Missionary moments: 'What a reward'
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Missionaries often do not know the extent of their work — or learn of it decades later. What a reward it is when one does learn of some unknown successes.
In the fall of 1950, I was in Preston, England, finishing up a year's missionary assignment in England. (I had previously served in Czechoslovakia until our mission was closed, and I was transferred to England.)
When the British Mission president learned I was a descendant of Heber C. Kimball, he immediately sent me to Preston where my great-great-grandfather had opened the British Mission in 1837.
Shortly before I left Preston, my companion, Elder Bradshaw, and I had a few visits with the Harry Fawcett family, which showed guarded interest. I later learned they had accepted the restoration, but we lost complete contact with each other.
Then, in late 2000, dear Sister Fawcett (who was then 86 years old and living in Salt Lake City) learned my address and wrote me.
Her letter reads, in part: "At last I am about to write and let you know what came of one of your last visits in Preston during the end of your mission. We just last week bade farewell to the 10th missionary, fruits of your final labor in Preston, not bad is it — all grandchildren. John and Eric served in Ireland and London, they were the little boys you met on your visits with us. . . . Both have remained very active in the Church and been in bishoprics.
"Brother and Sister [Ronald] Hughes who you met at the same time as my family have worked well and long in the Church. Ronald died at the London Temple where they were temple workers. I was a volunteer for 14 years at family history. . . . I also help out at the local family history three hours each Monday. So you see, even a rude contact turned out pretty well. I have wanted to eat my rude words to you and Elder Bradshaw many times over all these years. I hope I have been forgiven."
She also brought me up to date on some of the Church members and missionaries I would have known back in 1950.
I was so grateful for her news. Indeed the fruits of missionary work are sweet and comforting when one learns of them.
— Stanley B. Kimball, Glen Carbon, Ill.
Another in the series of "Missionary Moments."
Illustration by John Clark.
