Elder John Johannesson's Protection and Prophetic Warning in Reykjavik

While preaching in Reykjavik, Iceland, Elder John Johannesson encountered severe opposition. During a public meeting shortly after his arrival, a group of approximately twenty ruffians accosted him. As he began to speak, the mob began to make bird-like noises, 'squeaking and holloing,' and crying like chickens. They then pelted him and the attendees with beans, creating a scene like a hail-storm. When the physical assault with beans proved insufficient to silence him, the mob escalated their actions until a bean struck Elder Johannesson in the eye, causing him significant pain. He was forced to conclude the meeting, but not before he testified to the gathered crowd with 'great power and the spirit of prophecy' regarding the divine judgments that would befall them due to their iniquities. He boldly declared he was not afraid, asserting that even if they killed him, he was prepared to seal his testimony with his blood. Shortly thereafter, the lights were extinguished; as he attempted to leave through the door, an assailant struck him on the head and smashed his hat to pieces. Despite the damage, he was able to mend the hat with the help of local women and continued to wear it. On April 29, 1901, following the persistent rejection of the gospel in the capital, Elder Johannesson and his companion, Elder Lorenzo Anderson, performed the ordinance of washing their feet as a symbolic testimony against the inhabitants of Reykjavik.