Edward Stevenson's Spiritually Guided Meeting in Gibraltar

While serving as a missionary in Gibraltar, Edward Stevenson experienced a powerful spiritual manifestation while partaking of the Lord’s Supper with a small group of Saints. Following his arrival on March 8, 1853, Stevenson and his companion, Nathan T. Porter, faced immediate opposition from colonial authorities, who required Porter to leave the Rock after fifteen days. Stevenson, allowed to remain only because of his native birth, faced intense pressure and threats of imprisonment for his proselytizing efforts. Despite the branch being very small—consisting eventually of himself, one other Elder, one Priest, and seven members—the Lord acknowledged their faith during their meetings. Stevenson recorded that during one specific two-hour meeting, the outpouring of the Spirit brought him a profound sense of comfort. He felt his significant privations and toils were rewarded by the opportunity to behold the progress of the Everlasting Gospel in his native homeland, feeling as though he was witnessing the fruits of his labor despite the surrounding opposition.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

We were few, but a few partaking of the Lord’s Supper, in commemoration of his broken body and spilled blood, witnessing unto him a willingness to keep his commandments unto the end. Our Branch now consists of one Seventy, one Elder, one Priest, and seven members. The Lord did acknowledge our faith, and poured out His Spirit upon us, while near two hours passed in union, and I began to feel as though I was in some degree rewarded for my privations and toils, while beholding the work of the Everlasting Gospel in my native land, and the fruits of my labor, notwithstanding the opposition that surrounds us.