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The United States Is The Promised Land

By
Rod Meldrum
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The December 2012 issue of the Ensign magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published an article derived from a devotional address by Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to students at BYU-Idaho on January 24, 2012. The Ensign article, The Tradition of Light and Testimony, which begins on page 29, shares profound insights relating to the significant role of the United States in bringing to pass the restoration of the gospel.  Within it is one of the most succinct and straight-forward  statements by Church leadership to date in identifying and quantifying the “promised land” of the Book of Mormon.  Where is that “promised land” today and what significance does this have to the Heartland Model Geography?

 

The Ensign magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published an article, in the December 2012 issue, which originated from a transcription of a devotional address by Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to students at BYU-Idaho on January 24, 2012.

Elder L. Tom Perry, BYU Devotional

(Watch the VIDEO or read the TRANSCRIPT)

The resulting Ensign article, The Tradition of Light and Testimony shares profound insights relating to the role of the United States in bringing to pass the restoration of the gospel.

 

Wrote Elder Perry, “The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints is truly a world-wide Church. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that the Church could never have become what it is today without the birth of a great nation, the United States of America. The Lord prepared a new land to attract the peoples of the world who sought liberty and religious freedom.”

 

Elder Perry began by explaining that while the latter day Church is “truly a worldwide Church,” we should never forget that the Lord prepared a great latter day nation of liberty and religious freedom which made it possible for the restoration of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.  Then Elder Perry declared in as clear a description as is possible…,

Eler L. Tom Perry Ensign Quote

 

“The United States is the Promised Land foretold in the Book of Mormon—”

Continuing, he wrote, “…a place where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the birth of the United States of America that ushered out the Great Apostasy, when the earth was darkened by the absence of prophets and revealed light. It was no coincidence that the lovely morning of the First Vision occurred just decades after the establishment of the United States.”

An interesting excercise is to insert the words “United States” into prophetic passages from the Book of Mormon regarding the latter-day “promised land” or “land of promise” as indicated by Elder Perry.  In doing so, note how this effects the significance and clarity of the passage.

 1 Nephi 12:1

“And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Look, and behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren. And I looked and beheld the United States (land of promise); and I beheld multitudes of people, yea, even as it were in number as many as the sand of the sea.”

 1 Nephi 13:14

“And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the United States (land of promise); and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten.”

1 Nephi 14:2

 “And harden not their hearts against the Lamb of God, they shall be numbered among the seed of thy father; yea, they shall be numbered among the house of Israel; and they shall be a blessed people upon the United States (promised land) forever; they shall be no more brought down into captivity; and the house of Israel shall no more be confounded.”

 2 Nephi 1:5

“But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained [the] United States (land of promise), a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.”

 2 Nephi 1:10

“But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious United States (land of promise)—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them.”

 Ether 2:8

“And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this United States (land of promise), from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them.”
The Book of Mormon prophets included 36 specific prophecies and promises relating to this “nation” that would be established on their lands in the latter days. The only nation in the Americas that qualifies in each of these prophecies is, as Elder L. Tom Perry has pointed out, the United States of America…a covenant and promised land of God.

To learn more about these prophecies and their importance…

read the article The Scriptural Basis for the Heartland Model Geography HERE

or download the FREE excerpt of the book,

Prophecies and Promises: The Book of Mormon and the United States of America HERE,

by Rod Meldrum and Bruce Porter

which is also available for purchase from the Bookstore HERE.

Elder Perry Quote

Who Were the Shepherds in the Christmas Story?

By
Rod Meldrum
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The Christmas season is such a wondrous time for reflection, giving thanks, and counting the many blessings we have enjoyed throughout the year.  May we remember, especially during this Christmas season, the significance of the Son of God coming to earth to redeem mankind from our mistakes and sin.

Tower of the Flock

SHEPHERD SYMBOLISM FROM THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

by Rod L. Meldrum

As we approach this sacred season of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may we reflect on the miracle and blessing He was and is. As I’ve pondered on His holy birth, and the circumstances around it, I am reminded again of how the Lord goes about his mighty works.

The Holy Son of the most glorified and powerful eternal being, our Father in Heaven, was not provided with a wondrous palace, security, wealth and privilege befitting his status as God’s first born son, but rather He showed his everlasting power through the simple, the meek, the lowly and the weak things of this world. His sacred Son wasn’t born amid the tumult and praise of the political, secular or religious superiors of his day, but in obscurity, vulnerability and to parents who were powerless because of their circumstances to provide much more than the most basic necessities of life at his birth.

I am reminded of how the Jews were anticipating a mighty king who was prophesied to deliver them. They presumed that God’s Son would enter this world provided with what men supposed would be needed to carry out this deliverance. Why would they not expect their deliverer to be born to parents who could provide a world-class education, money sufficient to procure status, authority and prestige so that other men would know of his leadership and knowledge and thus follow him?

Instead His Holy Child was born in a stable and lovingly laid in a manger of hay by honest, hard-working parents of common status among the Jewish throngs. Indeed, His pre-mortal status was hidden and utterly concealed from the world. How ashamed many Jews must have felt when they realized they had been looking for the wrong identifying features of this humble Son of God sent to deliver them.

In like manner some have supposed that the Nephite civilization of the Book of Mormon should be identified by grand features and majestic ruins, signs of an overpowering and influential people that the world can look to because of their triumphant accomplishments. Yet the Book of Mormon speaks of a humble people who obeyed the Laws of Moses, dressed in inconspicuous clothing, and built homes and temples and cities of wood. It was the unrighteous that built large and spacious palaces to demonstrate their own greatness. In contrast to impressive structures, the righteous Nephites seemed to follow the Lord’s ways in putting people as a higher priority that power; of salvation over worldly possessions.

May we, as followers of Christ, strive to emulate and understand the true power of God’s example of His Son by humbly submitting ourselves and meekly seeking His will, realizing our weaknesses and asking for his grace to attend us. This is, I believe, a most wonderful way to celebrate His birth.

WHO WERE THE SHEPHERDS IN THE CHRISTMAS STORY?

The Christmas story as taken from Luke 2:8-20:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

Most of us are very familiar with this passage, as reading it is a Christmas Eve tradition for many families. But who were the shepherds?  Why were these men privileged to have angels appear to them? Was there any significance to these shepherds other than being humble keepers of sheep?  Did the angels announce the birth of the Savior throughout the land, but this was the only account that was recorded in scripture?  Or was there a greater purpose to the angelic revelation specific to these shepherds?

The Christmas story takes on added meaning when we consider that the shepherds who were abiding by their flocks in the fields were perhaps watching over temple sheep, sheep that were being bred and protected to be sacrificed at the temple in Jerusalem.  The noted information relies heavily on the research of Cooper P. Abrams III in his article Where was the Birth Place of the Lord Jesus?

These shepherds may have been men who were accustomed to preparing lambs which symbolically represented the Messiah in their cleanliness, perfection, and their sacrifice on the altar of the temple.  This gives added depth of meaning, if true, to these scriptures which tell of the angels who came to these shepherds to proclaim the birth of the Lamb of God, the Savior of mankind, who would offer the last and ultimate sacrifice.

Found-Migdal-eder-300x223
A tower similar to what Migdal Eder might have looked like

But there are more interesting details.  The place where the angels appeared to the shepherds is traditionally known as the Tower of the Flock, or Migdal Edar, which is very near Bethlehem.  One commentator notes: “This watch tower from ancient times was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts. It was the place ewes were brought to give birth to the lambs. In this sheltered building/cave the priests would bring in the ewes which were about to lamb for protection. These special lambs came from a unique flock which were designated for sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem.”

According to Edersheim in The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah, in Book 2, Chapter 6, it states, “This Migdal Edar was not the watchtower for the ordinary flocks that pastured on the barren sheep ground beyond Bethlehem, but it lay close to the town, on the road to Jerusalem. A passage from the Mishnah (Shekelim 7:4) leads to the conclusion that the flocks which pastured there were destined for Temple sacrifices.“

What are we to make of all of this information from the writings of the rabbis? First, we know that Migdal Edar was the watchtower that guarded the Temple flocks that were being raised to serve as sacrificial animals in the Temple. These were not just any flock. The shepherds who kept them were men who were specifically trained for this royal task. They were educated in what an animal, that was to be sacrificed, had to be and it was their job to make sure that none of the animals were hurt, damaged, or blemished. These lambs were apparently wrapped in swaddling cloths to protect them from injury which, or course, was also used to wrap the Christ Child.

Thus, with the establishment of Temple worship in Jerusalem, the fields outside of Bethlehem became the place where a special group of shepherds raised the lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple. Being themselves under special Rabbinical care, they would strictly maintain a ceremonially clean stable for a birthing place. The Tower of the Flock was used for birthing ewes, and the surrounding fields were where these shepherds grazed their flocks. These shepherds customarily kept their flocks outdoors twenty-four hours a day every day of the year, but brought the ewes in to deliver their lambs where they could be gently cared for. It was to this place that Joseph took Mary. It was in this special stable at “Migdal Edar” that Christ may have been born!

TOWER OF THE FLOCK There’s an obscure prophecy about the birth of Jesus that’s not just about the town of Bethlehem, it nails down Messiah’s birth to the square foot. You might not have heard this before, but it’s in the book of Micah. “And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” – Micah 4:8 It’s a prophecy that the Messiah would be born not only in Bethlehem, but in the “Tower of the Flock.” So, what is that? More information here:

Luke 2:8-18 records that there were shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their sheep by night. Who then were these shepherds? Without question these were shepherds who resided near Bethlehem. They were none other than the shepherds from “Migdal Edar” who were well aware that the Targum (translations of the Hebrew Bible or portions of it into the Aramaic language. Thus the Targums were designed to meet the needs of unlearned Jews to whom the Hebrew of the Old Testament was unintelligible), hinted and many of the rabbis taught that the Messiah might well be announced from “Migdal Edar” at Bethlehem. The angels only told the shepherds that they would find the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. There was no need for the angels to give these shepherds directions to the birth place because they already knew. These were the men who raised sacrificial lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple. When the angelic announcement came, they knew exactly where to go, as Luke 2 indicates, for the sign of a manger could only mean their manger at the tower of the flock! You cannot explain the meaning or direction of the sign they were given or their response unless you have the right manger and the right shepherds!

Prophetically, Migdal Edar is the exact place in Bethlehem for Christ to be born. Micah was God’s prophet who was warning Israel of the coming captivity. He used the authenticating prophecy of the Assyrian captivity of the Northern Kingdom (soon to occur when he foretold it) to serve as a reminder to Israel of God’s promised Kingdom. God wanted them to know that even though they would be taken from their land because of their disobedience that He would restore them in time. Micah 4:7 establishes the context of the passage and clearly is a Messianic prophecy of the coming of the Millennial Kingdom when Jesus Christ will reign over Jerusalem forever.  The…LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. In other words God was assuring Israel that He would fulfill His promises to them of the Kingdom. In Micah 4:8 the word is rendered “tower of the flock” (marg., “Edar”), and is used as a designation of Bethlehem, which figuratively represents the royal line of David as sprung from Bethlehem.

In this setting, Micah (Micah 4:8) uses the prophecy of the Babylonian captivity of the Southern Kingdom as a pledge to guarantee (authenticating prophecy) of the birth of Christ at Migdal Edar at Bethlehem which is exactly where it took place! Micah prophesied that as surely as Assyrians would soon carry away Israel in the North, so the Messiah would come and establish His kingdom, the “first dominion, the kingdom shall come to Jerusalem.” The verse states that as surely as Babylon would carry away the Judah, in the South, into captivity, so the Messiah would arrive at the Tower of the Flock. This prophecy was but one other evidence that later proved that Jesus was the Messiah, but one that Israel ignored in rejecting Him as their Messiah.

Typically, “Migdal Edar”, (the tower of the flock) at Bethlehem is the perfect place for Christ to be born. He was born in the very birthplace where tens of thousands of lambs, which had been sacrificed to prefigure Him. God promised it, pictured it and performed it at “Migdal Edar”. It all fits together, for that’s the place where sacrificial lambs were born! Jesus may not have been born, as has often been assumed, behind an inn, in a smelly stable where the donkeys of travelers and other animals were kept. He was most likely born in Bethlehem, at the birthing place of the sacrificial lambs that were offered in the Temple in Jerusalem which Micah 4:8 calls the tower of the flock.

John the Baptist in John 1:29 proclaimed of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jesus is presented in the Bible as being likened to a sacrificial lamb. It was not by chance but by choice that Christ identified His death with the time of the observance of the Passover. Peter spoke of our redemption as wrought by the “precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” ( 1 Pet. 1:19); and Paul told us that “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” ( 1 Cor. 5:7). Even the first fulfilled type by which Christ is to be revealed in Heaven is as the Lamb (Rev. 5:6-13) Over 33 references in the Book of Mormon speak of Christ as the “Lamb of God” and as such the significance of this sacred prophesied birthplace on the outskirts of Bethlehem takes on new meaning.

Enjoy the Christmas holiday!

Rod L. Meldrum President
The FIRM Foundation

“Jesus was not born behind an inn, in a smelly stable where the donkeys of travelers and other animals were kept. He was born in Bethlehem, at the birthing place of the sacrificial lambs that were offered in the Temple in Jerusalem which Micah 4:8 calls the “tower of the flock.” Where was the Birth Place of the Lord Jesus? by Cooper P Abrams III

The Tower of the Flock or Migdal Eder, Bethlehem — an early twentieth-century photograph
Shepherds_winter_cave
Natural limestone cave (above and below ground) where shepherds take shelter with their flocks at night.

No Wonder She Wept

By
Amberli Nelson
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“Over twenty years of research into the Jewish practices and customs inherent in living the Law of Moses has given a new and incredibly rich understanding of the significance and symbolism of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Symbology expert Amberli Nelson has put her years of intensive study and natural writing talent in concert to create what I believe to be a Christmas classic… a masterpiece that will reverberate the world over.”                                                                                                                                                       – Rod L. Meldrum
 

NO WONDER SHE WEPT….

By Amberli Nelson Updated Dec 2020

It would be said of His glorious advent that it is “The greatest story ever told”… and they are right. It is. But there are a few details that need to be amended and perhaps a few more added. And that is where I come in. The wise ones say, “God is in the details”. And when it comes to the events of that glorious night, that little truism could not be more apropos.

Nativity Scene

First of all, it was not an inn to which my dear cousin Mary and her strong, protective Joseph arrived, seeking accommodations. I know this because it was to my house they came, and though our home is spacious with several guest rooms, it was not considered an inn. And it was I who watched the caravan of a dozen or so trudge up the long graded path to our front courtyard, led by a sturdy, powerfully built man of about 18 gripping the reins of a lumbering donkey who trailed behind bearing a young woman on its’ back.

Joseph and Mary

Something about the man’s swift sure strides hinted at urgency but when I stood to greet him with my usual “Shalom”, his voice was subdued and his demeanor gentle though his brow was clearly creased with strain. He requested to speak with my father straightway, and luckily I knew right where to find him.

That fateful day just so happened to be the 14 of Nissan… Passover. And that meant our home was a flurry of activity as we were setting about some very specific and important duties that Passover mandated. First, it meant that we had spent the previous 2 days scouring our home for any trace of leaven, removing all furniture and rugs, even dishes and then scrubbing the place from floor to ceiling. A mitzvah kept by all Jews this time of year, as we prepare for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Second it meant our home would be teeming with out of town relatives who had come to observe and share in the spring feasts, filling up every spare room in the house and making all the expected and excited noise of large family gatherings. And third, it meant that Father, in accordance with the Law of Moses to which we strictly adhered, would go out to our small flock that we kept and with his experienced eye for detail examine our one-year-old male lambs, selecting the two or three perfect ones, without spot or blemish. (It is decreed in the law that no part of the lamb is to go wasted, but all of it consumed, therefore it is appointed that for every 10 partakers of the Passover meal, one lamb was to be slaughtered and roasted. That year, our numbers counted almost 30…hence the need for 3 lambs).

Flock of Sheep

Then precisely at 3 o’clock father took them one at a time in his arms, laid them flat and in one swift and sure slice of his blade, slit their throats. I’ve heard that lambs are the only animals that do not resist their own death and I can tell you that is true.

Sacrificial Lamb

They simply lay there full of love and trust, meekly accepting whatever becomes their lot, never asserting their own will, always deferring to the will of their Master.

Passover LambAfter all the blood is drained, the intestines are removed and wrapped around its head, giving the unmistakable appearance of a ‘crowned sacrifice’ of sorts. And then finally the legs are lashed together on an upright stick, usually a pomegranate branch, the arms being spread apart and fastened to each end of a horizontal stick, which when lashed together acquires an uncanny likeness to a cross.

Lambs roasting

Very careful precautions are taken to make sure that in the preparations, not a single bone of the lamb is broken. That was very important. It was then roasted in this upright position for approximately 3 hours, during which time the unleavened matzah bread was prepared by Mother. Since the roasted lamb is to be eaten at sundown (around 6 pm) and the law states that it is to be eaten with unleavened bread, Mother spent all afternoon of the 14th day getting this bread done just right.

According to the law, it can have no leaven in it– which is more difficult than it sounds. To accomplish this mother took great pains to prevent the rising of the bread and it was a multistep process that began with “striping” the dough. That was done by cutting furrows into it, leaving the appearance of stripes, which slowed the leavening process. But that was not enough to prevent the leavening. So, next came the piercing. Mother would pierce the dough dozens of times with a sharp tool, leaving distinct and permanent holes in the baked bread. But even that was not enough. Therefore, the final step required her to have it baking in the searing heat of the oven’s fire within minutes of striping and piercing, and only then is the act of rising finally thwarted.

Unleavened Bread

When I was sent to fetch Mother that day, I knew I’d find her in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the unleavened bread we would be breaking that night. Just as she always was on Passover. For, not only was it required to be eaten with our roasted lamb, but it was what we ate for the next seven days in the week long Feast of Unleavened Bread which immediately follows Passover and would require copious amounts of this special bread.

And on that night of nights it would also serve as much needed nourishment to a famished new mother.

Sure enough it was out by the woodshed, overseeing the final stages of lamb roasting, that I found Father and briefed him on the advent of yet another caravan of relatives coming to spend the Passover week with us. Upon hearing that his immediate presence was requested by a young man accompanied by a young woman who seemed to be great with child, he darted out of the field forthwith, propelled by a sense of urgency and headed straight for our guests waiting in the courtyard.

As soon as Father rounded the corner and saw the man I described, he exclaimed “Joseph!” in his deep booming tenor and swallowed him up in a hearty embrace! Ahhh, that is why the stranger looked so familiar to me….he was the beloved Joseph of our dear (and favorite) cousin Mary. It had been several months since she had introduced us to her betrothed and something about him now seemed so much older than he had been just six months earlier. As I looked up at his imposing figure, I noted that he had the bearing of a man, mature and masculine, the stature of one who knew his way, his calling, his mission. And now standing at our door, talking in hushed but eager tones, he looked majestic….someone I would want to be someday.

After conversing briefly with Joseph, Father formally welcomed the rest of the group (which was an assortment of Joseph’s relatives who had caravanned with the young couple to ensure their safe arrival. And also, of course, to keep the mitzvah that required every Jewish male over the age of 18 to journey to Jerusalem 3 times a year, Passover being the first, then Shavuot some 50 days later and then finally in the fall for the Feast of Tabernacles). After the usual greetings were exchanged, I was summoned from the nearby shadows and tasked with the mission to usher our guests inside, and show them to their rooms so they may begin preparations for the traditional Passover meal that we would all be sharing in the coming hour. Also I was instructed to summon Mother from the kitchen and deliver her to the courtyard immediately. Which I did. When Mother saw Joseph she squealed with delight, walked towards him as if to throw her arms about him as father had done, but instead swept right past him to the donkey that Mary was still perched atop. Mother talked with her in low soothing tones, but even I noticed that, like Joseph, Mary had concern creased across her delicate brow, which at the moment looked to be glowing with beads of perspiration.

Joseph and Mary

Quickly, we were joined by Father and Joseph who, with a tenderness that defies words, gently lifted her down from the back of the beast. And then, all at once, I saw Mary grimace and stagger ever so slightly, gripping the broad shoulder of her mighty Joseph with one hand, and then gently caressing her swollen belly with the other, began to sway back and forth.

I was enraptured by what was transpiring, and though not yet fully aware of all this night would portend (as I was merely a lad of only 10 years) I felt a chill start at the crown of my head and cascade down my spine, echoing through every cell in my body alerting me that the divine presence of GOD was very nearby. The knowing in my heart began to swell and sing to my soul that all of heaven and earth were about to change forever because of that night, because of a beautiful girl standing there in our courtyard.

With that, my gaze was drawn to examine Mary’s comely, young face where I saw a light emanating from her countenance that in all the intervening years since, I have nary witnessed again. Her visage was almost translucent, glowing… in spite of the immense, intense energy that had temporarily engulfed her entire being. It was then that I noticed an almost imperceptible quivering of her chin and then, I saw it, something which was forever branded upon my heart ….I saw her lips slightly moving in what I would come to discern was an heartfelt plea to our G_d. A pleading that He would walk beside her through this, her travail….the sublime irony of which would abound in epic proportions, and reverberate through space and time for eternity, but would not be understood fully by me for exactly 33 years later— to that very day—give or take one or two.

After a minute, which felt like an hour, Mary regained her upright posture, released her hold on Joseph and nodded at Mother, as if to answer a question that could not be countenanced until the moment had passed. Mother, being the gifted midwife that she was, knew exactly what was going on and what was needed. She was known throughout all of Bethlehem and beyond for her vast knowledge of herbal remedies as well as her steady, strong hands and soothing presence in the art (and science) of beckoning anxious spirits through the gauzy veil of the great beyond to take up their new mortal residence in tiny bundles of soft pink flesh.

No, there was no one more adept at enabling and ensuring this transcendent transition called ‘birth’ than my mother and it was because of that that she so quickly and naturally stepped into her midwife persona and with authority not usually afforded women in our culture, began orchestrating the type of environment this situation demanded.

And so it was that mother enlisted my help when she called me over and quickly but forcefully whispered, “Asher, take her to your special spot, you know the one.” And then she added, as an afterthought, no doubt in response to the quizzical look I shot her, “Don’t worry, Father & I knew they were coming and he has already laid new straw…now go in haste, show them to the stable and make sure she is settled as comfortably as possible in that clearing towards the back,….I need to gather my bag of remedies and change my clothes and will be there shortly. Until then, stay nearby in case she needs anything . And Asher, this is very well one of the most important nights of your life and mine… and in truth, all of Israel’s. So, go now, do all that I asked.”

Hmmm, to any other, her words might have sounded cryptic…what did she mean by “most important night”? But having perfected the art of eavesdropping I had heard many conversations between mother and father about the Messianic baby Mary was carrying, and knew exactly what she meant. Mary’s mother was mother’s only sister and over the last several months they too had several conversations to which I was privy, unbeknownst to all. Each time I heard them discreetly whispering words such as, “Promised One” or “King of Kings”, my heart leapt inside my chest! Could it really be? Father had read the prophecies of Isaiah to me more than once and I had memorized some of them. As the realization of what was unfolding continued to hit me in waves, I could scarcely believe that I would forever be a witness to where & when & how it all began….

With her instructions still ringing in my eager ears, Mother turned on her heel and vanished in a flurry. I glanced at Joseph, and then at his beloved and uttered “Follow me.” In spite of the popular narrative that would be written centuries hence, mother and father had no intention whatsoever of putting this royal couple up in a houseful of noisy guests, which afforded no privacy.

And furthermore, relegating this event to a dingy old stable as though it was some kind of de facto solution couldn’t have been more wrong. The fact is, all of this had been arranged ahead of time. You see, several hours before Joseph had darkened our doorway, a pair of riders on swift camels had arrived in haste. I later learned they were members of Joseph and Mary’s caravan, sent ahead by Joseph to alert my parents of Mary’s precarious condition and their impending arrival, which in turn, allowed my parents time to get a perfect and special place prepared for a perfect and special birth that was becoming increasingly imminent.

And birth was something I was used to hearing about. You see, for as long as I could remember I had been opening our door to worried and anxious husbands and fathers, pleading for the services of my mother, summoning her at all hours of the night to attend their laboring women. But never in my young life had I been sent to take one of the travailing mothers to the cool, dark limestone cave that we used to stable our animals.

We called it our stable but it was actually a large limestone cave. A grotto really. Now, looking back, I shouldn’t have been so surprised at the unusual request of my mother….for I had been so fond of that place that I dubbed it “my special spot” and was frequently found there, basking in the peaceful silence. Yes, I have spent many an hour there alone, both before and since, pondering, among other things, the words of the prophet Isaiah and his prophecies concerning our promised Messiah.

Almost palpable is the feeling of reverence that pervades the whole space and the silence is otherworldly. That is, of course, when the animals have finally bedded down for the night. Oddly though, when it finally did get perfectly quiet, I could almost hear the sound of frothy burbling water akin to that which I had seen spouting from fresh mountain springs. Father tells of a legend recounted by local elders that “our cave” sits atop a pristine spring of living water cascading forth from the womb of mother earth, eager and alive. But so far no one has been able to find the outlet, only speculate on its alleged and dubious existence. Others claim it doesn’t exist at all, ‘twas rather a phantom sound haunting and taunting us. But on clear, quiet nights, one could truly hear the faint whisper of it’s presence, … a living witness of it’s higher purpose…foreshadowing some future connection between the limestone rock of this magnificent cave and pure, living water that would one day burst forth.

Additionally, it was another piece of history, or lore as some would claim, which  inextricably bound me to the cave and had been passed down through the oral histories of my family generating even more allure to that magical place. I was born into the lineage of David (as was my cousin Mary) the most beloved King of all of Israel and I grew up on the stories of his youth, his unbounded bravery and courageous military coups. He was my boyhood hero, and to think he grew up right here in our little Bethlehem was the pride of my existence. Indeed, I can claim that hearing of our relation to Beloved King David was one of my first and fondest memories, and it happened while standing in that very cave which I have described. Unforgettable was that day a few years earlier when, as Father was teaching me the ways of stabling and feeding the animals, he proceeded to relate the story of how it was that the prophet Samuel had come to Bethlehem looking to anoint the next King of Israel. Jesse had trotted out all seven of his older sons, but Samuel, not being satisfied, asked if there was not one more. When David the young shepherd boy was called to the scene, Samuel recognized him as the divinely appointed successor to King Saul who had lost the goodwill and faith of God. “Thus, legend has it,” Father whispered, “that David was brought to this very spot (pointing to the ground on which we stood inside our cave) and at age 13 was anointed King of Israel by none other than the prophet Samuel himself.”

History tells us that he would go on to rule and reign over a united Kingdom of Israel for 33 glorious years, becoming one of the most prescient and preeminent types of the great King Messiah himself! Oh, how I loved my King David and to think that all those centuries later I could share that sacred space with him every time I entered into my “special spot” thrilled me to no end, still does.….but on that holy night, as I escorted Mary into the cool dark recesses of our stable cave, situated in our quaint little Bethlehem, which means “house of bread”… the thought struck me like a thunderbolt that, once again, I was about to share that sacred space with the next and future King of Israel. The one they would call “The BREAD of LIFE”.

With that, my young heart nearly exploded with anticipation, and joy. Surprising though, was the fact that in spite of the deafening roar of my thundering heart, I could still hear the faint sound of running, breathing, living water. But for some reason, on that night it seemed louder than it ever had before… loud as the sound of the rushing of great waters that were on the verge of pushing through the encumbering layers of bedrock and shooting heavenward in a great fountain… a pillar of white living water to be seen for miles in all directions.

With each step farther into the quiet seclusion of the cave, Mary must have felt relief. No woman in labor would have found the noisy, crowded condition in our home suitable for the perilous journey that lay ahead, fraught as it was with trepidation. Mother always said that a woman in travail always preferred silence and seclusion to the chaos of company, and that is precisely what that sacred space afforded the young couple. After watching Joseph gently lower her onto the mounded, fresh straw, I turned to go stand watch at the entrance…. a self appointed sentry, ready to heed any beckon call, knowing mother would arrive shortly.

True to her word, it was only minutes before mother whisked by in a rush, her bag of herbs and oils in tow along with a stack of fresh clean, linen cloths and wraps. She slowed long enough to inform me that father would be starting the Passover dinner in a few minutes and he expected me to take my usual place at the table. But I was too overcome with what was happening to move. I just sat there lost in my thoughts, contemplating the prophecies that had foretold of this night for centuries upon centuries.

So eager was I to witness their fulfillment, that I decided to persist in my self appointed duty as gatekeeper of the cave, thru the night if necessary, which meant foregoing the Passover meal that was commencing at that very moment. Father must’ve known I needed to be where I was, because no one came to collect me, for which I would be forever grateful.

And so it was that right around eventide I parked myself on a clump of moist grass, leaned back against the exterior stone wall of the cave and gazed up into the heavens. Oh what a night it was for stargazing….all the heavenly bodies seemed brighter and felt closer than I had ever perceived them before. Telling me that yes, even THEY knew.

Soon enough, and just as I expected, out of the cave emerged Joseph. Once mother arrived, becoming Mary’s attending angel, Joseph was expelled. Not because mother did not desire his presence, and certainly His Mary yearned for it, but our laws forbade a man to be near a woman with any issue of blood. No physical contact was permitted in this condition, even incidental contact…..and giving birth, with the attendant and customary blood meant a woman would be considered Nadir, or ritually impure for 40 days after giving birth to a boy, and 80 for a girl. Therefore, by Judaic law, all soon to be fathers were relegated to the periphery of this sacred stage notwithstanding their sincere desire that it be otherwise, to be by her side as she entered into the vale of sorrows where the most robust life could be snatched away– so tragic and untimely. No, for a woman in travail whose hour has come, except for the presence of a lone midwife and the mercy of the great God Himself, her perilous path was trodden alone…so utterly and totally alone.

Unlike me, who was transfixed and rendered immovable by the very essence of heaven that seemed to be swirling all about me, as if heaven’s angels were rejoicing, dancing around the sublime space which we found ourselves in, Joseph was anything but still. He paced and paced and then paced some more, pausing only briefly when he heard a cry of distress coming from within. With each one, he was pulled to the entrance, visibly torn and tempted to defy all laws and conventions and run to His girl, cloaking her in his love and protection. Watching him thus kept me awake, wanting to put him at ease with my quiet company. But in spite of my best laid plans to stay awake, I succumbed to the slumber that overtook me sometime after midnight.

Lost in a dream that I could never recall, I was jolted awake upon hearing three words, “He has arrived”…whispered in my ear by mother sometime after 2 am. Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I asked, “Is He okay? And what of Mary?….how does she fare?”

With palpable relief and joy in her voice, Mother replied, “All is well. But now I need you to go to the house, fill a basket with my special bread, add some figs, and dates and then grab a jar of grape wine and bring it all back to me. The new mother is famished and needs nourishment. Go quickly!”

Despite the late hour I sprung into action, having gathered all that was requested and packed carefully in the basket, I returned in no time at all and waited outside the cave. Moments later I was greeted by mother, excitedly beckoning me to enter in and behold the newborn babe. “Come see Him Asher, He is perfect.”

Mary and Baby Jesus

In trembling awe I slowly made my way through the darkened cave, careful not to disturb the sleeping cattle and sheep that were stabled there for the night. But even more careful was I not to break the spell of wondrous glory and light that emanated from the scene I came to behold. So still was the night, to speak would have been a jarring intrusion.

Therefore, without a sound, I fell to my knees and then gently pushed my basket of goods toward a glowing Mary whose arms were encircled about the most glorious being I had ever laid eyes on. His head, crowned in curly wisps of dark brown hair, eyes that belied an intelligence beyond mortal words, and tiny red lips slightly parted, with a hint of a curl at the corners, I was utterly absorbed by his beauty and could not coax my eyes away from his perfect form. Though I had never asked to hold a baby in my life, I felt an urge to hold that child as I had never felt before. Much to my astonishment, Mary must’ve perceived my unspoken, urgent desire for she lifted him slightly towards me as if to say, “Would you like to hold him?”

Mary and Baby Jesus

Caught off guard, I glanced at Mother…asking with my eyes if it was ok. She nodded approval. And then I glanced at Joseph who hovered protectively a few paces off, visibly overwhelmed with joy as tears flowed down his cheeks freely, unabashedly. Smiling at me, he too, nodded.

Still on my knees, I inched forward covering the distance between Mary and me. As she deposited her precious bundle of new life into my eager, pudgy little arms, I shall never forget the thrill that coursed through every fiber of my being, a swelling crescendo of knowing engulfed my soul with the assurance that He was exactly who I thought He was. Messiah. King of Kings. And Lord of Lords.

As I gently brought his tiny form to my body I couldn’t help but think about the newborn lambs I held each year, so white and fleecy, whose fate was determined by their perfection.

Boy with Lamb

Those lambs who were entirely pure and white, without a single spot or blemish with nary a broken bone were born to die a short time later, fulfilling the Passover Law of sacrifice, becoming a Paschal Lamb… one who gives his innocent life in order to provide salvation for others.

Boy with Lamb

Maybe Mary perceived my thoughts, again, because when her intense searching gaze fell on me as I was peering down at the babe, marveling at his lamb-like innocence, she started to weep. At the time, I thought they were tears of joy…

Knowing Mary was famished, Mother reached down into the basket of food I had brought and handed her a piece of the unleavened bread …. with it’s unique and distinguished Passover markings. Curiously, as she accepted the bread from Mother, and in spite of her overwhelming hunger, Mary did not immediately lift the bread to eat it. Instead, she just stared at it, in earnest, as if seeing it for the first time. (though, being a Jewess she would have seen it throughout her young life) Nevertheless, she was mesmerized, turning it over and over in her trembling hands.

Unleavened Bread

Running a finger over the rough, pierced texture, the stripes, the bruising. Tears coursing.

Finally, she ate it, washing it down with Mother’s freshly pressed grape juice. Soon after, the tears stopped. My young mind reasoned that it was because her belly was finally full. But, the truth is, that was just the beginning of this story. A story whose ending wouldn’t be written for 33 years almost to the day, give or take. But even that “ending” was really just the beginning of an even bigger story.

“Mary, it’s time to prepare Him…” Mother whispered, none of us wanting to break the spell with anything above a whisper, “for those humble seekers” she continued, “who’ve been watching, waiting , and will be coming to pay homage…”

With that Mother scooped him from my arms and laid him on his mother’s lap. Then she dipped a white linen cloth in warm water spiked with soothing oils and handed it to Mary who tenderly began washing his perfectly still and helpless little body. It must have been soothing for him to have the dried blood and fluid, remnants of his birth, carefully washed away with fresh warm water being dripped over his skin and scrubbed so gently by his mother’s loving hands. Finally, the washing complete, and with a vial of olive oil handed her by Mother, she anointed her baby son. Massaging the precious green oil into His pink, vibrant skin.

Next came the wrapping. In keeping with the traditions of our day, after being anointed with oil babies were rubbed with salt and placed diagonally on a square piece of cloth. Two corners were turned across the baby side’s and feet; then with its legs together and its arms at its side it was wound tightly around with linen cloth. During the day the “swaddling bands” were loosened and the child was again rubbed with olive oil and dusted with myrtle leaves.

Baby Jesus

Just as Mary completed this task of swaddling Him in soft white linen, his once alert eyes, that had been darting about, absorbing all around him, grew heavy with sleep and finally, almost reluctantly closed. A sweet slumber enveloped His tired little body.

After rocking his sleeping form for a few minutes longer, she handed him to Mother who tenderly placed him in the manger that sat just an arm lengths away from Mary. The traditions that were henceforth handed down would describe this manger as a wooden cradle of sorts, but that was not the case. This manger was a feeding trough that had been hewn from stone, and slightly hollowed out.

Manger

It struck me as kind of funny to see this little one placed in the very spot where I had been putting feed for our animals all those years….knowing that surely it had never been used for that purpose before or since. He was worthy of so much more, but alas and as always “God WAS in the details”.

Mangers at Megiddo, Israel

It must have struck Mary too, but unlike me, she didn’t smile. Instead, when her eyes beheld that scene, a shadow fell across her countenance. Again, the tears fell.

And so it was there, in that manger where they first laid eyes on Him. I’m talking about the shepherds that showed up not long after….

Shepherds at Nativity

at least two dozen of them or more. Oddly they never uttered a word. Not a single one. They all just quietly entered the cave with a singular look of awe etched into their worn and weathered faces and proceeded to fall to their knees the instant their eyes beheld Him. After a while, they would get back up on their feet, and wiping their tear stained faces would file out as quietly as they filed in. I am not sure how long this went on, for I fell asleep shortly before dawn…lulled to sleep by the sound of heavenly choirs singing nearby….or so it seemed.

It would be exactly 33 years later, during Passover, that I would relive and revisit this transcendent experience, as I did every year on the 14th of Nissan. Only this year, the story was added to in a way that forever impacted it in sublime, and wrenching ways, reframing it all in my mind. Thus effectively drenching the events of that beautiful night of His birth in paradox and irony. For surely if I have learned anything in my 43 years, it is that ‘The Gods rule in paradox and irony…’

Never was that more poignantly clear than when Mary, standing on a darkened and Godless Golgotha, wearied and fatigued with sorrow, watched as the blood stained torn body of her Son was taken down from the cruel cross…given over to her by the hardened Roman soldiers.

Christ on the Cross

Once again it fell upon her as His mother to tend to His perfect body, which though HIS back had been striped, HIS flesh pierced and HIS body bruised, not one bone had been broken…

Mary at the Cross

…becoming the ultimate Paschal Lamb.

The timing of it all was breathtaking…He was born at Passover, He died at Passover….He IS THE Passover. The only UNBROKEN being to ever walk the earth, and thus qualify HIM to absorb and then ATONE for all our BROKEN-NESS. All of Mine individually and ALL of OURS collectively.

Christ the Lamb

And so I would always wonder. When, for the second time in HIS life, she washed, anointed and prepared HIS body,

Preparation of Christs body for tomb

…did her mind go back to that night in the cave? That cool Spring Night when she stared down through tear filled eyes at that piece of unleavened bread offered as nourishment, running her fingers over the rough holes and stripes that had been cut into it?

And then, as she washed his still, unbroken body with warm water, cleaning away the blood and fluid, remnants of His death….anointing him with spices and oils just as she had all those years ago, did she remember?

And finally as she wound his body with fresh white linen and laid him in a sepulcher hewn from stone situated in a nondescript cave of limestone, did the events of that night come back to her in a cacophony of irony?

Christs tomb

No one can say for sure what she knew and when. But I believe she knew enough back in that limestone cave 33 years earlier. And that is why, looking back on that night of nights, all I can say, is …

“No wonder she wept…and wept.”

Holy Family
(click the image above to view special video)

~The End

Jesus Christ Returns

& the beginning!

THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTMAS VIDEO COLLECTION EVER!

New for 2012 by LDS.org!  Good Tidings of Great Joy: The Birth of Jesus Christ

New for 2012 by LDS.org!  O Come, Emmanuel – Christmas Version – ThePianoGuys

Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem – Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Oh Holy Night – Josh Groben

Breath of Heaven – Amy Grant

The following quote by Elder Holland was one of the inspirations for this story:

“The true meaning, the unique and lasting and joyous meaning of the birth of this baby, would be in the life he would lead and especially in his death, in his triumphant atoning sacrifice, in his prison bursting resurrection. It is the life at the other end of the manger scene that gives this moment of nativity in Bethlehem its ultimate meaning. Special as this child was and divine as was his conception, without that day of salvation wherein he would gain an everlasting victory over death and hell on behalf of every man, woman, and child who would ever be born -­‐ until that day should come, this baby’s life and mission would not be complete. Worse yet, without that triumphant atonement and resurrection he might have been remembered only as one born in humble circumstances, scorned in his own native village, and tortured to death by a ruthless Roman regime that knew everything about torture and death. In summation, the birth was ultimately for the death.”

Additionally, the following scriptures and references were used:
In 1 Samuel 16 we learn that David was from Bethlehem and anointed there by the Prophet Nathan.
In Isaiah 53:5,7 we get a poignant description of the wounds our Messiah would bear for us:

5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed……

7: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,”

The fact that Christ was both born on Passover and died on Passover (or very near) comes from JOHN PRATT in his article titled: “Passover- Was it Symbolic of His Coming” ENSIGN Jan. 1994

As for the idea that it was not an inn to which Mary and Joseph went, please see article written by Elder Nelson in the ENSIGN Dec. 2011. The more correct translation of “Inn” is “guest chamber”.
The description of how the leavening of bread was prevented and the wrapping of babies is historically accurate, along with the Passover traditions described.

– Amberli Nelson

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE FIRM FOUNDATION!

If you enjoyed “No Wonder She Wept” as much as we did, you may be interested in the research Amberli has been sharing during the last year and a half, using her depth of knowledge to bear on incredible new support for the Heartland Book of Mormon geography. She recently released her much anticipated presentation on DVD.  It is now available at the Bookstore.

This is what FIRM Foundation President, Rod Meldrum, had to say about her research…

“The findings of Amberli Nelson will forever alter the landscape of Book of Mormon geography theories as she imparts of her years of intensive research into an area of study never previously brought to bear on the subject of locating these lands. 

Why has this critically important understanding – which was reiterated by the ancient prophets more than 30 times in the text and has been right before our eyes – been missed, ignored or overlooked by Book of Mormon scholars for so long?  Prepare yourself to be blown away!” 

                                                                                         – Rod Meldrum

Do you love learning new and previously undiscovered truths about the Book of Mormon?  You are invited to enjoy this highly insightful video presentation on DVD (available in the bookstore) which will take you on a fascinating journey where you will learn three striking truths about the Nephites of the Book of Mormon, truths that indisputably confirm that their enigmatic history played out in the Heartland of North America!  What are these truths? Amberli Nelson

Amberli Nelson received a B.S. in sociology from Brigham Young University. A busy wife and mother of seven, Amberli has a deep and abiding love of truth, knowledge and greater understanding and therefore she thoroughly enjoys reading about and researching subjects she is most passionate about which include: sacred symbology, The Book of Mormon, early LDS church history, and Jewish religious customs, beliefs and traditions. She has become an expert on ancient Jewish practices, especially those involving the Laws of Moses. She delights in sharing this knowledge with others and does so with energy and enthusiasm.

Amberli has discovered compelling new evidence that the ancient Hopewell Mound Builders may have been living the laws of Moses based on archaeological findings of the essential materials required for obedience to those laws. Her incredibly powerful new presentation was a tremendous hit at our Spring 2012 National Conference and she has some incredible new information to share. Her presentation is titled – Connections Between Jewish Family, Cultural and Religious Practices and Those of the Ancient Hopewell Civilization.

Amberli is also very involved in preparedness endeavors as well and loves to cycle and quilt in her free time.

Alex Boye, Vocal Artist, Mormon, Heartlander!

By
Rod Meldrum
-
FIRM President Rod Meldrum first met Alex Boye’ at a fireside many years ago and was inspired by his passion, testimony, and amazing vocal talent.  More recently, Rod learned that Alex is also a fellow “Heartlander!” 

 

Although he was born in London, England, in February of this year he was officially sworn in as a United States citizen.  Watch Alex as he is invited to sing the National Anthem at the completion of his swearing in ceremony.

 

After a conversation regarding the promises and covenants of the Lord with America, Alex determined to incorporate those ideals into his latest music video which he began writing as he watched the World Trade Center towers collapse on 9/11.  For years he wanted to complete the song, but could not put it all together until recently.  The song became the title of his new album “Calling America.”  Read the Lyrics HERE.  This wonderfully patriotic song/video includes Native American dancers, a stone passed hand to hand with a special word on it (watch to the very end!), as well as a warning regarding the Lord’s sacred covenant with America found in Isaiah from the “Harbinger” book by Jonathan Cahn. It is all set to incredibly powerful music that brings all American’s, black, white, Native, etc. together and calls them to remember the greatness of this nation we call the United States of America..

 

Inside Story – A Small Miracle

Alex’s video was partially shot in the Utah State Capital building which was the result of a small miracle.  Capital staff wanted $10,000 for its use, but a friend of Alex knew a state senator who realized that they were out of session on the third floor and made free arrangements.  Amazingly,  this lead to using the very same third floor doors that entered into the actual room where Alex had previously brought his citizenship application papers for processing!

Alex Boye’ tells the story of his early life and how he became a Mormon in this touching video.

Alex has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over 16 years and has had hits in over 15 countries, selling over half a million CD’s and performing alongside such groups as Bryan Adams, George Michael, Simon Garfunkel, MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, N’SYNC, Jay-Z, The Backstreet Boys, Jordyn Sparks, David Archuleta, and The smashing Pumpkins to name a few.  He recently invited the Utah Valley University LDS Institute Choir to join in a visually and audibly stunning video called ” I Will Rise.”  He was asked by world renown pianist Jon Schmidt and cellist Steven Sharp Nelson ( ThePianoGuys) to help them with a new arrangement of Coldplay’s hit “Paradise” they called ” Peponi” and was shot in Southern Utah on the precipice of a massive sandstone cliff.  This must watch video has had over 9 million viewings on youtube!

 

He served as an LDS missionary in Bristol, England and at the suggestion of his mission president chose a career in music so that he could influence and inspire people for good.  On July 4th he hosted the 2012 Stadium of Fire event in Provo, Utah which was broadcast around the world. He is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, performed with Glenn Beck in Israel (read the story of how Alex was chosen to close Beck’s program) and  brought Glenn Beck to tears when Alex sang an unconventional Christmas song of Christ.  He recently  opened Glenn Beck’s Restoring Love event in Dallas Texas where he sang an incredibly energizing rendition of the National Anthem to the awaiting crowd! He also just returned from a trip to Ghana and only days ago released hisnew music video of his journey into this beautiful African country set to the tune of “The Good Life!“

 

Alex “loves to laugh” and his energy and enthusiasm for the gospel and his citizenship in his new country are contagious!  Some of the highlights of his life include giving a book of Mormon to Prince Charles, joining the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and marrying his beautiful wife Julie.

Review of Prophecies & Promises by Jake Freeman of Telemoonfa Time

By
Rod Meldrum
-

The following review of Prophecies and Promises was written by Jake Freeman of Telemoonfa Time.

Dear Readers,

I just finished reading Prophecies & Promises: The Book of Mormon & The United States of America by Bruce H. Porter and Rod L. Meldrum. It’s a book about the setting of The Book of Mormon. The geographic theory explained in Porter and Meldrum’s book has been dubbed, “The Heartland Model.”

After reading the book, I am now convinced that the ancient setting for the Book of Mormon was not Central America, as many LDS scholars claim, but was in fact North America. This goes against the grain of what a lot of latter-day-saints think, but hear me out:

Lehi, Nephi, Mormon, Moroni and other prophets of the Book of Mormon talk about the prophecies of “this land,” “this Promised Land”, etc. The demonstrative “this” makes it seem likely that the ancient prophets are referring to the land underneath their feet, not a land far distant. Nephi sees in prophetic vision the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the colonization of the Puritans and other pilgrims, the Revolutionary War, the founding of the United States, the establishment of the government, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the LDS Church… all on “this land.” Sooo… “this land” = North America, where the USA is.

Want more reasons?

READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW AT TELEMONFA.BLOGSPOT.COM

Take a Self-Guided Video Tour

By
Rod Meldrum
-
You are invited to take a self-guided tour of this research by going to our FREE VIDEO GALLERY with over 100 educational, inspirational and highly informative video clips that will help you understand the strength and significance of this exciting new research showing evidences of the Book of Mormon lands being in the Heartland of North America. We hope you enjoy the information, please share this with as many members of the Church as you can.  Simply link to this website. 

 

Go to the FREE VIDEO GALLERY by clicking HERE.

The FIRM Foundation (Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism) is excited to share a wealth of knowledge and research about the Heartland Book of Mormon geography model through our FREE VIDEO GALLERY!

We know that the first and foremost importance of the Book of Mormon lies in its witness of the divinity of the redeemer of the world, Jesus Christ.  As a second witness to the Holy Bible it stands as the foundation upon which His gospel has again been restored to the earth through his servant and prophet, Joseph Smith.  We testify that the Book of Mormon is a sacred historical record of real people and events that occurred somewhere in the Americas.

Our research has led us to examine possible evidences of the Book of Mormon’s history in the lands of North America.  We feel that there is compelling evidence to support this supposition through a multifaceted approach utilizing the scriptural prophecies and promises first and foremost, combined with evidences from such areas as Book of Mormon geography passages, modern day archaeology, anthropology, linguistics,  climatology, cultural and social patterns, oceanic currents, artifacts, metallurgy, building practices and materials, technological understandings, DNA findings, Native American oral histories and legends, migrations and human population movements, and any and all other areas of evidence that could have bearing on showing the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

While it is understood that a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon can come only and without exception from a spiritual witness, we feel that because we know the record is true spiritually, that there will be evidences that will support its claims… if we are looking for those evidences in the right place.  What chance is there of finding evidence for anything if one is looking in the wrong location?  This is one reason why we feel that a study of the ‘where’ of the Book of Mormon is important.

The video gallery has been created to allow anyone to see for themselves, in the comfort of their own homes, and convenient to their individual schedules, this research which has been called a ‘swelling movement within the Church’ by the University of Chicago Divinity School’s Martin Marty Center article in their Sightings journal.  We hope that you will view this information with an open mind.  Sit back and enjoy listening and learning about the evidence of the Book of Mormon as they are unfolded in what we believe to be the Promised Land of America, where the gospel was restored, and where the New Jerusalem will be built.  Enjoy the journey!

Please share this information with every member of the Church you know that loves the Book of Mormon! Feel free to email this webpage to anyone.

Below are short explanations of each video in the gallery, to help you determine which clips to watch. We suggest watching them in order so that you can learn about this research properly, line upon line, and precept upon precept, beginning from a foundation of the scriptures and Joseph Smith.

 

1.    Book of Mormon Evidences 5 disk DVD series trailer; Are the evidences of the Book of Mormon in North America?  This trailer provides an overview of the most comprehensive educational material ever assembled on the Book of Mormon geography research in North America.

2.     Emeritus General Authority, Elder Hartman Rector Jr. introduces this research. Why is this research important?

3.     Kieth Merrill, writer/director of the Church films Legacy and The Testaments shares his thoughts about this research in an intimate interview at Zermatt Resort.

4.     Prophecies and Promises; The first disk of the 5 DVD series titled Book of Mormon Evidence is a study of the 36 Prophecies and Promises in the text of the Book of Mormon that may reveal the location of its lands.  How has Book of Mormon geography research been conducted in the past and how well is it working?  Could we learn more about where the history occurred through a study of its prophecies, than by speculating about narrow necks of land?  What are the prophecies and promises about this land? Why was this sacred record preserved?  This is the first of seven video clips that will take you through the ENTIRE first DVD disk.

5.     Prophecies and Promises; segment 2 of disk 1 of the 5 DVD series.  Continues the discussion about the purposes of the Book of Mormon and paradigm changes.  What role does the law of witnesses play in Book of Mormon geography?    Is a new method needed?  What would that method be?  Learn of the newly proposed method for conducting Book of Mormon geography research.  What is the importance of demonstratives in the text?

6.     Prophecies and Promises; segment 3 of disk 1 of the 5 DVD series.  Discusses the question, “how many ‘Promised Lands’ are there?”  You will learn about the scriptural basis or foundation upon which this entire research is built, which we like to call ‘scriptural chainmaille’ which builds concept upon concept.  Where is the revealed location of the New Jerusalem?  Can we identifying the Promised Land?

7.       Prophecies and Promises; segment 4 of disk 1 of the 5 DVD series.  Continues with the scriptural chainmail.  What is a ‘choice land’ and why did the ancient prophets refer to it eight times in the Book of Mormon as  “the land of liberty.”  What ‘nation’ is the nation above all other nations?  Who are the Gentiles prophesied of in the Book of Mormon?  Did Joseph Smith fulfill Book of Mormon prophecy?

8.       Prophecies and Promises; segment 5 of disk 1 of the 5 DVD series.  What can we learn from other prophecies in the Book of Mormon such as no kings on the land, “mother Gentiles” battling them on land and water?  What law did the Lord reveal is “justifiable” before Him?  Who will “scatter” the remnant of the Lamanites?

9.       Prophecies and Promises; segment 6 of disk 1 of the 5 DVD series.  Additional prophesies are discussed.  What are the promises of the “land of liberty” if they “keep Him commandments?”  What are the 18 prophecies regarding ‘this land?’ What are the 18 prophecies regarding the Gentiles upon this land?  Did Christ Himself prophesy that the New Jerusalem would be built on Book of Mormon land?  Did Christ Himself prophesy that the Gentiles on ‘this land’ would establish his restored gospel?

10.   Prophecies and Promises; segment 7 of disk 1 of the 5 DVD series.  Further discussion of the 36 Prophecies and Promises.  What latter-day nation qualifies in every one of the 36 prophecies to be the Book of Mormon’s ‘Promised Land?’

11.   Joseph Knew; segment 1 of disk 2 of the 5 DVD series.  Introduction by Joseph Smith epoch historian Kay Godfrey.  Why is a ‘hierarchy of evidence’ important?  Are prophets allowed personal opinions?  What did Joseph Smith know?  Discussion on the Wentworth letter, American Revivalist account and Lucy Mack Smith’s diary entry about Joseph’s knowledge.

12.    Joseph Knew; segment 2 of disk 2 of the 5 DVD series.  What significant events transpired on Zion’s camp?  What are the Zelph accounts?  On location interview with Charles Allen.  Did Joseph Smith identify the Mound builders as the Nephites in a handwritten letter to Emma?  Where is the real Hill Cumorah?

13.   Joseph Knew; segment 3  of disk 2 of the 5 DVD series.  How many Hill Cumorah’s are there in the Book of Mormon?  Where did Joseph Smith send missionaries ‘unto the Lamanites?’  What are the origins of the Mesoamerican theories?  Would Nephites have built monumental structures?

14.   Joseph Knew; segment 4  of disk 2 of the 5 DVD series.  What are the origins of Mesoamerican theories?  The Times and Seasons articles.  Joseph Smith in hiding at the time of these accounts.

15.   Joseph Knew; segment 5  of disk 2 of the 5 DVD series.  Did Joseph Smith claim that another book was the most comprehensive on Book of Mormon lands, rather than the Book of Mormon?  Did Joseph Smith abandon his early revelations on geography to embrace Central America as the lands of the Book of Mormon?

16.   The History Channels new documentary video, Who Really Discovered America?;  This video, unfortunately dismisses the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints because of the incorrect  assumptions made by Mesoamerican theorists regarding Lehi’s journey, in their attempts to create a landing for Lehi on the west coast of Mesoamerica.  Such a route requires sailing against nearly every ocean current between the hemispheres and, according to satellite drifter research, would require a whopping 580 day journey across the Indian Ocean, then across of the largest ocean on earth – the Pacific – at its widest point!  Dr. James Delgado, nautical archaeologist for the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, states that while ships could make such a journey, they would of necessity arrive with ‘dead people’ because of the improbability of storing sufficient water and food for such an extended journey across two of the world’s largest oceans.  Wait until you see the extraordinary new evidence now having been demonstrated as the most likely route for Lehi’s journey…around Africa and across the Atlantic just as proposed by Rod Meldrum in his first DVD released in 2007!  The next seven video’s introduce the incredibly important Phoenicia ship Expedition!

17.   The Phoenicia Ship Expedition;  Four years ago in Rod Meldrum’s original DVD, DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography, ocean currents were discussed with a proposed route from the Saudi Arabian peninsula around Africa to North America.  This has now been shown definitively to be not only possible, but the only route that has now been verified by actual experiment. This video clip is a news report from BBC South Today.  The Phoenicia Ship Expedition is one of the most profound evidences of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to be completed in this century.  It is the culmination of years of research, planning, building, and executing a journey from Saudi Arabia around Africa to the Mediterranean in a replica 600 B.C. era wooden ship.  Unexpectedly, the route took them within miles of North America!  This expedition provides the positively verified evidence that Lehi’s Journey to North America was possible using the technology available at his time.

18.    The Phoenicia Ship Expedition;  video 2. The Phoenicia Ship Expedition project was planned by Philip Beale beginning in 2005.  This video shows the construction and launch of the 600 B.C. replica “Phoenicia” Wooden Ship.  The Phoenician’s were essentially the ancient Palestinian peoples from the Levant area of Israel or the Holy Land.  They were some of the greatest seafaring peoples of antiquity and were known to have made regular shipping voyages around Africa, beginning nearly the same time as Lehi left Jerusalem.

19.   The Phoenicia Ship Expedition;  video 3. This video shows the final construction and preparation of the ship for the long voyage ahead.  This includes the first actual sailing video of an ancient Phoenician ship!

20.   The Phoenicia Ship Expedition;  video 4. This is part 7 of the AventuracomBR video group.  This is the fourth leg of the journey, from Port Sudan down the Red Sea to Al Hodeidah in Yemen.

21.   The Phoenicia Ship Expedition;  video 5. Requirements of crew members are discussed as well as the overarching purpose for the expedition…to learn what amazing things these ancient cultures were capable of.

22.   The Phoenicia Ship Expedition;  video 6. Ship crew comments and thoughts, including my friend Keith Johnson who participated in the voyage from the Comoros Islands to Mozambique, Africa.  He’s the one who says he has been looking forward for seven days just to see this boat sail.

23.   The Phoenicia Ship Expedition;  video 7. Arabic news channel film of the arrival of the Phoenicia Expedition to Tripoli, Libya.  Large crowds awaited the appearance of the ancient ship to be able to greet the mariners on the last leg of their journey.  Next and final stop… Beirut, Lebanon, the Holy Land region!

24.   GLENN BECK’s Fox News episode talking about the highly advanced ancient Hopewell Mound builders and their mathematical and linguistic connection to Egyptians!  Glenn is speaking about the newly released documentary film, the Lost Civilizations of North America.

25.   The Lost Civilizations of North America documentary video trailer.  Why don’t Americans and especially Mormon’s know about the ancient civilization that existed in the Heartland of America during the time frame of the Book of Mormon?  Are there any correlations between Native Americans and Old World populations? This is the most compelling information from non-LDS sources (17 scholars, only three of which are LDS) relating to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon that has ever been produced.  This is a must see DVD for everyone and anyone interested in the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

26.   The Lost Civilizations of North America documentary; This is the segment played by Glenn Beck on incredible astronomical alignments of the Hopewell Mound builders. How advanced were the ancient Hopewell Mound builders? Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

27.   The Lost Civilizations of North America documentary; Geneticist Deborah A. Bolnick PhD of the University of Texas at Austin successfully sequenced DNA directly from 21 sets of remains of the ancient Hopewell people in the Ohio and Illinois river valley’s which had been archaeologically procured.  Her findings, published in theAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology 137:14-29, 2008, in an article titled Using Ancient mtDNA to Reconstruct the Population History of Northeastern North America, verified haplogroup X in the ancient Hopewell Civilization of North America.  This is astounding new research with profound implications for the claims of the Book of Mormon. You’ll be fascinated by this small segment on DNA from the newly released documentary film The Lost Civilizations of North America which is destined to be a paradigm changer for many people.  Do Native Americans in North America have a DNA lineage that originated in the Holy Land? The Hopewell civilization could very well have been the Nephites of the Book of Mormon.  Haplogroup X has been identified as a Jewish lineage and it arrived in North America long before Columbus according to main stream genetics. The question is how long ago. Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

28.   The Lost Civilizations of North America documentary; This is one of the most amazing interviews ever that supports the claims ( seven references) of the Book of Mormon that there will be a “remnant of the house of Israel” left on the Promised Land in the latter days.  What is the origin of haplogroup X? Wait until you see what Dr. Donald Yates of DNA Testing Systems and of Cherokee decent, has to say!

29.   The History Channels new documentary video, Who Really Discovered America?; This segment of the documentary discusses links between the Cherokee and Jewish populations.  It asks some profound questions.  Chief Joe Sitting Owl of the Central Band of Cherokee explains Cherokee oral history and tradition that they are from Jewish ancestry.  Light skinned, the Cherokee don’t look like most Native Americans of Asian ancestry.  The Bat Creek stone, archaeologically removed from a Hopewell (Cherokee) burial mound by the Smithsonian, has inscribed in ancient Hebrew the phrase “For Judea” or “For the Judeans.”  Only 3% of Chief Sitting Owls tribe had Jewish DNA, but 94% of those tested in the Central Band showed European DNA that goes back thousands of years.  It is not widely known that haplogroup X is one of the 12 primary Jewish lineages, and is found in the Cherokee.

30.   Los Lunas Stone, New Mexico 1; The Los Lunas stone is a massive boulder in the desert of New Mexico with ancient Hebrew writing.  It is is a huge flat stone on the side of a mountain in New Mexico. It is what is written on this massive stone that makes it so remarkable.  This very large stone actually has the entire Biblical Ten Commandments inscribed on it in ancient paleo-Hebrew script with a few letters of ancient Greek mixed in. Paleo-Hebrew (which the Phoenicians also used) is a language that nobody in the world speaks anymore.  It is substantially different from the modern Hebrew that the Jewish world uses today. So where in the world did these Ten Commandments written in paleo-Hebrew come from? Back in 1996, Professor James D. Tabor of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte was able to interview Professor Frank Hibben about the Los Lunas Decalogue Stone. Hibben, who passed away in 2002, was a retired University of New Mexico archaeologist. According to Tabor’s account, Hibben was absolutely “convinced that the inscription is ancient and thus authentic. He reports that he first saw the text in 1933. At the time it was covered with lichen and patination and was hardly visible. He was taken to the site by a guide who had seen it as a boy, back in the 1880s.”  The end of this video has a very “Born Again Christian” segment, but the information in the body of the video is well done and worthwhile.

31.   The Los Lunas Inscription is an abridged version of the Decalogue or Ten Commandments, carved into the flat face of a large boulder resting on the side of Hidden Mountain, near Los Lunas, New Mexico, about 35 miles south of Albuquerque. The language is Hebrew, and the script is the Old Hebrew alphabet, with a few Greek letters mixed in. See Cline (1982), Deal (1992), Stonebreaker (1982), and/or Underwood (1982) for transcriptions and translation, and Deal (1992) for discussion and photographs of the setting. George Moorehouse (1985), a professional geologist, indicates that the boulder is of the same basalt as the cap of the mesa. He estimates its weight at 80 to 100 tons, and says it has moved about 2/3 of the distance from the mesa top to the valley floor since it broke off. The inscription is tilted about 40 degrees clockwise from horizontal, indicating that the stone has settled or even moved from its position at the time it was inscribed. (The above photograph was taken with a tilted camera.) At present the inscription is badly scrubbed and chalked up. However, Professor Frank Hibben of Albuquerque reportedly saw the inscription in 1933, when it was covered with lichens and patination. By one report, it was seen as early as 1871 (Fell 1985, p. 34). Moorehouse compares the surviving weathering on the inscription to that on a modern graffito on the top of the mountain dating itself to 1930. He concludes that the Decalogue inscription is clearly many times older than this graffito, and that 500 to 2000 years would not be an unreasonable estimate of its age.

32.   Joseph Smith epoch historian Kay Godfrey talks about his knowledge of Joseph Smith as it pertains to Book of Mormon geography and the Heartland Model.

33.   This is video taken at the LDSBA (LDS booksellers Association) convention.  They sponsored a ‘speed dating’ event wherein authors got 5 minutes at each of about 15 lunch tables to talk about their books, then the authors rotated to another table.  It was a fun event.  One of the tables recorded each authors presentation.  This was Rod Meldrum’s presentation.

34.   David Lindsley is a renowned LDS artist whose painting of Joseph Smith adorned the Priesthood Manual front cover and whose many other paintings have been chosen for temples, chapels, and Church publications over several years.  Listen to David describe his thoughts about a painting recently completed depicting Christ’s visit to the Nephites…in North America!  This is a ‘must have’ painting of this sacred visit. Learn the story behind the painting! Purchase a print of this amazing artwork now at our Bookstore.

35.   Elder Hartman Rector Jr. demonstrates the use of a small medallion he has used as a missionary tool.  It has been worth “about 50 baptisms” according to Elder Rector, when it is utilized properly.  The medallion, with Joseph Smith on one side, and Moroni on the other, was developed with the help of Davidjohn Stosich and is available in our bookstore. How can you utilize such a medallion to bring others unto Christ?  Find out how by watching one who truly knows.

36.   Renowned painter Jon McNaughton envisioned “One Nation Under God” long before putting paint to canvas.  This painting has taken the world by storm!  When Rod Meldrum first saw the painting he knew he wanted to help Jon get the word out, so arrangements were made to create a video, filmed by Rod and edited by Bryan Illguth (video editor on Rod’s 5 DVD series) and re-edited by Seth Adam Smith.  The full version has now been viewed 19,400 times on Bryan’s website and the condensed version has been seen 3,241,615 times!  If you are interested in purchasing one Jon’s paintings, we have made arrangements with him to receive a 10% discount on any order by using the promotional code FIRMPROMO when completing your online order from his website.

37.   Jon McNaughton has become one of the most sought after artists in the country due to his thought provoking and emotion stirring paintings that have caused a storm of controversy across our great nation.  Jon’s latest work, The Forgotten Man, depicts a regular American citizen who is contemplating the future of our nation as Barack Obama stands upon the Constitution of the United States and every former US President looks on.  If you would like to purchase this painting, we have worked with Jon to offer a 10% discount by using promotion code FIRMPROMO when you check out from Jon’s website.

38.   Did Joseph’s views about Book of Mormon geography evolve? This is a question that requires answering because Mesoamerican theorists have claimed that Joseph abandoned his early revelations on geography, such as the Wentworth letter, American Revivalist Account, Zelph Accounts, Nephite altar at Adam-Ondi-Ahman, etc. to embrace the work of John Lloyd Stephens whose book on Central America was conscripted by some early brethren in an attempt to show an advanced civilization as described in the Book of Mormon.  This occurred because Native Americans in North America were at the time looked upon as ‘ignorant savages’ devoid of civilization.  Such notions are now shown to be utterly false.  The North American civilizations were every bit as advanced as any in the world of their time. Continue watching the videos in this gallery for further verification of this fact.  In this video Rod Meldrum speaks of Joseph Smith’s knowledge on location at Carthage Jail, Illinois.

39.    Dr. Robert Fuller, owner of the fabulous Zermatt Resort and Spa in Midway, Utah shares his insights on the ancient Hopewell civilization of North America.  Filmed on location at Zermatt.

40.   Zarahemla near Nauvoo?  Cal Christensen, long time resident of Nauvoo, Illinois and Rod Meldrum discuss the significance of the Des Moines rapids of the Mississippi River.  Could Zarahemla of the Book of Mormon have been across the river as possibly indicated by revelation from the Lord in D&C 125:3?  Why are these rapids significant?  Could they help us to locate the lands of the Book of Mormon?  Learn more by watching this video!

41.   The Great Circle Earthworks; Author and researcher, Rod Meldrum talks about the Great Circle earthworks, one of the few remaining ditch and earthwork complex’s remaining in North America from its more than 200,000 earthworks that originally existed.  The Book of Mormon speaks of Moroni’s defensive strategy to protect the Nephite cities but digging ditches and throwing up heaps of earth with timbers atop forming a picket.  The ancient Hopewell’s ruins match perfectly these descriptions.  Here is direct evidence.  This ditch is actually on the inside of the ceremonial earthwork, but ditches and earthbanks were discovered in the early 1800’s with similar proportions with the ditches on the outside, which was the normal configuration.

42.   The Great Octagon earthworks;  Rod Meldrum explains some of the features of the Great Octagon in Newark Ohio.  Could this have been a part of the temple complex in the Land Bountiful? Why did the ancient Hopewell civilization build such massive ceremonial spaces?

43.   Tour and Explore America’s Heartland with Rod Meldrum; Many have asked Rod Meldrum to travel with them to experience the sights of America’s heartland and to learn of the evidences of the Book of Mormon that exist here.  Rod has now conducted several comprehensive tours of the Heartland of America which combines both Church History and Book of Mormon history as proposed by the Heartland model geography.  Come and learn more about this research than you ever thought possible.  Enjoy the sacred sites of Church history and learn more about known Book of Mormon sites such as the real Hill Cumorah in New York, Zelph’s mound where Joseph received a revelation about the “white Lamanite” who was killed and buried there during the last great struggle between the Lamanites and Nephites as well as the Nephite altar at Adam-Ondi-Ahman as revealed by the prophet Joseph.  You will also see possible locations of Book of Mormon lands, temple mounds and artifacts such as headplates and breastplates.

44.   Tour Testimonials, October 2010; Several members of our combination tour exploring Church History AND Book of Mormon history in the Heartland of America share their thoughts and feelings about the tour.  This is a unique tour that is gaining in popularity. We only got a few of our tour members on video because it was a rather last minute thought to record their thoughts.  It would have been nice to have recorded all the rest of the group, but it was so large, it would require several youtube segments to fit them all.

45.   Dr. James Bradley, Zelph scholar.  James Bradley spent the better part of 30 years studying Zion’s camp.  As the foremost expert on the subject, Dr. Bradley knows all the details about Zelph’s mound and what occurred there that day.  Listen to Dr. Bradley as he unfolds this history! Purchase his book, The Eternal Perspective of Zion’s Camp at our Bookstore.

46.   Unveiling of Joseph Smith’s Lieutenant General Nauvoo Legion sword.  This sword was given to the Prophet by Wilford Woodruff.  It was carried on Zion’s camp march, it was the focal point of several stirring Nauvoo Legion speeches by the prophet, and finally it was given to his bodyguard Joseph Bates Noble on his way to fateful Carthage.  This sword, its scabbard and an oak stick made from the wood of Joseph’s makeshift casket to secret his body to Nauvoo was hidden away in the Noble home for some 160 years until a friend of the Noble family, Howard Carlos Smith, learned about it and did some research to authenticate the Noble story.  The result was the establishment of the sword as the prophet Joseph’s and the sword went on display for the first time in 160 years at the FIRM Foundation national conference in Oct. 2009 at the Zermatt Resort. This video is the news reports of the event along with video footage.

47.   Cahokia, from 500 Nations, the Mound Builders; The documentary series featuring Kevin Costner speaks of the monumental earthen structures near St. Louis, Missouri.  This massive ruin was as completed around 1100 AD but was originally commences by  the Hopewell Mound Builders who were in the area during Book of Mormon time frames.  These were most likely apostate Lamanites who build these grand structures.  Toward the end of the video is information about this highly advance culture.

48.   Highly Advanced Peoples, Introduction from the documentary film series hosted by Kevin Costner called 500 Nations.  This video clip discusses the highly advanced civilizations that existed in North America prior to European contact.  Toward the end of the clip are several oral histories of creation by Native Americans.  Listen to the similarities with Biblical and D&C accounts.

49.   Native American Contributions to the Constitution; The Great Peace Maker, Deganawodah, appeared as a ‘Heavenly Messenger’ in the eastern forests to the Iroquois Confederacy, a league of nations held together by the sacred teachings of this Holy Man.  Benjamin Franklin first learned about these five nations in accounts from the proceedings of the Treaty of Lancaster (PA) in 1744.  When the delegates from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia fell apart in quarrels among themselves, a great Indian Chief by the name of Canasatego ran out of patience.  He scolded the colonial delegates for their lack of wisdom and ignorance of good procedures.  Ben Franklin then caught an intimation of what made these peoples government work — a religion-based constitution, which he held up in a series of pamphlets as the world’s only available model for a confederation of thirteen contentious colonies.  — Source: God of War, Gods of Peace, Russell Bourne, p91-92, 2002.

50.   Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally, complete coverage by CSPAN.  This is one of the most powerful and inspiring events ever held in the United States.  If you were not privileged to attend, you should watch the entire program from beginning to end to learn of the how you can help to Restore Honor to America again.

51.   Glenn Beck Rally, Rod Meldrum’s video from attending the event.  This is video shot at the Glenn Beck rally. The first scene is of the five of us that came to the event.  The next scene was taken as I was approaching the WWII memorial, which lies at the far end of the reflecting pool from the Lincoln Memorial where the stage was located.  It was incredible that all of these people were briskly walking (because the subways were jammed) to get to the event, but when the National Anthem was played, they all stopped and put their hands over their hearts!  The sheer size of this crowd was incredible.  As you can see from the still shots and video, there were many tens of thousands of people.  No arrests, no problems, just the astounding words of dynamic speakers.  This rally is a game-changer.  Thank you Glenn Beck!

52.   Destiny of the United States of America; The answer to most of America’s problems can be solved by returning to Constitutional principles.  The United States has a destiny to eventually become a glorious example of God’s law under a restored Constitution that will inspire the entire human race.

53.   One Way Out: Fulfillment of Prophecy; This is an incredibly powerful video by David Christensen on the importance of the United States Constitution, Scriptural prophecy, and the only way out of our present situation in this nation.  It is not meant as an endorsement or chastisement of any political party, but a wakeup call to all Americans. Our nation is on the verge of reaping the wrath of God.  The only that that will save her now is a return to gospel principles and a humbling of ourselves before God.  No other solution is possible at this point.

54.   Building up Zion, The New Jerusalem; We should be focused on building up the Kingdom of God on the earth.

55.   Book of Mormon prophecies involving the United States of America; President Ezra Taft Benson speaks of the actual history, written by inspired prophets of God in antiquity that provides the truth about today’s problems. With it we may know truth from error and learn how to effectively combat false educational, political, religious and philosophical concepts of our time. Our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of THIS LAND, JESUS CHRIST and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations. “Unless each person who knows the truth will stand up and speak up, it is difficult for the deceived or confused to find his way back.” – President Ezra Taft Benson.

56.   Prophets warn of dangers facing the United States of America; President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Ezra Taft Benson speak plainly of the corruption and unconstitutional usurpation of power of all branches of our government, executive, legislative and judicial.

57.   LDS view of the United States Constitution; Prophetic statements by Latter-day prophets on the importance of upholding and sustaining the United States Constitution.  While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are counseled to study the candidates carefully and vote for those individuals they believe will act with integrity and support those who are truly dedicated to the Constitution in the tradition of our Founding Fathers.

58.   The Book of Mormon and Freedom; President Gordon B. Hinckley speaks of the importance of the Book of Mormon in understanding the perplexities of freedom.  Ezra Taft Benson speaks of why Church leaders oppose socialism, communism and the why all members of the Church must embrace the principles of the Constitution.  What can we do to preserve our Constitution?  Learn how by watching this video.  America is great because America is good.  If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.

59.   Book of Mormon correlations, artifacts; Ancient American magazine publisher Wayne N. May discusses correlations between Book of Mormon armor and that found among the Hopewell Mound building civilization of North America which existed during Book of Mormon time frames, such as headplates, breastplates, arm shields, and massive gravesites.

60.   Linguistic correlations to the Book of Mormon; Linguistic correlations between the reformed Egyptian characters of the Anthon Transcript of Joseph Smith and the Micmac language of Algonquian Native Americans, who, incidentally, have a DNA lineage that originated from the Middle East, haplogroup X, are discussed by Ancient American publisher, Wayne N. May.

61.   Dr. Bradley Leper, Ohio Historical Society Archaeologist; Dr. Bradley Leper, head archaeologist for the state of Ohio and one of the foremost experts on the ancient Hopewell Mound Builders, speaks of several massive obsidian blades found in Ohio with origins in the Yellowstone, Wyoming region.  These were likely ceremonial in nature.  They were found near Newark, Ohio, sight of the largest earthwork complex in the world.  Archaeologists have speculated that as a result of findings of exquisite artifacts made from exotic materials from all over North America, the Hopewell utilized this area as a gigantic ceremonial center, even hinting at a possible explanation through a massive pilgrimage into this area by the ancient Hopewell people who flourished here between about 300 B.C. and 400 AD.  In the Heartland proposed geography for the Book of Mormon, this region would have been known as the Land Bountiful by the Nephites.  The possible correlations are profound.

62.   Hopewell Earthworks explanations by Dr. Bradley Leper; Dr. Bradley Leper and the curator of the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus talk of the different kinds of mounds and ceremonial earthen structures associated with the ancient Hopewell Mound Builder civilization that was incredibly highly advanced…as advanced as any society of their time period!  They built roads, massive earth structures aligned with astronomical objects such as the moon, they used metals and were an agrarian culture.  Their archaeological time frame matches incredibly closely with the Nephite civilization of the Book of Mormon.  If you come with Rod Meldrum on a tour of these areas, you will visit the actual locations that they are pointing out in the video!  Join us on an unforgettable tour of the proposed lands of the Book of Mormon nestled in the heartland of North America!

63.   Highly Advanced Indian Cultures in North America; Dr. Joseph Kitchens discusses the highly advanced civilizations that existed in North America.

64.   Hopewell Geometric works similar to Egyptian;  Incredible geometric earthworks that are massive in size and scale.  Did the ancient Hopewell Mound Builder civilization use the same mathematics and geometry as the ancient Egyptians?  It certainly looks like it.

65.   Hopewell Roads documentary, introduction:  This is the introduction to Searching for the Great Hopewell Road by American Public Television.  It gives a brief overview of the highly advanced ancient civilization, called by archaeologists today the Hopewell Mound Builders, that existed in the heartland of North America between about 300 B.C. and abruptly ended near 400 AD.  To purchase the DVD documentary, please visit our bookstore at www.BookofMormonEvidence.org .

66.   Hopewell Archaeoastonomy, Lunar Alignments; The highly advanced ancient civilization, called the Hopewell Mound Builders, that flourished in the heartland of North America from about 300 B.C. to 400 AD built massive earth structures unparalleled in human history.  What is even more incredible is that they built them in alignment with astronomical objects…such as the moon.  Encoded in these earthworks are eight separate lunar alignments that envelope its entire 18.6 year cycle!  They demonstrated their knowledge of the solar system, geometry and mathematics through the building of these massive earthen structures. This is astounding new information that may support the claims of the Book of Mormon (see Omni:21). To purchase this DVD documentary, visit our bookstore atwww.BookofMormonEvidence.org .

67.   Hopewell Earthworks unique in all the world!; Dr. Ray Hively talks of the magnificent earthen structures that are “unique in all the world” and demonstrate the spectacular achievements made by the ancient Hopewell Mound Builder civilization. This is a clip from the documentary film by American Public Television, Searching for the Great Hopewell Road, available from our bookstore at www.BookofMormonEvidence.org .

68.   The Greatness of America; This video speaks powerfully for itself.  It is time to recognize the role of this nation in God’s plan for his children.  President Ronald Reagan, arguably the greatest president in modern history, speaks of his love and understanding of freedom and our embattled country.  Teach our children virtues.  “Let us pledge to restore in our time a spirit that flows like a deep and mighty river through the history of our nation.”

69.   Declared “hoax” may be true; When this massive stone was discovered in 1898, it was immediately dismissed as a fake or a hoax.  Swedish immigrant Olaf Ohman was clearing some land when he discovered the stone, enwrapped in the roots of a tree, and covered with ancient writing.  The writing was recognizable as that of ancient Scandanavians, 8 Swedes and 22 Norwegians and told a story of their returning to camp to find 10 men killed…the date —  1362 AD, 130 years before Columbus!  The stone, now called the Kensington Runestone is displayed in the Runestone Museum in Alexandria, MN. Experts, without even examining the stone, declared it a hoax, summarily dismissing it from further examination. Scott Wolter, a trained geologist began a real examination of the stone after being contacted by the museum in 2000.  Tests on the weathering of the stone demonstrate that the stone could not have been inscribed more recently than 200 years from its being found.   The evidence now suggests that the stone is real and that the ‘experts’ were wrong.  This is the very same type of situation found with the vast majority of stones bearing Hebrew and Semitic scripts found in the heartland of America by farmers and land owners…they were immediately dismissed as forgeries and fakes by the so-called ‘experts’ of the day.  Today, some still cling to these faulty reports, even when artifacts can be demonstrated to have impossible to forge at the time the forgery is assumed to have occurred.

70.   Earthquake in the Heartland Introduction; What may have caused the destruction witnessed by the ancient prophets of the Book of Mormon near the time of Christ’s death in Israel?  Some have speculated it to be volcanic, yet nowhere does the Book of Mormon mention volcanoes, lava, ash, or even clouds associated with the event.  Could the destruction described by ancient prophets in the Book of Mormon near the time of Christ be explained by an event similar to that which occurred in 1811 and 1812 near New Madrid, Missouri which was the largest earthquake series in recorded history in North America? The astounding correlations indicate… yes.  Stretching more than 160 miles, a system of earthquake faults lurks beneath the Mississippi River basin, ready to erupt. And it’s happened before. Over 2,000 earthquakes, three over 8.0 magnitude, rocked the eastern half of the US over 5 months. It caused the Mississippi to flow backwards, covered entire regions under 20 feet of sand, and formed 10 new lakes in just a few hours.  The physical descriptions of the 1811-1812 sequence are incredibly similar to those of the Book of Mormon.

71.  The Mother of all Earthquakes in North America; The largest sequence of earthquakes in North America occurred 200 years ago in its ‘Heartland.’  This is directly beneath the proposed Heartland model geography and may explain the eye-witness accounts made by the ancient prophets of the Book of Mormon.  They wrote of the “exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth” that shook the “whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder.” Buildings were “shaken” until they had “fallen to the earth.” These descriptions in 3 Nephi 8 match remarkably those who experienced firsthand the 1811-1812 earthquakes.

72.   8.0 on Richter scale…Piezoelectric phenomena; Seismologists have calculated that the 1811-1812 earthquake sequence registered three massive quakes measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale…10 times stronger than the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, CA.  Large clouds of strange gas escaped out of the bowels of the earth.  Other bizarre phenomena occurred including ‘earthquake lights’ and huge lightning storms, much like the description in 3 Nephi 8:7 stating “And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land.”

73.  Chasms & Fissures Opened Up In the Land; Chasms and fissures, some over 10 miles in length, opened up gaping holes that buildings, cattle and people fell into.  One account tells of a man who was riding his horse when a fissure literally opened up beneath them.  The horse fell into the chasm, killing it and the man ended up walking over two miles before finding a spot to be able to get himself back up to the ground surface.  The remains of some of these fissures can still be seen today in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.

74.  Sand Blows –  a Unique Phenomena; During the 1811-1812 earthquake series, the earth belched out immense quantities of sand from unusual gaping fissures in the ground.  These ‘sand blows’ blasted a mixture of sand and water as much as 100 feet into the air and buried some areas under 20 feet of sand in just hours.  The Book of Mormon speaks of “earth being carried up upon the city” and of many cities being “covered with earth” which again matches, startlingly, the effects of the 1811-1812 earthquakes.  It could also account for the Book of Mormon description claiming that “waters have I cause to come up” from the earth.  Neither of these descriptions is a normal effect of volcanic eruptions, which again were never mentioned in the Book of Mormon.

75.   Massive Flooding…Face of the Land Changed; The earthquakes cause massive flooding and so great were the changes that even though they knew  the landscape very well, it had been so dramatically affected by the fissures and heaving of the earth that one could say “the face of the whole earth became deformed” as did the ancient Book of Mormon prophets.  See 3 Nephi 9:4,7.

76.   Lakes or ‘Sea’s’ Formed in Hours; Incredibly, 3,000 square miles of land sank or subsided following the massive shocks, in some places by 10 feet elevation.  Enormous amounts of water poured in from the Mississippi River, forming a lake or ‘sea’ in Hebrew terms, in just a few hours.  This body of water still exists today, and is known as Realfoot Lake.  10 other lakes or sea’s also formed during the 1811-1812 earthquake sequence.  Any villages in such an area would have matched perfectly the description of “sunk in the depths of the sea” by Book of Mormon prophets.

77.  Seismic mapping of New Madrid Fault; The Heartland of North America is not the stable geography one would expect in the middle of a tectonic plate.   This area is underlain by one of the most destructive faults in North America, the New Madrid seismic zone.  Even today earthquakes are recorded very often.  Should a similar event have occurred near the time of Christ, the 1811-1812 could help us to understand the destructive forces that occurred for those living in North America at the time, and could help to verify the possibility of the recording of such an event in the Book of Mormon.  The corroborative descriptions are astonishing.

78.  Paleoseismologists Discover Evidence for Earlier Events; Paleoseismologist Martitia Tuttle has been investigating the New Madrid seismic zone and has made a profound discovery.  It had been previously thought that events such as 1811-1812 happened only once every 10,000 years or longer.  Using ground penetrating radar she finds direct evidence that such events are much more common than previously expected by seismologists. She finds Native American artifacts in the soil in what is known as an occupation horizon which is below the 1811-1812 sand blow horizon at this location.  She estimates that a similar event occurs about every 300-500 years in this area based on her research. The closest event she has found at this site to the time of Christ is estimated at around 300 AD, but could very well have been earlier.

79.  We the People, by Jaden Bliss; Jaden Bliss performed her incredible patriotic music during America’s Freedom Education Week!  Jaden Bliss; “My plea is to all Americans especially the youth of America. Take the Pledge, Educate, Understand, Be Heard, Prepare, Vote.”  A video assembled using pictures taken at her Patriotic benefit concerts over the past 4 years, set to a new song she wrote, “We The People.” Her efforts to help “Re- Found” America, promote love of country, encourage gratitude, respect and remembrance for our Fallen Heroes. Jaden gushes, “ I love this country with all of my heart. No need to apologize. God Bless America.”

80.  Remember Me, by Jaden Bliss; Inspiring music video by Jaden Bliss in remembrance of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  A beautiful tribute to the Gold Star Families who have lost loved ones serving in the United States military.  Simply beautiful, inspiring, thought provoking and patriotic.

81.  Sand Blow!  One of the worlds only video’s of a sand blow actually occuring.  While this was in Saudi Arabia, tens of thousands of sand blows three times greater than that in the video occurred in the Heartland of North America in 1811-1812 during the largest earthquake sequence in history.  Sand blows in Missouri and Arkansas buried nearly the entire region in up to 35 feet of sand.

82. Bristol Lore Episode 1 is about a Bristolian who was a civil war veteran who began working for the Smithsonian Institution after the war and discovered an ancient stone, buried in an Indian Mound which had ancient Hebrew Writing from the first Century AD. Is it a hoax or one of the most important discoveries in our country’s history? The correlations to the Book of Mormon are stunning.  From a non-LDS historian.

83.  The FIRM Foundations youth education director speaks at the National Book of Mormon Conference held March 30, 2012.  Black belt karate expert and youth speaker Jake Hilton speaks about the need to provide tools for the youth to help them to defend themselves, their testimonies and the Church.  Jake is beginning the work of taking this information to the youth of the Church.

83B. Jake Hilton‘s demo reel for his entry to American Ninja Warrior competition.  These are some of the most death defying stunts you will ever see.  Jake’s athletic abilities have catapulted him to being featured on several TV shows including MTV, American Ninja Warrior and News Channels.  Today he is using these stunts and talents to inspire the youth of the Church to overcome obstacles and reach for their inner strength.

84.  Beit Lehi is a buried city just a few miles southwest of Jerusalem, and is currently under excavation. It received its name from the Bedouin Arabs who reside in the area. There are some interesting possible correlations with this site and the home of Lehi in the Book of Mormon.

85.   Forensic Geologist Scott Wolter of American Petrographic Services of St. Paul, MN explains the petrographic analysis of the Bat Creek stone.  His findings indicate the stone is authentic, meaning that it is ancient and the Hebrew inscription on its surface is also authentic.  The artifacts, including bronze or brass bracelets that Dr. Wolter describes as having metallurgical properties nearly identical those of ancient Israelite artifacts were recovered from a mound that has been carbon dated to as old as 32 AD, which is clearly in the middle of Book of Mormon time frames.

86.  Friend and fellow Heartlander Alex Boye teams with The Piano Guys for an unforgetable musical and visual experience!  Filmed in Southern Utah atop the red rock cliffs near St. George. Stunning music and videography have propelled this video to multi-million views on youtube and a signed deal for The Piano Guys!

87.  Alex Boye began writing this song as he witnessed the 9/11 attack on the United States from his London home.  Leaving it for several years Alex felt it was time to complete the song after being sworn in as a new citizen of the United States of America.  Alex, a fellow Heartland Model advocate, added Native American dancers and the “Liberty” rock as well as the “Harbinger” quote at the end after having a tremendous lunch conversation with Rod Meldrum and others.

88.  Incredibly inspirational music video featuring Alex Boye singing with the Utah Valley University LDS Institute Choir.  Filmed partly on the Great Salt Lake flats and other environs of Utah, USA.

89.  Fellow Heartlander Nathan Osmond wrote and performed a most inspiring music video in honor of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  This song, “A Little Boy’s Prayer,” was performed live at the 10th National Book of Mormon Evidence Conference Oct. 2012.

90.  Nathan Osmond wrote and performs a hauntingly beautiful and patriotic music video that honors all our military men and women who put their lives on the line and sacrifice so much protecting the Promised Land.  Nathan performed this #1 Country Music Charts hit song live at our 10th National Book of Mormon Evidence Conference Oct. 2012.

91.  Scriptorian and Heartland Scholar Bruce H. Porter speaks on location at the Plymouth plantation about his critically important new book, An Everlasting Decree: Ensuring A Title to Liberty For The Promised Land. Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

92.  Dr. Bruce H. Porter presents a compelling scripture-based treatise on the prophecies in the Book of Mormon regarding the Promised Land and Freedom.

93.  Dr. Bruce H. Porter presents his second lecture at the Ancient American History Conference, held April 2011.  His presentation, “A Title of Liberty and Responsibility for Freedom” reflects his work on the now released book “An Everlasting Decree: Ensuring A Title To Liberty For The Promised Land.” Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

94.  Award-winning vocalist and composer Michele Baer sings her inspiring song “If I Were Brave” which she performed at the 10th National Book of Mormon Evidence Conference held Oct. 2012.  Michele has been compared to Karen Carpenter for her vocal talent!

95.  Michele Baer is not only one of the premier songwriter singers associated with the Heartland Model geography, but she is also a very inspirational speaker and uplifting youth and patriotic teacher.

96.  Introduction to Timothy Ballard‘s Ground-breaking new research on “The American Covenant” which gained the attention of media heavyweight Glenn Beck. Watch the video trailer and then the interview with Glenn.  Tim’s LDS version of “The Covenant” is titled “The American Covenant” and has two volumes. Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

97.  Timothy Ballard is hosted by conservative radio host Glenn Beck to talk about his new book, The Covenant, which provides historical documentation that the founding of this nation was understood by the Founding Fathers to be a restablishment of Israel on the Promised Land and that they knew and understood the sacred Covenant with God upon the land.

98.  The Newark Earthwork complex is a series of massive earthen structures formed in circles, octagons and squares.  These massive geometric configurations made up a monumental ceremonial complex unrivaled in antiquity.  The ditch and earthbanks are built as described by the Nephite civilization in the Book of Mormon and these date directly into that time period.  Videographer Ryan Fisher interviews Ancient American publisher Wayne N. May regarding this sacred center of the Hopewell Mound Builders (i.e. Nephites).  Ryan’s use of a sophisticated aerial video technology makes otherwise impossible views of the earthworks come alive.

99.  Videographer Ryan Fisher followed Timothy Ballard into the Heartland of America to record the Covenant lands of ancient and historic civilizations throughout history.  Tim’s book, The American Covenant, or his non-LDS version called simply “The Covenant” tells of God’s Covenant with this sacred Promised Land. This powerfully done video is a trailer to the book and upcoming movie projects.

100.  Exploring the Book of Mormon in America’s Heartland: A visual Journey of Discovery, watch the 30 sec. ad shown on KSL-TV during General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

101.  Destined to become one of the most important films of all time, For Our Day, by the family film making team of James, Hanna, and James IV Stoddard is going to open your eyes like never before of the power of the Book of Mormon in predicting the future of our nation and the earth.  They unlock hundreds of parallels within the Book of Mormon that directly correlate to our day, providing prophetic understanding of our future.  Not only are the Stoddards a film making force to be reconned with, but they are also ground breaking website designers and engineers.  Their websites are world-class and they are done by Stoddard family members who are barely old enough to drive! Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

102.  The History Channel Series “American Unearthed” features forensic geologist Scott Wolter of American Petrographic Services of St. Paul, MN.  Scott was the lead scientific researcher who conducted the analysis authenticating the Bat Creek Stone with its ancient Hebrew inscription.

103.  Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Paul Rimmasch is the author of The Lost Stones, an extraordinary historical adventure novel involving Book of Mormon research and themes.  The main character, Ammon and John, are searching fo rthe glowing stones that guided the brother of Jared across the ocean–but for very different reasons.  Joined by John’s daughter, Sariah, they get more than they bargained for as they learn they aren’t theonly ones searching for these precious artifacts.  This thrilling adventure will have your whole family racing to the last page.  A great LDS historical fiction that incorporates Book of Mormon history and the Heartland Model into an exciting latter day novel!  Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

104.  Paul Rimmasch, CSI and author of The Lost Stones, details some of his research that was incorporated into his novel. Get your copy online at our Bookstore.

105.  One of the most intriguing stories in the Book of Mormon is the account of the Brother of Jared having Christ touch several glass stones which made them glow brightly so that they might have light inside of their ships for their journey to the Promised Land of America.  Where did those stonees go folowing their arrival? Where are they now?  Read “The lost Stones” to learn more about this sacred history. Get your copy now at our Bookstore.

106. National Geographic investigative journalist Ryan Fisher introduces the new television series, Nephite Explorer, which is being aired on KJZZ-TV in the Intermountain region of Utah and Idaho.  This is the exciting series overview of great things to come!

107. Nephite Explorer’s episode 9 begins investigative journalist Ryan Fisher’s “Lands of the Nephites” part 1 of his four part segment.  He begins introducing the Hopewell Mound builder civilization that occupied the Heartland of America during Book of Mormon time frames. Watch the entire episode now!

108. Church owned KSL-TV’s religion specialist Carole Nikita interview National Geographic investigative journalist Ryan Fisher about his new television series Nephite Explorer, which is now airing on KJZZ-TV throughout Utah and Idaho on Sunday evenings at 4:30 and again at 6:30 pm.

109. Clips from the History Channel’s hit TV series, America Unearthed, featuring forensic geologist Scott Wolter.  This video shows Wolter’s scientific analysis of the Decalogue stone in the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Coshocton, OH, declaring it authentic, ancient Hebrew inscribed stone.

110.  The History Channel’s refusal to allow Mormon commentary on the many Hebrew inscribed stones in their TV series, America Unearthed spurred the creation of a spoof film by LDS film maker Kels Goodman that is hilarious because of its witty satire and excellent film making.  A must see!

111. Scriptures Legacy, a film released April, 2014 with the first accurate depiction of Christ’s visit to the Nephites of the Book of Mormon being among the ancient Hopewell Mound Builder Civilization of America’s Heartland. See the related article HERE.

112. For Our Day: Divinely Sanctioned Governments (film trailer), a powerful DVD sequel to For our Day; Covenant on the Land, and compares Nephite (Reign of the Judges) and latter Day (Constitution) Governments of Liberty,  showing how The Book of Mormon is a powerful warning of things to come for U.S. today.

113. Statemen & Symbols (film trailer), from the producers of the For Our Day series, the Joseph Smith Foundation, comes a fascinating DVD documentary exploring temple symbolism. Discover the reason behind Joseph Smith’s involvement with Masonry, the purpose of inverted pentagrams on LDS temples, the use of sacred symbols by the Founding Fathers and more!

114. The POWER of Book of Mormon Evidence (video trailer) –  A “Transformation Presentation” by Jake Hilton, the FIRM Foundation’s Director of Youth Education, has the power to transform your life and strengthen your testimony in the Word of God, the Book of Mormon and the Bible.  “The Great Eight” – are eight powerful reasons why an understanding of BoM geography is not only important, but may be vital to all who live on this sacred ground.

115. The American Promised Land Covenant (video trailer) – The new standard in Book of Mormon geography research by renown international author, speaker and researcher, Rod L. Meldrum takes you on a journey through scriptural world history to identify the two promised lands spoken of by Christ during his Nephite visit. Where are they and what are the promises, blessing, requirements and judgements associated with them?

116.  The Water of Mormon video by the Kaye Starr Singers performing chorale group.  The music was composed by Kaye Starr Heninger and sung by this internationally recognized choir.

Heartland Model Declared a Movement

By
Rod Meldrum
-

 There have seen signs of a significant shift in the minds of members of the Church all over the country, and this ‘paradigm change’ has not gone unnoticed by the media.  Both LDS and non-LDS people are now officially calling the “Heartland Model” research a “movement” within the membership of the Church! 

What a whirlwind the past two months have been!  There have seen signs of a significant shift in the minds of members of the Church all over the country, and this ‘paradigm change’ has not gone unnoticed by the media.  Both LDS and non-LDS people are now officially calling the “Heartland Model” research a “movement” within the membership of the Church!
With this in mind, you might find the following quotes regarding this ‘movement’ encouraging.
“There is a swelling movement within the Church, though, that prefers to believe that the story took place in Illinois, among other North American locales.  …‘Prophecies and Promises: The Book of Mormon and the United States of America’ is the latest salvo in this argument. …When and if such features begin to shift, the impulse discernible in the Heartland Model is only likely to grow stronger.” 
 – Seth Perry – History of Christianity PhD candidate, The Martin Marty Center for the Advanced Study of Religion, University of Chicago Divinity School
 The Martin Marty Center for the Advanced Study of Religion

Click the Martin Marty Center logo above to read the article! Or click HERE.

 The article was picked up by several publications including…

That such a dramatic ‘movement’ or shift is occurring within an organization as large as the Church, and that it has been brought about primarily by the work of only one or two people, is remarkable. How could a couple of individuals, working from their homes,  who hold no advanced degrees, are without the aid of any large organization, have received no outside funding or have support from a sympathetic media, have accomplished such a monumental task?  That such is the case is especially amazing when one considers the obstacles presented by the widely accepted, long held and heavily promoted belief that Mesoamerica was the setting for the Book of Mormon by many highly educated, respected and influential individuals for well over 60 years.
The influence that they have had on the membership of the Church pertaining to ideas of where this sacred history took place is undeniable.  From photographs of Mesoamerican structures embedded within the printed pages of the book itself, Church sponsored research in the area, innumerable Church firesides, artistic depictions of Mesoamerican pyramids, promotion of “Book of Mormon” tours, and hundreds of books, articles, and films portraying this region as the ‘lands of the Book of Mormon.’ Hence came the establishment of several organizations.  While their purpose may have been to show forth the evidences of the Book of Mormon, at least to some extent their purpose has increasingly become to indoctrinate this theory in the minds of latter-day saints.  That the premise of this well-entrenched, highly organized group is now thought to be seriously challenged after less than three years by a virtually unknown person with no scholarly credentials and armed with only a rather rudimentary DVD presentation of his personal research is astounding.
The overwhelmingly positive response to this refreshing new research on Book of Mormon geography has been truly exciting.

Welcome! Thank you for visiting!

By
Rod Meldrum
-

   We encourage you to explore our website which is devoted to supporting the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The original research, presented in the  DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography DVD presentation has gone as far as Europe, New Zealand, Austrailia, Alaska, Samoa, South Africa, Japan, South America and throughout the United States and Canada. The response has been nothing short of amazing and it is truly humbling to read the tens of thousands of positive responses.  A newly updated 5 disk DVD series has been released with 9+ hours of presentations, interviews and on location video called Book of Mormon Evidence. This is the most comprehensive research ever assembled on what is being heralded as a ‘movement within the Church’ becoming widely known as the ‘Heartland Model’ geography of the Book of Mormon.  We invite you to explore this website, enjoy the FREE articles available for downloading, the Questions and Answers, the testimonials and the photographs.  For further information and educational materials visit our Bookstore.  This project is the result of 5 years of research into the subject of physical evidences that are showing forth the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

As Austin Farrar stated on the relationship between rational arguement (evidence) and belief:

“Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief.

What seems to be proved may not be embraced;

but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned.

Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.”

 

It is hoped that you will find the information informative, enlightening, and that it creates in all who see it a strong desire to study and ponder the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, to learn more about The Prophet, Joseph Smith Jr., and the gospel he restored to the earth and

ultimately to develop a stronger personal testimony of Jesus Christ.

This is the greatest of all gifts.

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