President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently visited the Prophet Joseph Smith's birthplace in Sharon, Vermont.
In a new Church News video, both apostles testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and share what it means to them to be able to visit his birthplace.
"We're at the birthplace of a prophet of God, a prophet to give us the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ," said President Ballard. "For me, it's a very humbling experience."
Elder Christofferson also noted Joseph Smith's impact historically.
"The way the Lord seems to do things, out of very humble circumstances and this spot — very small home — and there's born a babe who will change the course of history."
The visit has special meaning to President Ballard, as Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith are his great-great-great-uncle and great-great-grandfather, respectively. In the video, President Ballard notes that he often looks at the busts of his ancestors and states that seeing them motivates him to proclaim the Restoration of the gospel to the world.
"I look at them, and I think I hear them say, 'Get going boy, and do something worthwhile. Tell the world what's happened.' So to me, I get nudged big time when I see them and see what they did and what they gave. Then I feel obligated to do everything I can to declare and to teach that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is once again upon the earth."
