The Restorati n Letter

Transcription

1 The Restorati n Letter ZION'S OUTPOST BRANCH 1733 NORTHEAST PARKWAY, WICHITA, KANSAS April - June 1992 Vol. 7 No. 2 FRAA in Wichita Sunday morning, May people from the Foundation for Research on Ancient America presented a program on the Book of Mormon in our branch. About 60 people were present to see and hear the Book of Mormon presentations. There was special music by Julie Gatrost and Verne & Rick Darling. Julie Gatrost also presented a drama about Lehi's wife and her concerns about the journey on the way to the Promised Land. Pat Beebe and Verne Darling gave their testimonies about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Don Beebe, Michael Gatrost and Sherie Smith gave talks about Book of Mormon research, archaeology and internal evidences of the Book of Mormon. Sister Smith's class compared the Egyptian and Mayan languages, concluding that there is sufficient evidence to show that Mayan language is related to the Egyptian. Michael Gatrost reviewed chiasm, no erasers and other evidence from the Book of Mormon showing that the book is an authentic Hebrew work. Brother Beebe took us on a slide tour of the ruins in Central America and highlighted the "tour" with testimonies of the Lord's blessings associated with the various sites. Several animated Book of Mormon videos were shown, which really attracted the attention of the children in the branch. Brother Gatrost, who is the President of FRAA, gave a challenge to the congregation in attendance which is good for all of us. He noted many of the new discoveries made in the past years about Book of Mormon language, history and culture. He said that he believes there will be more and more of these discoveries made as time goes on. Science is always changing, the Book of Mormon is written and published and will not change. We have seen science "catching up" to the Book of Mormon's 1 testimony. This trend will continue, but how will we know it unless we know the Book of Mormon intimately? His challenge was to get to know the Book of Mormon and you can recognize science confirming the story of the Book of Mormon. ABOUT FRAA The Foundation for Research on Ancient America was founded many years ago by sister Theolona Stevens. The Foundation produces videos, books, pamphlets to help young and old learn about the Book of Mormon. They hold conferences for sharing Book of Mormon research and for encouraging the Saints. FRAA also sponsors tours to Central America. Financial support comes through contributions from people who want to support their work. Recently they have moved into their own building on White Oak in Independence where they have a library, a

2 recording studio and places to meet together, hold conferences and do their work more efficiently. If you have any questions about the FRAA please write to them and they will gladly contact you. Their address is FRAA 210 W. White Oak Independence, MO The Music Machine The youth under the direction of Sister Lori Conn presented The Music Machine to our branch on May 10. It happened to be Mother's Day that Sunday and it made a nice tribute to the mother's of these children. The Music Machine is the story of two children who get taken to a special land and there meet Mr. Conductor (played by Jared Smith). Mr. Conductor has a special device called the Music Machine. If you put something in, a song comes out. The songs always spoke about Jesus in some way. The children discovered that the Music Machine could teach them about the fruits of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians chapter 5). Lori, accompanied by Sister Mary Robinson, directed the children of the branch in singing songs which the Music Machine produced. Several of the songs required some acting by the children. Many of them also added musical help with their kazoos and wood blocks. Thanks to Lori, Mary, Jared and the children for an enjoyable worship experience. Marriages, etc. On April 4, Gary Metzger was married. He and his wife Tita then left for a short honeymoon. For more details see Gary's Epistle that begins on page 4 of this newsletter. Laura Harris, of Wichita, and Jack Schmidt of Littleton, Co were married in a private ceremony in the mountains of Colorado on May 24. They met in Independence, MO earlier in the year. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt will be living in Littleton, CO. Their address is : Jack and Laura Schmidt 8143 S. Humboldt Circle Littleton, CO A reception for the couple was held at Zion's Outpost on Saturday, June 6. This allowed us to get to know Brother Schmidt better. One The Restoration Letter really enjoyable activity during the reception allowed every person to write down at least one question for Jack to answer about himself. These questions covered many topics such as his cooking skills, tastes in books and movies, how they met and his driving record. On June 13 all of Laura's furniture and household goods were loaded onto a truck and at about 3:00pm Jack, Laura and Charli (Laura's son) left fo Colorado. We wish the God's blessing in thei marriage! Lindon and Mary Robinsor celebrated their 55th year of marriage on May 30, 1992 The couple was married in the RLDS Central Branch orb May 30, On Sunday, May 31 the couple asked for a special prayer of blessing, which way given by Elder Gary Whiting Sister Laura Schmidt sans during the service and Elder Dwight Burford gave ai challenging message o commitment, typified b Jesus Christ's commitment t the salvation of our souls. After a piano recital by Mary's students, a reception honoring Lindon and M was held. A cake and othe refreshments were provided. 2

3 April - June Volume 7, Number 2 ary and H. Undon H. Linden and Mary Robinson Wichita will celebrate their 516 edding anniversary at 11 a.m. ay 31, 1992, during services ion's Outpost Church, 6300 Tar: own R Linden Robinson and Mari' Driver Were married May 30, 937, in Winfield. He was ern- t toyed at Fox Meyer Drug Co ears and retired Dec. 31, he was a registered nurse 38 years d retired in 1975, and is a usic teacter. They hirveone child, Marylyn Morgan of Goddard; four grandekiln and 400d grtat-granddd From the Wichita Eagle, Thursday May 28, 1992 Problem With the Pews A potentially dangerous situation has developed in the church sanctuary. The pews which are as old as the church have begun to dry out. This loss of moisture, and the subsequent loss of weight, has led to the distinct possibility that they might float free. This presents the possibility that during worship, a free-floating pew could physically damage a member or guest. Further, it is believed that even if a member or guest was able successfully to dodge an oncoming free-floating pew, the evasive action would certainly disrupt the spiritual tranquility of the worshiping dodger. The problem was brought before a committee in the latter part of last year. The committee first considered using steel cables to anchor the pews to bedrock, which is 247 feet beneath the church. After receiving the cost estimate of $14, and extensive consultation with engineers, this idea was abandoned. The committee after deliberating, decided that adding weight to the pews would be a better solution to the problem. The committee considered using brass scrap or lead ingots but they proved too expensive. Pig iron was found to be cheaper, but it, like brass and lead, had a lifeless quality. The committee searched for a medium density object which was both sparkling and vibrant. After sifting through all of the possibilities, the committee has opted to use warm bodies to weigh down the pews, and the committee is asking the membership to provide the necessary weight. This can be done by coming to church and, if possible, by bringing a medium density object (in the form of a friend or neighbor) with you. Anonymous (copied from the newsletter of the First Christian Church of Haysville, Ks. Aug 6, 1991) The Restoration Letter is published four times a year by Zion's Outpost Branch. Letters and comments may be addressed to Zion's Outpost Publications, 1733 Northeast Parkway, Wichita, KS (316) We ask that if you like this letter and you want to help us publish it, that you send $5.00 for a single year subscription. It will be mailed free of charge to all who ask. Compiling Editor - Gary R. Whiting Reviewed by Steve Anders and Roger Smith 3

4 Th Restoration Let e 14th General Epistle to the U. S. Saints (finally ) Yes, I'm still alive... and married!! Greetings in the holy name of Jesus Christ. I can't believe its been 2 months since I last wrote. God has blessed us with more miracles, attendance, studies and spiritual fervor. So what's been happening? Well... Friday, March 13 Returning late from the elder's meeting in Concepcion, where three Elders voiced no desire to teach it [the Book of Mormon] for fear of losing the members of the congregation. I sat down in Tita's house where a movie about vampire bats was on television. In the last scene a vampire bat bit into the neck of a lady and in that moment I was smitten by an evil spirit. My body went limp, my arms started trembling and I felt cold all over. I knew it was an evil presence that I had invited by being glued to the evil I was watching. Tita and a brother in the church started to pray for me. Tita prayed in great strength, and as tears began to roll down her cheeks and strike my arm, she said, "Thank you Lord for the presence of your Spirit." In that exact moment, warmth returned to my body, my arms were calm and strength returned to my body also. Thanks to the grace of God. The following week, while I was preaching in Taulabe, I received an added witness to this testimony. I discovered that [name is not readable], an 11 year old baptismal candidate I am teaching, had a dream about the same day as my experience. He dreamed that the Devil had come and was laughing and that he had entered into me also. I had left the path of protection and the dream served as a warning to her that she should enter into the path. BRETHREN, BEWARE what spirits are around and what activities you behold and invite in your life's activities. Wednesday, March 18 After church service I laid on hands for a man in the congregation, and felt as though my feet were off the floor and my hands surged with power. He felt better and felt the Spirit enter his body. Thursday. March 19 We visited Tita's cousin Fito, who had started visiting church services. The night before he had dream and saw me preaching the gospel of Christ from the heavens. He expected us to come. That night I preached in Zapote on the power o the Restoration in our lives. As Socorro offered th final prayer, I was impressed in my heart that th Lord wanted to heal someone there, that night. Afte the prayer, a mother came to us with a child that ha a headache for 8 days. After we administered, it was gone. Tuesday, March 24 Fito had a second dream and saw himself preaching the gospel beside me. He's asked to go with me when I preach in other places. He's learning fruit should be soon in his life. Thursday, March 26 Fito, Tita and I went to La Boquita[?]. There were, about 20 youngsters that came and started admiring my car. So we began to teach them a campfire song and then I told them the most important Bible story of all -- the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Some had never heard. About 10 of the youngsters joined us for church services afterwards. Sunday. March 29 At class in Taulabe with the Israel Mayorga family and neighbors, I explained how the offering of Christ is like a gift. How will the giver feel if it sits on a table, unopened? Open up the gift, accept it and rejoice. God gave the gift knowing some would never open it, yet still he gave it. LOVE!!! April 1-9 Joy has come. I got married (the service began 11/2 hours late!!) finally. As some prophesied, I would be late to my own wedding!!! I enjoyed my immediate family, Cyndi Hamilton (from Blue Springs) and Bob Bunch being here. "El Alba" bi-lingual school called me and asked me if I could start teaching the 22'x of April, so now I am a school teacher. We had about 275 for our wedding and only enough supper for 225. Tita, my family and I did not get to eat. Oh well!! We did have a good time seeing some waterfalls, swimming and eating at Pizza Hut! After our good byes to my family and Cyndi at the airport, Tita and I flew to the Bay Islands to a resort 4

5 April - June 1992, Volume 7, Number 2 called Fantasy Island for missionary work and a honeymoon on the beach! There were three other couples there honeymooning that were also married on April 4. One couple Tita knew and we discovered that he was interested in missionary work in his church. We had about 4 or 5 studies together in the three days. He listened and asked questions -- that's what he wanted. I obliged them. It was also fun to swim in the sea, canoe around the island and have breakfast brought to our room. We also found time to star fish. Well, back to work... Wednesday, April 15 During a prayer of Tita's, I was impressed by the holy Spirit that the Lord wanted to heal our friend named Maria. I had prayed for her in October and she was partly blessed. She has cancer. Friday, April 17 We made a special trip to Mocho where Maria lives. We had a prayer circle, I read scriptures about the mission and power of Christ and announced that the Kingdom of God as Christ stated was in our midst. I laid on hands and she described a fire like feeling that circled her womb and the doctor now says that the cancer is gone. Praise the Lord for the power of his Word!! He spoke and the heavens and the earth were created. He spoke to me and the blessing was added to Maria. Brothers, let us listen and believe and do. Tita's sister was with us and she is asking for special classes. Monday April 20 We started the study in the south part of town (San Juan) in the house of a member as desired. Tuesday. April 21 We started the study in Fito's house in the west part of town. He already had two visitors there. Wednesday, April 22 Well I started teaching third graders today. I teach English from 7:00am until 2:00pm Monday through Friday. Saturday, April 25 We now are having more than 40 people for church service, including only three or four children. Fito had a third dream. In this dream he was a witness beside me in a great battle, walking and walking. I pray that by the next epistle we will have a new brother in the Lord -- and maybe a future Pastor. May 3 We started Sunday School classes at 10:00am and we will be studying the Book of Mormon. People are enjoying my analogy that if one dish of ice cream and cake is good, two are better. Bring on the additional word of the Lord!!! Imagine if the epistle that Paul wrote to the Laodiceans were found today. People would not call it the word of God because it is not in the Bible. I continue to preach in three other RLDS Restoration branches, one time each month. Our branch in Siguatepeque is now the second largest in Honduras, considering regular attendance. Tita continues to be a great asset. Fito had a fourth dream on Tuesday the 12th. Aurelia (the mother of Tita) had a vision of an arm descending, extended towards her and lifting her up. She has great burdens for family that are not in Christ and she constantly prays for them. She was rejoicing after this. God's blessings here continue. All praise to Him. I'll be teaching until May 2e and giving exams until June 19th. We plan to come home on Friday June 26'. God willing we will be home for three weeks. Keep the faith growing!! -- Love, Gary Addendum Friday, May 15 Life in the gospel is a continuum of blessings. Friday night in Taulabe I shared a comparison between Noah and Christ's second coming (Matthew 24). First, there is the word of prophecy, Second, the ark (city of Zion) of salvation, third, judgment upon the unbelievers. I talked about how in the last days a protection of love from the Father over the city will be there (Isaiah 4) as the ark served to protect Noah [from the flood]. After the service I talked with Mano (Adita Bunch's brother) and shared how the Lord had given Fito 4 dreams about this gospel work. Then Mano shared a dream that he had the night 5

6 Th R r. ion tte before. He had died and in the grave he remembered that he had not been baptized!! Fear entered into his soul. The message of Noah was good for him. The Sunday before in the afternoon class, his spouse was there and he was not. She shared how some were ready and others were not GO GOD GO!. He is preparing the work in Siguatepeque and in Taulabe. In the class in Fito's house on Tuesday night, we now have 6 visitors and a family of eight is expected to visit soon. Fito shared with me when I returned to Siguatepeque Friday night after church in Taulabe, that he had a fifth dream! So I shared with him how God was working also with Mano in Taulabe and how important it was for Mano to obey the instruction in his dream. So after a few minutes of discussion, Fito asked what was necessary to be baptized. So I went to Acts 2:8,9,16,22. What joy fills my soul to see God raising up leaders who know the Restoration story and accept the Book of Mormon. Where there is a willing heart, God as GOOD seed. During the last Wednesday night service in Siguatepeque an analogy came to my mind during the prayers: We are like people in a canoe, floating down a river. Some splash water, some stand up to show off and others just sit. But all along the river are signs stating, "Danger, Waterfalls ahead Search for the bridge over the valley of death, sorrow and pain." The people pass by and when they arrive, they hear the water pounding and then remember one or two who spoke of this danger. Then they search for the bridge and find the current has carried them to the wrong side of the river. Their life is unprepared to reach the bridge. They only can confess that it is there. But for those who heeded the warnings and are permitted the bridge constructor to ride in their canoe with them, to guide them and help them warn others, they arrive safely at the bridge. Unlike toll bridges, where a person stands hand extended to accept money, Christ stands, hand extended to carry us across the bridge He built by His blood. God bless us as we seek this bridge. - Gary Honest Hymn Singing If I were entirely honest every time I sang a hymn or Gospel so here's how some of the old favorites would come out: I surrender some There shall be sprinkles of blessings Fill my spoon, Lord Oh, how I like Jesus He's quite a bit to me I love to talk about telling the story Take my life and let me be Its my secret what God can do There is a scattered cloudiness in my soul today Onward, Christian reserves Where he leads me, I will consider following Just as I pretend to be When the Saints go sneaking in A Step Back In Time by David New After church services on March 22, the Zion' Outpost Zion's League loaded up the Newman's R.V for the first leg of their trip to historical Nauvoo. Th travelling party consisted of: David and Debbi Newman (Youth Leaders), Jill Whiting, Darrel Tripp, Don Newman, Duane Newman, Joe Cassillas Randy Linthicum and Jim Linthicum. That evening found us in Independence, MO at party, followed by a worship service with the you of the New Jerusalem Branch. The worship servic was especially meaningful with many prayers an testimonies being shared. Randy Linthicum h earlier tumbled down a hill chasing a basketball. H received bumps, bruises and a strained neck muscle. He asked for and received administration during thi service and was able to complete the trip without problem. Praise God! Monday morning we toured the RLDS Auditorium learning the history of its construction and desi which was very interesting. Our next stop was at th LDS Visitor's Center across the street. On the wa over, we couldn't help seeing the RLDS Templ which was being readied for tours in April. In th Visitor's Center we were greeted by large, beautifu paintings and an interesting discourse on LDS beliefs. After lunch we struck out for Nauvoo, Illinois. W arrived there after dark and slept on the floor (th very hard concrete floor) of the RLDS Church Nauvoo. 6

7 April - Tune 1992, Volume 7. Number 2 The next day we visited both the RLDS and LDS facilities in Nauvoo. We were able to gain a good idea of the real people who lived and died there. We sensed the thrill of their prosperity and the desperation at having lost all. Their hope of Zion and belief in an unchangeable God has carried down to the present day. We also visited David's Chamber. There we waded in the water and discovered fossils in the limestone. From there we made a quick stop at Carthage where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. We crossed the mighty Mississippi at Keokuk, Iowa and spent an afternoon at the Locks, doing some laundry and eating pizza. We left Nauvoo on Thursday, stopping in Hannibal, Missouri to learn about Mark Twain. He was a contemporary of the Nauvoo days. We toured the cave which has been made famous in his writings. By nightfall we were back in Independence as the guests of Bob and Barbara Giertz. It is actually Barbara's parents home (the Williams) since the Giertz's new house was not ready to live in yet. By this time, several of the youth had become ill. On Friday, all who felt well enough, visited the Liberty Jail. This is where Joseph Smith and several other men were held one winter. After this tour we made a bee line for Wichita. The illness spread to most of the other youth that weekend. Despite the sickness at the end of the trip, we had A GREAT TIME!! We wish to give special thanks to our church family who cared enough to send us on this trip back in time. Setting Sail With the Savior More than 30 children, plus an eager contingent of staff members began a one week adventure on the S.S. Disciple Ship on June The Vacation Church School theme was "Set Sail With the Savior" and had lessons about becoming a follower of Jesus. The evening sessions began with a short worship for the staff, led by Dwight Burford (the director this year) while the children gathered for singing. The staff then joined the kids for a puppet show and an introduction to the daily theme. Crafts, recreation, classes and music all combined to teach the principles of faith, the saving power of Christ and following the Master in daily living. These activities were supported by the prayers of the Saints and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Saturday, the 27th, a picnic was held to continue the fellowship of the week and to practice for the Sunday morning achievement program. In addition to food, volleyball and softball games entertained the kids and staff. The achievement program on Sunday morning allowed each of the classes to present an example of what they learned during the week and to sing some of the music they learned. A video tape of the week's activities was shown and was very entertaining. VCS this year was very profitable to all who were involved. God blessed the effort of the staff and opened the door to many families. Many thanks to the staff, the kids, the parents and most of all to our Father in heaven for such a wonderful voyage with Jesus Christ. Women's Retreat in Review "Joy in Living in Praise" - by Pam Burford, Women's Leader I want to thank Debbie Newman and Leigh Dawn Anders for coordinating our Women's Retreat. It was certainly a fine opportunity for worship and fellowship. We had 13 women in attendance: seven from Zion's Outpost and six guests from Independence. The campgrounds were just lovely, and the accommodations suited our needs well. Laura Harris led a campfire Friday night and we had a snack before bedtime. Saturday began bright and early with a devotional service before breakfast. Prior to each of the classes, I led the women briefly in songs of praise. We listened to a choral reading of praise scriptures preceding the first class. It was offered by Beverlee Drope, Debbie Newman, Becky Hays and Debby Smith. My mother, Beth Gamble from Buckner, MO, led the first class on what praise is, why we should do it, and how we can go about it. Debbie Newman led the second class on surrendering ourselves to God in adversity to find joy in Him. And the third class, led by Lavonna Williams (Garbara Giertz' mother) of Independence, MO focused on how to live in praise daily. In the afternoon we all took time to wander 7

8 The Restoration Lette through the beautiful woods on a "Praise Walk. " This time afforded each sister an opportunity to meditate by herself upon God's Word and to pray. After supper, the retreat closed with prayer and a heartfelt solo by Laura Harris. A special thanks goes to Leigh Dawn for coordinating the delicious meals. And a special thanks goes to each one who made an effort to attend. If anyone would like cassette tapes of the weekend, please contact: Debbie Newman Zion's Outpost 6300 N. Tarrytown Park City, KS or call (316) or (316) We are already looking forward to our next retreat! ZION'S OUTPOST BRANCH 1733 Northeast Parkway Wichita, KS (316) NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAI WICHITA, KANSAS PERMIT #