Elder Richard Ballantyne and Missionary Companions Divinely Guided and Protected in California
Published October 4, 2026 at 7:40 AM
Contributed by
Millennial Star Research
While traveling from San Bernardino to San Francisco and then preparing for missions to the Sandwich Islands, Australia, Hindostan, Siam, and China, Elder Richard Ballantyne and his companions experienced the fulfillment of prophecies concerning them. The group faced significant financial needs, but through the spirit of the Lord and the generosity of the Saints—particularly Brother Horner and Brother Sparks—they were provided for in every way, confirming that the Lord operates to open their way.
In Their Own Words
“We had several meetings, wherein the Spirit of the Lord was bountifully enjoyed, and the hearts of many made to rejoice. Many testified that never since the settlement of that place had they felt so much of the Spirit of the Lord. And I can truly say, that we felt, that in every place the prophecies concerning us had been amply fulfilled. Truly the Lord is gracious to those holding the Priesthood in these last days! His hand operates mightily to open our way, and facilitate the prosecution of our journey. — Millennial Star 15:14”
Sources & References
The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star (Manchester, later Liverpool, England, May 1840–1970), 2 April 1853 (Vol. 15, No. 14). https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_the-latter-day-saints-millennial-star_1853-04-02_15_14 (account extracted verbatim from the issue's Internet Archive OCR text; research confidence: high)
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