Healing of H. Francis in Birmingham

“On Tuesday last, July 26th, about 10:50 a.m., I was following my employment as fitter and turner. While attending to a gas engine, the ignition tube exploded, a portion of which hit me between the eyes, the red hot shale filling both of them. My master stood by me at the time. He and all who saw it thought I was blinded for life. I was led out of the workshop and taken to Birmingham Eye Hospital, where two doctors attended me. They were a considerable time operating upon my eyes. I reached home about 2 p.m. In the meantime my employers had sent word of the accident to my wife, saying she was not to leave the house. In case I was detained she would be sent for, otherwise to be prepared for any emergency. After praying, she at once sent a few lines to President William O. Creer, asking him to come and administer to me. He and Elder George Thomas arrived at my home about 7:30 p.m. In the meantime, my food and drink had to be placed in my hands, and I had to be led from one chair to another. When the gas was lighted I could distinguish no difference. About 8:30 I was administered to, and then I went to bed. Next morning I could see a little out of my left eye. As the day wore on one got stronger, and the sight gradually came to the other and by night I was able to see out of both. On Thursday I went out by myself, down to the works. I bear this testimony to all, showing that the Lord restored my sight through His servants the Elders. It was a miracle. My heart is full of thankfulness and praise to my Heavenly Father, and I feel grateful to the Elders for their promptitude and goodness in coming. — Millennial Star 66:32”