|
May 2008 Another SPECIAL REPORT TO THE CHURCH MAJOR PROPERTY PURCHASE JUST COMPLETED: From the official reordering of the Remnant Church on April 6, 2000, to the acquisition of the 26 acres of property known as the Gathering Place on January 2002, to the filling of the Quorums, Orders, and Councils of the Church, the Lord has certainly blessed this people. The Gathering Place now presents itself with a very attractive Worship Center, a nearly completed Conference Center for our General Conferences and attractive landscaping. It still holds potential for further development, when needed. All this is from the generous giving of the Remnant Saints, not only in sacrifice offerings, but in consecration of their time, talents and energy. At the announcement of the purchase of the Gathering Place the following was stated in the News Briefs of January 2002: “With profound feelings of gratitude to the Lord our God whose benevolent hand has been extended once again in loving kindness, and to the faithful Saints of His Remnant Church whose dedication and generous response has made it possible to seize an opportunity unknown and thought impossible but a few weeks ago, we make this report. It begins by offering as detailed information as is available at this time of writing. Hopefully, it will arouse the same feelings of gratitude in your hearts as it has in those who were first made aware of a further potential step towards Zionic development…” With a further expression of this same enthusiastic gratitude, the First Presidency is pleased to announce another blessing from God—a fulfillment of the command to purchase land in Jackson County. After consultation with the First Presidency and the unanimous support of the Board of Appropriations, the Presiding Bishopric has contracted to purchase a tract of land in Eastern Jackson County. This has been done even as events in the world around us further degenerate along the lines that our latter-day scriptures have repeatedly forewarned over approximately the past 175 years. The recent difficult financial times which have shaken commodity and stock markets throughout the world now make it imperative to move Church Storehouse funds into a safe investment of tangible property. “How soon you, my Saints, have forgotten counsel given not so long ago regarding economic adversity, political unrest, decline in morality, and natural calamities. These things have now come to pass and are with you. Heed again this counsel and make the required preparation for the much tribulation to come in the days ahead.” D&C R-152:5 These world conditions dictate that the Saints begin making physical preparations toward supplying our future food needs, with intention to build up the Kingdom of God on earth. In order to properly handle the tax implications, purchase of the property will be accomplished by using appropriate “corporations” established in cooperation with consecrated members of the Church, for these developmental purposes (See GCR 907, April 19, 1930.) At this time we can share the following thoughts and reflective statements which will assist in bringing this important transaction into proper perspective: 1. This acreage is currently under contract to be farmed this growing season, which enterprise will generate income to defray part of the purchase expenses. We should honor this contract by not intruding upon the land until after all the seasonal harvests are complete. 2. Planning has also begun to establish agricultural Stewardships, which will assume specific farming duties in the future, to be made available to our qualified members. 3. This acquisition will initiate tangible preparations for the continued gathering of the scattered Saints. 4. This land will also meet the criteria for the future establishment of Community in Eastern Jackson County, as called for initially in instructions received over a century ago, and divinely reiterated in recent revelations. This newly-purchased land consists of almost 200 contiguous acres and is topographically suitable to both farming for food production and for future layout of a gathered community. It is entirely within Jackson County, and accessible to utility connections and nearby markets by main roads. This important step portrays our united desire to heed the Lord’s commandment to purchase land in Zion for the purpose of laying a foundation for his Kingdom. We are reminded of our past admonitions when we read: Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed;...let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you; D&C 98:9d-e (December 1833) ...and they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement, to lay the foundation of the city; and then ye shall begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family, according to his circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church, according to the laws and commandments, which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive. Even so. Amen. D&C 48:2c-d (March 1831) ...to fulfill that which I have commanded concerning the purchasing of all the lands in Jackson County, that can be purchased, and in the adjoining counties round about; for it is my will that these lands be purchased, and after they are purchased that my Saints should possess them according to the laws of consecration which I have given; D&C 102:8b (June 1834) 3 a. Anticipation of community building now lies before you, and steps to that end must be taken with care and thoughtful deliberation. The gathering of my people will soon come by direction from the First Presidency, but preparation by the Bishopric for implementation must be in place. b. Reliance on continued revelatory guidance and the faithful labors of those who have been chosen to lead my people will bring to a more clear understanding the role of community in the unfolding of my Zion. D&C R-149:3 (April 2005) 6 a. As an ensign to the world and a demonstration that man can live together in peace and harmony with his neighbor, exercising stewardships, utilizing inheritances, and not being unduly influenced by Babylon, it is necessary to provide for close community living. To that end, as it has been revealed previously at the Kirtland Assembly of 2004, preparation for a community of my people should be developed utilizing land in Eastern Jackson County. b. Let harmony and good will prevail, not only among those who are called to community planning, but among all the Church members alike as the foundation of that Zionic endeavor, so long hoped for, unfolds. D&C R-150:6a,b (October 2005) b. Even though wars and rumors of
wars, political unrest, and moral decay are all around you, be not
discouraged for lo, I am with you to the end. My work will not be
frustrated, and be assured you are among those chosen to bring to pass
my Kingdom in these last days. D&C R‑151:5b (October 2006)
NEEDED: A MATURING REMNANT PEOPLE READY TO ASSUME THE ZIONIC RESPONSIBILITIES DEMANDED BY OUR TIMES! Ours is the privilege, as well as the awesome responsibility, to respond in a manner appropriate to the mounting challenges of our day and times. These many admonitions, only barely summarized above and along with the continuing divine guidance given in our recent revelations, simply do not allow us to delay our obedience any longer. As scripturally predicted, spiritual “Babylon” is crumbling before our very eyes and will soon fall. “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Prov. 29:18) We encourage the membership and their families to prepare their homes, both spiritually and temporally, for the difficult times of trial as Babylon continues to fall and Zion continues to unfold before us.
REMNANT ARMED FORCES REPORT Compiled by Patti Jobe, Armed Forces Correspondent Fellow Saints, we need to always remember active and reserve personnel/families in our daily prayers. They need to have our support for their extreme sacrifices and strong dedication—in person, through letters, cards or care packages. Let them know how very proud and thankful you are for their service! Please remember that every military person who is away from home is thrilled to get mail. If you know of a current Remnant military member or a relative of a Remnant member, please contact Patti Jobe so they may be added to the list. The information needed is: If you want to mail a card or letter to a service member deployed overseas, it takes the same postage as other first-class mail in the United States. If you wish to mail a care package, there are several rules and guidelines for the contents and these require specific mailing procedures. For that info, or suggestions on items to send, please contact Patti Jobe.
Thank you, and God bless our military!
|
