Sept 16 -18, 2011 Visit by the Church of Jesus Christ

The past two summers while doing missionary work in the state of California we have had the privilege of developing a relationship with members of the Church of Jesus Christ.  During those visits we have shared their pulpit a number of times, stayed in their homes and met them in numerous social gatherings.  We have sensed the presence of the good spirit as we have worshiped and shared in the rich testimonies of both of our heritages. 

This past weekend, September 16-18, four of their ministers flew to Independence, Missouri from Ohio, to share with various groups that comprise the Restoration Branch Movement.

Our weekend activities began with a long awaited visit to the home of Seventy Neil Simmons.  It was their hearts desire to meet and spend some time visiting with sister Verneil about her many testimonies regarding the Book of Mormon and her research on the limited geography model.  The presence of the good spirit permeated our time of over 2 ½ hours.  All shared openly the deep-seated convictions of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the unfolding truth of the location of Book of Mormon lands.

We then spent over 3 hours meeting in the fellowship room at the Zarahemla Branch with 13 of the local Seventy.  Brother Patrick led us in a brief period of worship, calling upon themes that we both hold dear to the prosecution of the work, followed in prayer by Brother Jim.  Our discussion centered around such topics as the work in India, differences in church structure, calls to the ministry, the law of stewardship, gathering to this continent and the First Nations Peoples.

Our four brothers followed this with an open gathering of Saints from various branches of the Restoration to listen to an evening presentation on the history and movement of the Church of Jesus Christ.  We were introduced to a number of their beautiful hymns, with the congregation rejoicing as all were led in joyful singing.  Brother Patrick introduced the thought and desire that we should all have in attempting to build bridges between groups to sew the entire Restoration Movement back together into a beautiful tapestry that the work of the Lord will find its fulfillment.  Wonderful fellowship followed as the Saints had the opportunity to personally meet these brothers.  The association was rich as those gathered testified of the movement of the Holy Spirit and the blessing in this effort to begin developing a relationship with those of the Church of Jesus Christ.

As we gathered Sunday morning at Saint's Haven Restoration Branch, the Saints arrived early as brother Patrick presented a class on the Antiquity of the Gospel.  The morning class was followed by a wonderful service of worship with special music by Sister Paula Swayne.  Her offerings represented a selection from the Church of Jesus Christ's, Songs of Zion, Won't it Be Something To See Israel Smile and our own There's An Old, Old Path.  Brother Jim presided and Phil Jackson of the Church of Jesus Christ shared in the spoken word, recounting the angel message, the work among the seed of Joseph and a call to righteousness.  Fellowship continued as we shared in a wonderful meal prepared by the Sisters of the branch.

We look forward to a continuing relationship with our Brothers and Sisters of the Church of Jesus Christ. May God hear our prayers and bless our efforts to follow the leadings of His Spirit.

Seventies Jim and Patrick McKay

The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites) Visit Independence

On Saturday evening September 17th at 6:00 PM the Zarahemla Branch (502 SW 17th Street, Blue Springs, MO) is hosting a presentation by the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites), to share with the saints of the Restoration Branches about this portion of the Restoration.  They will inform us about their heritage, what they are doing today in the mission field, as well as share some of their wonderfully inspired hymns. They are believers in, and supporters of, the Angel Message; and like us, they yearn and long for the redemption of Zion, and the gathering of the House of Israel.

This is not a proselytizing effort; but, rather, a bridge building activity.  All are invited to come and meet these Brethren, as they give expression to the Marvelous Work and a Wonder; that one day all the Restoration may be healed, and we can become one people.

Pat McKay presents to Bickertonite Church in California

Wednesday, August 31st, evening Brother Patrick gave a stirring presentation on the Antiquity of The Gospel.  Clearly the Book of Mormon reveals the revelation that Christ was before preached, pointing men to the plan of salvation prior to His earthly ministry.  

Christianity has no answers for this testimony, requiring theologians to develop the idea that a different gospel was presented to different periods of time, but the "scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham," Galatians. 3:8 Paul gives us a foundation upon which we cannot be mislead in this by declaring, "…there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"(Galatians 1:7,8), they (theologians) refer to this as Dispensationalism.   

With the blessing of the Inspired Translation, that revelation has clearly been defined.   When sharing with those who have yet to receive the Book of Mormon, and the Inspired Translation, The Kings James Version can become an important tool to introduce them to these latter-day records.  

We rejoice in meeting with this branch of the Restoration once again, sharing the testimony of the work of His Kingdom.