Hyrum North Trek 2016

If you have seen Ephraim's rescue you would know the story of a boy named Thomas Dobson. I would beckon you to watch the movie but first read this passage to get just a short glimpse into the life of a healer and a young boy.

Ephraim Knowlton Hanks was a man who was called by Brigham Young to go and rescue the saints on the plains. This was something that the lord had been preparing him for, for most of his life. It was said that before Ephraim was even called by Brigham Young he had a dream where someone asked him, “The handcart people are in trouble and you are wanted; will you go and help them? I turned instinctively in the direction from whence the voice came and beheld an ordinary sized man in the room. Without any hesitation I answered “Yes, I will go if I am called.” I then turned around to go to sleep, but had laid only a few minutes when the voice called a second time, repeating almost the same words as on the first occasion.”

When it came time for Brigham Young to call the brethren some said “I can be ready in a few days.” Ephraim raised his hand and stated with firmness “Brother Brigham, I am ready now.” This was a distinct character in Ephraim.

According to the journal of Ephraim he stated, “In all my travels in the Rocky Mountains both before and afterwards, I have seen no worse. When at length the snow ceased falling, it lay on the ground so deep that for many days it was impossible to move wagons through it.” He had made the trip almost fifty times before. He was the mail contractor for the church during that time. Now we will tell you of the boy Thomas Dobson.

Thomas Dobson was a young man who had come from England with his mother. He was not happy about having to leave his home. He often complained to his mother of how much he hated the journey. Then just as the rescuers had arrived Thomas fell terribly ill. His feet had been almost completely blackened by frostbite. He was at his lowest point. He had accepted that his fate was death. Thomas began to feel remorse for his shortcomings. His mother had come to Ephraim to ask for a blessing. Ephraim thought that his feet would have to amputated because of the frostbite. His mother had the faith that he could be healed. This is what he said, “Will you believe the words I tell you?” His response was “Yes.” I then administered to him, and he was immediately healed. He got up, dressed himself, and danced a hornpipe on the end-board of a wagon, which I procured for that purpose.” This was said to have been one of the highlights of the camp. He a brought a spirit to the camp that helped the pioneers carry on the rest of that hard and terrible journey.

The Lord’s gospel is a another word for being ready when you are called. It is something that all must do in order to receive eternal life. I believe that the lord prepares us all for what we are needed for. He also forgives us, and gives us a chance lift those who are low. I leave you this with my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know the church is true, his power is real and I hope we look to our ancestors experiences and find connections with the holy ghost. I end this story in name of our savior and redeemer even Jesus Christ amen.

Source: http://www.tellmystorytoo.com/pdf/RHanks_Ephraim_bio.pdf

- Hyrum North Stake 2016 Trek History Committee