Brother Christiansen's Dislocated Shoulder Healed Through Divine Power

Brother Christiansen served as chaplain of the Danish Saints traveling with the Stoddard Company—the last handcart company to cross the plains in 1860. The company camped near Independence Rock, Wyoming. One evening, a few wagon teams from the valley came to visit and spent the evening with them. Around ten or eleven o'clock at night, as the teams were departing and feeling joyful, they shouted, hurrahed, and fired off pistols as they left. The Danish Saints, who had already gone to bed in their tents and were asleep, were suddenly aroused by the terrible commotion. Thinking the shouts meant 'Indians!' were attacking, they panicked and rushed toward the tent door to escape. Brother Christiansen, a small man lying at the tent door, attempted to exit with the others, but the rush was too powerful and sudden. He was trampled underfoot by the panicked crowd. When he finally got free, he discovered his shoulder was completely out of joint, with the knuckle below the socket. The next morning, one of the brethren took initiative and, using his knee as a lever, attempted to manipulate the shoulder back into its socket. In a miraculous moment, the shoulder suddenly snapped back into place with complete restoration. Brother Christiansen's injury healed fully, and he was able to continue on with the company without lasting damage. This powerful healing demonstrated the Lord's protective power and His willingness to heal His people even in the midst of trials on the frontier.