England Missionary Trip ~ March 6-22, 2016

England —Missionary Report March 6-22, 2016

Seventies James and Patrick McKay 

As we set out to enter the mission field in England, we had memories of the efforts of the Brethren that arrived on these shores in 1837. The first missionaries of the Latter-day gospel sent to the British Isles in June of 1837 proved equal to the task. Remarkable indeed, was the success they found. By April of 1838, twenty-four branches were reported with a membership of approximately 1,500. These brethren enjoyed a fair amount of success especially among the working class of the United Kingdom. They appealed to this particular social group in large measure due to their own social background. They frequently found themselves preaching to the British citizenry directly in the streets, not respecting the social distinctions often found in the larger; more established denominations, particularly the Church of England. Perhaps the most attractive part of the Latter-day message was that it offered to its hearers a concrete and pragmatic approach with temporal as well as spiritual benefits of obeying the gospel, and then having the opportunity of immigrating to America and assisting in the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth.

Over a period about 9 months an amazing harvest of souls was had as approximately 2000 entered the waters of baptism. Orson Hyde was evidently personally responsible for about 1500 of those baptisms. No other religious sect of the 1840's matched the rapid growth of Mormonism among a working class populace such as that of early Victorian Britain. Beginning with this initial success of the first missionaries in the late 1830's, the church grew by the addition of 51,000 converts in the British Isles by 1851. Many meetings were held in homes for those interested who had gathered. The message and hope of Zion touched the hearts of the pure in heart and eventually there were thousands that asked for and came to American and the hope of assisting in the building up of Zion. Yet by the late 1850's the group was in precipitous decline, due in part to its public announcement that adherents were practicing plural marriage in America.

Our arrival brought us to a very different place, both in time and atmosphere. Certainly those first brothers came to a nation of believing Christians who would could best be classified as seekers. We found a nation that declares only 9% church attendance. Although the Church of England is still the largest point of worship, there are other denominations that garner their portion of that 9%. We found a nation that is steeped a level of socialism that was surprising and more advanced then seen in America. Why do we mention all of this background, it is important to understand the nature of the field that we have labored in?

We came with the goal to baptize at least 5, adding to the February baptism by Brother Vick, and to receive direction from above about a call to the ministry that we might organize a branch. Our heart’s desire fell short of that goal. We were still blessed as we added 3 more souls to this little fledgling group, two brothers and one sister. This group is comprised of what could only be describe as “the weak and simple” of the earth and as promised that it would be the 'weak things of the world that should come forth and break down the mighty and strong' (D&C 1:4c). What they lack in experience and a knowledge of the Restoration distinctives they are desirous to learn and eager to share the love of Christ towards others. The sister came out of the LDS church after being greatly disturbed with what goes on in the temple endowments. The three brothers have spent the better part of 15 years in the LDS Church, The Community of Christ Church and a group that we have become acquainted with called the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. In each of these organizations they held priesthood. All were priests and elders in the LDS Church, one was a deacon in the COC and all three were apostles, with one being a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. Some concepts in understanding the ministry of priesthood have not yet been shared with them. We have begun and will continue to give instruction helping them reach a more complete understanding.

We have constantly made it a matter of prayer and supplication to our God for direction relating to a potential call[s]. We believe in time God will raise up local ministry to fashion the work, but presently more preparation and understanding will have to manifest itself prior to that happening. There was found in the sister a good mind and a desire help keep the group on task with weekly study in one of the homes and once a month gathering is an affordable building which we have identified that they will rent to give greater exposure to the community.
We have offered extensive instruction to the one that is outwardly the most capable. Time and patience, with continued contact after we return to the states will be required on our part. We have study materials that we believe will assist this little group in learning and growing in a proper understanding of the restored gospel. They will be using Facebook to invite others, especially among the disenfranchised LDS members that have separated themselves over three primary issues, the unfair application of the tithing law, the stringent application of the Word of Wisdom and temple works.

They have been left with the assignment to not only strengthen and grow in their knowledge of the scriptures, but to identify individuals that at a future date can be taught and enter the waters of baptism when we return.

We ask of the Seventy to uphold this little band of members that they might remain faithful, knowing that there is presently no priesthood direction as we depart. We believe the work here is in a fragile state that needs a great deal of nurturing. This is a group of affectionate and caring individuals that love the Lord and want the work to grow, even though they are lacking in so many areas that we are not accustomed to seeing.

We believe that we should make a follow up trip, perhaps before the year is out, but we have let them know there needs to be people for us to teach that would cause that to happen. 

Restoration Seventies Minister in Utah

Seventies Jim and Patrick McKay were invited as guests of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah to attend the Sperry Symposium. The symposium was the 44th annual gathering of this scholarly event. It was held from October 21-24, 2015. This year the event theme was "The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder." Fourteen presentations were delivered covering various aspects of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the miracle of its translation and publication.

Patrick was asked to address the faculty from the Religious Education and Church History Departments. He shared with them the changes that had occurred in the Reorganized Church as well as the tension they too face with the same or similar issues confronting them as a church; such as women's ordination, the pressure to accept alternative life styles altering our Judeo-Christian concept of marriage and progressive thinkers who question the historicity of the Book of Mormon, and how they might respond to preserve the unique Restoration message. He concluded by sharing with them the common future we all share as believers in the Restoration.

The McKays attended several classes on campus, interacting with both the faulty and students and were asked to join the dialog. They were also invited to share in a fireside in one of the homes and testified of the wonderful things the Lord is doing among all Restoration believers.

They also meet with several professors to work on the details for the next Book of Mormon Festival to be held this May in Independence, Missouri.

KANSAS - COLORADO - UTAH MISSION TRIP

Mission Report 

Seventies Jim and Patrick McKay

Kansas

   We traveled to St John, Kansas to meet with two elders from The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites).  This community was originally settled by William Bickerton and called Zion Valley.  He believed this was a Stake of Zion with a purpose of ministering to the American Indians, which their church likes to identify as the "Seed of Joseph."

   We spent several hours discussing the commonalities of our organizations and discussed the possibilities of healing the breach.  They offered some testimonies to us, which were new regarding the prophetic promise of this event-taking place. We spent the night and left rejoicing in finding those desirous to be yoked together in the cause of Zion.

Colorado (Colorado Springs)

   We continued our trip taking us to Colorado Springs to meet with a group of saints who are without any resident priesthood.  We stayed in the home of sister Cindy Webb.  We gathered several of the group for a class on the prophetic trajectory of the Book of Mormon and then continued to discuss the work with those in the home we stayed in.  On Sunday morning we again taught a class on the Letter's of Oliver Cowdery and the commencement of the latter day work.  We also occupied the pulpit and spoke on the power of faith.  Two asked for administration following the preaching, both testified of receiving a blessing, one was immediate.  We continued to discuss the angel message throughout the day and evening and moved on our journey Monday morning. Upon leaving, the group wanted to assist in our travel expense and made us a generous gift.

Utah

   We visited the Provo Campus of Brigham Young University and met with the Chair of the Ancient History Department and two of her colleagues.  They treated us to lunch and we were able to share seven testimonies regarding the healing of the breach in the Restoration.  They were amazed at what we shared and asked for copies of the testimonies.  We meet for 31/2 hours and at the end of our visit they expressed a desire to create a Book of Mormon Symposium Committee to produce a yearly Book of Mormon Festival.  Our impression of them and the greater Salt Lake Basin was somewhat paradoxical.  The LDS Church carries some beliefs which other portions of the Restoration do not embrace and have cause many to keep this Branch of the Restoration at arms length, yet they have seemingly an exhaustless amount of Book of Mormon Scholars who truly love this record and have blended their academic learning with their faith to testify of the books divine authenticity.  We were reminded of one of Joseph Smith III's revelation that "the places we occupy should shine as Zion the redeemed of the Lord," and witnessed that to a very large extent they have done this.  We realized they have created a system which has served their people well and has enabled them to grow the work with the understanding they posses.  We could see the blessing these saints will bring when the Lord moves to unite the Restoration.

Colorado  (Aurora)

   We returned to Colorado and met with the Rocky Mountain Restoration Branch.  They have two elders, although presently one is hospitalized and is in his ninetieth year.  We stayed in the home of the presiding elder, Brother Mark Nunn and his lovely wife, Sheri.  We had the opportunity to teach 3 classes, two dealing with the office work of the Book of Mormon and the other on the gospel of the kingdom which Jesus taught as recorded in the New Testament.  We preached on the atonement and the power to live our lives after the manner of happiness. Our discussion throughout the four days with these saints centered on the need to find common ground in the Restoration branches and prepare for the coming storm of judgment which is just before us.  We felt impressed in our visit that the hand of The Lord's protection over this land was soon to be removed.  These saints were active, hungry and ready to receive the ministry we were able to provide.

Conclusion

   The scattered saints are anxious for ministry; many feel exiled in their isolated areas and are looking for direction to prepare for the unfolding events that are now happening.  The need to remember the saints in the US should not be abandoned as opportunities present themselves for ministry in other parts of the world.  We have witnessed a general senses that the saints are troubled by our times and the condition of the church.  Hope should be our watchword as we seek to strengthen these faithful members in their remote condition. Many have not been able to retain their children following their displacement from the larger church with its various helps and governments.