Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints writes on Facebook this week about a young man he met in Brisbane last week.
"Grant Campbell," Elder Andersen wrote, "was born with congenital varicella syndrome, a medical condition that has resulted in numerous health challenges. At different points in his life, medical specialists declared him blind, concluded that he had brain damage, and asserted that he would be paralyzed."
Left to right: Elder Kevin W. Pearson, President of the Pacific Area; Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Grant Campbell; President Lon E. Henderson, Australia Brisbane Mission President; and Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy
Elder Andersen continues: "Brother Campbell and his family held steadfast to the many blessings pronounced in his behalf as he worked diligently throughout his life to improve physically. He progressed from wheelchair to walker, walker to crutches, and finally crutches to walking on his own. He worked hard in the gym to gain strength and balance.
"In spite of the many challenges facing him, Elder Campbell has been able to develop his talents and contribute to the building of the kingdom of God, serving as a Church-service missionary in the Australia Brisbane Mission from August 18, 2014, to December 24, 2015."