

Thelma Carbajal was a woman with a job that required her to work the night shift.  She shared a heart wrenching night years ago where she had to place her children in the unseen hands of angels. 

“One night I did not have anyone to watch my kids and went to work in  tears. I left them alone (9 and 5 years old) and I told this to the Lord, begging him to please watch over them.

 “It was a night where it was raining very hard. As I was praying, crying and driving to work, I saw a brilliant light in the skies, sort of like a bright flashlight towards me. After I saw this, I suddenly knew that my kids were going to be all right.

“As I returned home in the morning, my young son said, ‘Mommy you came home early last night! I said, ‘No I just arrived home.’  He explained that a lady and other people were at our home the night before. I asked him to tell me about this lady. He said. ‘I got up to go to the bathroom in the night, and when I crossed by the stairs, a beautiful lady that looked   like you was standing by my room.  She smiled at me and said, “Hi   Michael.”

“Michael also said that there were people downstairs dressed in white that He was able see them through the bars of the stairs. ‘They were talking and were happy.’ He said,  ‘I thought that you were there mommy!’      

“Tears came down my face, because I knew that my kids were not alone that night … This happened 25 years ago, and we’ve never forgotten this spiritual experience.” (Thelma Carbajal story shared by permission)

These angelic intercessions are initiated by our asking for help.  We’re connected to angels, although, in this realm we may not realize it.  We lived for eons in our pre-mortal life and had many associations there. Chances are the angelic help we receive is from family and friends on the other side, who are waiting to be “dispatched” for our good.

Angels in Armor

Many years ago, Rose Schmutz, described a time when after her fervent prayer, she received her desires through angels.  At this time in her life, she had specifically prayed every night that her home would be protected by the armies of heaven.  One night late, her six-year-old son asked her for a drink of water.  She wrote:

“I told him he could turn on the light and get the water.  He told me that he knew that, but he didn’t want to because there was always a man     standing by the door that he didn’t know.  I asked him what the man looked like and he told me: ‘They didn’t all look the same, but they were all dressed in armor, like old time.’

I had prayed every night that the armies of heaven would watch over my home and family and apparently angels from ancient armies did indeed guard the kitchen door.” (Rose Schmutz, story used by permission)

The scriptures are replete with the directive to “Ask, and ye shall receive” This is a universal principal.  Angels are simply a source that God uses to give us answers, succor and aid, but He wants us to ask, because asking shows an active desire to receive.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland counsels us to ask for angelic help. He simply says:  “Ask for angels to help you.” (Jeffry R. Holland, “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul,” Ensign, May 2010,45.) 

Miraculous Intervention

On her wonderful and popular blog, Mary Stallings writes about a miraculous experience she had years ago.

“I had my backpack packed and was headed out the door when my religion teacher at BYU said two words: ‘Expect miracles.’ The phrase hit me so hard I went back to my chair, got my notebook back out, and wrote it down at the top of the page. Then, I promptly forgot about it.

“Later that day, I was at the temple doing proxy baptisms for the dead. As I was praying, I felt prompted to ask that the people who I was doing work for would protect me that day. I have never felt prompted to do so before   or since, but that day, I asked.

“As I rode my bike quickly to the library to print an essay before class, I    saw a car coming. But they had a stop sign, so I kept biking without stopping. I realized too late they were turning right and were not   planning on stopping. I shut my eyes and braced for impact. Then,    suddenly, I was on the other side of the car.

 “The car pulled over and got out to talk, but I was in shock and just kept biking. I got to the Provo library and was shaking. As I sat there, two    words came to my mind clearly: ‘Expect miracles.’ It’s hard to explain. I know that someone could easily explain this miracle away— but I   personally know that angels were protecting me that day. “

(Mary Stallings, https://www.facebook.com/comefollowmedaily  7 Nov, 2019).

When we experience angelic intervention, there is an essence that we feel, that is indescribable.  It always leaves us breathless and feeling cherished, and with that feeling, we can’t deny what we have experienced.

Ask Ask Ask!

Sister Wendy Watson Nelson asks us all a very direct question in a now famous quote:

“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)

Delores, Thelma, Rose and Mary all discovered how close heaven is and that angels were real and willing to help them in their time of need.  Let’s also tie into that great privilege and honor we have of asking for and receiving angelic support, healing, and protection. Let’s ask!

A Nighttime Visit from a Spirit By Boyd K. Packer

A Nighttime Visit from a Spirit: An Uplifting Story from President Packer

by Boyd K. Packer | Oct. 18, 2019

Think Mormon

President Packer's book, The Holy Temple, is a classic of Latter-day Saint literature that has become one of the most comprehensive and definitive works written about temples. In fact, much of the material found in the Church's temple preparation pamphlet comes from this inspired book.

In this book, he shares a story from one of his ancestors that shows that not all ghost stories are scary. Some are deeply sacred and profound.

At the rededication of the Logan Temple in 1979 I recounted an incident in the life of my wife's grandfather, which I include here.

The Logan Temple is sacred to our family, for there my wife and I were married, and my wife's grandfather responded to the call and helped to construct that temple.

C. O. Law, the superintendent of construction for that temple, wrote on February 25, 1884: "This letter certifies that Brother Julius Smith of Brigham City has worked faithfully and honorably on the Logan Temple for nearly two years, and as the temple nears completion, his branch of the labor being terminated, he is now honorably released and we sincerely trust that Brother Smith may become a participant in the blessings of the House of the Lord which he has assisted to erect."

Brother Smith with his wife, Josephina, lived on a few acres of ground in Brigham City. There they raised fourteen children, my wife's father being the youngest. When the call came for workers to assist in the building of the temple, he responded.

Each Monday morning, he left his family in the care of his wife and hiked up through Flat Bottom Canyon, down Dry Canyon to the south end of Cache Valley, and on to Logan. After his week's work on Saturday, he walked home to spend Sunday with his family. . . .

The hope "that Brother Smith would participate in the blessings of the House of the Lord which he had assisted to erect" was amply fulfilled. He went there often.

As a young man he had lived among the Indians. In later years when Indian bands would visit Brigham City, one of the Indians would go to the home of Brother Smith. His visits were not welcomed by the rest of the family, for he would peer in every window intently until he determined that Brother Smith was home. And only then would he knock at the door.

One night, some years after the completion of the temple, Brother Smith was reading his newspaper. He heard a noise at the window, and he saw his Indian friend peering in with an unusually sad expression. He went to the door and found no one there, and the snow beneath the window had not been disturbed.

This incident bothered him greatly, and during the following week he tried to locate and get some information about this Indian friend. He learned that he had died.

In due time, he recorded, "Today I have taken care of his work in the temple." That very evening he was looking through the mail and again heard a sound at the window. When he looked up, he saw his Indian friend, this time smiling. He counted that a very sacred experience, and in the record of a great amount of work done by this faithful grandfather in this temple is found the name Be-a-go-tia.

I have wondered over the years about the meaning of the scripture recorded three times in the Book of Mormon, that "the course of the Lord is one eternal round." (1 Nephi 10:19, Alma 7:20, Alma 37:12.)

I can see one meaning as it relates to our work for the dead. Genealogical work, the essential preparation for temple work, puts us to seeking through the records for those who have lived in the past. We look back to the past to find them. We perform temple ordinance work for them and then we look forward to the future to meet them. Something sacred is consummated when we have safely recorded, in the list of ordinances completed, the names of those who lived in our past and who yet live in our future. This ordinance work is crucial to us and to the Church.

http://www.ldsliving.com/President-Packer-s-Uplifting-Ghost-Story/s/83463?utm_source=ldsliving&utm_medium=email

The Divine Touch of Angels By Anne Hinton Pratt

The Divine Touch of Angels

By Anne Hinton Pratt · September 16, 2019

Angels have been a major part in the epic history of the world.  They have protected and blessed billions of us on this planet.  Most, if not all, of us have had angelic help to remove hurdles from our path in ways that we won’t know until the story of this life is fully told.

I recently wrote an article focusing on the times when angels’ help is overtly physical.    

In this article, however, my focus is to be on how angels aid us in more subtle ways.

Divine Embrace

Many years ago, I had a dear friend whose husband had just died, leaving her with ten children- all still at home, and in desperate need of her care.  It was a terrible burden that loomed over her.  I felt prompted to go with her to the temple at that time of great need.

While I was in there, at a pivotal moment, I suddenly felt a beautiful warm feeling in my heart that spread to my entire being for several seconds, and I had the sacred sense that I had just received a spiritual hug from my friends’ deceased husband thanking me for being there with his grieving wife.  It was a beautiful experience that I have never forgotten. 

This powerful ability that angels have to bring physical warmth and emotional strength to our core seems to be one of the hallmarks of their divine presence.

Warmth in the Chest        

 In 2014, Craig Jenkins’ beloved wife Lorna suddenly died.  It was both shocking and excruciating for him as well as for his entire family. He and his daughter were each blessed to have experiences where they became aware of her presence.

Brother Jenkins writes about an amazing dialogue between Lorna and his daughter Katie shortly after his wife’s passing:

Monday evening, I was visiting with some friends who had stopped by, when our Stake President with his wife rang the doorbell. Katie, our youngest daughter, answered the door. She asked him for a blessing. They stepped into the office and he gave her a blessing.

He told her that it was her mothers’ time to go, that she could have chosen to stay, but in God’s plan, it was her time to go. Toward the end of Katie’s blessing he told her,

“Your mother is in the room with us.”

He then closed the blessing, told her to stay there as he and his wife stepped out of the office and closed the door. Katie was left expecting to ‘see’ her mother.

In her mind, Katie heard and participated in the following sweet conversation with her departed mother.

             “Am I going to see you?”

            “No, there’s a veil.”

She then looked up to the ceiling and asked:

            “Are you floating?”

            “No, I don’t float.”

            “Will I feel your hugs?”

            “No, I don’t have a body.”

            “How will I know?”

            “I will speak words to your mind, and my Spirit will enter your body.”

Katie suddenly felt very warm in her chest.

Brother Jenkins then gives an account of how he also personally felt that warmth in the chest and realized where it came from. He continues:

Shortly after Lorna passed away, I woke up one night feeling really warm in my chest, and remembering her words to Katie, I threw the covers off, still feeling very warm.  In my mind I tentatively asked, “Are you here?” 

 The warmth intensified, and I knew that Lorna was there.

            (In author’s conversation with Craig Jenkins and on his blog,             https://aftertheyaregone.com/)

Brother Jenkins and Katie experienced the warmth and support of a departed family member.  This type of feeling is a precious manifestation that many have felt. 

Promise of Angels

In a 1989 General Conference, President Ezra Taft Benson made a beautiful promise to the children in the Church concerning angels. He said,

“I promise you, dear children, that angels will minister unto you… You may not see them, but they will be there to help you, and you will feel of their presence.” (Ezra Taft Benson, “To the Children of the Church,” April Conference,  1989)                                                                                

Angels can be our companions in this earthly sojourn, and occasionally we are able to feel their presence.  We don’t have to be children to claim President Benson’s promise.

Departed Father Brings Incredible Peace in time of Turmoil

Angels have the beautiful ability to fill us with hope in the middle of despair.

Don C. writes about an agonizing time in his life where his deceased dad sustained him.

The last few years have been challenging in many ways. I have dealt with   financial, health, and family issues with no letup nor any light at the end of the tunnel. They each wax and wane occasionally in severity but continue on.

During one of my darkest moments of hopelessness, I was driving to meet with a doctor who was going to administer a trial procedure to address one of my health issues. I was feeling rather down and was silently praying for some direction in which I could have confidence.

I began to feel very warm inside my chest and was overcome with a sense of emotion I had never experienced before. I began sobbing and realized that there was a ‘presence’ in my truck with me. I knew that it was my Father who had passed away 19 years before. I continued to sob and finally got the courage to speak.

I said, “Where have you been? I have missed you so much!”

I heard my Father say to me, “Don, I am always with you. Everything is going to be okay.”                                            

I continued to cry to him and began to ask about my health, financial, and family difficulties. Before I could form the sentences, he spoke again saying, with emphasis, “EVERYTHING will be okay!”                                                                         

An incredible calm came over me at that point. We continued on in silence and then his presence began to fade. The love I felt, the caring I felt, were indescribable. Never have I felt such a feeling.  I have also come to recognize the many times in the past when he guided me without my realizing his influence.

            (In author’s conversation with Don, and on https://aftertheyaregone.com/)

Angels in the Midst of Your Trials

Harold B. Lee taught very reassuring doctrine for any of us who might be going through difficult times and in need of help.  He said:

Sometimes when you’re going through the most severe tests, you will be nearer to God than you have any idea, for like the experience of the Master himself in the temptation on the mount, in the Garden of Gethsemane, and on the cross of Calvary, the scriptures record, ‘And, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him’ (Matt. 4:11). Sometimes that may happen to you in the midst of your trials.  (Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, Munich Area Conference, 1973, p. 114 Italics added)

Angels not only give us the emotional warmth and strength to go on, but they can give us the physical strength and power that we may need as in the following amazing account.

Angel Gave Warmth and Capacity During Intense World War II Battle                                              

George Sloan had a harrowing experience in the South Pacific in 1944.  He writes in his journal:

… a fellow marine and I were sent down the ridge about 50 yards in front of the gun in order to prevent the enemy from getting close enough to attack the gun post or to use explosives. There were sharp precipices on both sides of the ridge and the only approach the enemy could make was easily covered by the two of us. For three consecutive nights I had not slept due to attacks and attempted infiltration by the enemy who at this stage was getting desperate.

During the day, it was a constant fight to dislodge stubborn, fanatical soldiers; sniper fire was a constant threat and made all movement difficult. I experienced, what was for me, the worst time of the war and one narrow escape after another— grenades, mortars, and hand to hand encounters—It seemed more than the ordinary dangers, and I gradually acquired a feeling of fear I have never before experienced.

After locating ourselves in advantageous positions my companion and I, well-armed with grenades and automatic rifles, prepared for an all-night watch. Shortly after midnight, in spite of all my efforts not to fall asleep, I did so. Possibly two hours later, I was suddenly awakened. It seemed that I heard a voice warning me,                                                                                                                                

“Wake up, wake up, George. They are coming!”                                                  

I was then as refreshed as I have ever been in my life. I felt strong and all fear seemed to have left. I felt a peace and well-being as though I was in my Mother’s arms.                                                                                                        

Less than 25 yards out front of me, I could see figures outlined against the sky creeping toward us.                                                                                   

After this, George’s companion was hit and worked his way back the best he could to their unit. George continued throwing grenades from the prone position and firing rounds. Suddenly he felt as if he was “kicked by a mule.”  His whole backside became sopped with blood. As weakness and dizziness flooded over him, he prayed for help, and again “felt fresh and vigorous.”  He continued to throw grenades and fire rounds of ammo until daybreak approached. Being exposed under daylight, he crawled back to his unit and after sliding over the sandbags in front of the gun emplacement, he passed out. He woke up to find himself aboard a hospital ship. (George Sloan, Journal Entry October 14, 1944)  

George was not protected from all harm, but was allowed to feel the presence, support and warmth of angels, and ultimately was spared from death.

And Angels Came Down

I love the scripture when Nephi speaks about angels supporting him in similar ways as they did George.  He said,

And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered to me. (2 Ne 4:24 Italics added)

What a blessing it is that angels have been in the saga of our world. For minutes at a time they can enhance our abilities to feel things that seem impossible to feel, and to accomplish things that we cannot humanly do.  When the true story of all the dealings of God, man and angels are told, each of us will see that we have been recipients of succor and strength from numerous angels.

https://latterdaysaintmag.com/the-divine-touch-of-angels/

The Night President Nelson's Grandfather Spoke to His Deceased Dad

The Night President Nelson's Grandfather Spoke to His Deceased Dad in a Dream (+ His Comforting Message)

byMary Jane Woodger, Kenneth L. Alford, Craig K. Manscill, excerpted from "Dreams as Revelation" | Jul. 30, 2019

Mormon Life

Like birth, death is a necessary and essential part of the plan of salvation (see Moses 6:59–62)—which Jacob and Alma both called the “great plan of happiness” (2 Nephi 9:6; Alma 42:8). Facing death can be one of the most fearful experiences of mortality. For the righteous, though, death can be sweet and need not be feared (see Alma 27:28). Indeed, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that “those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:46). On the other hand, for people who die not in Christ, death can be a bitter experience (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:47), and the thought of an approaching death can create foreboding, trepidation, and fear. Dreams regarding death can serve as a powerful reminder that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God (see Alma 12:24; 34:32). . . .

Even if death is not imminent, our Heavenly Father can send comfort through dreams that testify to the fact that our existence will not end with our last breath. These dreams testify that the sting of death is swallowed up in the victory of Christ’s Atonement (see 1 Corinthians 15:55; Mosiah 16:7–8; Alma 22:14). Dreams associated with death can cause us to reflect on the core principles of the plan of salvation. They are a testimony that God loves and succors His children.

Learn more about how we receive revelation through dreams in the podcast with Dr. Kenneth L. Alford below:

“I Received My Commision to Preach the Gospel”

Andrew C. Nelson, grandfather of President Russell M. Nelson, reported:

“On the night of April 6th, 1891, I had a strange dream or vision in which I saw and conversed with my father who died January 27, 1891.”

“When father came to the bed, he first said: ‘Well, my son, being you were not there . . . when I died, so that I did not get to see you, and as I had a few spare minutes. . . .’

“‘What have you been doing since you died, father?’ . . .

“‘My son, I have been traveling together with Apostle Erastus Snow ever since I died; that is, since three days after I died; then I received my commission to preach the Gospel. You can not imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the Spirit world that have not yet received the Gospel; but many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends, who are still living, to administer for them in the Temples. I have been very busy in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.’

“‘Will all the spirits believe you, father, when you teach them the Gospel?’ ‘No, they will not.’

“‘How are you and mother, the boys, Emillie and the girls getting along?’ ‘I am well, father, and when I last heard from Redmond the folks there were well.’

‘Father, can you see us at all times, and do you know what we are doing?’ ‘No, my son, I can not. I have something else to do. I can not go when and where I please. There is just as much, and much more, order here in the Spirit world than in the other world. I have been assigned work and that must be performed.’

“‘We intend to go to the Temple and get sealed to you as soon as my school is closed. I have talked with the girls about it and they want to be sealed to you.’ ‘That, my son, is partly what I came to see you about. We will yet make a family and live throughout Eternity.’

“‘How do you feel at all times, father?’ ‘I feel splendid, and enjoy my labors; still, I must admit that at times I get a little lonesome to see my family; but it is only a short time till we will again see each other.’

“‘O, father, how glad I am that you died in full faith in the Gospel, and in full fellowship in the Church.’ ‘Well, my son, your father always did know since he joined the Church that the Gospel was true, and you know that I always taught it to you, when you were a small boy. I got a little stubborn, but who is there of us that has not been a little cross and naughty at times. The short time that I was cross does not amount to 15 minutes in comparison to Eternity. I was punished for it. But it is all right. My son, you take care that you do not get that way.’

“‘Father, is it natural to die? Or does it seem natural? Was there not a time when your spirit was in such a pain that it could not realize what was going on or taking place?’ ‘No, my son, there was not such a time. It is just as natural to die, as it is to be born, or for you to pass out of that door (here he pointed at the door). When I had told the folks that I could not last long, it turned dark and I could not see anything for a few minutes. Then, the first thing I could see was a number of spirits in the Spirit world. Then, I told the folks that I must go. The paper you gave me, my son, is dated wrong, but it makes no particular difference; correct records are kept here.’

“‘Father, is the principle and doctrine of the Resurrection as taught us true?’ ‘True. Yes, my son, as true as can be. You can not avoid being Resurrected. It is just as natural for all to be Resurrected as it is to be born and die again. No one can avoid being Resurrected. There are many spirits in the Spirit world who would to God that there would be no Resurrection.’

“‘Father, is the Gospel as taught by this Church true?’ ‘My son, do you see that picture’ (pointing to a picture of the First Presidency of the Church hanging on the wall)? ‘Yes, I see it.’ ‘Well, just as sure as you see that picture, just so sure is the Gospel true. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power of saving every man and woman that will obey it, and in no other way can they ever obtain a salvation in the Kingdom of God. My son, always cling to the Gospel. Be humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the Priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. Never do anything that will displease God. O, what a blessing is the Gospel! My son, be a good boy.’

“‘Good bye.’

“I then saw him leave the room. He was neatly dressed in a suit of light gray clothes, which I had never seen him wear when alive.’”

Source: Spencer J. Condie, Russell M. Nelson, 9–11.

http://www.ldsliving.com/The-Night-President-Nelson-s-Grandfather-Spoke-to-His-Deceased-Dad-in-a-Dream-His-Comforting-Message/s/91290?utm_source=ldsliving&utm_medium=email

When Pancho Villa Appeared

When Pancho Villa Appeared Asking for Temple Work

By Anne Hinton Pratt · August 6, 2019

Cover image via Huffington Post.

Pancho Villa needed help! In his lifetime, he had been a revolutionary leader, brilliant strategist and even the President of Mexico, but in the realm of spirits he was lost, and knew he needed assistance.  He came from beyond the grave to seek out and ask the one man who he felt could help him in his eternal quest.  Here’s how it happened:

Pancho Villa was the Robin Hood of his day

Pancho felt that the wealthy ruling class of Mexico were grinding on the face of the poor.  He rebelled against the government and assembled and led the largest army ever in Latin America. The people loved him, but to the authorities and government of the time, he was considered an outlaw, a rebel, and a very bad man. 

Captured and Imprisoned as Spies

During the Mexican Revolution, James Elbert Whetten (Bert), was the Mission President in Chihuahua.  Several years into the conflict, President Whetten and a Stake President (President Bentley), were captured and imprisoned by Villa’s men and accused of being spies for the American army. President Whetten demanded to speak to the leaders who had apprehended them. After three days of his insisting, he was finally given an audience with Villa and top military advisors. 

Execution or Spirit-driven Discussion?

After a few hours, President Whetten discovered that he was being put on trial. It was his burden to prove to them that he was a Mormon missionary and not a spy.  What was planned by the military brass to be a very short trial, ending in execution, became a 3- hour discussion about what the Church was doing in Mexico; the Book of Mormon; and the principles of the Gospel as applied by members of the Church in Mexico. 

“Is There Any Hope for Me?”

During this discussion Pancho and his top leaders were very impressed. In fact, one of his Generals, Felipe Angeles who was there stated,

“These men are doing with words and with books, what we’re trying to do with guns!” 

Pancho agreed with him, and then addressing President Whetten, soulfully asked,

 “I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I’m not proud of.  Do you think there is any hope for someone like me?”  

President Whetten assured him that there WAS hope for him.  Both Villa and Angeles said they wanted to learn more, and after the war they would find out more about the Gospel.  They gave President Whetten a letter of safe passage through any areas controlled by their soldiers, noting that the letter could also be his death warrant if the federal troops found it on his possession. 

Villa and his armies eventually took over and a new government was formed.  He became President of Mexico.  After ONE DAY, however, he realized that that job wasn’t for him.  He didn’t feel that he had the right education or temperament, and VOLUNTARILY gave over his Presidency to another, and was promptly double crossed and put in jail by the new president.  He was killed a few years later by enemies.

Pancho Villa Appears

FIVE DECADES LATER, in the middle of the night Bert Whetten woke from a sound sleep and was astonished to see Pancho Villa standing above the ground at the foot of his bed. 

Pancho seemed very sad and asked for Elder Whetten’s help.  He said,

“There is a beautiful city where everything is perfect.  I’ve tried and tried to get in, but they say I can’t get in without your help.”

Elder Whetten understanding what he was referring to replied,

“Well, President Bentley is on the other side of the veil with you. He can help you.”  But Pancho said,

“No, they said he can’t help me!”  

Elder Whetten responded,

“Ok, I’ll do what I can.”

Bert Whetten Clearing the Way for Temple Work

The next morning, feeling driven and determined, Bert Whetten got up and drove to Chihuahua City to meet with Villa’s widow and get pertinent dates and permission to do his temple work.  He later travelled to Mesa, Arizona, the nearest temple and announced to the temple president,

“I’m here to do the work for Pancho Villa.”

“The temple president was astounded and strongly resisted saying,

“No, you can’t do that! He was a notoriously bad man, and we don’t do temple work for people like that!”                                                                                                                                           

When Elder Whetten heard that, he got a big smile on his face, and said,

“I thought you might say that.” 

He then took out a letter he had obtained from the First Presidency allowing him to do Pancho’s work.  He was perhaps the only one alive who had the knowledge to convince the First Presidency of Villa’s inner workings.

That day Bert Whetten did the temple work for Doroteo Arango (a.k.a. Pancho Villa), a selfless act of service and love.

Just a side note.  Before Bert Whetten did the temple work in the early 1960’s, Pancho Villa was considered a villain and an outlaw throughout the world as well as in Mexico.  AFTER that time however, something changed, and historians and the Mexican Secretary of Education began writing about him as a great liberator.  Now he is considered a hero in Mexico.  

https://latterdaysaintmag.com/when-pancho-villa-appeared-asking-for-temple-work/