Holy Places
In the spring of 1993, our family (including Youth Missionaries Jeff Anger and
Aaron Bailey) traveled to Harmony, Pennsylvania to visit the baptismal site on
the Susquehanna River. We sang and laughed as we made the long drive there.
We visited the cemetery and viewed the monuments commemorating the
baptism of Oliver Cowdrey and Joseph Smith, Jr. We then hiked down the hill
and across the railroad tracks to the river’s edge. Because of the tracks on our
side and the steepness of the slope on the opposite side of the river, it seemed
as though the river in that place had been untouched, and probably looked
much as it did back in Joseph’s day.
There is an inlet right about where we arrived at the riverside, and we wondered
if this could be the very spot where Joseph and Oliver had been baptized.
Because there was virtually no movement of the water in the inlet, the water was
completely covered with algae and whatever else would make it so thick with
green ‘stuff’ that it nearly looked solid. We all commented on the ‘gross’, murky
appearance of the water in that area. I warned the children not to fall in there,
because I wasn’t sure if I’d want to go in to rescue them!
Everyone spent some private time along the river, exploring, collecting stones,
praying, meditating, singing quietly, and experiencing the peace that pervaded
that place. After a period of time, we gathered to sing and pray together. The
Spirit rested on each one of us, from the youngest (Katie) to the oldest
(George). Although I am not one who looks everywhere for angels, I was sure
that I sensed angelic presence there. It seemed as though they were keeping
watch over that holy place, keeping it sacred, and abiding there until all that has
been promised comes to pass.
As we turned to quietly leave the river’s edge, we saw the most wonderful thing.
The water that had been so dark and green and thick was now crystal clear.
Gone was the murky green ‘stuff’. We could clearly see rocks on the bottom of
the river bed more than 15 yards from shore. We marveled at the goodness of
God, whose power and majesty were evidenced in a secluded, and in the world’
s eyes, insignificant place. He confirmed to us that the Restoration Gospel is
true and that Joseph was indeed a prophet.
I also came to understand that the power and grace of God can wash away the
muck and debris and darkness in my heart, and make it clean and pure. He can
replace that which is stagnant with that which is a peaceful, reflection of His
beauty.
Our God is an awesome God!
In the spring of 1993, our family (including Youth Missionaries Jeff Anger and
Aaron Bailey) traveled to Harmony, Pennsylvania to visit the baptismal site on
the Susquehanna River. We sang and laughed as we made the long drive there.
We visited the cemetery and viewed the monuments commemorating the
baptism of Oliver Cowdrey and Joseph Smith, Jr. We then hiked down the hill
and across the railroad tracks to the river’s edge. Because of the tracks on our
side and the steepness of the slope on the opposite side of the river, it seemed
as though the river in that place had been untouched, and probably looked
much as it did back in Joseph’s day.
There is an inlet right about where we arrived at the riverside, and we wondered
if this could be the very spot where Joseph and Oliver had been baptized.
Because there was virtually no movement of the water in the inlet, the water was
completely covered with algae and whatever else would make it so thick with
green ‘stuff’ that it nearly looked solid. We all commented on the ‘gross’, murky
appearance of the water in that area. I warned the children not to fall in there,
because I wasn’t sure if I’d want to go in to rescue them!
Everyone spent some private time along the river, exploring, collecting stones,
praying, meditating, singing quietly, and experiencing the peace that pervaded
that place. After a period of time, we gathered to sing and pray together. The
Spirit rested on each one of us, from the youngest (Katie) to the oldest
(George). Although I am not one who looks everywhere for angels, I was sure
that I sensed angelic presence there. It seemed as though they were keeping
watch over that holy place, keeping it sacred, and abiding there until all that has
been promised comes to pass.
As we turned to quietly leave the river’s edge, we saw the most wonderful thing.
The water that had been so dark and green and thick was now crystal clear.
Gone was the murky green ‘stuff’. We could clearly see rocks on the bottom of
the river bed more than 15 yards from shore. We marveled at the goodness of
God, whose power and majesty were evidenced in a secluded, and in the world’
s eyes, insignificant place. He confirmed to us that the Restoration Gospel is
true and that Joseph was indeed a prophet.
I also came to understand that the power and grace of God can wash away the
muck and debris and darkness in my heart, and make it clean and pure. He can
replace that which is stagnant with that which is a peaceful, reflection of His
beauty.
Our God is an awesome God!
| Testimony of Robin Neill |
