Elder Robert D. Hales stated that “Many of you who have gone to foreign lands have been given the gift to speak with tongues and to translate, or have the interpretation of tongues. “And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God” ( D&C 46:26 ). Here is a story from a Meridian reader that illustrates how the Lord blessed her to bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon . . . in a language completely foreign to her!

A Miracle in Norway
By Marsha Anderson Stum
Vancouver, Washington

I was coming from the USA to Europe on business—flying to Oslo, Norway to visit a friend, John, who was the military attaché to the American Ambassador and a member of the Church. We had not completely finalized the permanent nature of our relationship, but we knew we were quite serious. He wanted to introduce me to some of his Norwegian friends because he was completing his three-year tour of duty and was going to be transferred to another assignment. His Norwegian military counterparts had grown extremely fond of John and had developed a great deal of respect for his beliefs.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to speak any Danish and was left out of most of the conversations beyond the initial smiles and handshakes. I was pleased to watch John converse fluently with his Norwegian friends. In addition to introducing me and saying goodbye, John wanted to share with them his testimony and leave with them a copy of Mormons Book (Book of Mormon).

One couple, in particular, seemed to be most open to John's testimony. In broken English, they asked me what I felt about this Mormons Book that John had brought to them. Of course, I didn't speak Norwegian, but I recognized the names of the books and I was able to turn to Moroni 10:4-5. I spoke slowly and with very great feeling of my personal experience reading the Book of Mormon and how I had prayed about its truthfulness. I bore my testimony and then proceeded to read Moroni 's words to them in Norwegian. As I did, I became aware that I was reading with an amazing accent that I'd never used before. I have spoken French but the accent wasn't French—it was truly a Norwegian accent. I felt the familiar burning in my heart and knew the Spirit was bearing witness to them. At that moment, I also realized that I was experiencing the gift of tongues, at least to the point of the gift of pronunciation. We all were amazed.  We commented on it, recognizing that they were feeling the Spirit, and I challenged them to act upon what they were feeling. The Spirit was letting them know that this book was very important to the Lord…that they should read it. It was a glorious experience! We all felt of one heart; our language barrier had been surmounted.  I never learned what happened to them, but I know, for certain, that gospel seeds were planted. Someday they will be harvested.