Description

A Perfect Column of Light

DelLynn Leavitt was called to serve as a missionary in San Juan Puerto Rico in March 1980. He loved the country, the food, the people, but he struggled to learn the language and to be able to teach the Gospel. He saw other missionaries having success, but not him. Then, he was transferred to a new area. The missionaries stayed on an old estate once owned by a doctor, which the Church now owned and intended to build on. It was large, fenced, and rife with vegetation and life. Elder Leavitt said it reminded him of the Garden of Eden.

However, Elder Leavitt became discouraged over his inability to communicate in Spanish. He shares the following details,

So early one P-day I ventured out into the garden to pour my soul out to the Lord. It had been raining and the grounds were full of rising mist which made everything seem even greener and more beautiful in an almost magical way. I was reminded of the First Vision with the birds singing and a slight breeze stirring the trees…. I carefully looked all around me to make sure I was truly alone then I knelt down and began to cast my sorrows heavenwards, as tears rolled down my face and drenched my downtrodden soul. I told the Lord of my trials and troubles. How I only wanted to share my testimony and love with the great people of Puerto Rico.

And did the Lord Almighty hear? Remember when Amulek said, “You must pour out your soul in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness” (Alma 34:26) In such places the world cannot see us or hear us, but the Lord can and He answers. Elder Leavitt said,

The Spirit…became so strong at that moment that my sorrows quickly faded away and I truly felt the love and understanding of God. Then I suddenly sensed that everything around me had grown as bright as the noon day sun!…Slowly I opened one eye and then the other only to realize that, on that cloudy day, the sun had just broken through the clouds, through the trees and in a perfect column of light descended down to the very spot that I had chosen to pray!

It was a miracle and proof to the humble missionary that if God could answer him in a such a remarkable way, He could help him learn and understand Spanish—and he did. Elder Leavitt said, “that spot, it became a sacred and holy place to me ever after.”

Elder Leavitt went on to fulfill a successful mission and to this day speaks in love and praise of the people of Puerto Rico.

Oh, and by the way, that sacred garden spot where his prayer was so profoundly answered is now the new Puerto Rico Temple.

Source: Leavitt