The Rockwell and Smith families were close friends while living in Manchester, New York (just outside of Palmyra).  Although he was eight years younger than the Prophet no one loved Joseph Smith more than Orrin Porter Rockwell.

While serving several months in a Missouri prison on false charges, Porter let his hair and beard grow long.  Once released, Porter walked over 200 miles to Nauvoo and arrived at the home of Joseph Smith during the middle of a Christmas Eve party.  Not being recognized by anyone, Porter walked into the home, acted as though he were drunk, and started to make a scene.  As the men of the party started to escort Porter out of the home, Joseph Smith asked them to wait a minute.  Carefully looking into Porter’s eyes, the Prophet finally realized it was his friend.  Joseph threw his arms around Porter and invited him to join in the festivities.

It is reported that Joseph promised Porter that night if he would remain faithful to the Church and did not cut his hair, he would be protected from bullets.  Countless stories have been told of this prophecy being fulfilled.

Porter never lost his love and devotion to the Smith family.  While visiting California, Porter paid a visit to the widow of Don Carlos, the youngest brother of Joseph Smith.  He found her to be suffering from the typhoid fever, and as a result of her sickness, she had lost all of her hair.  Porter had never cut his hair since that Christmas Eve long ago in Nauvoo and his hair now fell long over his shoulders.  Without a word, Porter told her, “Few men did I love as I loved Don Carlos and his brother Joseph, and it will never be said of me that I passed up an opportunity to do his widow a favor.”  He immediately went to the barber shop where he had his hair cut and made into a beautiful wig which he presented to his dear friend’s widow.

Interestingly, after the death of Don Carlos, his widow moved to California and left the church.  In fact, she even changed her name so no one would know of her past association with the Church and the Smith family.  Despite all this, the “Destroying Angel” still had love and compassion for her to the extent that he would cut his own hair even if he lost his prophetic protection from bullets.

Tom Pettit
www.LivingHeritageTours.com – LDS Church History Tour
LDS YOUTH Church History Tours – www.LDSYouthTours.com

As the storm set in, we feared our trek experience would be ruined.  136 children under the age of 12 were about to have soaked clothes and soaked sleeping bags before taking even one step along the Mormon Trail.  We prayed for a miracle.

In July 2016, 273 members of the Colony Pointe Ward traveled to Martin’s Cove in Wyoming to participate in a Pioneer Trek Reenactment.  We were excited to dress in our pioneer clothing and walk where the faithful Handcart Pioneers not only walked, but were miraculously rescued from death caused by freezing temperatures and hunger.

It was hot when we arrived early in the afternoon.  Most were tired from the 6-hour drive, but were looking forward to the 3-mile trek.  We gathered together only to be delayed by 2 hours because of a scheduling conflict.  The majority of our group was under the age of 12 and the children were getting very restless, hungry, and uncomfortable.  Somehow, everyone maintained a great positive attitude.

When it was finally time to start trekking, we put our handcarts in one long line and awaited final instruction before moving out.  As we stood outside waiting to begin, huge dark storm clouds gathered in the west and were quickly moving straight toward us.  We could see ahead of us the rain failing from these fast moving clouds.  It would only be a few minutes until the rain would be pouring down on us.

Planning for this trek had taken over a year.  Money had been saved for over three years.  Several activities had been held in preparation for our trip.  Pioneer clothing had been purchased or made.  The excitement level for our trek had been very high for several months.  The coordination of food, equipment, devotionals, musical numbers, and transportation required an unusual amount of preparation, commitment, and sacrifice by so many.

Now a storm was upon us.  We hadn’t even started our trek.  A rain storm would potentially dampen our positive and hopeful attitudes, and alter the trek we had hoped for for so long.  The leaders of the trek gathered to discuss our options.  Nothing.  Nothing could be done.  We could not wait out the storm and we could not hide from the storm.  Perhaps we could huddle under the handcarts and hope for the best.  We feared that wet clothing, wet feet, wet sleeping bags, and wet tents would ruin the experience for most in our group.

While standing on the very site where Heavenly Father so lovingly spared so many before us, He blessed our little group with a similar blessing.  Had I not seen it myself, I may not have believed what happened.  As the storm pushed on straight for us, and as we stood hoping for the best, the clouds split in two.  We saw the clouds race to the left of us, and to the right of us.  Only blue sky hung above us.  As quickly as the clouds spit in front of us, they rejoined right behind us.  Rain poured down immediately in front of us, immediately to our left and to our right, and immediately behind us.  We were spared!  Our equipment and clothing remained dry!  We could not help but recognize the hand of our Heavenly Father in preserving our wonderful Pioneer Trek!  Moroni asked if miracles have ceased.  He then gives a powerful testimony and response to his own question when he says, “Nay, God has not ceased to be a God of miracles”.

Heavenly Father is aware of each of us, collectively and individually.  He loves each individual.  He cares for each individual.  And even when it may not seem like a big deal to some, for others, the tender mercy of keeping dry while on trek was nothing short of a miracle.  The same God that calmed the storm tossed Sea of Galilee, and split the rain clouds over Martin’s Cove, can and will bring peace and happiness to each of us as we strive to follow Him, keep His commandments, and draw nearer to Him in our everyday lives.

Tom Pettit
http://www.LivingHeritageTours.com
http://www.LDSYouthTours.com – LDS Youth Church History Tours