David O. McKay Around the World: An Apostolic Mission: Prelude to Church Globalization

Description

Two devoted servants on the Lord's errand. One historic mission that changed the world. Many years before he became the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David O. McKay, spread the gospel on an extraordinary mission around the world. This mission broadened the horizons of the Church, and provided unforgettable spiritual experiences for the future prophet. In 1920, Elder McKay was called by President Heber J. Grant to visit the Orient, the Pacific, Asia, and the Armenian Saints in Syria. President Grant selected Hugh J. Cannon, a son of George Q. Cannon and the Liberty Stake President, to accompany him. Over the course of a year, from December 4, 1920 to December 23, 1921, they sought out Church members in remote areas, and they had numerous spiritual experiences that demonstrated the hand of the Lord in their efforts. Their many accomplishments included: • The dedication of the land of China by Elder McKay for the preaching of the gospel • A powerful visit to the land of Palestine where the Savior once walked • An excursion to Egypt and the Great Pyramids • Perilous journeys to Pacific islands where mighty miracles were performed • Inspiring meetings with missionaries throughout Europe Following their return to the United States, Elder McKay asked President Cannon to write down these experiences, which he did. A serialized travelogue of their journey was soon published in the Deseret News, but very few of the spiritual events were included. The completed handwritten manuscript was later submitted for publication, but unfortunately the publisher misplaced it, and it was not found for many years. President McKay himself hoped for the day the manuscript would be found, so that these memorable experiences could "reach the young people of the Church, that their faith too might be increased." Now, more than eighty years later, the details of that historic journey have finally come forth.