Hastening Times R e m n a n t C h u r c h o f J e s u s C h r i s t o f L a t t e r D a y S a i n t s

Vol. 9, Number 4 Oct/Nov/Dec 2008, Issue No. 37

The

Fall Assemblies of Priesthood and Women

The Hastening Times

Volume 9 - Number 4 Issue 37

Oct/Nov/Dec 2008

Editors In Chief The First Presidency Frederick N. Larsen Robert E. Ostrander

Lane W. Harold

Managing Editor Lane W. Harold

Manuscript Preparation E. Kaye Strecker

Ruth I. Harold, Assistant

Final Proofreader Carol E. Starks

Production Manager Edwin M. Gates

"The Hastening Times" is published quarterly by the

Remnant CHURCH of JESUS CHRIST

of Latter Day Saints 700 W. Lexington

Independence, MO 64050 (816) 461-7215

FAX (816) 461-7278

Inside This Issue

Editorial Comment ......................................................................3

Our Youth....................................................................................4 Elder Kevin C. Faulk, Blue Springs, MO

Priesthood Assembly Report .......................................................5 President Robert E. Ostrander, Independence, MO

2008 Fall Women's Retreat .........................................................7 Bonnie Damon, Blue Springs, MO

Go Ye …Teach All Nations ......................................................10 Apostles and Seventy

Community Planning.................................................................12 Bishop Dan D. Keleher, Sibley, MO

Current Economic Conditions ...................................................14 President Frederick N. Larsen, Independence, MO

Remnant Armed Forces Updates...............................................16

God Has Spoken in All Ages of My Life ..................................17 Priest Michael L. Lytle, Independence, MO

1830s Group Caps Off a Busy Year ..........................................21 Suzanne Eickhoff, Independence, MO

The Healing Touch of a Human Hand ......................................22 Jan Houston, Blue Springs, MO

From the Order of Patriarch/Evangelists...................................23 P/E Conrad R. Faulk, Grain Valley, MO

News from the Branches ...........................................................24

Southland Experience 2008.......................................................27

Articles and the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the official position of the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Unsigned articles are attributable to the Editors. All materials submitted may be edited for clarity and space.

VISIT OUR WEB-SITE www.theremnantchurch.com

FRONT COVER —Photographs courtesy of Jeffrey Lysinger. The centerpiece at the Women's Retreat (story on page 7) with its challenging theme forms

the background, with two inset photos of Priesthood Assembly (story on page 5).

3

Editorial Comment . . . Prepare for that which is to come— "Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;" thus begins the counsel from heaven in 1831 to the Saints in Hiram, Ohio, recorded in Section 1:3 of the Doctrine and Covenants. The message goes on to suggest that "…every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god." That time is here. Obviously, prepare means to get ready or make ready for some specific purpose. The question for us is to perceive what purpose? That purpose given to the Saints was not exactly "peace and prosperity." It was one expressing the Lord's anger because of growing unbelief among the inhabitants of the earth, increasingly visible among those who would not listen, nor give heed, to the prophet's and apostles' message of salvation. Is that warning now being played out in America, the land of promise? I believe it to be so. This warning of needful preparation has been carried through the many years since it was first given. Fifty-eight years ago our Lord said—"It is yet day when all can work. The night will come when for many of my people opportunity to assist will have passed." (D&C 142:5b) Three years ago, He further urged, "Can you not see that political upheaval, economic adversity, decline in morality, and even natural calamities are at your door? Troubled times lie ahead for this, my land of promise." (D&C R-150:3b) Perhaps the warning time is now over. Again, I believe it to be so. All signs point to difficult times ahead for us as a nation, as a people, and as Remnant Saints. I quote from an article in the fall issue, 2004 (four years ago) of the Hastening Times written by President Lane Harold entitled, "Current World Financial Developments Confirm the Urgent Need for Zion's Completion": "The world around us is euphorically 'running on empty.' When this situation is finally realized by the general public, when accounts are 'called to be paid' by anxious creditors, there will be a great deal of wailing, finger-pointing and desperate proposals for various stop-gap schemes." How prophetic! As members of the Remnant Church, we have been warned to make preparation, both as individuals and corporately, for such a time as this. We feel it appropriate now to respond and make those preparations. Details for this preparation have been given in the News Briefs and other communications. There are some things we can't control, but some things that we can and must control, in order to secure our future. The familiar Serenity Prayer states—"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." It is a time to prepare temporally, and spiritually, as we overcome the effects of these troubled times. Let us be prepared to reap the benefits promised to the faithful.

4

I am not here to provide a charge to the youth of the World, but a charge to the Church concerning the Youth. In doing so, I am bound by two directives: that it is straightforward and short, and that I may not refer to the youth as the "future of the Church," but acknowledge that they are the NOW of the Church, as are any of the membership. The Church has a huge responsibility for its youth. The primary one is to communicate its religious message to aid them in making personal decisions concerning their moral, legal, mental and spiritual accountabilities, and answering for their choices.

Parents, by providing good examples in the home, can help to offset their children making adult decisions about how they spend their time, and with whom they associate. Do we have problems with the youth today? I would have to say yes. My wife and I have spent a good deal of time with them the past year, so let me tell you things which I've noticed: Our youth today are smart, they are strong, they care for each other, and accept the honest sincerity of others even though they may disagree with them, and have high ideals. But often these high ideals may be relinquished if they conclude there is no place these ideals can be fulfilled. Disappointments of this nature lead to abysmal falls; even when such a fall does not happen, ideals can be exploited by false prophets of good. Why is it young Mormons sacrifice years of their lives in active missionary work, or disciples of Sun Myung Moon live austere lives centered around work and self-sacrifice?

Yet we, possessing the fullness of the Restored Gospel, have difficulty attracting new youth into our ranks. Even our "legacy" youth whose families have been part of the Restoration since pioneer days, have

difficulty maintaining the ideals of their youth once faced with the dazzling but empty promises of Babylon. Could part of the answer be that "the Church," by failing to offer examples of its own high ideals, has in essence ignored and minimized the potential moral greatness of our youth? We are not well-disposed to spiritual struggle because we live in a self-indulgent age, and even our noble ideas can, unfortunately, lend themselves to self-glorification.

To deny oneself for Christ, to prefer one's brother over ourselves, has ceased to be attractive. To fast is difficult, yet dieting to make our bodies more attractive and training for athletics are profitable because the glory returns to us! Because our youth are smart, they not only listen to what we say but what we do. They see the contradictions, the hypocrisy and inconsistencies in our talk and walk, our self-centeredness and self-preservation. Often they may ultimately relinquish their ideals if there is no place where they can be fulfilled. The treasure of any nation is their youth. What do our youth need to navigate into adulthood with their ideals intact? Adults who are living their faith and share a common vision—that the community, the school and the Church need to work hand in hand to create a whole image of Christ. God holds each generation responsible for the one that comes after it. Victor Hugo said, "Where there is darkness, sins will be committed. But he who is guilty is not only he who committed the crime, but he who created the darkness." And from Pogo, the cartoon character, "...we have met the enemy and he is us."

As great as our youth are doing, they still need consistent adult direction to grow. Encourage them, and give them a better option than seeking their own ways, and risking them to live a life of loneliness. P

OUR YOUTHGiven by Kevin Faulk

Nov. 2, 2008 at

All Congregation Youth Service

5

October 3-5, 2008 found approximately 118 priesthood members assembled at the Gathering Place for the annual Priesthood Assembly. Several had come many miles to meet with their brothers and there was a spirit of anticipation and fellowship as they visited prior to the evenings’ activities, and many remarked at the end of the Assembly that they had not been disappointed.

The Assembly began with a keynote address by President Frederick N. Larsen who outlined some of the recent accomplishments of the Remnant Church, and challenged us to consider the meaning of living righteously. He then invited Apostle Ralph Damon and Bishop Kevin Romer briefly to share events that were occurring in the missionary and temporal endeavors. President Larsen concluded with another challenge for the priesthood to prepare a righteous people so the Lord would be able to bless us in greater measure as we continue to strive for the establishment of Zion. The Order of Patriarchs led us in a period of worship followed by fellowship and refreshments with the ladies, who also began their retreat that evening.

Saturday was a full day of instruction and analysis of priesthood responsibilities. It began with Brother Damon sharing the plans for the missionary work of the Church. Brother Damon

told us of a new method of outreach to interested parties that will be used by the Twelve and Seventy. The brethren feel that there are a significant number of people, especially in the Community of Christ, who are dissatisfied but have no other place to go; many of them may not even attend anymore because of their discouragement. Rather than focus on making contacts to individuals, the Twelve and Seventy will go to specific areas and invite everyone who wants to "come and see" to a meeting at a designated area. He asked us to give the Twelve and Seventy the names of people (i.e. Community of Christ, Restoration branch, unchurched, etc.) we may know in various areas and the brethren will make the contacts to ascertain if there is sufficient interest in the area. It is felt that this will be a more productive way to reach people in these troublesome times.

After Brother Damon's presentation, the Bishopric spoke on the concept of the New Jerusalem and the progress of the Bountiful Community development. Brother Richard Paris also explained the reasons for and the progress of the corporations involved with Bountiful.

The morning concluded with brethren Jerry Sherer, Lane Harold, and James Rogers speaking on the topic of the Gathering of Israel. Brother Sherer brought us insights from the Old Testament times, Brother Harold from the Book of Mormon, and Brother Rogers from the Doctrine and Covenants. It became clear from these presentations that the Lord has always tried to gather His people so He can purify them for a greater work, and He continues to do so today—with us.

After a delicious lunch prepared by Sister Mary Morland and her assistants, the Priesthood

Priesthood Assembly Report

6

separated into the Aaronic and Melchisedec groups to discuss matters important to their respective ministries. The sessions, led by Tom Moats and David Van Fleet for the Melchisedec and the Bishopric with the Aaronic, not only focused our attention on what we preach and teach as priesthood; they also shared some ideas about how we can improve our ministerial skills so we can become more effective in our priesthood work.

The afternoon concluded with Brother Bob Ostrander presenting some information on Sanctification and the Endowment. He stressed the necessity of being sanctified so we can become endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit because it will require such an endowment if we are to assist in the establishment of Zion. He also stressed the urgency of the times in which we live as an indication of how important it is that the priesthood become sanctified and endowed as quickly as possible.

The day concluded with a joint meeting of the priesthood and the women for an evening of music.

Sunday began with a discussion of the various topics presented the previous day. Several questions and comments were voiced and discussed.

The Assembly concluded with a dedication and worship service. A representative of each of the priesthood offices was asked to share his testimony regarding the weekend. The spirit of brotherhood and commitment to become better

priesthood members was evident as the brethren expressed their desires to work together and in greater unity to accomplish the will of the Lord in our lives, the lives of our people, and in the establishment of Zion.

Although our time together was brief and the schedule tightly packed, the brethren were touched by the Holy Spirit. We parted with a greatly renewed

commitment to magnify our various offices and to hasten the return of Zion, thereby glorifying our Heavenly Father. P

EXCELLENCE Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise;

Risking more than others think is safe, Dreaming more than others think is practical, and

Expecting more than others think is possible.

7

By Bonnie Damon

In the early months of this year the members of the Remnant Church Women’s Council began to plan the retreat which would take place in October. We discussed at length what the focus of the weekend should be and how best to meet the needs of those attending. Prayer and fasting were part of our seeking the Lord’s will in this annual endeavor. From those early and on-going discussions evolved the theme of "Come Up to Higher Ground" and the series of events which would transpire as the women of the Church came together at the Gathering Place in Independence on October 3-5. The Council feels God blessed our efforts and blessed all who attended. Friday evening was similar to a homecoming or family reunion with joyful greetings and lots of catching up to do. Many traveled great distances to be there and expressed much happiness in being able to attend. Knowing the end of the work week or the end of the trail from a long trip can leave everyone physically and mentally tired, the Council planned the evening to be one of relaxation, entertainment and good fellowship. Members of the Blue Springs and First Congregations led the way to high—or perhaps more aptly put—low drama! The folks from Blue Springs Congregation presented an old-fashioned melodrama, "No, No, A Thousand Times No," a short play written by Bonnie Damon. Ralph Damon played Black Bart, the dastardly villain determined to woo and marry sweet Lilly of the Valley, played by Cindy Kite. Thankfully, she was rescued from the railroad track in the nick of time by the handsome blacksmith, Dooley, portrayed by her real-life sweetheart, Don Kite. Rounding out the cast were Roger and Mabel Marsh as Lilly’s Pa and Ma and the good reverend, Ray Clough.

Music was provided by Melba McDowell, Leta VunCannon and Christina Purvis. Many commented that the highlight of the play was watching Ralph try to keep his mustache on and his efforts to climb in and out of Sweet Lilly’s bedroom to kidnap her while she slept! First Congregation kept our funny bones tickled with songs, jokes and one-liners in their version of the old Hee-Haw television show. Coordinated by Betty Williams and Christy Williams, about twenty members of their congregation dressed up as hillbillies and acted just as silly as they looked. Everyone especially enjoyed a little song sung by Ethan and Kyle Williams, accompanied by their daddy, Brian. Just as much fun as the "show" was our enjoyment of all the flubbed lines. When actors messed up a line they’d duck back into the cornfield and pop up to try it all over again. Great fun! Among those taking part in the skits were

Glennis and Joe Bryant, Lou Zahner, Sandy Piedimonte, Laura Terry, Linda Burnett, Jill Wersching, Brian and Anne Williams and sons Ethan and Kyle, Frank and Jan Lero, Kay VanFleet, Theresa Faulk, Mary Morland, Dawn Hoover and Betty and Christy Williams. Afterwards, the priesthood came across the road and we joined together for light refreshments before going to our places of rest for the night. It was with a quiet, worshipful attitude the ladies began gathering on Saturday Black Bart and Lilly of the Valley

2008 Fall Women’s Retreat

8

morning. As we entered the conference hall it was evident the Good Spirit had already settled upon those assembling. Sister Lois Romer and the wives of the Presiding Bishopric, Dorothy Burdick and Marci Turner, led the women in a worship which set the tone for the day. Lois presented the theme, focused on the importance of being prompt and faithful in prayer to the needs we see around us. She used a book by Don Piper, relating his experience during the ninety minutes he lay dead in the wreckage of his car. One of the people coming upon the accident was a minister. He was led to ask the policemen if he might go pray for the man in the car, even though he’d been told the man was already dead. Somehow, he managed to climb in the car and laid his hand on the man’s shoulder and began to pray. After awhile he realized the man had begun to breathe and he was able to call for help. It was a very inspiring story. As Lois finished, Paula Brackett and Toby Edwards offered prayers for the remaining activities of the day. The theme on Saturday was "Come Up to Higher Ground and Know His Voice." Saturday morning, and a portion of the afternoon, was spent listening to the testimonies of nineteen women, ranging from the young to senior ages. Some shared their conversion experience, or that of their spouse. Others bore testimony of a time in which they had come up to higher spiritual ground, and of recognizing the higher plane on which they stood. Each spoke with conviction and the strength that bears witness to truth. As one looked around the room, tears were a common sight and we all felt privileged to be trusted with the innermost feelings of those who shared their most personal stories. There is not room enough to share the contents of every testimony, but it would be a shame not to include a little of several of them. Allison Moore of Independence, Missouri, spoke openly about her life before she found Christ.

Many of us offered our silent prayers for her to have the strength to be able to say what she needed to share, and rejoiced in her new life in Christ. When you look at Allison and visit with her you’d never suspect that she left a world of sin behind her and came with radiant joy into the arms of Christ. She hopes to become a nurse so that as the Kingdom comes she will have something to offer. She bears witness that she has a God who loves her, no matter the things she has previously done, and said she hopes to live with Him eternally. Coral Rogers from the Sperry, Oklahoma branch talked about her extreme shyness as a young person and how, to avoid having to take a speech class, she signed up for Spanish. There she began to be intrigued by the customs, religion, and beliefs of the peoples of Mexico and Central America. When she met a member of the RLDS church in high school she was ready to hear what he had to say about those peoples through the Book of Mormon. Her conversion to the Restored gospel was a natural outcome. Cindy Vreeland is a young woman attending

First Congregation in Independence,

Missouri and has been a member of the church since May of 2007. She told us that in recent years she’d stepped aside from her faithfulness to church attendance and prayer. When her parents began attending the Remnant Church she recalled some of the

unfavorable comments she’d heard about the group and wondered about her parents’ involvement. Cindy decided she should at least go and see what it was they were so excited about, and indicated that the words of sermons often seemed to be directed at her. During this same time she began studying again. Knowing God cares about even the smallest details of our lives, she took all of this to Him in prayer and, with His confirming spirit, decided she wanted to be a member of the Church, too. In closing, Cindy

9

reminded us that God always listens to us when we come to Him in prayer. Barbara Edwards of Ontario, Canada shared the heart-wrenching story of a daughter caught in an abusive marriage but kept it hidden for many years. Then came the point at which their daughter was nearly killed. Barbara was filled with hatred and wanted only to inflict the same kind of revenge on her son-in-law as he had given to their daughter. Through a series of experiences and one vivid nightmare she heard the word, "Forgive." While most difficult, she was able to come to a forgiveness of this man. She knew an instant calm, a peace, and a feeling of being in control once again. As she finished, she said, "Remember, when you’re down to nothing, He’s up to something." Others sharing testimonies were Cindy Kite, Wilma Clough, Lelabon Dyer, Lois Fullmer, Susan Keleher, Laura VanBiber, Sue Horne, Laura Terry, Joyce Van Meter, Shelly Frazier, Hazel Easterday, Cindy Patience, Kathy Goldman, Agie McCurry, and Rebecca Paris. Elder Ray Clough taught a class during a portion of the afternoon. He had us delving into the scriptures to learn more about some of the women of the Bible, focusing primarily on Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Ray always has some new twist on the information he presents and offers a lively discourse. Saturday evening the women and the priesthood joined in a fellowship of music organized and led by Linda VerDught. It was a higher spiritual ground to which we ascended

through a combination of instrumental music, chimes, the Retreat Choir, and vocal music provided by the families of Carl VunCannon, Dan Gough, David Scott and ECHO and the Kelehers. It was truly one of the highlights of the weekend. Refreshments followed and it was reported that a number of people were still visiting after 10:00 PM. It’s hard to leave each other when we find such rich fellowship together! Sunday morning began with a prayer service. Patriarchs Ernest Shank and John Allen presided and a sweet, sweet spirit led the way through our prayers and testimonies. After a continental breakfast, High Priest Jim Gates presided over the preaching service and High Priest Lee Killpack gave a fine sermon. Brother Killpack’s initial question to us was, "What is your spiritual density?" He went on to talk about the need to be spiritually one with our Heavenly Father. Jesus tells us through the scriptures that if we are not one with him, we are not his. In order to climb to spiritual heights we must begin by being one with our Lord, and this requires unfailing commitment. Through several examples, Lee explained how our commitment can either be like a piece of furniture with a veneer finish – shallow, fake, easily damaged and less durable, or it can be as solid oak with all the attributes of that fine, enduring wood. He summarized his thoughts by telling us that we have this one life and this one body and that we are not individuals but the body of Christ. Then Bro. Killpack prayed for us, the women of the

Church, petitioning our Heavenly Parent to bless, keep and strengthen us as we prepared to go forth from this place. P

10

Greetings to the Saints and the Church at Large:  It  is  with  great  pleasure  that  we  bring  to  you information  regarding  the  activities  of  the missionary arm of  the Church  in our various and varied regions of the world. Over the past months we  have  sensed  the  need  to  more  frequently apprise the Church of the wide‐spread activities of the Seventy and the Apostles. Sometimes you, as members,  just  don’t  hear  enough  of  the  good things that are happening. We trust this news will provide  you  with  "eyes  into  the  world"  as  we sometimes see it. 

One of the very first things we would like to do  is specifically  thank  the  dedicated  Pastors  and Presiding  Elders  who  provide  the  ministerial support  and  growth  to  their  congregations. Without  their  kind  and  gentle ministry, much  of what  occurs  in  our  congregations  could  not  be possible. They welcome us and make our times of ministry in their congregations a joy and pleasure. Further, it is because of the magnification of their callings  that much of  the growth which occurs  is made possible. Gentlemen, we tip our hats to you and  your  wonderful  service  to  your  Heavenly Father. 

Our  first  focus  in  this  issue  of  the  "Hastening Times"  is a wonderful example of a pastor  truly caring  and  ministering  to  his  flock.  Brother Armand  Wijckmans,  in  the  Southland Congregation  of  southern  California,  has  seen eight baptisms and one ordination  take place  in his small group since June of this year! His small group  of  just  twenty‐four  a  few months  ago  is now  numbering  thirty‐two  –  an  increase  of twenty‐five percent! What  an  example  for  each of  us  and  what  an  outreach  of ministry  to  his flock and their families. 

Carthage, MO has moved into a new facility and is now  actively  remodeling  and  repairing  the 

building  so  that  it will  provide  them  a  beautiful home,  as well  as  a place  to draw others  as  they prepare to reach out and share the gospel in their community. When  completed,  the  sanctuary will hold  approximately  one  hundred  and  provide them with classrooms and restroom facilities. In a recent trip to Carthage  it was easy to see the  joy and thankfulness shared by the members as they took us on a tour of the building and shared their dreams  of  the  days  ahead.  Good  luck  and  God bless, Carthage. 

In Marlin, TX a new sign announcing the home of the Remnant Church  faces  their main street and gives that small group a sense of belonging. Like most of our small congregations, their resources and manpower  are  limited,  but  their  energy  is contagious,  and  they  are  actively  spreading  the good news of the gospel in every way possible. 

A  fourth  congregation  has  been  started  in  the Center  Place  and  is  being  developed  as  a missionary  outreach  tool  focused  on  the northeast  portion  of  Independence.  Several families have  taken on that stewardship and are becoming the nucleus of a strong group of Saints who  are  eager  to  encircle  their  community  and offer the invitation to all to "come and see." 

Worldwide,  we  also  have  wonderful  things happening.  In  Africa,  Brother  Friday Mbaoma  is currently  traveling  to  Uganda  and  Burundi  to meet  with  individuals  and  groups  who  have expressed  their  desire  to  come  into  the fellowship  of  the  Remnant  Church.  Long conversations  through  the  Internet  have  begun to yield good  fruit and  it  is possible  that, at  the close  of  Brother Mbamoa’s  trip, we  could  have upwards of  six  to  seven hundred new members and  several  new  congregations  established  in those lands. 

Go Ye … Teach All Nations

11

Our  brother  in  Belize,  Elder  Julio  Fuentes, continues  to  labor  for  his  small  congregation  in Burrell  Boom.  Assisting  him  are Mike  and  Gail Coffey who have been in the Belize area for many months now, and are providing excellent support and  ministry  for  the  Saints  there.  Camps  and Bible  Schools  are held  annually, with ministerial support  coming  from  the  States  as well  as  local members. Several baptisms, marriages and baby blessings  have  been  held,  and  the  potential growth is very promising. 

Still in Belize but in the town of Corozol, we have much  the  same  experience  as  in  Burrell  Boom. Again Elder Fuentes and the Coffeys provide the ministry in this area. Through the able support of Seventy Mike Meier, we have been able to bring several young ladies from Belize to the States for further education  in high school, and  then  to go on to college. 

To  our  great  pleasure,  we  have  also  found  an opening  into  the nation of Brazil  this past  year. Elder Jose Medeiros has become a very valuable member  of  the  Church  and  has  begun working diligently in sharing the gospel with his family and many  friends.  Further,  we  have  also  been  in contact with  two  other  individuals who  give  us great  hope  for  the  days  ahead  as  they  learn further of  the Remnant Church. Our hopes  for a successful  entry  into  Brazil  remain  part  of  our daily prayers. 

In  India,  growth  still  continues  through  the ministry  of  our  brothers  Elders  Johny  Raju  and Srinivas Marisetti. As many of you already know, these two men potentially have 5,000 souls to be brought  into  the  presence  of  God,  and  are working diligently on behalf of their  followers. A small  regret we  do  have  regarding  India  is  the delay of a planned trip in January 2009 to later in the year, perhaps September or October.  It was felt wise  to  delay  due  to  the  national  elections and the current religious unrest  in that nation at 

this time. But we will trust  in God to allow us to work  on His  time  schedule,  and  that  all will  be well with our ministry there. 

We  have  been  in  regular  contact  with  Brother Rommel  Desoloc  in  the  Philippines,  and  he  has over  two  hundred  new members  to  add  to  the Church  at  this  time.  These  would  raise  our membership  in  the  Philippines  to  almost  three hundred  souls.  He  has  been  actively  bringing ministry  to  his  people  despite  the  financial burdens he has, the lack of a permanent place of worship, or adequate and safe transportation. He often  is gone  from his home and  family  for days at  a  time  in order  to be with his people  and  to serve  them.  Our  prayers  go  out  to  Brother Rommel and all men and  families who serve the Lord in uncomfortable times and ways. 

In closing, we would request that each and every one of us,  as members of  the Remnant Church, be  constantly  aware  of  the  need  to  be "missionaries"  and  bear  our  testimonies  of  the Christ  to  those  who  come  into  our  daily  lives. Although  the  Lord  saw  fit  to  provide  special ministry  to  the  world  through  the  men  of  the Seventy and Apostolic orders, the need for every Saint to be actively involved in sharing this "good news" of  the  gospel  can never be  forgotten. As men  in  those  special ministries, we  stand  ready to  serve  the  Church  in  every  way  possible. Together,  let  us  serve God  by  continually  being ready  to  "preach  the  gospel"  and  by  being "instant  in  season"  when  those  opportunities come to us. 

God bless you and your families, and may the day soon come when we will stand  in the presence of the  Savior  as He  comes,  as promised,  to  redeem His elect. 

In the bonds of Christ, we remain, 

The Members  of  the  Seventy  and  the Apostolic ministry. P 

12

COMMUNITY PLANNING

By Dan D. Keleher

stand humbly before you tonight to share about the Kingdom; this is something I treasure. We hope every saint will be equally enthused about what they can do and plan to

do as the Kingdom of God unfolds before us. The Lord inspired me with a little different "take" tonight than the word "Community" would indicate. In this climate we have to focus in faith, and not a focus of fear, as we seek to understand what God has asked us to do–to understand what we can do with God, rather than what we cannot do with God–and that is to fail in our achievement of His goal. The timing may be different than we understand, but we are assured that His plan will not fail! He wouldn’t have inspired us to do certain things in this Church if it weren’t applicable to today, not a future happening. As the curtain draws down on Babylon’s reign [the world system], we’ll see more clearly how well He thought it all out. I will read as a scripture selected verses from the Book of Mormon, Helaman 2:45-64. [They became a disbelieving people and the judgment of God did stare them in the face. Their laws had become corrupted.] I think this scripture describes our current social condition in the U.S. and the world. Prophecy repeats itself; those who don’t learn are doomed to repeat mistakes. D&C 35:2b says, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh." We’re asked in the latter day to come out of the fire; the world is corrupt and ready "to burn." If we’ve been rubbing elbows with the world, guess what our clothes now smell like? In the minds of many, the Christian Church is thought to be irrelevant today, even a negative influence. The world has judged us, and we [Christians] have come up wanting. The Church no longer transforms the world or people in general; it is content to be conformed to a sin-sick world and is Christlike in name only. How do you redeem a bad image? Today the world looks down on the

Christian faith with increasing bitterness. Christians in general are charged with being guilty of making the world a worse place by forcing upon it their "illogical" opinions and theories of Creation, Salvation, etc. To correct such feelings, our Church has a tall order, and that needs to be demonstrated, starting from within us through our lives, as they touch others who live and work around us. This contact will finally facilitate an overwhelming illumination of what God has from the beginning intended to accomplish with His Kingdom on earth. Consider the parable of the sower. Will the soil take the seed well? If God sows to a prepared heart, He sows seeds of repentance, and you associate baptism with that. There’s an effort level involved, and that receiving person can reap rewards like peace or gifts of the Spirit. In the covenant of marriage, your joy, intimacy and fulfillment are dependent upon the effort you put into it continually. In the covenant of priesthood you reap the mind and will of God; you reap lost souls. With the covenant of Consecration, the promised blessing is the opportunity for Zionic living and an incredible unity. In the unprepared heart, the seeds of repentance fall on a hard heart, leaving rebelliousness, arrogance and lack of conscience. In such a marriage you have self-indulgence, lust and the inability to love. Within afflicted priesthood, you are prone to egoism and lack of compassion. If you fail to understand what the Lord requires of us in Consecration you are doomed to act on your unrepented pride, greed, and lust for "things." I can see why God inspired us to Community living; it prepares us to receive a "harvest" that is impossible anywhere else. But we must have the wisdom to realize that Community is wherever you "are functioning" at this moment, and what you aspire to is either in the Lord’s will or not. Perhaps we are failing slightly in our probation. Think about a renter who misses just one payment a year when the landlord expects 100% payment.

I

13

The library expects 100% of the books back that you checked out! If you drive a car, you’re expected to obey 100% of the traffic laws. In certain situations, failure to obey just one law may lead to a costly accident. We make covenants daily and decide we’ll obey those 100% or that particular activity won’t work. Yet when we come to the Lord’s house, we allow these thoughts to creep in: "I can put that off; I don’t have to fully obey it all." If we play it one way for the world, and another way for the Church, we lose divine privileges and blessings. "Good" leaves much undone, "better" leaves some things undone, and "best" leaves nothing that is Kingdom-related undone! He expects a full harvest! I feel the Remnant mission is inspired; it’s our two-fold duty to share Christ and build the Kingdom. Why? To save the lost and prepare a place for the gathering. When? Now! We should commit our lives, resources, energies and the very fiber of our beings to make that a reality. Those not in the Center Place should similarly commit their resources. It requires a consecration of our time and talents. Our Lord in D&C 130:7d advises, "...both in private and in public expenditure carry into active exercise the principle of sacrifice and the repression of unnecessary wants." In R-150:8a, " I wait to endow you with greater understanding and power...greater sacrifice and discipline than you have known before will be required for the work that truly lies ahead." Consider these possibilities: if 100 families monthly would eat from the "dollar menu" instead of a sit-down restaurant and contribute the difference, that might be $16,800. In a single year that would build two churches in India. If 250 households canceled their cable/satellite TV, that would be $120,000 a year! If 500 gave up just one soda purchase per week, it would be $26,000 a year, plus they would be healthier! Three simple ideas could give $162,000 a year through determined sacrifice! "Determined" means, "I’m not giving up! I truly want this!" The Lord does not make you sanctified; it’s a covenant and point of agency. God has a two-fold plan for Zion. He intended that both might happen so that simultaneously they can come to reality together, one ministering to the other. People must

learn and grow and become what God intended. In Bountiful, people will have left worldliness behind and they will become one in heart and purpose. But to purify neighborhoods you have to start with outreach and meet needs–spiritual and even physical needs. We have to win their support by serving next to them, then they start to impact their other neighbors. Only someone who’s been converted can really reach out to others. God’s program hasn’t changed because dollars are now harder to come by. He can still feed the 5000 with one basket. God hasn’t changed; circumstances have changed. Now we can’t take credit for all the wonderful things He’s going to do to make these things a reality. We must step out in faith. I think it’s safe to say the financial system’s days of this country are numbered. God rewards faith and boldness; we can trust Him. When you step out in faith He honors that. There are testimonies among people that when you’ve paid your tithing, even when you thought you didn’t have enough to do so, the next day the "windows of Heaven" opened up. In 2005 the Lord spoke to me and said, "Those who have been called to be servants and leaders will be required to sacrifice all things, holding nothing back, to bring to pass the gathering and sanctification of the Center Place." Every sinner and procrastinator thinks he has "more time" to turn it around before the opportunity to serve is gone. If the time comes when money is not worth anything, you will wish you’d given it "all" while it was still worth something! D&C R-148:3b says, "Through sacrifice and discipline in your lives your righteousness will allow you to receive my power, for it will require power from on high to overcome and build up my Kingdom, even Zion." Zion the pure in heart equals righteousness. D&C 95:3a tells us that He will give us precept upon precept, that we may be found worthy. We should be choosing the Kingdom way. The Lord is blessing us with insight, and we intend to implement it. The Lord’s prayer says, "...Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done." Amen. Because it is appropriate to our present situation, I close by reading Hymn #583, "When Towers of Earth are Falling." P

14

Address by President Larsen

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I would like to address the current political and economic conditions of this country and the world. The recent weeks have been upsetting for all of us. Nevertheless, this is not the first time that the Saints have had to face such a serious world financial crisis. Let me read from the writing of President Frederick Madison Smith, in which he wrote an article published in 1930 in The Saints Herald. He says, "In a letter from a District President recently received at the office, language is used which touches the heart. 'We're very glad to report that conditions are good as far as the spiritual conditions are concerned. We regret to say however that so many of our people are out of work. It is really deplorable and when we see how much suffering there is it makes our hearts ache for those who are so unfortunate, considering the conditions, the coal fields have practically shut down [probably in Pennsylvania and Virginia] and the

Depression in industrial lines. I really marvel that the Saints are so patient and that they do as well as they do in their financial contributions. We hope conditions will soon improve.'"

"The brief story," writes Pres. Smith, "probably reflects conditions in several localities and it brings again to the fore thoughts of what might have been if we as a people had moved out along lines we should have done in response to divine mandates and suggestions. For reasons difficult to analyze, we have apparently been reluctant, not to say fearful, to move out along lines of industrial stewardship and compact organization for greater mutual helpfulness. Had we done so years ago, I doubt not that we could easily take care of the matter of unemployment among our people." (Remember this was 1930.) "But we have moved too slowly and reluctantly, if at all, and we're now paying one of the prices and may yet have more to pay for our procrastination. The question arises, shall or will we profit by our experiences and be from now on more prompt in responding to divine directions? Our people are patient under suffering, they have always been, and I earnestly hope that they're clinging tenaciously to a sense of responsibility to Deity, and that duty along all lines of church relationships will loom large in their lives. Because we may have failed in the past to move with promptness and obedience makes it necessary now that we be more alert. The pressure of the times, mild in comparison to what they might be, reminds us of unfulfilled duties and should spur us to greater righteousness, finer religious zeal, and a keener desire to do our full duty."

I think this is exactly the position we are in today. I couldn't have written that better than my grandfather did so many years ago. The Lord has told us that moral decay, political upheaval, natural calamities and economic adversity are here upon this land of promise. In Section R-152 the important part says, "Heed again this counsel and make the required preparation for the much tribulation to come in the days ahead." If we had paid attention to that in April, we might be better off and I might not be here saying what I'm going to have to say. The moral decay in society in general is the underlying cause of the economic crisis the world is facing. It permeates corporate life and political life

15

at all levels. You've heard that if you've done any reading in the papers or heard the news media (and there is corruption in the news media also). The underpinnings of any free society in capitalistic systems is the integrity and moral fiber of those involved in our political and economic systems. Until the moral decay is reversed, we will continue to see a downward spiral in our economic and political lives.

This has been a great concern to us in the First Presidency. Bro. Lane Harold and Bro. Bob Ostrander and myself have been trying to understand this as best we could. The one thing we did do, and I along with my counselors, have made the current economic circumstances a matter of prayer and fasting. We have asked the Lord what we are to do as a Church that would be pleasing unto Him. He's reminded us of his call in R-150 and R-152 which have been read to you this night. The Lord has long ago warned us of the perils that lie ahead.

In D&C 45:12c-13b, "and with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that you may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you, and it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God; and the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come into it; and it shall be called Zion. And it shall come to pass among the wicked that every man who will not take his sword against his neighbor, must needs flee unto Zion for safety. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another."

We have walked through the many scenarios of the consequences that have been brought forth by the economic crisis that we are in. We have come to a conclusion in consultation with the Bishopric, and with the support of the Joint Council recently held, which had the First Presidency, the Bishopric, the Quorum of Twelve and the Seventy present. We are suggesting a three-pronged plan to meet what we feel confident will be the difficult times economically for the Remnant Saints. First of all we think of the credit crunch, and whether the banks might fail or declare a holiday. If that happens, how many of us would be forced to or choose to use debit or credit cards—but if those can't be used, you can't buy food, gas or lots of other necessary things. In such a scenario our CD's, Money Markets, our savings and checking accounts become unavailable and cash would become a problem in terms of purchasing. Acting to meet such a situation, we are proposing a short-term, intermediate term and long-term approach to the problem.

One of the things we suggest in the short term: it's now time to make certain that each family has some cash on hand, food and water stored, along with a supply of essential medications. Sometimes we don't think about that. There could come a day when these items may not be available. We think that to be prepared is better than to be caught short, and with united preparation we can better meet the emergency together. There must needs be an organization of this people as recorded in Sec. 51 of the D&C. However, we sense it would not be pleasing to God if all we did is to take care of ourselves by purchasing our own food, utilities, whatever it is for our own needs. He has told us numerous times to organize ourselves in order to care for the poor and needy among us. I'm not suggesting that those "poor" do not have any funds at all, but that there are many who probably don't have sufficient funds for the emergency we are likely to encounter. D&C 51:1a, and 102:1,2, "Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions; …for it must needs be that they are organized according to my laws, if otherwise they will be cut off; … Verily I say unto you, who have assembled yourselves together that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people. Behold, I say unto you, Were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now, but, behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I require at their hands, but… do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them,"—we're not talking about the community that surrounds us; we're talking about taking care of our own—

16

"...and are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;… otherwise I can not receive her unto myself; and my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer."

We in the Presidency don't want to see our people suffer, and we believe there are some things that we can do. After the short-term things, there are intermediate things we can do. It is estimated that slightly more than half of our membership do not have the ability to quickly have cash on hand to purchase food for storage. We are recommending to the Church that we develop emergency shelters along with food storage and preservation at the Headquarters building, the Gathering Place and at Bountiful. This will require a voluntary obedience to God's call to organize ourselves and pool our resources to quickly accomplish these tasks. We will be calling for all Church membership to consider a sacrificial offering of up to 10% of their current financial reserves. This is the time in which we can demonstrate to God and the world around us of our willingness to work together, rather than to remain separate, putting "me" first. Our concern is for all of our membership, both the well-off, and the modestly provisioned (some are more well-off than others). It is the duty of those who have, to share with those who have not, even if it's just among our number. The three projects being recommended to meet this emergency were explained in the October News Briefs. These are listed below:

Headquarters Building Emergency Shelter $ 80,000 Gathering Place Retreat Center: completion of Phase II 300,000 Bountiful Community Center: emergency Phase I 320,000

Together we can and we will fulfill prophetic guidance that has come, not only to the Restored Church in these last days, but particularly to the Remnant Church. We do have a plan. Next weekend there will be details elaborated in the News Briefs (Oct. Issue has now been distributed.) that will expand on these suggestions. I have no intent to create fear or panic for anyone; the members of the First Presidency have sought guidance regarding this situation. We sense that the Divine Mind is urging us to take some action to protect ourselves in these days. In the short term it is the problem of a lack of cash; if the banks don't have it, daily living will be difficult for all of us. Whatever we do, it is our intention to fulfill in the long term those goals that we have always looked for. It appears to be expedient that we initiate those programs now. We trust that together we will ponder these things in our minds to organize ourselves, taking care of each other in the days ahead. May God bless you. P

REMNANT ARMED FORCES UPDATES BLUE SPRINGS CONGREGATION: Cpl Van Biber, Jr., Joseph (Marine) Camp Pendleton, address pending. Joe returned from Iraq in November. He will get to come home for Christmas. He is the son of Joe, Sr. and Marissa Van Biber. (member) PFC Williams, Bradley CMR 464 Box 618 APO AE 09226 Bradley finished a tour in Afghanistan. He is a Cavalry Scout, Airborne unit, Germany; son of Rodney and Regina Williams, grandson of Myrna Williams. (member) SPERRY BRANCH, OKLAHOMA: Gage, Denton (Address pending) Denton deployed to Iraq in September. He is the grand-nephew of Bob and Shirley Rowden. (non-member)

AMN Latendresse, Jeremy (Address pending) Jeremy, an MP in the Air Force, has returned from Iraq; grandson of Richard and Nikki Emmert. (non-member) 2LT Latendresse, Katie HHB 45th FiB APO AE 09366 Katie, in the Army Reserves, deployed to Kuwait in October; granddaughter of Richard and Nikki Emmert. (non-member) Morris, Travis Address pending, deploying to Iraq soon. He is the husband of the grand-niece of Bob and Shirley Rowden. (non-member) If you wish to mail a care package, please contact Patti Jobe, rpwm82@fullnet.net, for specific mailing procedures.

17

by Michael L. Lytle

"It came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father, I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord gives no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the things which he commandeth them." I Nephi 1:65

he topic for today is "God Has Spoken in All Ages" and I am adding "of my life." There are times when we can look back at experiences that we can share with others

that will increase their faith and bolster them. The Lord wants me to share this tonight. The very first time the Lord spoke in my life was before I came to this earth. It was in a time before time. He gave this experience to me a few years ago in answer to a request that I had. Sometimes the Lord needs to let us know of things that we are unaware of, and this was one of them. I look around in congregations and I notice families sitting together. That’s one of the things in my life I always envied because my family wasn’t with me as I grew up in the Church. The Church became my family. But my family saw no point in coming to Church and never got involved with the Restoration faith. My mother and grandfather were members, and that’s where I came in contact with the Church. I asked God why my family was not interested in this Church when I was interested. My uncle picked me up in the country and took me into Alma (Michigan) to the Church, and that was what I needed, and I grew up with youth who were dedicated to God. That question was answered for me in this dream which I had after I came to the land of Zion. In that dream, I found myself back before the foundation of the earth in this immense crowd of

people. We were all waiting for something. I was aware of a small light in the distance coming toward us; everyone looked toward that light at the same time. As it came closer, it was right in the midst of us, and that light was Jesus Christ Himself. As I looked into the eyes of the Savior, it seemed as if I was the only one who was there. Everyone in the crowd was having that same exact experience, looking into the eyes of Christ. He said one thing to all of us, "Who will go to the earth in the last days and witness of my love?" As I raised my hand, I was aware that everyone in the crowd raised his hand at the same time and we all said, "I will go." I was made aware that my familial brothers in this life were not there. I made that commitment, and that was the answer to me that I received from the Lord. The dream ended at that point. I was not allowed to remember anyone I saw, but there have been times in my life when I have met people in the Restoration faith, and many in the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ, with whom I have felt a kindred spirit, and I have asked myself, "I wonder if they were there?" In an experience I had about a week ago it was made known to me by the Lord that it was connected to the second experience I had after I came to this earth. My mother tells me that when I was an infant I had taken a cold in both my ears. When it broke, stuff began running out of my ears, and she took me to the doctor. He said, "He’s got holes in his eardrums the size of a

T

in All Ages of My

Life

GGoodd HHaass SSppookkeenn

18

quarter, and he will never hear again." Like most mothers (you know the hope and love of a mother) she didn’t give up. She kept medicating me and presented me to God, and He healed both my ears. I hear today because of Him. He wanted me to hear the Restoration message. The Lord made it known to me that if I had not had my ears healed, I would never have been able to keep that promise I made before life here. It never occurred to me that these experiences were connected until a week ago, and the Lord said to me, "The first and the last [experiences]—you received them in reverse order—one depends on the other." To me that was quite a testimony! Read the scripture in Ephesians 1:1-16 [relating to the above experience]. I wondered about some of the things said there about being chosen before the foundation of the world, and being guided together in one. To me, it was talking about the time which is going to come, and Enoch’s city and the Zion on earth will be gathered into one. In the experience I have just shared with you, I made a commitment, and because of that choice I was chosen to come into this time. That was done from the foundation of the world too. (Re-read the scripture from I Nephi above) God does continue to speak to me in all ages of my life. Last month you heard the term "Witnessing Weekend" mentioned. When I was growing up as a youth, Carl VunCannon, Jr. was in charge of such a weekend team in Michigan, and we went to many congregations. I’ll never forget our trip to London, Ontario. I lost track of him on the road, and we were praying to meet again, and they prayed similarly in their car. When we got to Port Huron we handed out the fliers on love in Christ, and gave one to the Customs official at the bridge. He said, "You must be with the other group who came through a few minutes ago!" As we pulled into the first gas station, there was Carl and his group waiting for us, and we were united again. Isn’t it marvelous how the Lord works when you’re in his service!

When I entered the U.S. Air Force in 1966 I went to Ft. Wayne, near Detroit. While I was there, I had two doctors examine my ears. They said there was a time when you had large holes in your eardrums, but there is nothing but scar tissue there now. They put me in Morse code school. I served in Italy, intercepting communications between Communist countries and sending it on to the National Security Agency, where I went after I left Italy. I had open heart surgery a couple years ago, and recuperated alone at home for two months. It was difficult doing everything for myself—cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc., but the Holy Spirit was with me every bit of that time. It was the experience of a lifetime—God was watching out for me. I shared that with a coworker at the IRS when she was going through a painful divorce, and I said she could share in that spirit also, that "He Who Is" will be with you if you invite Him. She sent me an e-mail: "Sometimes I get to worrying too much about what’s happening in my life and I forget that I’m being taken care of by a much higher power. Thanks for helping me to remember and putting things into perspective. Talking to you brought a sense of peace and I felt that burden had been lifted." I carry this in my billfold now, because I too have to be reminded that I am not alone, that God is there for me for everything I need in this life! When I was in my first year of college I had my Patriarchal Blessing; I’m going to share some statements from that. Since I moved into my house 17 years ago, I haven’t seen that blessing—it has disappeared. It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—my prevention was that 20 years ago I typed up a copy of my blessing, and glued it into my Doctrine and Covenants. Smart thing, right? I was laid off from the IRS at that time. When I finally went back to work, my first paycheck was $1 short of what I needed to pay for my car insurance. I cashed that check and

19

put the cash into that D&C, and borrowed another dollar from a person at work. I put that with the other cash, and was happy I could pay for my car insurance on the way home. I laid the book down, went back to my desk fifteen minutes later, and the book was gone! Whoever took it got a lot of money (hope they had a good time with it—I leave that in God’s hands) but I forgave that person for what was done. But I had lost my Patriarchal Blessing again! But, I had two ounces of prevention—I had done the same thing to another D&C, and I still have that book today! Here are some excerpts from my Patriarchal blessing. When the Lord speaks to you he uses the word "if"—it's a big word in the English language. Keep in mind that all these statements have an "if." "You will become a tool in His hands in bringing about His Kingdom in these latter days. The time will come when you will stand proudly and declare the work and word of God in great power and much assurance. Because of your true dedication to your Lord and his Kingdom, you will be endowed with the spirit that will cause those around you to turn to you for counsel and advice. And if you continue to be faithful in your ministry and in discharging your duties and responsibilities, the time will come when you will be the means of ministering to those not of the faith. If you will do this, dear brother, the time will come when one that seeks to overthrow you and destroy your good work will be overthrown. You will be loosened from his power, you will be able to walk in peace and safety, onward and upward, to your great calling, which will come in the days which lie ahead." When I was ordained a Deacon in the Church, I had the Patriarch come to me in Midland, MI at the time and tell me that he had insights of my calling. I said I realized that. But there are a lot of things if I am faithful, if I continue, there are a lot of promises for me in the future. I’m sure for each and every one of you those same kind of promises are coming—for Endowment, for Zion, for outreach to people who are just waiting to hear from us the story that only we can share with them. I know the Endowment is coming, I know that the Kingdom is right here, so close I can almost

feel it. Sometimes it will be Judgment Day itself before we get the full feedback of what we did in our lives that has touched others and brought them into the love and bond of Christ and His Church. I recall going to a home in Michigan (Alma Branch) to a gentleman who couldn’t attend church because of an illness. It was a priesthood visitation night and while we were there, we talked about Judgment Day. He said he’d had a dream where he saw that day for him. The books were opened, and everything that had happened in his life was there. Then he saw the blood of Jesus coming down the pages and it washed away all the bad, and all that was left was the good in his life. His reward for eternity was based on the good. I thought that was a testimony I could continue to share with people. God has spoken in all the ages of man; He spoke to Job in a whirlwind, He spoke to Joseph of the robe of many colors in a dream, He spoke to Moses in a burning bush and to Samuel in a voice at night, to Elijah in a small still voice, to Daniel in a vision, to ancient Americans in earthquakes, fires, destruction, followed by a still voice; to Joseph Smith in a grove, and today He speaks to us through His prophet in the Remnant Church. He speaks to each one of us personally. If we will only obey what He speaks to us, the blessings that are to come are beyond our imagination. He spoke through the Bishops in the last Conference. What was said touched my heart deeply. I stand here tonight, probably "preaching to the choir"—all here have probably filed their tithing and consecrated, but I’m working on it. If you haven’t, I invite you to "jump into the water" and get involved, because time is getting shorter and shorter. Things that are coming our way might not be what we expect. In some senses we may be shocked; in others exactly as we expected them. In an E-mail from my aunt in Michigan was a publication by a man named Jude; I want to share with you what he had to say. "In November (2007) I had a dream of the coming year. What was said was that it would be getting worse, and I was to pass it along to those who believed. We would be tempted to take the easy road in life, but that we were to take the harder path to be strong

20

in life and in our faith. War would be worse, tempers would flare among friends, there was to be a gradual process in how people would be broken down and their faith taken away. They will not know until it is too late. I was to tell those who are true Christians [you see God still works with people outside of the chosen Remnant Church to build the Kingdom]. As for me I am not what you would consider to be a true Christian [his own definition of himself] so I do not understand why He chose me to pass the word along. It was specifically meant to pass along to those who believe. What is coming is not as we expect. It will be a gradual event and we will become entwined into it. It is a slow event. What got my attention were the words spoken, the events are happening, to heed its warnings, and we are to keep the faith no matter how hard the struggle, we are to be strong. We must turn the other cheek, we are not to conform to the easy way; we are to take the harder path. An easier road will be offered to us but that would be a temptation that would seduce us out of our beliefs. I want nothing from what I am relaying to you; I seek no attention nor do I want to be known. I am only to tell you what is to come in the next few years. I have had dreams before, even of the Oklahoma City bombing three months prior to that. It was frightening to have that happen later on. My dream didn’t say where, only how many had died. What I recall of that dream is a chain link fence surrounding a bombed-out building. Months later I saw the scene on 'Dateline' just as I saw it in my dream. This dream I had of what is coming is of the same nature, and already events are happening as described to me in November. It has been in my thoughts since I dreamt it. I wrote it down in my computer, I went to refer to see what I had written, but the week when I wrote it is missing. It had been deleted. I don’t understand how this could happen. So to you I wish that you would pass along that people keep their faith in

the coming year. It would be hard; as long as we believe in God’s word and honor it the best that we can, we’ll be OK. He does not expect us to be perfect, but He does want us to try." I thought it was most appropriate in line with what we are being told in revelation today. God spoke to us recently in Section R-152. "How soon you, my Saints, have forgotten counsel given not so long ago regarding economic adversities, political unrest, decline in morality, and natural calamities. These things have now come to pass and are with you. Heed again this counsel and make the required preparation for the much tribulation to come in the days ahead... Remember, the time to prepare for my Zion is now, and I desire to come quickly." How many of you in listening to the news are aware that central U.S. just had a big earthquake? Had it been any stronger it would have caused destruction to buildings even here in Kansas City. We may still see that. Trials and times are hard, but being here in the land of Zion we have the opportunity to be able to do something to bring forth this Kingdom. The challenge is ours. I find it shameful that only a fourth of the Church feels that tithing and consecration is really necessary. Before I left Michigan I got down on my knees at the Church (I was all alone) and poured out my heart to my God. I remember the tears. I gave to Him my life, all I am, all I have, and all I’ll ever be. I stay true to that commitment to this day. I try to stay true to the commitment I made before I came into this life. I will share the love of Jesus Christ with all whom I meet. I hope this encourages and strengthens you, that we can become of one heart and one mind. I hope we will all work to make God’s will for our lives a part of us. When that happens, there will be Zion. Open your hymnals to #355 (read the words). Those words really struck me in my preparation. Thank you. P

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would solve most of the world's challenges.

—Gandhi

21

1830s Group Caps Off

a Busy Year by Suzanne Eickhoff

SUMMER WEEKEND RETREAT In August 2008 a small group of college singles and young marrieds went to Blackgum, Oklahoma to the Camp Grounds on a Friday night. David and Suzanne Eickhoff carpooled with Laura VanBiber, Andrew Pierce and Casey Tevebaugh from Claremore. In Sallisaw we met Rachel Scott, Dani Ross and friend Martha. At the campgrounds, we were joined by brother and

sister team Laura and A.J. Minardi, and their cousin Levi, all from the Rogers, Arkansas Branch. We spent the first night visiting and getting to know the newcomers in the group. Early the next morning, we packed lunches and went to the river at Tahlequah, with one raft, two canoes and two kayaks. We rafted two hours, chatting the whole way, and had lunch at a secluded beach where we discussed what we would like to see happen for our group in the future. We felt we would be better served on

planning three to four Church-wide events and allow the locals to plan their own monthly activities.

We finished the float trip in another hour, and returned to the campgrounds for some rest. Over dinner we chatted about what we were each dealing with in our lives, reassuring each other that we had all "been there" at some time. The night ended with a singing session of old camp songs and prayer. But just as in our college-age days, we socialized in groups for another hour or two! Sunday morning, after cleaning up the camp grounds, we sang a long-standing song of the 90s at Oklahoma camps, "May God Be With You and Bless You." We felt the Retreat was a huge success, giving us a secluded weekend to be with each other, and bond without the interference of the world and its problems. Our Plan for the coming year is to have two Church-wide activities in the Center Place and two more in outlying areas–most likely in Iowa, Arkansas or Oklahoma. We also hope to have a large enough group to split into marrieds and singles, and focus on things that apply to each group individually. We still want the groups to stay close to support each other and be united in a Zionic Church family. The annual election meeting is Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 PM at the Gathering Place for a potluck game night to select our leaders and committees. We hope everyone will make a commitment to make this year our best, and grow together in oneness with our Lord.

FAMILY ACTIVITY NIGHT LAUNCHED Gathering up all their members and a large measure of courage, the 1830s Group sponsored a Family Activity Night at the Gathering Place for all Church members and were rewarded when about 60-80 persons turned out for all the

22

fellowship, fun and games. Those who attended reported an enjoyable evening for every age, and we are happy to report that the cake auction was wonderfully supported and resulted in an income

of about $200 for the next year's activities. President Larsen was heard to observe that we should have more of these Family Nights on a regular schedule. P

THE HEALING TOUCH OF A HUMAN HAND by Jan Houston

The healing touch of a human hand will do wonders for both giver and receiver. God gave us two hands and arms–not just for work, but to give to others– The healing touch of a human hand.

A newborn baby will not survive if left alone and never caressed or held. Just as important as food and sleep is the healing touch of a human hand. A child, when injured or feeling hurt, runs to his/her parents’ arms. Why? For comforting words and the healing touch of a human hand.

A barking dog or a yowling cat can be so upset and troubled. But touch them, pet them, hold them; They’ll soon mellow and feel so calm–they’ve had the healing touch of a human hand. We give hugs to say hello, goodbye, wish you well, I’m so sorry, or I love you. But many of us don’t have family or friends to give us hugs. We need the touch of a human hand.

As a child, I had no loving arms to hold me, nor a soothing voice to comfort me. How often I cried and cried, for want of the healing touch of a human hand. Years ago on the Graceland campus, my arm was touched by President Bill. It had been years since I had been touched by anyone, and I felt his hand imprint for over five years. I had felt the healing touch of a human hand.

Jesus gathered the children unto Him. He laid His hands on the ill and prayed for healing. Did you catch that? He laid His hands on them. Even Jesus realized the healing touch of a Hand! God gave each of us a heart with which to love, and the power of the healing touch of a human hand.

23

Patriarch/EvangelistBCounselor and Advisor In today=s world, as in the past, there are times when members of the Church need advice for dealing with problems great and small. In the Lord=s plan for ministry to his people, the men of the Order of Patriarch/Evangelists are available to provide advice and counsel on a confidential basis. Generally, the years of experience in business affairs and church ministry prepare the men of the Order to give counsel based on the experience, wisdom, study, prayer and spiritual insight which they bring to their office. As "fathers to the church" they may be sought after by those persons who are conscious of the need for a father=s counsel. This counsel or advice is manifested through what life=s experiences bring to the session, and especially, through being quickened by the Holy Spirit. Then they can advise with the wisdom and light given to them. It is through this wise and godly counsel to those who seek it that guidance is given to lead a life that is centered in Christ Jesus, and they are warned against the wiles of the adversary. The counsel of the Patriarch/Evangelist must be persuasive, not dictatorial. Individuals must be helped to arrive at a decision they feel is their own. This counsel and advice is not to be considered a panacea for solving all of an individual=s needs and problems. Those advised and counseled must still make their own decisions and move out under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is said of the Patriarch/Evangelist that he is to "give counsel and advice to individuals who may seek for such." (D&C 125:3b) However, there may be specific instances where he will be "constrained" by the Holy Spirit to approach an individual known to be in need of his help, even if his counsel has not been openly solicited. As a rule, advice is most helpful to those who desire it and seek for it. As a counselor he will not hand down arbitrary, or ready-made decisions. Therefore, he must first of all be a good listener. Those who receive his counsel must be at ease and secure in their confidence of him. They should expect to tell their own stories, and through having guidance for this thinking, be helped to reach good decisions. They should expect to receive help in clarifying these decisions and as to how they can proceed to put their decisions into action.

Counseling means helping people to make wise and just decisions, and thus to live successfully, and, in the context of the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, to live successfully in relationship to the gospel and covenants of our Lord. It means helping those counseled to adjust themselves so they can get along with other people and be useful in the Lord=s work. It is holding a mirror before another so an individual may see himself or herself, be helped to interpret what is seen, and finally, to get into the right action. The counselor must know his own limitations. The Patriarch/Evangelist can only advise with the wisdom and light he is given. He should not be expected to give counsel or advice in areas where he has no knowledge unless it is through the explicit direction of the Holy Spirit. Generally, referral to another qualified person is the best option in such an instance, for there are times when the best service a counselor may render is to refer the one in need to a reputable specialist, according to the nature of the problem – for example, to the Bishop for financial counseling or to a qualified professional counselor for special needs. There are no specific limitations placed upon the Patriarch/Evangelist regarding to whom, or to what areas of life his counsel and advice may be given. Those who seek counsel may be Presiding Elders or other Priesthood, department heads, General Church Officers, members, or others. Some will come desiring that they have an immediate, detailed, specific revelation – a "Thus saith the Lord, you shall do this," or "you shall do that." It must be recognized that the Patriarch/Evangelist can only advise with the wisdom and light he is given.

Conrad R. Faulk

(Reprinted from Hastening Times, Issue 20)

********** You are invited to direct your questions or inquiries to the Order of Patriarch/Evangelists, at the address listed for Church Headquarters.

from the

Order of Patriarch/Evangelists

24

Rogers, Arkansas Branch

Marlin, TX Branch

Sperry, Oklahoma (Presiding Elder Stephen Van Meter) During the summer many of our Congregation attended the Oklahoma Reunion at Miami. Several youth attended the youth camps. The school children of our area returned to school August 13 and our college students followed shortly after that. Patricia Powers, children's director, held our Bible School on July 14-18 and used the theme "Armor of God." We had attendance of 21 children, many of whom were at such a function for the first time. Sister Patricia has many helpers and testified of the goodness of God in the very fine Spirit which was in attendance each day of the activities. Sister Kay Daugherty was baptized in June by Elder Roger Tracy. We are happy to welcome her to the gospel. We also have enjoyed the fellowship and food of an ice cream social one Sunday evening. Another Saturday evening we enjoyed a cookout and karaoke to raise funds for the local Good Samaritan group which helps those in the community in need. Rogers, Arkansas (Presiding Elder James Browning) Some of our youth went to Jr. Camp and some great experiences were had. Dylan has a testimony that I hope can be shared. Just hearing they attended was a thrill for me. The past months have been both those of trials and blessings. We were saddened and rejoiced at the same time by the passing of High Priest Gene Currie and had missed his ministry for so long. We as a Congregation and family celebrated his going home to his Heavenly Father, and no longer needing to cope with the fragilities of the earthly body. We also rejoice that Gene's daughter, Peggy Curan, has become a member of the Remnant Church and now has opportunity to visit with her mother Lucille in Church matters as well.

We as usual have been blessed and uplifted with several guest speakers: President Ostrander enlightened us with details of the planned Community of Zion; Seventy Dick Smith brought words of encouragement as he spoke to the Priesthood, the Congregation, and our young men; Seventies Sam Dyer, Donnie Carter, Robert Piedimonte, Patriarch Pete Petentler and several others brought blessings and messages of inspiration. I pray we all look forward to the remaining year. Marlin, Texas (Presiding Elder Arthur Allen) September proved to have several obstacles. Because of these various problems, our special services for September 13-14 had to be canceled. Further, because of a death in Apostle Collins' family, our 111th year celebration also had to be canceled. We send our prayers up to our Heavenly Father for blessings to be bestowed upon this family. Efforts and plans were made so several members were able to attend the Priesthood and Women's Gatherings in Independence, Missouri October 3-5. The following individuals were privileged to attend this activity: Elder Roger Schuelke and wife Deborah; Elder Rickey Welch and wife Brenda; Teacher Walter Shelton and wife Mary; and High Priest Arthur Allen and son Charles. All returned home safely. John Smock was away attending a school reunion in Kansas during this same time frame, so a big note of gratitude went to Elder Richard Hoover as the priesthood member "left behind" who took complete responsibility for the Communion Service held on October 5. Our weekly bulletin has recently emphasized that we examine our attitudes, as it is well known that our missionary work and the work of assisting the needy are hampered because of attitudes. It is the responsibility of priesthood to teach the principles of stewardship and a desire to obey this law. P

Sperry, OK Branch

25

also appreciate 'Aunt' Mina and Armand who helped me to open my eyes to fight the dark side and find the spiritual being. Without their help, I never knew about God and Jesus, and I would have been lost in the dark." Her complete testimony is available from Brother Wijckmans or from the Church Historian's Office. The Wijckmans address is 29101 Tradewinds Circle, Lake Elsinore, CA, 92530, phone number: (951) 245-1992.

The four newest members were confirmed by Brother Armand on October 5. It was at this same service that newly ordained Deacon Eric Nelson offered a blessing over the oblation. On October 9 he delivered his first message to the Congregation. The next two persons to be baptized were Edward Joseph Paras and Shizue Van Duzee on October 12 by Priest Don Cline. They were baptized at an early morning service in the large font next to the Wijckmans' home. Both were confirmed by Brother Wijckmans at the 11:00 AM Service. Don Cline lives 300 miles away in Salinas, California and is only able to travel periodically to Southland. Don's mother, Sister Vera Cline, is a member of the Blue Springs Congregation, Blue Springs, MO. Congregation News: In September Sister Josephine Tong entered Loma Linda University where she will study Geneographic Information Systems and

Biomedical Data Management. On October 4, as many members as possible from Southland Congregation joined with other churches in the Walk for Life 2008, a Pro-Life event at Machado Park, Lake Elsinore. One of our Japanese Sisters, Miwa Munroe, who was a nurse in Japan, has recently graduated from a local nursing school and is employed at a San Diego hospital. October 26 the Congregation held a baby shower for Sister Sherika and James Brown. The baby is due to arrive in December. Sister Midori Tinaka teaches the children's class on Sunday mornings. The Saints at Lake Elsinore were saddened to hear of the passing of Sister Tinaka's father, Kazushi Tinaka, in Hokkaido, Japan. Sympathy is extended to our Sister, not just by the Saints at Lake Elsinore, but also by all those who have visited Southland and have come to know and love her. Machiko Hinata from South Carolina will visit Southland Congregation on November 2. Many of the members of Southland are Japanese by birth or ancestry. Some are still struggling with the English language, especially the Bible. There is a Japanese class most Sunday

mornings, and attached is a sample of what may be shared during the class. (See p. 26) Our congregation is quite multi-national, and although we have only one Chinese member, Josephine Tong, we have spent much time praying for those Christians in

China who are being terribly abused. (Note prayer bands.) Anyone traveling in the Southern California area is most welcome to join with Brother Armand and Sister Mina Wijckmans for the Sabbath service. Most of the Saints travel many miles to attend church services there. Quite often the members bring an offering of food to be shared after the service is concluded. Their wonderful "potluck" is a genuine family feast.

—Submitted by Church Historian Ray Clough

Sister Katsumi and "Aunt" Mina

(Continued from page 27)

26

The challenge of teaching the Gospel to ethnic peoples who have not come from a Christian background is often compounded because they must deal with both a new, difficult language (English) and, in understanding both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, they must also try to comprehend the ancient Jewish religious milieu. The Pastor at Southland has successfully used the technique shown below, where a concept such as love, is given both in various English verses and in their translation into Japanese. Depending on the complexity of the language of those particular verses of the King James Version, a modern language version is sometimes preferably used for its easier comprehension. A Rabbi once wisely said, "Judaism considers words to carry immense responsibility. Used properly, they can teach, inspire or elevate. But used wrongly, or recklessly, they can be virtual weapons of mass destruction." (Editor)

27

The four month period from beginning July through October has been a series of great experiences for Presiding Elder Armand Wijckmans and the Saints at Lake Elsinore, California. During those four months Southland has had eight baptisms and one ordination. As of July 1, Southland had 24 members; today their number is 32. The Congregation has not had the luxury of great missionary services or outreach other than personal witness. Prospective members just seem to appear at their door, and they are loved into the Church. On June 29 Kenneth Takeshisa Miyata was baptized, and one week later, on July 6, he was confirmed by Brother Armand as part of the Sacrament Service. Sherika Brown was baptized by Seventy John Dollen on July 20, and confirmed by Elder Wijckmans on August 3. During this period of time an Aaronic Priesthood call came for Eric Nelson who was ordained a Deacon by Brother Armand on September 14. Brother Nelson is one of several fine young men attending Southland.

On September 28 four more people became members of the Congregation and the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ: Christopher Harkins, Yoshiko Katsumi, Michelle Nelson and DeMario Rudd. All four were baptized by Seventy Dollen at the 11:00 AM service, who also taught the combined Adult and Japanese Classes. Sister Katsumi's home is in Sapporo, Japan. She learned of the Church while chatting with Mina Wijckmans on the Internet. She became so thrilled to learn she could become a Christian and a member of his Church that she flew from Japan to California to be baptized. She has since returned home, and has written a very moving testimony of her life and conversion. "My everyday life turned to be so joyful. I felt the happiness of living. From the certain period, the scary voices and ghosts disappeared, and many of my illnesses were cured. I can not describe how much I was delighted and thankful to God! At the same time, I truly realized I was at the mercy of Satan for so long. Now, I can not stop thinking and praying to God and Jesus who saved me. I

(Continued on page 25)

Renewing a Rich Heritage Shown below is Sister Michelle Nelson being baptized by Seventy John Dollen, with candidate DeMario Rudd standing ready to follow her. With many similar ministries, Southern California's Southland Branch is continuing the Church's rich heritage of the past by teaching the fullness of the Christian Gospel to its many ethnic members and friends (see article starting on page 27.) Their current efforts bring to mind earlier activities among black friends in the Michigan area discussed in Roger Lanius' book, Invisible Saints: A History of Black Americans in the Reorganized Church. Below are two excerpts from that book:

Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage

P A I D Independence, MO Permit No. 391

The Hastening Times Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 700 W. Lexington Independence, MO 64050

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

THE RESTORATION

The church was brought out of the wilderness, The gospel gifts have all been restored. Showing forth God's love and great tenderness, To all those who put all their trust in the Lord. If man will have faith and truly repents, Be baptized and his sins washed away, The gifts from above will surely be sent As promised in this latter day. True to form the prophet in this latter day Gave his life as a martyr for Truth. He searched in the scriptures to find the true way And God called him while yet in his youth. And so God has in these latter days, Made available to man the new birth, Faith, repentance, baptism, just as in old ways When Jesus was here on the earth. Let us spread glad tidings of the restoration And work while it is yet called today Until we have reached out into every nation And spread the gospel of truth all the way.

"The Highland Park Congregation, as well as members of the Negro race making up other congregations throughout Michigan, has contributed much to the well-being of the church. Numerous church leaders have originated from its membership, ranging from appointee Seventy Richard A. Hawks to actress and singer Pauline Frisby. Amy Robbins, a black convert to the church in the first two decades of this [20th] century and a talented and sensitive woman, probably summarized well the dedication and perseverance of this small number of black Saints in Michigan in one of her many poems. Called 'The Restoration,' it speaks in very simple terms of her dedication to the Latter Day Saint movement and her hope for the future."