Conditions of our Times

Yesterday I was reading the news in the Salt Lake Tribune and came across an article about a Mormon Stake President in Salt Lake Valley, whose stake conference talk had gone viral.

There was debate on both sides of the table as to whether his talk was out of line with church policy of not becoming political over the church pulpit. I was curious about what his talk included that would have been against church policy. Needless to say, I was impressed with his talk, and how it echoed my personal feelings about our circumstances here and now and the conditions of our times. So I felt to share with you his complete talk.

Hidden Valley Stake President Matthew De Visser in Sandy Feb. 3, 2013

My dear brothers and sisters, it has been a wonderful conference weekend. I have been inspired by those who have shared their stories and testimonies. I have been equally inspired by the music. I have learned that it is not an easy thing to plan a stake conference. Much fasting, prayer, and deliberation go into it and I have felt the spirit of the Lord guide me in selecting our speakers and topics. I express my appreciation to those who have participated. The spirit of the Lord has been with us in abundance, and I pray that it will continue to be with us as I now address you.

Another year has come and gone, but not just any year – it was the year 2012. A year about which much was speculated, predicted, and some would even argue prophesied. And while the most discussed prediction or prophecy – that of the Mayans concerning the end of the world – did not come to pass, I feel and believe that 2012 will still prove to be one of the more significant years in our life time.

Letʼs take a moment and look back at a few things that happened in 2012:

 - Gaza fired missiles on Jerusalem causing heightened unrest in the Middle East 

- The Director of the CIA, a man considered to be of the highest moral integrity, resigned due to improprieties and adultery 

- The UN Ambassador was instructed by the White House to cover up what happened in Libya, attempting to minimize the deaths of four Americans who were murdered 

- There was an attempt to raise taxes during the worst economic times since the great depression 

- Hurricane Sandy, called the “perfect storm” hit the east coast causing great devastation 

- Iran became closer to a nuclear weapon 

- The use of marijuana was legalized in Washington and Colorado 

- Some states legalized same sex marriage 

- 23 states began a petition to secede from the nation 

- Russia strengthened its coalitions with North Korea and Iran 

- Forces aligned to stop school prayer, but allowed the handing out of birth control 

- The government used tax dollars to fund abortions 

- Examples of violence, gambling, drug misuse, and infidelity were more prevalent than ever 

- Hollywood promoted parenthood without marriage 

- Education scores of our youth plummeted to their lowest levels ever 

- And finally, we were brought to the edge of the fiscal cliff 

In my opinion, the first 30 days of 2013 have proven to be the same. In fact, my head is spinning at all of the insanity and craziness that is happening in the world.

Now, I want to make it clear that it is not my intent today to be controversial, political, or even dire. My intent is to state the facts as I see them, as the Stake President, having been moved upon by the Holy Ghost. When I speak from this pulpit as the Stake President, the primary intent of my voice is one of love and compassion, but I also have an obligation to use my voice as a warning when it is necessary. Today is a day when I choose to use it primarily as a voice of warning hoping you will realize and understand that it is in love and compassion for you that I do.

Each of us has our agency and we are free to act for ourselves. We are agents unto ourselves and each of us is free to take what I say as he or she will. You may choose to disagree with me. You may even choose to ignore me, but I have been impressed by the spirit to say what I must say.

Never in my life have I witnessed a more stark difference between good and evil than I did in 2012. Never has there been a greater moral, economic, or political decline in society, than there was in 2012 and over the last few years. These climates combined, were as bad in 2012 as they have ever been in the history of the world. The current moral condition of our world and country reminds me of the condition described in Helaman, chapter 5, verse 2, and I quote:

“For their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening with destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.” End quote.

In 2012 the voice of the people spoke loudly and clearly as it chose: 

- Socialism over capitalism 

- Entitlements over free enterprise 

- Redistribution and regulation over self reliance

Unfortunate as it is, this should not come as a surprise to any of us who have spent the better part of our lives as members of this church. The scriptures and the prophets have warned us for hundreds of years, and have been trying to prepare us for this time. The scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality.

Let me take a moment and share with you a few of the scriptural and modern-day prophesies and quotes that I find interesting and revealing.

First, on November 9th, 2012 ( just a few months ago) the First Presidency issued the following statement: “We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.”

The most glaring part of this statement, to me, is the acknowledgement from our prophet and the First Presidency that we are living in difficult and turbulent times. Now, listen carefully to these two quotes. To me, these quotes are fascinating, and they reflect the ability of our leaders to see and predict the future. In 1976 (this statement was made over 35 years ago) while serving as a President of the Seventy, Neal A. Maxwell said the following: “I fear, that, as conditions worsen, many will react to the failures of too much government by calling for even more government. Then there will be more and more

lifeboats launched, because fewer and fewer citizens know how to swim. Unlike some pendulums, political pendulums do not swing back automatically; they must be pushed. History is full of instances when people have waited in vain for pendulums to swing back”.

In 1966 (this statement was made over 45 years ago) while serving as an apostle, Howard W. Hunter said this:

“The government will take from the “haves” and give to the “have nots.” [When this happens] Both have lost their freedom. Those who “have,” lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who “have not”, lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got “something for nothing,” and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift”.

Now I quote from 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 1-4:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.

Sound familiar? It does to me, and as the Stake President, I not only see it happening throughout the world, but I also see it happening right here in our stake. These conditions described by Paul concerning the wickedness of the last days, are being realized right before my very eyes. As the Stake President, I see and hear all manner of sin – violence, crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and immorality of every kind. I believe there are not many things left for my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Evil is escalating at an alarming pace even here at home. Just as the Savior prophesied concerning the conditions in the world that would precede his Second Coming: “iniquity does abound, the love of men does wax cold” (JS-Matt. 1:30) and “all things are in commotion; and surely, menʼs hearts do fail them, for fear has come upon all people” (D&C 88:91).

I now quote Elder Bednar in a talk he gave one day after the tragic events that occurred only 45 days ago in Connecticut. He said:

“We live in a world that grows increasingly confused and chaotic - ever more evil and dark. Nothing could have emphasized that truth more than the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Connecticut.” With his comments, Elder Bednar also quoted recent comments made by President Packer, who said: “The world is spiraling downward at an ever-quickening pace.”

Now, pay close attention to this next sentence brothers and sisters – President Packer said:

“I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” President Packer goes on to say: “I know of nothing in the history of the Church, or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, and even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now, they are spread across the world, and they are among us”.

Brothers and Sisters, as I said last year during Ward Conferences – “we are in the count down.” Again, I say to you, that the scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard all throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality. If there was ever a time in the history of the world for a people to wake up, pay attention, and get it together – now is that time. This is a defining moment for us, and we cannot delay. We need to get our temporal and spiritual houses in order. It is a must. Difficult times are still ahead and we need to be prepared. In my opinion, the last 5 years have put us on notice, and they should serve as a wake-up call in both temporal and spiritual matters.

All throughout my life I have been counseled by our church leaders to live within my means and get out of debt. In fact, there was no topic talked about more by President Hinckley, during his time as the Prophet, than living within our means and getting out of debt. As I look back on the last 5 years, it is no wonder to me why he did. We experienced the worst economic, political, and spiritual times in the history of our country, and even globally. The words of President Packer during his visit to our stake 4 years ago still ring loudly in my ears when he mentioned this topic and warned us, by saying:

“This time is different. We have not experienced this in the past. This time it is global, and it will be deeper and last longer than anything we have economically and spiritually experienced.”

Today, it is easy for us to reflect upon his words and know that he was right. Many of us would be better served today if we had taken his warning more seriously. For example, from 2008 to 2009 our stake experienced a 150% increase in welfare assistance to its own members. That assistance stayed about the same during 2010 and 2011. In 2012 we saw some improvement, and I am happy to report that we are now only 70% above our pre 2009 level of assistance. While there are some of us who could have done better, all in all, I commend you brothers and sisters. We are one of a few stakes in the entire church that remained a Fast Offering Giver rather than a Fast Offering Receiver during this time – meaning that we were able to meet the temporal needs of our own members and still have a surplus to pass on to the church to assist other stakes.

I also want to commend you for following the counsel of your priesthood leader to prayerfully consider a more generous Fast Offering. It is overwhelming to me that during this temporal meltdown you have risen to the occasion and given more generously. I am very pleased to report that over the past 4 years our fast offering contributions have increased by 11%. This is amazing, especially since we now have 1,000 members less in our stake than we did in 2008. So, I thank you brothers and sisters. You are wonderful and I promise the Lord will continue to bless you as you continue to give generously.

Now, while temporal and economic conditions appear to be getting somewhat better, let us not kid ourselves about what is really going on. Any improvement is only temporary, and the conditions we have experienced over the last 5 years will eventually and certainly return, and even get worse. Let us not forget the last 5 years, and let us learn from it. Let us all finally follow the counsel of our prophets to live within our means and get out of debt. It is possible to get out of debt if we live within our means, but it is not if we donʼt.

Now, not only is temporal preparedness vital for our mortal existence, but it also sets the stage for us to be spiritually prepared. The most important matter for us to consider right now and always is our spiritual preparedness. Over the past 4 years, it has been a wonderful exercise for me to call upon the Lord for guidance and direction concerning this stake, and in particular the setting of stake goals. It has been an interesting evolution to witness. Let me share with you part of a statement we prepared for all of us this year (a copy of which can be obtained from your bishop):

“As the Stake Presidency discussed, pondered, and prayed about our stake goals for 2013, we were impressed by the feeling that goals should be a matter of focus and commitment at a personal level. In conjunction with this direction, we encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question:

What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior? Let me repeat: We encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?

We trust that as you prayerfully consider and ponder this question, it will be clear to you what your goal should be. We also testify that your personal commitment and discipline to fulfill this goal will indeed bring you closer to the Savior and will give you spiritual strength to remain firm and steadfast in the gospel regardless of the circumstances.

We are impressed to share with you one goal you might consider, as you ponder the question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior? Spend time each day reading and studying the Book of Mormon.

Two others which are not in the statement but which I would like to also suggest are:

1) Donʼt let a day go by in your life when you do not humbly and sincerely kneel before God to thank Him for your blessings and plead with Him to give you the spiritual strength to meet the challenges which are coming.

2) Perform a spiritual self examination. Examine every aspect of your life. Identify those things for which you need to repent and then do it. Simply put, focus on your own personal worthiness.

In the end, the only things that will matter will be our personal worthiness and our relationships, especially the one we have with the Savior. Brothers and Sisters, President Packer was absolutely right when he said:

“I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better. As difficult as it may be to embrace, it is simply Godʼs plan. The moral, economic, and political conditions of the world will not, overall, get better. You and I were held back for this special time to prepare the earth for the return of the Savior. I believe many within the sound of my voice will be part of, and witnesses to, all of the events that will transpire prior to the return of the Savior. This will require each of us to be temporally and spiritually stronger than we are currently.”

In closing let me share a quote from Heber C. Kimball:

“The time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to the extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint, from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brothers and sisters, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST is coming, and who will be able to stand? This church and each member of it has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to be temporally and spiritually prepared, and have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess these things will fall.”

Brothers and sisters, the test has come. It is now upon us. No man or woman will be able to endure what is happening now, or what is ahead, if we are not temporally and spiritually prepared. If you are not, you will not stand.

I love you brothers and sisters. I testify to you that I speak the truth. I have a personal witness of the Savior and I know that He lives. He is the Son of Almighty God. He will return in glory and He will sustain us through the difficult times ahead if we do our part and are temporally and spiritually prepared. And, I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen."

I personally did not see anything in his talk that stepped over the bounds of political neutrality. I saw a stake president who followed his spiritual promptings and warned his stake members concerning the conditions of our times.

These are the last days. And we all will be tried. It is important for us to "stand in holy places and be not moved." (D&C 87:8)

But the Lord also told us to not be troubled over these things, " Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled." (D&C 45:35)

Hold tight to those things that are near and dear to you.

Love, Dad

The Mystery of Godliness

When traveling through Greece, the apostle Paul observed men worshipping God on an altar that had an inscription that said, "To the unknown God." Paul said, "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." (Acts 17:23)

As we observe how God is worshipped throughout the world, this statement remains true today, as it did two millennial ago. Many do not understand God and who he is. Even some members of the Church do not understand the God they supposedly worship. Sad, but true.

It was a young 14 year old boy in a sacred grove of trees that opened the door for us to know our Heavenly Father, to know that he is real, tangible and approachable.

I don't fully comprehend how our Father in Heaven can have a personal relationship with each of his children, but he can and does. It is our responsibility to keep that relationship open and alive. We hold the key that unlocks the door to "the mystery of Godliness."

What is the Mystery of Godliness, and how does it apply to us?

Bruce R. McConkie calls it "the deepest and most profound doctrine of the gospel." If this is the case, then what do we know and understand about this doctrine. He goes on to say, "It is the first principle of revealed religion, and a great cornerstone upon which all else rests, the foundation for all of the doctrines of salvation."

A mystery, so the dictionary says, is "something beyond human comprehension." Defining the word from a theological standpoint, it says a mystery is "an article of faith beyond human comprehension, as the doctrine of the Trinity."

How apt this illustration is! If there was ever something beyond human comprehension, it is the sectarian doctrine of the Trinity.

But we are duty-bound to learn all that God has revealed about himself and his everlasting gospel. If we are to gain eternal life we must come to know the Great God and his Only Begotten, whom he sent into the world. And this probationary estate is the appointed time to begin to know God, and to learn his laws, and thereby to start the process of becoming like him. If we do not so begin we shall never receive the promised reward.

As members of the Church, we are in a position to comprehend all mysteries, to understand all doctrine, and eventually to know all things. These high levels of intelligence are reached only through faith and obedience and righteousness. A person who relies on the intellect alone and who does not keep the commandments can never, worlds without end, comprehend the mystery of godliness.

In what is considered the "great intercessory prayer" offered by the Savior, he said in part "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." 

Joseph Smith said "I advise you all to go on to perfection and search deeper and deeper into the mysteries of Godliness." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 364) It is a commandment for us to know and learn the mysteries of Godliness. Where can we learn? In the temple. The temple is the only place on this earth that we can come to know "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." It is in the temple that all three members of the Godhead can be revealed to us. It is there that they visit with their covenant children.

There is also another element of this temple reunion with the Gods that reveal the mysteries of Godliness, and that is performing and serving God's children through the sacred ordinances. As King Benjamin taught, "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

In other words, as we perform services for God's children, we are serving and worshipping God. We are coming closer to knowing Him. And who should we be serving? We should be serving our kindred spirits. Our hearts are to be turned to them, and them to us. If not, this earth life will be totally wasted. 

Asked about the spirit world, the Prophet Joseph spoke about disembodied spirits: "Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know . . . our thoughts, feelings, and emotions and are often pained therewith." And they likewise often rejoice therewith. They "are not idle spectators." Somehow there are laws that enable them to have some influence upon us and we upon them. In the temple these laws are fulfilled. Parley P. Pratt taught that, for the pure in heart, when we receive communication from "kindred spirits, . . . spirit communes with spirit, thought meets thought, soul blends with soul, in all the raptures of mutual, pure, and eternal love." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith)

So our goal of knowing the mysteries of Godliness is not one that we attempt alone or by ourselves. It is a family affair. As we work to exalt our family members on both sides of the veil, we come to know God and His life. We come closer and closer to living the type of life that God lives. As we do so, we unlock the door of the mysteries of Godliness.

That is why our kindred spirits are so involved and interested in our lives and our temple participation. For they cannot be saved without us, and we cannot be saved without them.

I personally have a lot of work to do to get my own life ready to live the type of life that God lives, but I have come to realize that I have a lot of help from unseen family members to accomplish this goal. They are always there.

So, as a beautiful family, let us work together to unlock the mysteries of Godliness.

Love, Dad

"Nobody is a Nobody!"

In the April 1973 General Conference, Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve rose to speak, he began by telling the story of a young man who in Elder Ashton's presence had referred to himself as a "nobody." Elder Ashton's response to that man was that "nobody is a nobody."

He went on to say, "I am certain our Heavenly Father is displeased when we refer to ourselves as 'nobody.' . . . We do ourselves a great injustice when we allow ourselves, through tragedy, misfortune, challenge, discouragement, or whatever the earthly situation, to so identify ourselves. No matter how or where we find ourselves, we cannot with any justification label ourselves 'nobody.' As children of God we are somebody" (in Conference Report, April 1973, 20-21).

Life is always throwing out it's toughest challenges. We all have them. And they come and go as life sees fit to dish them out. It is during those tough times that Satan tries to make us think that we are nothing, that we can't accomplish anything. He puts thoughts into our minds that we are not worthy, why try, that we will never amount to anything.

Satan is part of the Plan of Salvation. He is needed to allow us to choose between good or evil. "I am just doing that which has been done in other worlds."

"And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet— (D&C 29:39) It is the tough times that help us recognize the good times. However long and hard the way, it is the tough times we grow from, and not necessarily the good times. So we should relish those tough times. 

We need to make the best of every situation we are in, and realize that we are not a nobody, but are decedents of a God. We are developing His powers and His attributes. We were not placed on this earth to be failures, but to be a somebody of greatness. Heavenly Father expects us to learn and make the best of every situation we are put through. 

He is schooling us each day. He is the teacher, and we are the student. We need to ask ourselves "What kind of student am I?" Am I fulfilling all the homework assignments that the Father (Teacher) is giving me? Or am I trying to take the easy way, doing as little as I can to just get a passing grade. "But the homework is hard," we may say. Yes it is, but nothing of value comes easy. It is all hard.

I have to admit, that school was not my most favorite thing in the world. But, looking back on it now, I wish I would have done more in school and paid more attention. Now, I love to learn. You know how much I love reading the encyclopedia. I love the history and discovery channels. Hindsight is always easier in understanding the things of the past, when we are through the learning experience.

So, don't beat up on yourself. Realize that your are magnificent, with a few flaws, and Heavenly Father is working daily with you to correct those flaws. You are his child, with his characteristics for greatness. You some day will rule the heavens and an earth. You will be all powerful and glorified. You are on the path right now to achieve this, a path that requires much from you. 

The all-time greatest hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, was asked what made him great. His response, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” You too will be great as you focus on where you are headed, not necessarily where you've been. There is a great reward that awaits you at the end. Just be willing to endure the journey to get there, realizing that it is the journey that qualifies you for the reward.

When I was a junior in high school, I read a book called "Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind, " by Napoleon Hill. For me, it was probably one of the best books I have ever read. The basis of the book was that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. That "whatever the human mind can believe, the human mind can achieve." I really believe that.

Look around you, at friends, associates and people throughout history. There are countless examples of people who have overcome HUGE obstacles in their lives to become great in science, the trades, business and philanthropic work. They weren't any smarter than others. They weren't even gifted with better talents than others. A common element that they all had or have was that they believed in something, and never quit until they achieved it.

Most people in the world today just float along the river of life, never really contributing to the better good. They just go where life takes them, allowing life's consequences to dictate their destiny. Most people are fine with mediocrity. 

But I know you are better than that. You come from some good family stock. You can be whatever you want to be. You just have to set your mind to it, and believe it with all your heart, and then go about achieving the good things you seek.

Mom just shared a scripture with me that I feel applies here:

23 And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.
24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;
26 He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.
27 Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.
28 But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin.
29 And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.
30 But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask; and as ye are appointed to the head, the spirits shall be subject unto you. (D&C 50:23-30)

We are the greatest. The Lord has said so. We can be whatever we want to be. Now go about achieving greatness, and put aside the doubts. Have hope in a better life. For without hope, we cannot have faith. And if we have faith and hope, then "we must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity." (Moroni 7:44)

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (Moroni 7:45)

Now go achieve greatness!

Love, Dad

The Three Nephites

A couple of nights ago, Mom and I finished 3 Nephi. In the last couple of chapters Mormon was talking about the 3 Nephites that were granted the opportunity of not tasting of death, and dwelling on the earth until the Savior returned.

Our discussion was centered around what they may be doing now, and if the Brethren are aware of their whereabouts. That discussion prompted me to do a little research on the subject. (As Braden would say, "I'm going to look that up.")

I have always had a general understanding of the mission and purpose of the 3 Nephites, but never really dug-in to understand it deeper. When I was in my teens and twenties, the subject of the 3 Nephites and John the Beloved came up a lot in Sunday School discussions, but seems to have been silent over the last few decades. In those days it seemed that everyone had a story to tell. It got to the point that you weren't sure what was fact and what was Mormon folklore.

Through my research over the last couple of days, I learned some interesting facts about these four men of God.

Let me outline some of the important points:

• Their bodies were changed so that they would never taste of death.
• Shall live to behold all the doings of the Father... even until all things shall be fulfilled.
• When the Savior returns they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality.
• During their time on earth they shall not be subject to pain.
• Satan could have no influence over them.
• During the Nephite era, prisons could not hold them, three times they were thrown into furnaces and received no harm, twice they were cast into a den of wild beasts and they did play with them as a child with a suckling lamb.
• Mormon and Moroni saw them and they were ministered by them.
• Their ministry was to be to the Jews and Gentiles.
• They were to labor unrecognized.
• They were sent "unto all the scattered tribes of Israel, and to all nations, kindred's, tongues and peoples."
• It was common practice for them to appear to Prophets.

I have learned that the three Nephites appeared to Joseph Smith on several occasions. They also appeared to several of the early apostles, as well as Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, Heber C. Kimball and George Albert Smith.

If the three Nephites appeared to these early Prophets, my assumption would be that they appear to our current Prophets and Apostles. I believe that the Lord, in his wisdom, doesn't allow our current Prophets to relate such experiences. One can only imagine what types of things they discuss when they meet with our Church leaders and the work they are performing to prepare the world for the gospel and Christ's return.

Indian legends, all through North and South America, are numerous of three prophets or great spirits who have appeared to their tribes and were taught the gospel. Is it any wonder that the growth of the Church is exploding in South America?

In my travels over the years, to third world countries, I've often wondered if I may have seen one of these Nephites. My experiences in Istanbul certainly had a lot of help from unseen helpers. After returning from Istanbul I was invited to meet with Elder Maxwell and Elder Scott. They shared with me some details of my Istanbul trip that they wouldn't have known about unless it came from the Savior himself, or perhaps one of the three disciples. So it left me wondering what special messengers the Brethren had over in Turkey.

In my recent research I came across a 47 page document that lists a lot of stories and experiences about the Three Nephites. Rather than copy and paste this document here, I will give you a link to the document for you to read as you have time. The stories all appear to be from reputable sources, with many coming from Prophets and Apostles of the Church.

Here is the link: The Three Nephites

So, to sum it up - It is my belief and opinion that the Three Nephites and John the Beloved are actively involved in the work of this Church. What would they be doing? They would be in areas of the world that our General Authorities can't yet go. They would be assisting in this work and doing things that would require priesthood authority and priesthood keys to further the work of the kingdom.

One more thing ... It may be possible that you have met one of these men and not known it. As the scripture says, "And behold they will be among the Gentiles, and the Gentiles shall know them not."

Love, Dad