Many years ago while serving as a bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hilo, an experience occurred that confirmed to me that God answers prayers for the purpose of blessing the lives of good people.

It was a few days before Christmas and I was preparing to leave my church office. I heard a truck pull up in the parking lot and noticed two young ladies in the truck with two tall Christmas trees in its bed. We greeted each other.

I learned that while driving in town they noticed a "for sale" sign for Christmas trees.

They felt impressed to buy two trees and give them to local churches in hopes that the trees would be given to families in need.

While traveling to a nearby church, they saw my car and wondered if I would know of someone in need. I informed them I would find a family and thanked them for their kind gesture. They happily left to deliver the other tree to the church down the street.

I then prayed and a family came to mind. However, I did not know how I would transport the tree because I had a small sedan.

Almost immediately, a friend stopped by and said, "Bishop, I saw your car and just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

He had a truck!

I explained to him what just happened. He was very happy to help with the transportation.

While traveling to this family of three (a widow and two children, ages 10 and 8), we planned our approach not knowing whether the family had a Christmas tree. When we arrived and while talking to the 8-year-old son, we noticed only a few presents and some Christmas decoration in the living room.

I invited the young man to come outside and his eyes opened wide as I told him that this Christmas tree was for his family. He cried tears of happiness.

We helped him set up the tree, string up the lights, and repositioned the Christmas presents. As we left, this young man shared, "This morning I prayed to God and asked him if our family could have a Christmas tree. I told him that all my friends had Christmas trees and why we couldn't have one, too."

I replied, "God has now answered your humble prayer. Merry Christmas!"

I concluded that while my young friend was offering his prayer of faith, across town two young ladies were following the feelings of their hearts to bless the life of someone unknown to them. They were prompted to stop by my church office. My mind and heart received the impression of a family in need.

Yes! God does answer prayers for the purpose of blessing the lives of good people.

Aley K. Auna Jr. is president of the Kona Hawaii Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.