Thousands of French Protestants fled to Switzerland during the religious wars of the 16th century. One such family settled in the village of Saules, in Neuchatel. Serge Ballif, one of the greatest French-speaking LDS missionaries, visited their narrow, rocky valley in 1853. He found Francois and Julie Desaules prepared for the restored gospel. They were baptized and gathered to Zion the following year.

Aboard ship, Julie wrote a long letter to her family and friends who remained behind. She told them how she had twice fallen ill before leaving Europe, and how priesthood blessings had restored her health. She begged her family to follow. “We march toward Zion with a firm conviction that, if we are faithful, God’s promises will never fail.” Continue reading Julie Desaules Desaules: Heart of Her Extended Family (Redux) →