And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel. - D&C 138:29-31.
Early one morning in June 1981, my dad and I were delivering the local paper to some customers "out in the country." I fell asleep at the wheel and crossed into the path of another car. My dad was killed instantly; I was seriously injured. Sixteen days in the hospital helped me on the road to recovery and back to work. My body was functioning quite well but my spirit was agonizing because of my dad's death. I asked my Heavenly Father, "Why?" as I prayed, at the same time acknowledging His will in all things. I would many times cry myself to sleep, always asking, "Why?" I felt responsible for his death.
One day in December 1981, while reading the vision by the Prophet Joseph F. Smith concerning the redemption of the dead, three verses impressed me so much that it brought a calming peace to my soul. My eyes had truly been opened and my understanding quickened. I knew then and there why my dad had passed away, where he was, and what he was doing. He had been called as a chosen messenger to declare the light of the gospel to the spirits in prison. My dad was a high priest and had no guile within him. I miss him so much, but I know he is on his mission.
