Missionary Trip to Haiti Update

Bob Moore and Ron Smith are in Haiti until June 18th.  We are finding many wonderful people.  There is a lot of damage from the earthquake, but life goes on.  Many churches were destroyed and lives were lost.  We are staying in a wonderful home and have had the opportunity to share the gospel of the kingdom of God every day.  We appreciate your prayers.  Please pray that we can do the Lord's will here.
Ron Smith

Pan-African Conference & Book of Mormon Translation to Swaili

Randy Vick and Frank Frye are in Kenya meeting with elders from many nations of Africa. This Pan-African conference is scheduled to have periods of teaching, worship, and the ordination of Joseph Ochieng, of Kenya, to the office of Seventy. The Conference is scheduled between June 8 and 12th. Brother Vick will be returning to the U.S. following the conference. Brother Frye will remain in Kenya until mid-August working with the translators of the Book of Mormon into Swaili.

Missionary Trip to Haiti

Bob Moore and Ron Smith will be in Haiti from Wednesday, June 9th, to Friday, June 18th, to visit the Saints.  The trip was scheduled after contact was made with a church member in Haiti. Please pray for the safety of the brethren and for a profitable visit. Haiti is still suffering from the massive earthquake earlier this year.

New Branch at Mount Pleasant, Iowa

On May 15th, 2010 an organizational meeting was held at Mount Pleasant, Iowa to form a Restoration Branch.  The vote was unanimous; inital by-laws were accepted; and Priest Dan Brown was elected as the first pastor of this branch.  Assiting in this meeting were Seventy Mark Dietrick and Dave Drummond.  Keep these new Saints in your prayers as they continue in the work of building up the Church in their area of the Lord's vineyard.

Randy Vick Africa Ministry Update

May 15th to 29th Liberia
May 30th to June 7th Burundi
June 7th to June 15th Kenya

Pan African Elders Conference June 8 - 13, Kisumu, Kenya.

I have visited both branches here in Monrovia, (Soul Clinic and Pipeline), but haven't been able to get to the mission in Virginia. Will depart in the next day or two for Sinoe County where we have 8 branches and two missions. Hope to be there a week. On the return from Sinoe will visit the Buchanan Branch and the orphanage. Zoewulum Branch in River Cess County and Gardours Town Branch in southeast Grand Bassa county are hoped for, but up in the air at this point.

That's the short and sweet of it. Heat is a killer and the living conditions are sparse, but doable. Bucket bath morning and night and one meal a day of rice/beans/fish or chicken. The heat and the meal regimen can only work wonders on this old physique. Sr. Sarah (Gardee) is a good cook as are most Liberian women, so the food is always very tasty. Will get some bush meat in Sinoe County, but thats always been good too.

Please remember my family in your prayers, the Lord is attending us here in Liberia. Your brother and servant, Randy

Bakers Visit Mexico City

Will and Katrina Baker spent 5 days in Mexico City visiting church members in May 2010. The Saints were a very enthusiastic group. They were very happy to hear that we will be visiting them on a regular basis. Several children will begin baptismal classes when we return in a few weeks. We have been invited to meet with a number of non-members who desire to hear the gospel. Will was ordained to the office of Seventy during the April 2010 General Conference. The Bakers are living in Oaxaca, Mexico.

HEEDING the call...Find My Scattered Sheep!

We need your help reaching Saints who live in (or near) the greater Chicago area.  This outreach applies to ALL members of the church formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and includes those who may have been disenfranchised by theological differences or other reasons. 

Many of you are still in contact with them.  They may be worshipping in other denominations, the Community of Christ, or may have ceased worshipping completely.

A special worship service to bring these Saints together will be held on May 2, 2010. This service will extend a hand of friendship with open hearts and arms. By worshiping together we hope to set aside our differences and find unity in the Spirit by focusing on our Savior and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ministry will be provided by members of the Quorum of Seventy. After the sermon, a Q&A session will be held. A reception will follow the service for additional fellowship.

When: May 2nd, 2010 at 2:00PM. 
Location: St John's United Church of Christ, 1475 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL 60067-1210.

For additional information contact: Br Kohn at: rekohn@comcast.net; (847) 560-0054

Please make this outreach service a matter of prayer.
Click Here for facebook group. Click Here for audio announcement that played on K-Love the national Christian radio station.

New Seventy Ordained, New Presidents Set Apart, and New President of Presidents Chosen

At the JCRB Conference April 18-24, 2010 eight new Seventy were approved seven were ordained and one will be ordained later; four new Presidents of Seventy were approved and ordained. The new Presidents are Randy Vick, Bill Leutzinger, Gary Whiting, and Ron Johnson. Additionally, Gary Whiting was set apart as President of Presidents of Seventy replacing Neil Simmons. Neil Simmons was released from his position as the President of Presidents and as a President of Seventy, but was not released from the office of Seventy; thus, he will continue in the quorum.

Neil Simmons resigns as of April 25, 2010

After many years of faithful service and leadership Seventy Neil Simmons will be stepping down. Although this will be very difficult for the saints to accept, we must trust in Jesus Christ the head to provide what is needed for continued growth and revival in the Church and work. For more information Click Here to read his resignation letter.

Steve DeVera Hospitalized

Steve DeVera is in an Intensive Care Unit Kansas City hospital being treated for malaria.  He was admitted a couple of weeks after his return from India.  Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

DeVera & Dollen Minister in India

During the month of March 2010 Seventies Steve DeVera & John Dollen are serving in India.  There are many saints there and many others hungry to hear the gospel story.  Please keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers.

Vick's Return from Afghanistan

Seventy Randy Vick will conclude his Afganistan assignment with the UN Police force as of the end of March 2010.  We look forward to having him back in the states for a while, and he looks forward to serving as a Seventy in other areas.