Sustained Support

George A. Smith — Divine Sustenance During 1839 Mission

Published August 31, 2026 at 12:09 AM

1830s · 1839
Nauvoo, Illinois
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When George A. Smith was called to his mission in England in 1839, he was suffering from such extreme illness that he had to be physically carried to the wagon to begin his journey from Nauvoo. During the arduous travel, his health was so poor that he lost all the hair on his head. He recounted times of extreme privation where he went for three days without food while traveling to fulfill his calling. Despite these life-threatening conditions and his physical frailty, he was divinely preserved and sustained to reach his destination and complete his missionary service, later testifying that his survival was a result of God's protection.

Sources & References

Phyllis Lister, 'The Life and Times of George A. Smith,' DUP History Collection; [George A. Smith: The Nauvoo Legion, Etc (Journal of Discourses)](https://journalofdiscourses.com/1/13) (research confidence: high)

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