Heartland Happenings 2020

 

Summary Remarks from 2020 FIRM Foundation Virtual Expo 
By Rod Meldrum April 14, 2020

Dear friends, 

As I’ve contemplated the events of the past few weeks I’ve been struck by how suddenly lives have been disrupted and how quickly everything that seemed “normal” has been shown to be tenuous. Symbolic events that might even be considered as “signs of the times” have been seen.

First, a new pandemic enters the world stage, causing panic and lockdown
of several of the world’s largest economies. Then an earthquake causes Angel Moroni atop the Salt Lake Temple to “drop” his horn/trumpet. Then a world-wide fast and an unprecedented Solemn Assembly is conducted.

Thursday (April 9, 2020) was Passover, symbolic of Israel’s deliverance by God from bondage under Egypt which was later celebrated by Christ with His Disciples.

Friday was Good (Sacred) Friday, the day of Christ’s crucifixion.
Sunday was Easter, the day of His resurrection.

Many have wondered about the symbolism of Moroni’s trumpet being removed by an act of God through the recent earthquake…following which I wrote this article in response. Posted on the website the next morning.  https://bookofmormonevidence.org/the-last-days-finally-2/

“15 ¶ Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:” Joel 2:15-16

In a few short weeks, church meetings and temples were closed, earthquakes shook. Moroni’s trumpet fell, missionaries returned home, a worldwide fast called, and an unprecedented solemn assembly and Hosanna Shout given!  

The Hosanna Shout was given upon Christ’s entering into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Temple dedication Hosanna Shout’s implore the Savior to enter His Holy House. Because of the pandemic each family – in their own home – were imploring Christ to enter in! Think of it.

President Nelson invited us to fast on Good Friday for an end to this pandemic. Incredibly, Thursday evening would be OUR last supper before we petitioned the Savior of the World for deliverance, corresponding to HIS Last Supper. Passover’s sader meal is THE symbol of divine rescue from death.

The God we prayed to for deliverance, is the one who’s Passover reminds us He will deliver.

I hope that each of you enjoyed a happy Easter. HE IS RISEN!

Because of the many projects we’ve been introducing, many have asked for some easy links to take full advantage of these resources. Below are some of the latest happenings, but these are just the ‘tip of the iceburg’ so to speak. 

BofM Expo KSL TV 30 sec. spot
https://vimeo.com/403535031

Podcast Introduction Video
https://youtu.be/QvjcvMa9jk4

Tim Ballard Podcast Interview
https://youtu.be/3VwCALbFIbI

Alex Boye’ Podcast Interview
https:By Rod Meldrum April 14, 2020
//youtu.be/cBlV7nPsen0

I hope you will make the time to watch my introduction to the just released Firm Foundation Expo and 25th International Book of Mormon Evidence Conference (Full 90-minute Video at the bottom of this article). I think you will find many wonderful presentations to give us hope and excitement during these trying times. (Subsribe now. 70 presentations- $40 for 3 full months to view, only $10 per month after).

My personal presentations for this event were focused primarily on how we can stay positive, uplifted and enlightened as we face adversity and challenges in our lives. My hope is to provide encouragement and help to strengthen those whose burdens seem unbearable and whose shoulders are weary from the weight of their difficulties. 

 

Hopefully, after you watch the presentation I titled ‘Do Bad Things Happen…for Good Reasons’ – or as I was going to call it – ‘My Miserable, Horrible, Terrible Life of Trials!,’ you’ll find comfort in realizing that God is in control, He loves you, and many times in order to bless you with greater things he needs you to change directions in your life, which can be done through trials. Better things are in store on the other side of trials, if we put our trust in Him and go forward in faith!

 

In the introduction you’ll hear about the exciting happenings since our last Expo through my Heartland Happenings report. 

 

 

– Heartland Presentations Stats

– Survey showing Heartland acceptance in members

– Review of Italy and Book of Mormon Tours in 2019

– National and regional conferences 

– 1st Universal Model Geotour

– Annotated Edition Book of Mormon in Costco & Deseret Book 

– New Streaming Video website

– New ‘Come Follow Me’ supplemental learning podcasts

– Mulekite voyage demonstrated

– Recent Symbolic “Signs of the Times” from the earthquakes, General Conference, Solemn Assembly and the Hosanna Shout!

– New website update

– New Book of Mormon Answers pages

– Book of Mormon Video’s page

 

I hope you enjoy all of the wonderful tools now available to enhance your ongoing study of the Book of Mormon! 

 

Your friend and brother in the gospel, 

 

 

Video Below-
Heartland Happenings Kick-off Presentation
FIRM Foundation Innaugural Virtual Expo
By Rod Meldrum April 9, 2020 90-Minutes