Maori Man Dead for Hours Restored to Life After Priesthood Blessing

During Elder Matthew Cowley's mission presidency in New Zealand, a Maori man died. By the time Cowley arrived, the man had been dead for some hours. The family, exercising great faith, had not allowed the body to be prepared for burial — they believed the mission president would come and raise him.

Cowley was deeply reluctant. He felt unworthy for such a task and was troubled by the weight of the family's expectation. But the faith of the Maori Saints was unshakeable. Cowley knelt, prayed, and then laid his hands on the man and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise.

The man came back to life.

Elder Cowley later said of the Maori people's faith: 'I've seen more miracles among the Maori people than I ever thought I'd see in my lifetime.' He described their faith as child-like and complete — they simply expected God to act, and He did.