Escape from Germany

August 1939's crisp air whispered down Berlin's winding streets with foreboding. Unaware that their lives would soon undergo a significant transformation, 85 American missionaries serving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints carried on with their regular activities. Hitler's army was encroaching on Europe, casting a shadow of war across the continent.

Missionary John Reynolds was one among these individuals. He had previously lived in Germany for two years at the age of 23, sharing the gospel and developing close relationships with the locals. His diary was a beloved travel companion that chronicled the high points and low points of his spiritual journey.

John received a telegram from President Heber J. Grant one lovely morning as he was getting ready for his daily mission activity. "The war is going to start in three days," was the obvious and urgent word. Remove our missionaries from Germany. I realized how bad the situation was. They had only a few days to flee a nation that was about to go to war.

Among the missionaries, the news quickly caught on like wildfire. They were united by their beliefs even as panic struck. Elder Reynolds and the other missionaries met for prayer in the local chapel. They knew there were difficult obstacles ahead, so they prayed for protection and direction from above.

Making it to the train station was the first stage, which was difficult given the increased military presence. Elder Reynolds and Elder Smith quickly gathered what they could carry and packed their belongings. In an attempt to pass for regular people, they put on their missionary outfits. As they moved through the busy streets, their hearts were racing.

Chaos ruled the train terminal. Sensing that conflict was imminent, large crowds were attempting to escape. Few tickets were available, and German soldiers closely inspected each individual. Anxiety shot through Elder Reynolds as they got closer to the ticket booth. Would they be refused entry?

There was a miracle. Noticing their sorrow, a sympathetic station clerk discreetly gave them two tickets to the Danish border. He muttered, "Go, quickly," his eyes silently pleading for their protection. They boarded the train, feeling both grateful and amazed, and hoped that the other members of their group would have the same luck.

It was a nervous train voyage. The aisles were patrolled by German soldiers, a continual reminder of the danger. Clutching his Bible, Elder Reynolds prayed silently for their safe arrival. His heart skipped a beat every time the train decelerated, for fear that they might be discovered during an inspection.Relief swept over them as they neared the Danish border. But their suffering was far from over. There was intense guarding at the border. The missionaries had to go through stringent security screening. Elder Reynolds saw as Elder Parker, one of their comrades, was taken aside and questioned. Fearing the worst, he held his breath.

The grilling of Elder Parker appeared to go on forever. When the officer finally waved him through, the missionaries let out a collective sigh. Though they had crossed the border, their adventure was far from over. They needed to get to Copenhagen, where safe houses had been established by the church.A feeling of thanks and relief descended upon them in Copenhagen. With welcoming arms, the Danish churchgoers gave them food, shelter, and the consoling company of other believers. As Elder Reynolds wrote in his journal, "Truly, God guides and guards His servants. We have seen the power of faith and miracles."

The last few days leading up to the conflict were a haze of rushed planning and intense prayer. Just hours before Germany invaded Poland on August 31, the final missionaries landed in Copenhagen. The missionaries were safe, but the conflict had started. Their escape was a tale of resiliency and optimism, and it was a monument to faith and divine intervention.

As a result, fire changed these young missionaries who had heeded the call to service. They made their way back home, the incredible bravery they had displayed leaving a lasting impression on them. Along with the wounds from their experience, they also brought with them a deep appreciation for the transience of life and the resiliency of religion. Their tale, which demonstrates the resiliency of people, never ceases to encourage and serves as a reminder that hope and salvation are available even in the most hopeless situations.