Rod Meldrum and the team of Firm Foundation want to thank each and everyone one of those who attended and participated at our huge conference.

We heard from Tim Ballard who spoke on the USA Covenant on the land including the entire world, we heard from radio show host Greg Hughes who spoke about the power the members of the Church have from the “pew”, as we add to the words we hear from the pulpit. I missed so many who made our event a special one. Forgive me ahead of time as I hope each and every one of the speakers, vendors and guests know how important to us they are.

We were inspired by Jason Mow and his motivational talk about becoming a Warrior for the Lord with our Warrior Ethos. Eric Moutsos is always a huge inspiration of commitment to truth and to the gospel in this troubled world. Dare to stand out and not be just ordinary.

Mike and Betty LaFontaine shared their experience of purchasing along with John Lefgren, the amazing “Phoenicia Ship” that proved a possible Lehi route from Oman to Florida on the replica Phoenician ship. The same vessel sailed from Tunisia to Florida which could have proceeded up the Mississippi River, proving another possible route of King Zedikiah’s son, Mulek from Israel to Iowa. This Heartland Research and Phoenicia group will be now assembling the ship near Nauvoo at Ft. Madison Iowa, near where the Mulekites lived in nearby Montrose, Iowa. You all may assist John, Mike, and Betty in rebuilding this magnificent 600 BC replica very soon. Just see details at zarahemla.site.

Boyd Tuttle also as a former crew member on the Phoenicia, shared about his new book about the people of Zarahemla.

We heard from David Hocking with his brand new Annotated Book of Scripture, this time all about the New Testament with co-author Shawn Hugh. What an awesome new book to add to your Annotated series of books.

Through a great friend named David Crandall, who is very connected in politics, he arranged access for us to have the privledge of getting to know two fantastic candidates for the United States Congress, Jason Preston for the Utah 3rd District and Andrew Badger running for the 1st Utah Congressional seat. They were both very inspiring and I personally would vote for either if I lived in their district. They are not only bright and well spoken, but their love of people and dedication to conservative principles is just what we need in Utah. Too many extremists have made their way into Utah politics and we need them voted out.

Of course Wayne May and his three talks about the Nephites and archaeology were all home runs. He is such a fantastic man and he knows his Heartland Geography. I feel in the next life, Wayne will be our Head President of the Geography of the World as each of us learn under his tutelage. (That would be awesome).

We had our dear, brilliant Hannah Stoddard speak five times. I can’t get enough of her so I share her with each of you. She is a young lady full of truth and the Spirit of love. She is such a great example for dearly departed James and the entire family. This wonderful family just released a new book about, A Christ Centered Home and titled, “Family Miracles, Overcoming Opposition, Abuse and Death.” What an amazing true story about the Stoddard family as they share the trials, tragedies, and joy in their young lives. We also love the contributions of Kimberly Smith of the Joseph Smith Foundation. Her knowledge of the true gospel is immense.

We had several professional artists at our event. David Lindsley revealed a new painting representing the translation of the plates by Joseph and Oliver called, “By the Gift and Power of God.” As usual in his own talented way he shares his art on canvas as well as with ancient renditions of amazing Hebrew and Nephite artifacts. We were also blessed with the talents of Ann Marie Oborn who unveiled her new and beautiful painting called, “These Stones, Fastened to a Breastplate” JSH 1:75. This beautiful painting now joins her other marvelous work she presented to us in our last expo called, “Mother I have got the Key.”

New to our Expo was Brent Peterson with his amazing hand made replicas of important gospel events. His hand made Liahona was my favorite. You saw his replica 16 stones of the Brother of Jared, Moses’ staff with the serpent that was raised before the Israelites, a beautiful Sword of Laban recreation, along with the Gold Plates, beautiful sheep skins, and his beautiful two stones touched by the finger of God for the Brother of Jared that were sealed up as the Interpreters in the Stone Box where Joseph Smith retrieved them in 1827. I was almost 4,000 years ago the Jaredite plates, breastplate and Interpreters were buried as Joseph later used these special 3 items to bring us the world’s greatest book, even the Book of Mormon.

We met a fantastic man Jeremy Michel who hands down, had the coolest collection of dinosaur bones, replicas, and other historic items. We sure appreciated his participation in speaking and sharing his articles.

Once again we heard the beautiful voice of Tatia Nelson who we plan on highlighting in future events. With her love of the Savior and talent for inspiring music, each of us were truly inspired by her. She also shared her passion with us about health, healing, oils and eating properly, as she is an example of health to each of us. (Especially me)

CJ Peterson, a man of many gifts and talents was there to share his natural products for health and vitality of NaturesFusion and SilverCeuticles. He displayed an amazing collection of old original wonderful and special books that were owned and read by prophets and apostles. His love for rare books was an inspiration to us as he spoke about the spirit behind these many antique books.

Our favorite Herbal Vet, and healthy living doctor, Dr. Patrick Jones was once again present to share his products, knowledge and love of the gospel with us all.

We also received wonderful foot and back massages from Tim Peak as he shared is many healthy machines and CBD oils and other products to make our lives more livable.

Peggy and Ernie Lehenbauer as usual share their amazing jewelry and health products with us. One thing I can always say about them is, they love all people and strive for each of us to have joy in our life, no matter the challenges we have.

Our great friend, David Doane did double duty as usual by sharing with us more about Mulek and his knowledge base about Book of Mormon Remnants. He also believes strongly in natural products called LifeWave X39 & X49. They Stimulate Stem Cells, & Cardiovascular & Bone Health With Your Light. Thanks for sharing David.

For the first time on our big stage we enjoyed an amazing young man, Daniel Burdett, who shared his incredible love of Prophets and what they say, especially Ezra Taft Benson who he said could easily be a “heartlander” as his values and strong condemnation of evil is what we are all about. I purposely put him on the main stage and at the same time I put our super-star Hannah in that same time slot. I was absolutely pleased to see Hannah had 220 people in a small room while Daniel Burdett had over 180 in the large room. Way to go Daniel, you are becoming an inspiring teacher of the Gospel as you also share intelligent insights into the UM Model as well.
We had our unsung hero, Wayne May give up his spot on the main stage so Daniel could speak. Thanks to Dean Sessions and Wayne for forcing their hand, for me to share the talents of Daniel with the rest of you.

Another first timer to our stage was Shannon Tracy. He is a very well researched and informed man about the truth and accurate way to depict people and events in the History of the Church. From discovering the true Nauvoo Bell, to researching the most authoritative and accurate description of the Prophet’s Martyrdom, to understanding a very precise discussion on the true facial features of the prophet Joseph Smith, he is a true believer in the Heartland model and one who is full of energy to assist us in our mission of sharing the truth of the gospel and his love of the Savior with all.

Speaking of Dean and the Universal Model. Do you know anyone who has more knowledge of true science than Dean? I don’t. Do you realize he has created many new scientific laws and proven these laws in his lab, as the intellectuals of the day scoff and scorn him. I love it. Many intellectuals are the “Great and Spacious” building, aren’t they?

Did you see the Barlow family pulling triple duty? Russ and family are our new video specialist and they do a great job. I’m sure many of you noticed the great new huge screen we watched in the main room and how wonderful the visuals and acoustics were. The Barlow’s are to thank. Heidi shared amazing messages about teaching proper principles in the home. Russ fed us with the topic of “Can we believe Christ about science and history?” The overwhelming conclusion is, of course we can believe Christ in all things. If you haven’t checked out their family friendly version of instruction material called TruthSeekers, you are missing something wonderful.

Jonathan Neville was at his best as usual. He shared two instructive presentations about, Plain and Precious: Why Cumorah Matters, and The Rational Restoration: Reframing Church History. Check out one of his over 30 books he has written as he is an encyclopedia of truth and knowledge about the gospel.

We have been blessed the past few years with the knowledge from David Read as he has shared with us about Heartland DNA from the Hebrews by discussing former Mormon, John Dehlin’s DNA Dodge, and new information about, Joseph Smith’s DNA and Joseph of Egypt. He discussed outstanding evidence of Lamanite linkage to the Hebrews.

Kevin Price is a most welcomed PhD into the fold. He however has two things that most normal PhD’s don’t have. Great knowledge of science, and a sound understanding of  that science and how the scriptures’ and truths found in the glorious Church support that science. He has almost single handedly discovered a new miracle plant from Montrose Iowa he calls Nephite Bee-Balm. With the professional help of his brother in-law Dana Young, they have created an amazing oil in their factory called, ZeraThyme. I have used it and it did help me overcome a terrible cough in just a few days. Many people have found amazing cures. The exciting thing about Kevin is, he trusts in God and the plants, as the Lord has provided these herbs for the benefit of man.

Our favorite water guys were there as usual with Water Pure. Craig Fairclough and Tom Smokeoff gave us the latest innovation for us to use the purest and best form of water in business and in our home. We thank them again.

Hands down, for me personally, my favorite presentation was done by great friend of the heartland, Darin Southam. He is the Creator, Writer, Editor, Lead Actor and guru behind the new sensational movie called, “The Oath- A Redeeming Love. A Transcending Mission” Coming Sept 2022 to big theaters.

This film is entirely independent of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is independently funded by over 43 amazing investors. 90% of the cast and crew on Darin’s pilot short film were not members of The Church of Jesus Christ, and an even higher number than that is true of our first full feature. We’re proud of the fact that so many of all faiths (and of no faiths) have joined our production team and lent their inspiring talents to this meaningful endeavor. Nearly all the Hollywood professionals we’ve consulted have been very supportive of (and genuinely intrigued with) what we are doing. Yes, the Writer/Director, Darin Southam(Scott), is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has made a lifelong study of the Book of Mormon, and is an enthusiastic fan of Captain Moroni.

Lastly I personally thank  Rod and Tonya Meldrum. They are fantastic people to work with. I would do anything for them. Their example of true living Saints is always an inspiration to me. If not for Rod this delightful movement of people who love the Lord may not have been possible. Rod and Tonya desire all to come unto Christ, through the good things of life and especially through the Book of Mormon. Jake Blaney, Rod’s son in-law and daughter Cassie Grover also helped tremendously and so did Wes and Ellen Clark, two dependable great friends who would do anything for us. I love them all.

If you have comments or pictures to share about this past conference, I would be happy to put them on one of my blogs. May the Lord bless you all.

Below is a fantastic article done by John Lefgren that I know you will also enjoy.

Presentation of the Phoenicia to 1,000s There is nothing like a live audience in a large conference center. During the last weekend, thousands of people had a chance to react to the idea of reassembling the Phoenicia Ship on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Montrose, Iowa. At the end of the presentation, the audience broke into a spontaneous round of applause. The live energy of the audience was on display for everyone to see. There were many words of encouragement. Several people offered to come to the Phoenicia Building this summer to help reconstruct one of the world’s oldest ship replicas. So many wanted to be part of our effort to put together a 30-ton artifact in the Western Hemisphere. Hundreds expressed their desire to connect with Mulek, the Prince of Judah, who in the 6th Century Before Christ sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from the Middle East to the Heartland of America. We expected that at the conference there would have been a few nay-sayers, but this time we only met well-wishers. We take this reaction as a positive indication. We are now getting ready for the serious work of putting the ship’s parts back together. Our goals are clear for the summer. We welcome all who wish to become part of this historic project. Betty Red Ant’s Flute Composition “Phoenicia Sunrise”