Cast Testimonies Continued:
My testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet has a whole new dimension that I didn’t even realize was missing. He was real - he had a family, friends, personal responsibilities, just like everyone else. Of course I always knew that, but in a scholarly sort of way. As the cast members worked diligently to bring to life real journal entries from people that did have the opportunity to meet him my appreciation for Joseph Smith grew. He gave of his material goods to many individual people, even when his family was struggling. He prayed for individuals, played with children, constantly sought knowledge and learning, and worked hard. He was often the first to volunteer for hard labor when it was needed. It overwhelms me to recognize God’s hand in pruning and shaping Joseph Smith into the amazing Prophet that he was. My favorite scene is the journal entry of William Cahoon. As a young man he was assigned as a home teacher to Joseph Smith’s family (then called ward teacher). What an overwhelming responsibility! Yet still, the prophet Joseph invited him in, called his family to meet him, and respected William Cahoon. If Joseph Smith can take the time to be home taught, then shouldn’t I? Each of the journal entries exhibited small, yet admirable traits that I have felt impressed to work on in my life. I have to believe that feeling to do better in one’s life is exactly what it would have felt like to really meet Joseph Smith.
- Melissa S. (Assistant Director)