My name is Bentley Fisco. I am the 2nd oldest of the Fisco Children but the first tallest of the whole family! I am a 7th grader at Bella Vista Middle School. I enjoy long walks on the beach and I am currently single.
Today I would like to share a story from our church history. It’s about WW Phelps. Brother Phelps was a good friend to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He helped print the first copies of the Doctrine and Covenants, he helped as a scribe to the Book of Abraham, and even wrote 35 of the original 90 songs that were in the first church hymn book. After being a member of the church for 8 years, WW Phelps was given the responsibility to purchase land for the building of a temple in Far West, Missouri. Instead of using all of the funds that were given for this purpose, he pocketed some of the money. Many families had sacrificed greatly to raise this money, and he had just stolen some of it! When it was discovered, he denied that he had done that and was subsequently excommunicated from the church. WW Phelps vowed revenge. He helped to bring charges against the church and against Joseph Smith, his former friend. This led to the extermination order, which led to the deaths of many church members, including children. Joseph Smith was taken into custody and spent the freezing winter months in jail. It was in this jail that Joseph Smith went through huge trials such as food poisoning, constant hunger, freezing temperatures, and at one point they even tried to feed him human flesh! It was a terrible time. A year after Joseph Smith was released from the Liberty Jail, WW Phelps asked for forgiveness for his actions. He apologized for stealing the money, for testifying against the prophet, and for all of the suffering that he had caused. Without holding a grudge, Joseph Smith replied back to WW Phelps “come now that the war has passed, for friends at first shall be friends at last.” WW Phelps went on to rejoin the church and write more songs, including the hymn “Praise to the Man” which honors the prophet.
I imagine that it took a lot of courage for brother Phelps to admit he was wrong, to recognize the suffering he’d caused, and to seek forgiveness. I can follow that example and seek forgiveness from people I have wronged. I can also follow the example of the prophet and quickly forgive those who have wronged me without seeking vengeance. I know that as I do this, Heavenly Father will bless me with His spirit.
I am grateful for the example of friendship that I have seen in stories like I just shared and amongst the examples that I see around me here at church. At school I have seen some people be mean to each other and disrespectful of others who are different that they are. We are taught here at church to be kind to everyone. My favorite primary song says “Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly, too.” I strive to do this wherever I am. At school there was a boy who was very different from me. He had a different background, spoke with a small accent, had a different religion and a different friends group. Sometimes he could be a bit of a trouble maker. But I always treated him with respect because I know that’s what the Saviour would want me to do. This youngman passed away unexpectedly about a week and a half ago. I feel sad that he has died, but I know God has a plan for him and his family. I am grateful to know that I always treated him with respect and kindness even though we were so different from each other. Although I will miss seeing him in class, I am certain he is at peace.
I know that God loves each of us and that we can grow closer to Him by loving and serving His children here on earth. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
