Mormon Apostle Expresses Faith after Significant Personal Illness and Suffering

Salt Lake City, Utah – Mormons gathered for a world-wide conference were given advice on how they can deal with severe illnesses, financial troubles, wayward children, and other trials and difficulties by an Apostle of Jesus Christ who has suffered through medical problems a number of times.

Elder Robert D. Hales (79), a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is no stranger to medical difficulties and physical challenges. He spoke of his personal medical struggles in October 2000, and when speaking to the same conference gathering in October 2011 he remained seated as he spoke because of his physical struggles.

The comments of Elder Hales in 2000 and again now were directed towards all who struggle with life´s many challenges. Eleven years ago he expressed the questions that most people have at one time or another.

"In the past two years, I have waited upon the Lord for mortal lessons to be taught me through periods of physical pain, mental anguish, and pondering. I learned that constant, intense pain is a great consecrating purifier that humbles us and draws us closer to God's Spirit. If we listen and obey, we will be guided by His Spirit and do His will in our daily endeavors," he stated in 2000 after recovering from three major surgeries.

"On a few occasions," he added, "I told the Lord that I had surely learned the lessons to be taught and that it wouldn't be necessary for me to endure any more suffering. Such entreaties seemed to be of no avail, for it was made clear to me that this purifying process of testing was to be endured in the Lord's time and in the Lord's own way."

Elder Hales has recently been incapacitated by illness again, and spoke to the gathering of more than 20,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center on Temple Square from his seat, rather than standing at the pulpit. Many of the more than 14 million Latter-day Saints living in over 100 countries around the world watched from local churches via satellite broadcast.

"I have often pondered, why is it that the Son of God and His holy prophets and all the faithful Saints have trials and tribulations, even when they are trying to do Heavenly Father´s will? Why is it so hard, especially for them," asked Elder Hales, expressing the questions that many may be thinking or asking. He then explained how he found some personal answers that may give strength to others.

Elder Hales counseled that answers come a little at a time through faith, prayer, scripture study and patience. He advised his listeners to wait upon the Lord. He said there will come a time for everyone to seek heavenly help.

"When a spouse dies, a companion will wonder. When financial hardship befalls a family, a father will ask. When children wander from the path, a mother and father will cry out in sorrow. Yes, ´weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.´ Then, in the dawn of our increased faith and understanding, we arise and choose to wait upon the Lord, saying, ´Thy will be done,´" explained Elder Hales.

He spoke of the need to be patient, and to understand that some answers may not come until the hereafter. He also said others wait patiently for us just as we wait on the Lord.

"Waiting upon the Lord gives us a priceless opportunity to discover that there are many who wait upon us. Our children wait upon us to show patience, love, and understanding toward them. Our parents wait upon us to show gratitude and compassion. Our brothers and sisters wait upon us to be tolerant, merciful, and forgiving. Our spouses wait upon us to love them as the Savior has loved each one of us," Elder Hales explained.

"As we endure physical suffering, we are increasingly aware of how many wait upon each of us," he added.

He spoke reassuringly to the world-wide gathering, advising them: "Every one of us is more beloved to the Lord than we can possibly understand or imagine. Let us therefore be kinder to one another, and kinder toward ourselves."

Elder Hales was assisted by other Apostles and the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. They helped him to rise from his seat and use a walker to leave the Conference Center at Temple Square as the audience stood quietly in respect.