Wendell Mendenhall's Healing from Loss of Voice

While serving as a Church leader in New Zealand during the intense preparations for the temple groundbreaking in 1958, Wendell B. Mendenhall found himself on a demanding speaking tour. In the midst of this work, he suffered a complete loss of his voice, rendered unable to speak above a whisper. Deeply concerned about his upcoming duty to speak at the New Zealand Temple groundbreaking ceremony the following day, Mendenhall was in his home around nine o'clock that evening when two young Maori men arrived. Without hesitation or asking if he desired a blessing, the two men walked in and declared, 'We have come to bless you, to heal you, that you can speak tomorrow and fulfil your assignment.' Their faith was absolute. They laid their hands upon his head and administered to him. The next morning at the temple grounds, the program began with the congregation singing, 'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.' When Mendenhall attempted to join in the singing, his voice failed him once more. Distressed, he looked to his right and saw one of the young men who had blessed him the previous night kneeling in prayer under a tree. Faith fortified by this sight, Mendenhall stood when it was his turn to address the gathering; his voice was entirely restored, clear and perfect.