A Pioneer Miracle Story, Mons and Elna Larson

A loving Heavenly Father does not leave His children to struggle alone through difficult circumstances, but instead lifts, and strengthens through the trials. Many early Latter-day Saints were converts from Europe and left the homes to move to the Rocky Mountains. The handcart pioneers had some of the most difficult experiences crossing the plains. This story comes from the Geoge Rowley Handcart Company when the could Mons and Elna Larson were suffering from lack of food and supplies. This account was written by they grandson Elliot.

Mons and Elna Larson, from Sweden were 1859 pioneers. This couple saw a miracle of God when their company’s provisions began to run out. Company members were rationed to one pint of flour per person a day. The struggle of pulling the handcart all day with so little food wore on the young couple. Their energy was dwindling, but they put their trust in their Father in Heaven.

The miracle occurred one evening as the Larsons camped near a river. While Mons was out fishing that night, Elna saw a tree about a mile away from their campsite and felt inspired to go to it. As Elna walked to the tree “To her great surprise, there she found a pile of dry bread,” Elliott wrote. “She gathered it all in her apron and was so overjoyed that she sat down and wept.”

The same night Mons also caught several fish, and the Larsons brought these extra provisions back to their campsite.

“So that night they had a full meal, the first for many days, thus preserving their lives until help reached them,” Elliott recorded.

"We are all required to make journeys of faith. That is the gospel plan. Our path may not be crossing an ocean or walking alone from an empty train station. But whatever it is, it will demand faith in every footstep. Years from now your grandchildren will tell with amazement stories of your choices which changed their lives. You will be called their pioneers." -Bonnie D. Parkin

References:

https://www.thechurchnews.com/2017/7/20/23212427/miracles-help-pioneers-overcome-obstacles-move-forward-with-faith

https://www.thechurchnews.com/2017/7/20/23212428/mormon-pioneers-remembered-for-legacy-of-faith