McKay Brothers Visit St. John, KS Bickertonite Branch

Br's Jim and Patrick McKay recently traveled to St John, Kansas to visit with an Elder and Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite). This is a community which was first named Zion Valley by William Bickerton when he led a colony of saints from Pennsylvania to establish a stake of Zion on the boarders of the Lamanites in 1868. The community was later incorporated and became known as St John, Kansas.

These two elders graciously received us into their home putting us up for the night and feeding us. We spent hours discussing the latter day work and learning more about their side of the Restoration. We of course were able to bear our testimony of the movement of the Spirit which has both birthed as well as sustained the Reorganization. We found the Holy Spirit in our midst attempting to find common ground to heal the breach in the Restoration and begin reuniting and sewing us back together bringing to pass God's strange act as predicted in the 28th chapter of Isaiah.

We intend to remain in touch with these Brethren creating a common fellowship to help strengthen their small branch as well as building a bridge with this portion of the Restoration. We left several articles with them to read, pray and ponder over to give them a greater understanding of our portion of the Restoration.

Seventies Jim and Patrick McKay

Book of Mormon Festival -- March 23-24, 2012

Each Church of the Restoration shares a common belief in the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. No single group of Latter Day Saints have exclusive or "privileged access" to this record. The Book of Mormon Festival will draw upon a diverse group of individuals with varied backgrounds presenting a wide range of topics. Through linguistics, theology, anthropology as well as cultural, historical and prophetic trajectories of the Book of Mormon the listeners will be offered a new prism through which to view this remarkable record. Each speaker has a testimony of the books divine nature as they have plumbed its depths to uncover its unfolding treasure of riches. This Book of Mormon Festival is meant to enlarge our belief in and appreciation for this book as well as those who embrace it. Click Here for schedule.

Bridge Building Continues with the Church of Jesus Christ - Bickertonites

For the many Saints that gathered during the September visit of our brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ, Bickertonites, there was joy in knowing that there are other branches of the restored gospel that hold fast to the Doctrine of Christ and the Book of Mormon.  Since that visit we were contacted and asked if we would like to be involved in some shared ministry with their mission in Omaha, Nebraska.

 

We traveled on Friday November 18 and were graciously invited to stay in the home of Seventy (Evangelist) Clifton Wells.  Brother and sister (Valarie Wells made us feel right at home.  Two of the brethren from Ohio, Seventy Jon Genaro and Elder Ron Giovannone, flew in late Friday evening to join us in the Wells' home.  Long before the official activities of the weekend would begin, we found ourselves in fellowship and discussion over the work of the kingdom.

 

Saturday morning began with a prayer and fasting service as we gathered with the Saints for united prayer.  After experiencing the spirit of singing that accompanies the Church of Jesus Christ, we knelt as a body and the brethren directing the service led out in prayer.  It was a joy to see the deep spirit of heart felt petitions to our Heavenly Father as nearly everyone present praised God and laid their concern at the throne of His mercy.  After a hearty lunch at the church, we returned to the Wells' home, finding ourselves engaged for several hours, sharing in a round table discussion.  A number of topics were reviewed, demonstrating both our common beliefs as well as areas where a different vantage point demonstrates gaps that we each look forward to one day finding resolved.

 

Saturday's evening activities began with a period of song followed by instruction by brother Patrick on the topic of salvation.  He carefully guided us on a journey through the New Testament demonstrating the multitude of witnesses that affirm the testimony that baptism is essential for salvation.

 

Brother Jim then followed with remarks on the surety of God's word; and clearly defining the difference between the power to forgive, and the power to remit, and its implication of a divinely called ministry.  Each session built upon the word of God, demonstrating the truths revealed in these last days.

 

Following these periods of instruction, we sat and witnessed the serving of the Lord's Supper.  Many aspects of this ordinance are different then we experience, yet we rejoiced to see a spirit of unity, broken heartedness and contrition of spirit, as they remembered the Lord's sacrifice and the covenant into which they each have entered.

Fellowship continued into the late hours of the evening, before retiring for needed rest in preparation for the Lord's Day.

 

We arrived at the church, now more than strangers.  We were greeted with warmth and affection.  God's love does not discriminate. 

In the Church of Jesus Christ, they usually have two of their ministers occupy.  This particular morning both of the local ministers, along with Brother Giovannone, shared the pulpit.  The primary message that Brother Ron (Giovannone) shared was centered on the 14^th chapter of Matthew, verses 20-28.  We were challenged to step out in faith, as was Peter in his desire to come unto the Lord as he stood upon the sea.  Ron shared the personal testimony of his journey from his time as a young boy until his conversion and baptism in his mid twenties.  It was a spirit filled message of hope, and the faithfulness of our Lord as he beckons unto us.

 

Fellowship continued with another church wide meal, giving us time to mingle and share the story of the Reorganization.

 

Some may wonder just where such efforts are going, and that is a fair question.  We live in the days of fulfillment, days when we shall live to see our world change drastically.  It is our testimony that the Lord is opening up doors for healing, and restoration.  Days of preparation when He will mend the breaches that have separated true believers in the latter day evangel and the testimony of the Book of Mormon.  There is a great deal of work to be done, if we, as a people, will be equipped to assist in the actual building of the city of Zion.  There are bridges that need to be constructed in families, in branches, between branches and various organizations that the work may go forward in the power of the Lord.  It is our hope that each Saint will take every available opportunity to become a bridge builder, and not a wall builder. 

May the God of Heaven richly bless us as we go forth to labor.

Seventies Jim and Patrick McKay

Omaha Nebraska Nov. 18-20, 2011

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.

McKay Brothers--Adding to the Church...such as Should Be Saved

The work of the kingdom finds us laboring to find souls 'that gladly receive his word and are baptized; thus adding to His church daily, such as should be saved.'  We received notice on August 8, 2011 of a family member that needed a visit if we were still in the area.  We checked our maps and found that we were just a few miles from making such a visit.  A day later and we would have been out of the Browns Valley area, on our way south towards Los Angeles.  What we found was a warm, engaging couple that eagerly welcomed us into their home, in spite of laborers working on the house.  We met Nelson and Beverly Lucas and began to engage them in conversation to find that she had been worshiping in the local LDS church for the past 20 years.  Nelson, in his late 80's is a member of the Reorganization, holding the office of Priest.  Without much hesitation Beverly announces that she desired baptism.  As quickly as this statement was made, a knock on the door brought the close friends and neighbors of the Lucas', who are member of the LDS church.  Our conversation quickly changed with no opening to address Beverly's concern.  We proceeded with a power point presentation on the redemption of Zion and its fulfillment through the seed of Joseph Smith, Jr.  All received the presentation well and we thanked our hosts for their time and were on our way.

Beverly's statement could not be shaken from our thoughts, desiring that we might be given an opportunity to meet with her again as we worked our way back north to meet other commitments.  We continued to visit about Beverly's statement and were impressed more so as each day passed.  We determined that we would drive to the Lucas home on August 26th.  As we sat in conversation, we went directly to the issue of what appeared to us as an unusual statement.  She explained that she had wanted to be baptized in the LDS church, but her husband's faith was an obstacle that had caused some division between them over the years.  We began to share on one significant point of difference; was Mary overshadowed by the Holy Ghost in conceiving the Savior, as both the Book of Mormon and the Bible taught or not?  As we began to open the word of God and the official teachings of the LDS church, tears began to course down her face as the spirit bore witness of the truthfulness of our testimony.  We told her we felt directed by the spirit to return and ask her to be baptized.  She gladly received the word and accepted the invitation to enter into the waters of regeneration.



Baptismal charge by Jim McKay

 Preparations were made to meet the Lucas' and other saints we have been ministering to in the Yuba City and Oroville areas at Collins Lake on Sunday afternoon, August 28th, at 4 p.m.  We had made a visit to the lake to determine a good spot, which we did find.  We were told there would be a $12 fee for each vehicle.  When we arrived on Sunday, prepared to pay for three vehicles, we were told there would be no charge.  We had prayed that such would be the case. Now, for the second time on this mission trip, God had moved upon the hearts of others and opened the way, giving us a testimony of His hand in this work.

Beverly Lucas baptized by Patrick McKay

Eight of us gathered, "Afar in Old Judea" was sung, prayer by Elder Lyn Wixom, and remarks by Seventy Jim McKay were spoken in charging our sisters as to the nature and authority of that which was about to transpire.  We walked to the waters edge as Seventy Patrick McKay, taking Beverly in hand, entered into the water and performed this sacred ordinance.

Confering of the Holy Ghost to Beverly Lucas

After changing and then returning to the Lucas home, Patrick delivered a charge centering on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  We laid our hands upon her head and Seventy Jim McKay spoke the long awaited words of joy, 'receive ye the Holy Ghost'. Priest Nelson Lucas closed our service with prayer.  There were tears of joy by those gathered.

We returned on Monday, August 29th to administer the sacrament and set brother Nelson apart to strengthen him in his ministry.  Brother Patrick spoke and administered the emblems to the four of us.  With tears of joy, sister Beverly shared that she had heard that prayer of blessing for 20 years, wondering what it would be like to partake.  Her testimony is, "it was worth the wait." Brother Nelson gave expression to what this meant to him, his relationship with Beverly and that his work was not done.  Brother Jim spoke words of counsel and encouragement to brother Nelson as the hands of both Seventy were placed upon his head, challenging him to step forward, responding to the ministry he had been called to many years before.

Our testimony is that the Lord blesses His servants as they go forth to declare His name and the hope of His Kingdom.  Please remember this family that the Holy Spirit will visit them, encouraging and ministering to their needs.

Seventies Declare Book of Mormon Divinity and Prophetic Message

Saturday evening, August 20, Seventies Jim and Patrick McKay shared the divine nature of the Book of Mormon through personal testimony and a powerpoint presentation on "The Book of Mormon, A Dynamic Unfolding Model of Revelation and a Harbinger of Things to Come."  The Lord opened the door for the use of the Upland California, Community of Christ building to share this message.  Nine member of the Community of Christ attended, and by their own testimony, they had not heard a message of this nature in many many years.  Aso attending and lending support were brother and sister Essary.  Sunday morning we ministered in the Long Beach Restoration Branch.  A small gathering, with some member away for the week end.  We spoke of the promise to the seed of Joseph Smith and the fulfillment to the work that is just before us as well as sharing in testimony of the manifestations of the spirit that are accompanying the work in Africa and Cuba. We shared in an afternoon of fellowship and would ask the saints to remember this small group as they strive to remain faithful and seek the guidance and direction of the Lord.

We continue to press the work forward as we travel and share with scattered, isolated saints and those that would be saints.  We have re-engaged one saint in the work and have made a second visit to support, encourage and witness to the non-member spouse.  There are 3 others that we believe in time will enter the waters of baptism, so we are encouraged that as we all go forth in the name of Jesus to build up His Kingdom, signs and wonders will follow is servants.

Jim & Patrick McKay California Trip July 25 – August 15, 2011

This is a brief summary of our activities thus far (we have 3 weeks remaining and solicit the continued prayers of the saints).

Thus far we have made 33 home visits and 5 phone visits, unable to meet in person, 6 preaching assignments, 4 of which have taken place in the Church of Jesus Christ, 2 special testimonies in the same group, administered the sacrament twice, administered to the ill once and one baptism and confirmation.  Of note, during the administration of the sacrament to one sister, who had received it a year ago for the first time in almost 25 years, her joy was deeply penetrating.  Perhaps we have taken some of our opportunities to casually.  We received notice this morning from a sister who had a dream where she saw her husband re-energized in his ministry, baptizing his son-in-law and two grandsons, with the McKay boys laying on hand for the reception of the Holy Ghost. 

This is a family that has been isolated for many years and each of the last 3 summers we have sought to minister to their needs.  We have found a brother that is elderly and occupying in the office of Priest, having no contact with the church for 20 years, not knowing that there was one within an hours drive.  We have arranged for periodic ministry to come to him and his companion.  Of course our joy became full on Sunday as we baptized a 33-year member of the Utah Mormon Church.  Please remember our new sister in your prayers as she begins a new life in Christ Jesus.

We remember our brothers and sister in the center place and encourage all to be instant in season, giving a reason for the hope that is within us.

Your servants in Christ, Jim and Patrick

Jim & Patrick McKay's Missionary Travels in California

Yesterday, Sunday Aug. 7 we put on a presentation here in Chico, California. The Book of Mormon, a Dynamic Unfolding Model of Revelation and a Harbinger of Things To Some. The group was small, but some individuals were new faces that we hope will find a place in the restoration branch here. The message was well received. We received quite a blessing when I went to pay the funeral home director the agreed upon fee of $300, which was a discount from the normal $500 for two hours of usage, he told me there would be no charge. Is the Lord mindful of us in all of our needs? I'll let you answer. We continue to move throughout the state, meeting today with a family in the Oroville area to help strengthen what we have established over the past two summers. We rejoice in your prayerful support and ask for continued prayers for the remaining 4 weeks that are before us. We have each now preached twice in the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites). We look forward to eventually working our way back to Southern California. We still need doors opened to share the Book of Mormon presentation in their churches in both Modesto and the Los Angeles areas. We have had a door open in the Rancho Cucamonga area of the Community of Christ, that will allow us to give this presentation in their congregation.

Exciting News!

Summer Missionary trips

Seventies Bill Leutzinger and Steve De Vera will be traveling to Maine to bring ministry for several weeks.

Seventies Patrick and Jim Mckay will travel to California for 6 weeks.

Elders Micah and Jonah Bates are traveling to Chile.

Seventies Elias Martinez (From Mexico) and Gary Metzger will travel to Peru / Brazil.

Please keep them and all other missionaries in your prayers this summer.

Saints Haven Branch Witnessing Weekend Nov 19-21, 2010

Saints Haven Restoration Branch priesthood organized a meaningful weekend of fellowship and sharing the hope of the Kingdom with missed, but not forgotten, members. Friday evening, November 19th, the branch met in prayer to support the efforts of the priesthood activities that would follow on Saturday, November 20th. There was a rich presence of the Holy Spirit that directed our worship; in particular, the tender prayers of our sisters were rich in spirit.

Saturday morning found seventeen priesthood meeting as we were led in worship and preparation for the day's ministries. After discussion of families to visit and the assigning of teams, we left under the direction of the good spirit and with an eagerness to share our testimonies of the Lord's active hand in the work of His church. Not knowing where seeds will take root and when fruit will be born, each team rejoiced both in
the opportunity to witness as well as being strengthened in our fellowship as brothers, laboring, as the common cause of the kingdom drew us closer to each other.

Our evening was blessed as the branch met and shared a common meal of thanksgiving for the rich repose of our Heavenly Father.

Our weekend concluded Sunday morning with the preaching of the district missionary coordinator.

 

In gospel bonds,

Seventy Jim McKay

Seventy James McKay's Wife Passing

On December 3, 2009 Seventy James McKay tragically lost his new bride, of less than two months, in an automobile accident.  The Seventy share with Jim in his loss and grief, and ask that he and his family be held up in your prayers.