I bring you this account of a spiritual experience had by me, Thiago Vigeta Mendonça, in Agudo, Rio Grande do Sul, especially about what I could see in the skies of the Refuge of Zion.
The opportunity arose on January 12th, and for me it was a historic moment in this Second Invitation. Signs of many lights in the sky, interpreted by the prophet as manifestations of divine order, marked the night with great spiritual intensity.
Last year, on this same date, I was visiting the refuge for the first time, and I had a related experience. For the first time in my life, I saw lights crossing the sky above the same property.
Now, this time, I could once again contemplate several lights crossing the firmament above the Refuge and they seemed to know that we were there, gathered as the first elders of the restoration, now returned.
After a long time watching those initial lights, I retired to bed. But as I lay there, my mind was still amazed by everything we had seen. Then, at around 11.30pm, I heard the prophet Maurício Berger shouting from outside:
“Look, it’s Moroni! He’s calling!”
Maurício had identified that light as the sign that preceded the appearance of the Angel Moroni. It was a light unlike any other, white, intense, growing, with a unique energy, as if it were communicating with the Prophet. Without hesitation, I got out of bed and went outside, where I was able to witness with my own eyes this unique light, which I had never seen before in my life. What a blessing!
In view of this, the Prophet and Sister Rafaela felt spiritually confirmed to climb Mount Agudo. Brother Joni Batista, who holds the active priesthood, was called to accompany them as a witness on a journey that was considered by all to be one of the most sublime moments of the evening, especially for Brother Joni Batista, who had his birthday that day.
Meanwhile, in the refuge, I, Diego Oliveira, João Vendemiatti, and Jeferson Silva sat on the grass, except for Brother Valdecir and Daureci, who were already asleep. We watched the lights that circled Mount Agudo for hours. They were strong white lights that made gentle movements above the sky, with an energy that made it clear that something supernatural was happening there.
The collective witness experienced that night was fundamental. When the prophet, his wife and Brother Joni returned, we were filled with a spirit of joy, reverence and gratitude. It became even more evident to all of us that the Zion Refuge property, Mount Agudo and its surroundings are sacred places chosen by the Lord, where the presence of the Angel Moroni has been manifested through these celestial signs, and still remains.
These moments that we witnessed were incredible and unique, and strengthened the faith of all of us. They are experiences that link us directly to what the prophet of the restoration and the first elders also experienced. Just like Joseph Smith, who awakened the faith of the people of Zion through supernatural signs and the testimony of those who accompanied him, today the Lord is working again, through the prophet Maurício Berger, yes, Joseph Smith himself returned in this 21st century within the Eternal Round.
We are convinced that by obediently heeding the voice of the prophet Maurício Berger, we will be instruments in God’s hands to restore the foundations of the Church to their original purity and establish, in these last days, the United Order – just as it was initiated by Joseph Smith at the beginning of the Restoration, but which was so soon lost after his death.
May these heavenly experiences make us firmer and more committed to this Second Invitation, united in faith, full of hope, charity and love. With our eyes fixed on God’s glory to receive His blessings, but only if we are committed and faithful to the command of the Prophet Maurício A. Berger.
Your servant in Christ,
Thiago Vigeta Mendonça.
