Mission Presidents' Seminar - Kirtland, Ohio

Joyce and I attended a 3 1/2 day training seminar for eighteen mission presidents and their wives serving in the North America Northeast Area. The seminar was held Oct. 13-16 in Kirtland, Ohio. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Qourum of Twelve Apostles and Elder Earl C. Tingey of the Presidency of the Seventy provided the instruction. Joyce and I were uplifted and inspired by this training seminar. We attest that a little known event that occurred in 1820 has changed the face of world history and we're grateful for the opportunity of teaching this to many.

Why Kirtland, Ohio?

In 1830 the 24 year old prophet Joseph Smith, following ten years of sacred instruction and revelation from various heavenly visitors, was directed by God to organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly thereafter he was directed to move the nascant church headquarters to "the Ohio". Ever obedient, Joseph and his pregnant wife Emma embarked in the dead of winter from New York to Ohio -- a 300 mile journey in a horse drawn sled.
The church grew quickly in Kirtland where Joseph resided from 1831 - 1838. During this period of time he received eighty-four separate recorded revelations from God which contained clear instruction about the major points of the gospel and church organization. During these "Kirtland years" Joseph Smith also received at least nine recorded visions or appearances of God the Father and/or his son Jesus Christ. These revelations are recorded in a book of LDS scripture called the "Doctrine and Covenants" (see http://scriptures.lds.org/dc). In addition to formal instruction, these revelations contain beautiful inspriring words for all of us, such as "Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (see D&C 64:33)" and "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (see D&C 112:10)"

In one revelation God instructed the church members to built the first new temple of this time period, or dispensation. On April 3, 1836, the Savior appeared and accepted the temple as a place in which he would reveal his word to his people (D&C 110:1-10). Following this appearance, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received visits from Moses, Elias, and Elijah, all of whom gave them certain priesthood keys and important information (D&C 110:11-16). This temple served the Saints for some two years before they had to flee Kirtland because of persecution.

Here are some of our friends: President Joel and Genean McKinnon, Canada Montreal Mission and President Don and Jane Pugh, Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission. Don and Jane come from Bellevue, Washington, the city adjacent to Redmond, Washington -- hometown for Joyce and me. It was great seeing Don at this special training event!