Faith of the South Pacific, with President Monson

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President Thomas S. Monson was a great example of ministering to "the one". He had the most loving heart and taught by example. A common topic from President Monson was how the Lord uses imperfect people to bring about His purposes on the Earth. President Monson's biography, “To the Rescue, a biography of Thomas S. Monson” there are many accounts of Thomas S. Monson listening to the Spirit and miracles were witnessed. This account transpired when Thomas S. Monson visited Upolu, Samoa and President Monson was an answer to the prayers of the young people.

In 1965 the young apostle Thomas S. Monson journeyed to Samoa and had a stop at the school in Sauniatu. After, the meeting Elder Monson had a nagging feeling to shake the hands of each of the youth who attended. The leadership group was on a tight schedule, and he was not sure if he would have time to make the other appointments and take the time to shake the hands of the kids. Then, he had the same feeling again, to shake all the hands of the children. He knew the feeling had come from the Lord and acted on it. Elder Monson turned to the administrator, and asked if it would be possible to shake the hands of all the kids in attendance? The administrator responded with an outburst of joy and explained to Elder Monson saying: "Our prayers have been answered. I told the children that if they had faith, and that if they all prayed that the apostle of the Lord would personally greet each one of them when he visited Sauniatu."

President Thomas S. Monson was very human about his ability to respond to the Spirit. He never made himself out to be better, but worked to listen to the Spirit when he felt it. While recounting this experience he shared some of the struggles he experienced, that he was worried about the time restraint with the leadership group. He did not want to hold everyone up, simply on a whim. He was worried that it would be an inconvenience to many, while he took this time to meet the children. He said that he did not automatically know that the thought had come from the Lord. It was only when the thought had come a second time that he recognized it as the Spirit of the Lord prompting him.

Bednar said: I frequently have heard President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, counsel members and priesthood leaders, “If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much.” His observation should help all of us to appropriately desire and seek these spiritual gifts.

Observing and discerning also enable us to assist others who are seeking to obtain the path and who desire to press forward with steadfastness in Christ. Blessed with these spiritual gifts, we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost. And we can hope to obtain the supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe. As Alma taught his son Helaman, “See that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:47).

Gary E. Stevenson "Promptings of the Spirit" in October 2023 said: "As we listen and act on spiritual promptings, the Holy Ghost magnifies our abilities and capacities to far exceed what we can do on our own. These precious spiritual gifts will help us in every aspect of our lives."

Faith in American Samoa

Later, that same year President Monson made his way out to the South Pacific Area, this time with President Hugh B. Brown. They had planned to visit Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia. They arrived in Auckland New Zealand on October 21, 1965. They addressed a large group of Saints.

The Brethren stopped at a Church school in Mapusage, American Samoa, where they witnessed a miracle through the faith of the Saints of the school. A severe drought had completely depleted the water supply, which was totally dependent upon rainfall. During the early morning conference sessions, the heavens opened up and drenched the area with rain. A pilot who had arrived shortly after the downpour said "This is the most unusual weather patter I have ever seen. Not a cloud in the sky except over the Mormon school at Mapusaga. I don't understand it!"

In a talk by Richard G. Scott he said:

"Brothers and sisters, sometimes our prayers are answered quickly with the outcome we hope for. Sometimes our prayers are not answered in the way we hope for, yet with time we learn that God had greater blessings prepared for us than we initially anticipated. And sometimes our righteous petitions to God will not be granted in this life. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “Faith also includes trust in God’s timing.”

We have the assurance that in His own way and in His own time, Heavenly Father will bless us and resolve all of our concerns, injustices, and disappointments.

I know that God hears our prayers. I know that as an all-knowing, loving Father, He answers our prayers perfectly, according to His infinite wisdom, and in ways that will be to our ultimate benefit and blessing. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

References:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2006/12/quick-to-observe?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/25stevenson?lang=eng

"To The Rescue" Pres monsons biography

"Answers to Prayer" by Richard G. Scott April 2019 General Conference