Chaplain's Corner -March 2026

My First Testimony – A Liver Transplant Miracle 
My first true testimony in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came in 2007, when my dad received a liver transplant. I remember it clearly. He had been painting my house, and we noticed his legs and feet were becoming extremely swollen. At the time, we didn’t know why. Concerned, he went to see a doctor, and after several tests, they diagnosed him with cirrhosis of the liver. I didn’t understand what that meant at the time, but later my dad explained everything. The doctors started him on a treatment that was expected to last 15 months. When the treatment ended, the doctors told him it hadn't worked. They informed us that he now had Hepatitis C and that he likely wouldn’t be with us much longer. I was terrified that we were ready to lose him. 

A Glimmer of Hope 
Miraculously, my dad was put on the liver transplant waiting list. But the doctors were  unsure if he’d survive long enough to receive one. Around October 2006, my dad received a call: he was third in line. He was told to pack a bag and keep it by the door, just in case. Time passed, and we waited. As the months dragged on, his condition worsened. His  skin tone darkened, and he looked weaker every day. Then, on July 27, 2007, the call finally came after nine months on the list, he was heading to Portland, Oregon with my mom   to receive the transplant. We rushed to meet him at the airport. It all happened so quickly, there wasn’t time to say much, just quick hugs. Deep down, I was afraid it might  be the last time I would ever see him. 

A Prayer and an Answer 
I asked him what time he’d arrive in Portland, and he told me 5:00 PM. I called my mom after work for updates. She said they had just arrived at the hospital, and the doctors took my dad in right away. She hadn’t even had a chance to speak with him before they began preparing for surgery. She told me to pray and call her back around 5:00 AM the next morning. That night, filled with fear and uncertainty, I fell to my knees. I prayed with everything I had, pleading with my Heavenly Father: “Please bless my dad. Let the transplant be successful. Give him another chance at life.” As I prayed, I felt a warm sensation rush through my body. Then I received a peaceful message, an impression in my heart that my dad was going to be okay. That he would accept the liver and not let it go to waste. From that moment, I felt calm. I slept peacefully that night. 

A Miracle Fulfilled 
The next morning, July 28, 2007, I called my mom. She told me that they were just now     wheeling him out of surgery, and the doctors said he did great. I cried with relief, I  knew my dad was going to be okay. I called every day to check in. He told me, through  tears, how much pain he was in. But each day, he improved. At first, the doctor’s said he’d need a full year to recover. But as his birthday (September 30) approached, my mom called and said, “Your dad might be coming home before his birthday.” I couldn’t believe it. When they finally returned home, we all went to meet them. Expecting to see my dad in a wheelchair, we waited near the elevator. When the doors opened, to our surprise it was my mom in the wheelchair, and my dad was pushing her! He had regained his color, his strength, and his spirit. He was no longer weak or purple-skinned. It was a moment of pure joy and overwhelming gratitude. 

A Heavenly Mystery 
About a year and a half later, during a follow-up appointment, the doctor said something surprising. He asked my dad, “Did you know... to this day, we still don’t know who made the call that notified you about your transplant?” No one at the hospital could explain it. My dad smiled and said, “I know who made the call.” The doctor asked, “Who?” And my dad pointed upward and said, “My Heavenly Father.” 

My Testimony 
That experience strengthened my testimony more than anything before. I know that faith, prayer, and Heavenly Father’s love are real. He listens. He answers. And when we trust Him, miracles truly can happen.

Mrs. Connie Sullivan
Chapter Chaplain