George Riser Faith

 Yesterday I did a virtual tour of Nauvoo.  My kids started off watching but soon walked off to other things (Michelle would probably have watched...but she was napping).  The sister missionaries told church history stories and connected them to our reading in Come Follow Me in Helaman 13-16.

One of the stories they told was of George and Christiana Riser.  They had heard about the Mormons and so they moved to Nauvoo to learn more.  George opened a boot shop there with his brother.  they learned more and wanted to be baptized.  Then their son, John Jacob, became very ill.  They asked Joseph to give him a blessing.  Joseph blessed him that he would be healed and he was.  The Risers were so anxious to be baptized that they went to the river the next day.  It was December 12, 1842 and very cold so  a hole had to be cut into the Mississippi River for them to be baptized.  About a year and a half later, John Jacob became ill again.  Joseph returned again to bless John Jacob.  This time he didn't feel he could bless him to be healed and soon the young boy died.  The Risers stayed true.  Their faith was in Christ and they knew He lived.  That must have been so hard but I'm impressed by their faith and courage.

LESSONS LEARNED:  Faith can be strengthened through healings, signs, and miracles but miracles and signs alone won't produce faith.

Our faith must be securely anchored in Jesus Christ.

Trials and afflictions will come to us agll.