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Show Johnny Whitaker, Star of the Movie, Tom Sawyer' . . . Tom Sawyer's declaration startles courtroom observers. . . . Johnny, Jodie Foster, as Tom and Becky, find occurrences in cave labyrinth frightening. Enjoys Visit With President Lee, And Private Screening Of Film I . . . Know The Church Is True BY DELL VAN ORDEN Church News Assistant Editor Thirteen-year-ol- d movie and television star Johnny Whitaker stood in front of the large theater audience. With tears streaming down his face, he bore witness of the truthfulness of the gospel. Johnny was in Salt Lake City May 9 to attend a private screening of the movie, Tom Sawyer, in which he stars in the role of Tom. The screening, at Trolley Square Theatre, was for the General Authorities of the church and other invited guests. Attending the preview were President Harold B. Lee and President Marion G Romney of the First Presidency, and a number of other General Authorities. Right now, I am really filled with the gospel, the likeable young LDS star told the audience. President Lee has told me a lot of things Ill always remember and take into my life. I really know the church is true. Sobbing, he continued, I know President Harold B. Lee is the prophet of the church, and that Jesus Christ is the head of the church and Hell come again someday. It was a moving testimony by a boy, who has become one of the most popular young stars of movies and television today. Johnny and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John O. Whitaker, members of the San Fernando Ward,- - San Fernando (Calif.) Stake, earlier in the day met with President Lee in the Presidents office in the Church Office Building. Be humble and prayerful and the Lord will take you by the hand," Presi- - Johnny presents autographed photo to Jennifer Gillette. dent Lee told Johnny. There is something greater in life than the adulation 01 people. President Lee admonished Johnny to listen to his parents and to learn your lessons well because life is fleeting." He gave Johnny a copy of his book, Youth and the Church, and then autographed it for him. Afterward, Johnny said that when he was in President Lees office that he had such a beautiful feeling inside. I had the feeling that he was telling me something important Johnny is a deacon in his ward. His father ordained him a year ago last January. I like being a deacon because it makes me feel that I have a Job in the ward, that Im part of the church. It gives me a good feeling. Johnny attends church regularly, even when he is touring or shooting movies. When I am home, I usually pass the WEEK ENDING MAY Continued on T9.1V73 Page CHURCH 14 -- 5 |