Hastening Times - theremnantchurch.com

Hastening Times
The
Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Vol. 15, Number 3
July/Aug/Sep 2014, Issue No.60
Inside This Issue
Editorial Comment ............................................................................... 3
Iowa Reunion ....................................................................................... 4
Photos by Ralph and Marci Damon
The Hastening
Times
Volume 15 – Number 3
Issue 60
July/Aug/Sept 2014
Editors In Chief
The First Presidency
Frederick N. Larsen
Ralph W. Damon
James A. VunCannon
Oklahoma Reunion............................................................................... 7
Photos by Joann Allen
Idaho Reunion .................................................................................... 10
Photos by Ralph and Marci Damon
Center Place Reunion ......................................................................... 13
Photos by Connie Derr
Geneseo Reunion ............................................................................... 15
Photos by Will Jobe and Melody Moore
Junior High Camp .............................................................................. 18
High Priest Corwyn Mercer
Senior High Camp .............................................................................. 19
Bishop Richard Paris
Managing Editor
Ralph W. Damon
Sunday Morning Routine ................................................................... 20
Sister Kathleen Haley
Associate Editors
Conrad R. Faulk
Marylyn Gosling
Beckie Hogan
E. Kaye Strecker
Carl W. VunCannon, Jr.
Abundance in the Lord’s Terms ......................................................... 21
Bishop Jerry A. Sherer
Manuscript Preparation
E. Kaye Strecker
Kathie Mills
Proofreaders
Carol E. Starks
David R. Van Fleet
Vacation Church School .................................................................... 22
Sister Beckie Hogan/Photos by Christina Purvis
The Cause of Zion .............................................................................. 25
Elder Frederick T. Williams
News from the Branches .................................................................... 27
News and Updates .............................................................................. 31
Remnant Armed Forces...................................................................... 32
Children’s Pages................................................................................. 34
Sister Cindy Patience
Zion’s Academy .................................................................... Back Page
“The Hastening Times”
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FRONT COVER—Baptism of Emma Wigle by her father,
Elder Morgan Wigel at Idaho Reunion.
— Photo taken by Ralph Damon.
Our Mission Statement
The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is
called into renewal to preach the fullness of the gospel of Jesus
Christ to all who will listen, and to prepare and gather a
righteous people for the building of the Kingdom of God on
earth, Zion.
2
Editorial Comment . . .
“Ain’t it Funny, How Time Slips Away” is the title of an old song that can be recalled by many of us
who are part of the older generation. Anyone over fifty years old can recall so many events of the past years
which have left their marks upon our memories. It still seems like just yesterday when some of those
occurred. But pondering on them alerts us to the hard-to-imagine understanding that it may have been
twenty, thirty, forty or more years since their occurrence. Hard to imagine, isn’t it?
Today, through the events happening around the world and through our insights into the Scriptures, we
have come to more fully understand that we are truly living in the latter days; the days of hastening are upon
us.
As Latter Day Saints, we have always been intrigued by the expression, “the hastening time.” It brings to
our minds the fulfillment and completion of many events prophesied for these days, such as ‘the fullness of
times,’ ‘the times of the Gentiles,’ ‘the restitution of all things,’ and other such statements which point our
minds to the future days. Seldom do we hear any other body of faith quote this phrase as often as we do
within the Restoration Movement.
So, what does ‘the hastening times’ mean as related to us and the days ahead for mankind? Likely each
and every member of the Church, every Christian in fact, would have his or her own definition of it, but we
can rest assured that its full impact is most assuredly beyond our current understanding of time and
circumstance. But we do know what is at the heart of this idea of “the hastening time” – that time is running
out and there is the urgent need for each of us to be about the business of the Father, to prepare ourselves and
this world for the coming Kingdom. And within that realization comes also the understanding that there must
be great spiritual energies extended from God to mankind to meet the deepest and most urgent needs of our
time.
As we of the Remnant Church, and those of our brothers and sisters within the Restoration Movement,
have come to know, much of the past understanding of religious practices and beliefs of God’s relationship
with His children no longer go deep enough. Through revelation and the heavenly insights available to us in
these latter days, and ultimately to the world through our witness, many leaders of religious thought are
beginning to use terms and language which once were only common within our faith. Words such as Zion,
consecration, communion, and heavenly glories are now beginning to take on deeper meanings with people
of other faiths. They are beginning to understand that the gospel of salvation must justify itself on this earth
as well as be relevant in heaven. They are acknowledging that the only hope for sinful men, and for a sinful
society, is the intervention of Divinity to cleanse their lives and offer them full salvation. We pray that God
will guide, strengthen, and quicken us as we will allow Him, lest all mankind be lost. The grace of God,
blended with our efforts to become like the Christ, affords us that promise.
The Apostle Paul wrote: “…where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Our “hastening time”
testimony is a very simple one: that when sin has spread beyond all its earlier barriers and has taken to itself
the wings of the morning, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ does “much more abound.”
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
3
W
e once again met on that beautiful hill at
Guthrie Center Reunion Grounds and the
Lord did indeed meet us there. We were blessed
by the preached word, by outstanding teaching, by
worshipping together, by our combined singing,
and by the association of those who believed as
we do, in the coming forth of the Kingdom of God
on earth. What a blessing it was to taste of this
small portion of Zionic living.
The theme for the week was “The Call of
Christ.” The adult class was taught by using the
resource material written by Apostle Arthur
Oakman, “The Call of Christ in an Age of
Dilemma.” An afternoon class was also available
and very well attended.
The Lord spoke to us and this is part of what
His counsel contained: “I love you and continue
to love you and call upon you to love one another
as I love you. These words are to take root in your
lives. They cannot be idle words. As I looked into
your hearts I find there a hesitation to love as I
love you. My Father and I have looked upon you
this week and see the beauty in your eyes and see
a love which needs to be expanded and needs to
be shared to bring people into my Kingdom. For
this to be, there needs to be a discipline that will
allow you to make your lives sacred. You need to
find ways to discipline your lives that your lives
may become sacred and holy before me.”
The Iowa Reunion was a success in whatever
arena you wish to place it. A group of people met
for the singular reason of coming closer to their
God. We were certainly blessed with the Spirit of
our Lord and Savior.
— Apostle Gary Argotsinger
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5
6
Oklahoma Reunion
The theme for this year’s Oklahoma Reunion
held on the campus of Northeastern Oklahoma
A&M College in Miami, OK was “Power From on
High.” And true to our theme, we were powerfully
blessed by the Spirit of God once again. The
college campus, with the help and support from the
staff members, more than adequately met our every
need, making our worship there a very enjoyable
experience.
High Priest David Van Fleet presented to his
class information from Apostle Arthur Oakman’s
booklet, “The Call of Christ in an Age of Dilemma.”
High Priest Lane Harold offered a further class for
the adults based upon his booklet, “Identity Theft.”
The reunion was missing some people this
year, especially those within the children’s
department. Because of their young ages, they are
dependent upon their parents and grandparents
for transportation to these invaluable reunions
and other church related activities. However, they
need to attend in order to gain their testimonies
of the faith and fellowship which comes with this
association.
We were blessed with the different ministries
offered by men of various quorums and orders of
priesthood. Seventies Ray Setter, Roger Tracy,
and Dick Wilson provided sermons which were
uplifting and challenged each and every attendee.
Further, Seventy Bruce Terry taught the older
youth class, a group of young people which has
now turned into our largest class. These young
people are giving more and more of their time and
skills to help out at our reunions and we are pleased
to be able to watch them take more and more of the
daily responsibility for the reunion. The days will
soon come when many of them will be given larger
leadership roles.
There were 54 guests registered and we
gained another 10 or 15 who visited the reunion
throughout the week’s activities. Elder Ronnie
and Sister Becky Rogers from Locust Grove came
over on Sunday and set up the beautiful worship
center in the sanctuary for our time together. Elder
Mason Johnson and his wife Margaret entertained
us several times with their music. The youth
participated in several “inside” campfires with
a large contingent of adults staying around to
participate.
To round out the guest ministry, we were
blessed to have Patriarch Arthur Allen, High Priest
John Atkins and Bishop Ben Galbraith with us for
the week. Bishop Galbraith taught some classes for
the older youth on preparing to “fireproof” their
marriages when they achieve that point in their
lives. To complete his busy week, he also taught
several classes for the adults.
The food was great, the weather ideal, and the
fellowship with the Christ and each other could not
have been better. We now look forward to next year
and invite everyone to come and join with us for
another outstanding experience with God.
Director Leland Collins
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In one of the most beautiful mountain settings, the Saints from the Pacific Northwest met at Camp
Cascade at the foot of gorgeous West Mountain located approximately eight miles south of Cascade, OR.
Not only did we have a fairly large contingent of Saints from our area, but we were blessed to have many
other brothers and sisters from various areas joining with us this year. Those included Apostle Don and
Linda Burnett, President Ralph and Marci Damon, Keith Cruickshank from Missouri, C.H. and Pat
Whiteman from Oklahoma, and Dwayne Cook from Decatur, Illinois. We were further blessed with the
attendance of two new Remnant members, James and Sharleen Irwin from Sweetgrass, Montana. Each of
these families made a great sacrifice to attend our reunion and we appreciated the outstanding ministry
they brought to us.
It was a cold reunion, as it often can be up in the mountains, with days mixed with sun, rain, and sleet.
Although the nights were cold, they didn’t seem to dampen the spirit of the camp. We found ourselves
“hugging” the fire in the fireplace whether we were eating, having
classes, at the preaching services, or in our outstanding prayer and
testimony services. Elder Morgan Wigle acted as the camp director
and had excellent help from his wife Bethany, Tony Hill, and many,
many other helpers to keep us all full and relaxed. It seemed that
everyone just pitched in to do whatever needed to be done. It truly
was a peaceful reunion for everyone.
The highlight of the reunion experience was the beautiful baptism
of five young Saints. Their baptisms were held on the bank of Lake
Cascade with the beautiful mountains in the background. It will be
an experience that none who attended will ever forget. Those
precious, innocent faces will be engrained in our memories forever.
Thank you, each and every one, who worked so hard to make this
encampment an outstanding one.
Apostle Don Dunn
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The 2014 Center Place Reunion was held at The Gathering Place in Independence. The reunion
theme was “Be Ye Doers of the Word….. Becoming Full Time Saints.” The daily themes explored
necessary steps to lift us to a higher spiritual level: “Live By Every Word,” “One Thing Thou
Lackest…..Coming Out of Babylon,” “By Your Works,” “Consecration of Our Daily Lives,” “The
Temporal Law + the Spiritual Law Leads Us to the Celestial Law and the Kingdom.”
Daily class instructors were also the evening speakers and were chosen for this dual role because
their office and calling has especially prepared them to bring ministry in these areas. The younger youth
studied the “Armor of God” while the older youth explored “The Creston Experience.” An afternoon
class reviewed and discussed “The Call of Christ in an Age of Dilemma” by Arthur Oakman. The Holy
Spirit abundantly blessed all who brought instruction and all who received. The Saints were spiritually
uplifted and gained increased understanding and commitment to “Prepare the Bride” for the return of the
Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
—High Priest Bill Derr
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14
In some ways, to call the 2014 Geneseo Reunion a
“Working in Harmony” reunion doesn’t do justice to
what the Saints experienced. Too often, the ideal of
“working in harmony” is looked upon as “working at
harmony” and this was absolutely as far from the
truth as can be. From the outset, the Geneseo Reunion
was a “Working, Worshipping, Playing, Teaching,
Learning, Praying, Testifying, Preaching, and
Fellowshipping in Harmony Reunion.” One hundred
and sixteen Saints from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri,
Michigan, Maine, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina,
and Canada—coming from the Remnant Church,
JCRB, Church of Christ Restored, and various
Independent Restoration Branches—came together
with love for one another as one church with no
division, no politics, and all worshipping one God
under one Spirit. What a blessed week!
Two additions to the reunion grounds this year
really added to the enjoyment and fellowship of the
Saints. The new playground which was started last
year has been finished and was a huge hit with the
youth (and some adults). The new fellowship hall and
concession stand which we dedicated to the Lord
during the reunion was complimented on over and
over again as a wonderful asset to the campground.
The Saints enjoyed the facilities so much and every
evening after services you would find them sitting at
the tables or on the porch eating popcorn and
fellowshipping with one another.
Each morning before the day’s activities, the tone
was set as the priesthood met together in discussion
and worship and received their responsibilities for the
day, the week, and beyond. Aaronic ministry was
very much evident as the priests, teachers, and
deacons went together along the boundaries of the
campgrounds and prayed for God’s protection and for
angelic ministry. They also visited with many of the
Saints in their priesthood capacity and were a much
appreciated presence upon the grounds.
What the youth music and class teachers did and
taught cannot be summed up in this short narrative
but the testimony of Sister Barb Edwards pretty much
says it all. She shared, “I can’t believe how much my
boys have learned in just one week. The teachers that
you have here have done such a wonderful job…I
truly believe the Lord has blessed them because these
boys have learned – really learned – more in this one
week that they are sharing with us than what they’ve
learned in a whole year of Sunday School.”
A special music service was put together by
Sisters Linda VerDught and Anita Zahniser. The
Saints enjoyed a spiritual evening of music performed
by talented musicians of all ages. A new servant of
God came into the Kingdom as Priest Cliff Wentzel
baptized his granddaughter Cassi Wentzel-Potts.
It would be fitting to end this narrative with
Apostle Robert Murie, Jr.’s words: “This week has
been the greatest week of my life since I was a
teenager in the Church. The reunion was such a
blessing in that I knew there were about six different
Restoration groups present, but unless someone told
you, you saw no difference, because there is no
difference where it counts. I came away with such
hope for the bringing together of the Saints in all the
groups.”
Again, what a blessed week! We hope to see all of
you in Geneseo for next year’s reunion.
— High Priest Mark Deitrick
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From June 7 through the 14 Junior High age
children gathered at Blackgum, Oklahoma to learn
about Jesus and to enjoy fellowship. We gathered
with the theme of “Mission Possible: Eternal
Life,” sharing in classes, crafts, activities and
food. The week began with twenty-two children,
fourteen boys and eight girls, and ended with
twenty children. Two of the boys had to leave to
participate in school sports camps. To make sure
we met the requirements of child protection we
had four sets of adult counselors: David Patrick,
Dustyn Westbay, Darrin Moore, Jared Hoover for
the boys and Dani Patrick, Taylor Foreman,
Melody Moore and Katelyn Mercer for the girls.
Darlene Collins and Betty Williams provided the
wonderful food for the camp with Christy
Williams covering any of the medical needs as
Camp Nurse. Fred Williams provide the spiritual
guidance as the camp patriarch. Each staff
member also helped with classes, activities and/or
crafts.
We invited six senior high youth to learn
leadership skills by being CIT’s: Samantha Holt,
Molly Moore and Tessa Woods for the girls; Eli
Woods, Michael Durrant and Josh Madding for
the boys. The CIT’s led the morning flag
raising/devotions and provided leadership in
recreation time.
As for any camp that is a success, it is all the
work of the many staff members that make it
possible. The week started off with the camp staff
providing the Sunday morning service for the
Blackgum Branch. David Patrick and his
daughter, Julia, provided special music along with
Kate Mercer and Molly Moore. Darrin Moore
brought the spoken word that morning. Fred
Williams and Dustyn Westbay provided classes
on the camp’s weekly theme. Dani Patrick
covered the crafts. Darrin Moore and Jared
Hoover provided an outdoor class on survival
skills. David Patrick and Kate Mercer showed the
children how to shoot arrows with a bow. Taylor
Foreman led leadership/team building activities
throughout the week. Melody Moore, with help
from Christy Williams, put together the week’s
log for the children to remember all the fun.
Thank you again, staff, for all the work to bring
ministry to the children.
—Corwyn Mercer, Junior High Camp Director
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Senior High Camp was held from June 14
through the 21 at Blackgum, Oklahoma. Twentyfour campers gathered for the week with eleven
staff members, led by Richard and Rebecca Paris.
Laura VanBiber, Taylor Foreman, Christina
Purvis and Rebecca Paris served as female
counselors. Chris Gussman, Jeff Williams, Austin
Purvis, and Dan Keleher served as male
counselors. Don Kite provided the spiritual
guidance as the camp Patriarch. Linda Gussman
and Pam Foreman provided the wonderful food
for the camp with Stephanie Turner covering any
of the medical needs as Camp Nurse. Having
spoken to many of the campers and staff that
participated, it is reported that a lot of fun was had
by everyone. Roger and Sharon Tracy brought
kayaks for the campers to spend some time on
Lake Tenkiller nearby. Most importantly, it was
reported that the camp was very spiritual with the
Lord’s presence being experienced by both staff
and campers throughout the week.
—Bishop Richard Paris
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By Kathleen Haley
M
y Sunday mornings usually start out the
same: up early, get ready for church,
leave the house about 7:45 a.m., stop and
get a coffee and sometimes breakfast, and head for
a park near our home. I’ll sit there in the quiet of
the morning and listen to the birds singing, watch
people walking their dogs, enjoy the squirrels
playing in the grass, and listen to a Canadian radio
station that plays hymns for a couple of hours. This
is the time that I can restudy my Sunday school
lesson. The peace and quiet of the day seeps into
my mind and I begin my walk with God.
as the sunrise started to break through the clouds.
It really was a beautiful sight to behold.
Thoughts then started to flood my brain. Was
this the way of the world? Was the fog like the evil
of this world? It starts out small and we don’t really
notice it or think much about it. Maybe it will go
away on its own. But it doesn’t. It only gets thicker
and eventually covers and obliterates everything. It
is only when the SON begins to break through does
the wickedness of this world recede. The SON
brings with Him the bright beautiful clear skies.
The fair weather clouds that are high and fluffy also
float into view. They bring with them the promise
of a beautiful and wonderful tomorrow.
When I entered the park this particular
morning, the air was slightly hazy. The distant trees
were not as distinct as they normally are. I didn’t
think much of it and began my usual morning
routine. I did a little reading and then looked out to
see what was going on. The mist seemed to be
getting a little thicker. The distant trees were now
much fainter than before. Oh well, that didn’t
particularly bother me, so I went back to my
reading. A dog who was tugging his master along
barked, and again I looked up. To my amazement,
I could hardly make out the trees that were close to
the car. The morning fog had quietly and softly
crept in to cover everything. As I watched, as
quickly as it had come in, the fog began to dissipate
It amazes me how God has given us clues, in
our everyday life, of the future which He has
promised to us. We are just too busy with the
problems of each day to see those hints. If we
remain faithful and fully trust in Him, the misty
problems of this world will float on by us and we
will be able to see the Son arriving from the east
like a beautiful sunrise.
Thank you, Lord, for these great promises. It
gives us hope for a bright tomorrow and a treasured
future to live in your presence in Zion.
20
Abundance in the
Lord’s Terms
By Bishop Jerry Sherer
There are those who have walked the earth with
great abundance but were individuals who have
actually had very few material possessions, such as
the Prince of Life Himself. There have also been
some who have had great possessions: Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, King David, and Lehi, to name a few
and who testified that in order to have True Life,
there must be a focus on things much higher than
the treasures of this earth. Those who have True
Life may have possessed treasures, but they were
not possessed by them.
Alma 1:40-47: “And they did impart of their
substance every man according to that which he
had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and
the afflicted; And they did not wear costly apparel,
yet they were neat and comely; And thus they did
establish the affairs of the church; and thus they
began to have continual peace again,
notwithstanding all their persecutions. And now
because of the steadiness of the church, they began
to be exceeding rich; having ABUNDANCE of all
things whatsoever they stood in need; An
abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of
every kind, and also ABUNDANCE of grain, and
of gold, and of silver, and of precious things; and
abundance of silk and fine twined linen, and all
manner of good homely cloth. And thus in their
prosperous circumstances they did not send away
any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that
were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been
nourished; And they did not set their hearts upon
riches; therefore they were liberal to all…And thus
they did prosper and become far more wealthy
than those who did not belong to their church.”
The question before us is, does this still apply to
the Church today? If we apply this principle and step
out in faith, should we expect the same results, the
same blessings? I believe the answer is yes!
There should be an ABUNDANCE for
everything God calls us to do. We must learn to live
our lives more simply and, in turn, give more
generously. We are living in a day in which we are
engaged in a great spiritual battle that requires great
resources. With every purchase we make, we must
ask ourselves the question, “Is this thing necessary?
How will this purchase contribute to the Kingdom?”
The Scriptures are full of references proving that
mankind’s tendency in abundance is to believe we
deserve the credit for what we have and to grow
proud and thankless. “You deserve a break today.”
“Have it your way.”
Mark 10:30: “But there are many who make
themselves first, that shall be last, and the last
first.”
Psalms 52:7: “Lo, the man who made not God
his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his
riches, and strengthened himself in his
wickedness.”
We who live on the “LAND OF THE
COVENANT” make the mistake in thinking we’re
not really rich. But we are wrong! Even the poorest
Americans have access to benefits and luxuries most
of the world does not. The poorest Americans are
easily in the upper 20% of the world’s wealthy.
If God called a fool the man who built larger
barns, will our obituary show that we have been rich
toward ourselves (foolish) or rich toward God (wise).
Just as Moses discovered, God could deliver the
Israelites out of Egypt in one night, however it took
two generations to remove Egypt out of the Israelites.
The Lord has commissioned us over and over in
the revelations given to the Church, especially the
Remnant, to “prepare the Bride,” to bring her out
from her love affair with Babylon. He tells us through
His Word how He desires to live with us and His
desire for the Kingdom. It should be easy, but seems
so hard.
The time has come for us to experiment more
fully upon His Word, that we understand that any
ABUNDANCE we have belongs to the Lord. We
must be a people willing to sacrifice all so that we
can receive the blessing of his Kingdom He so longs
to share with us.
A number of years ago I discovered the secret to
success as found in Mosiah 1: 55-56: “And behold,
all that he requires of you, is to keep his
commandments; and he has promised you that if
you would keep his commandments, ye should
prosper in the land; And he never doth vary
from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do
keep his commandments, he doth bless you, and
prosper you.” May this be so!
21
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL
2014
Stepping Stones to Zion!
Sister Beckie Hogan
With 75 to 80 children in attendance, the
Center Place Vacation Church School was a
busy place from July 14-17. The theme was
“Stepping Stones to Zion.” We centered our
thoughts on the Jaredites from the Book of
Mormon, from the time of the tower to the
promised land. There were nearly 35 adult
staff, youth helpers, kitchen volunteers, and
nursery supervisors. Sister Beckie Hogan, the
director of the VCS, indicated that of the 74
children enrolled, 34 were from families related
to the Remnant Church in some capacity. The
remaining 40 children came from homes which
were not directly connected to the Remnant
Church, making this one of our largest outreach
ministries within the Church.
During class time, they heard the story for
the day, memorized scripture verses, and had
enrichment activities. The topics for the days
were printed on the stepping stones to Zion….
prayer, obey, faith, love. The stories included
the confounding of language, journeying in the
wilderness, the glowing stones, and the journey
to the land of promise. A beautiful worship
setting provided visual reinforcement.
After snacks the groups went to recreation,
music, and crafts. We ended the day with a
short drama that re-enacted the story for the
day. A program on Thursday evening was the
culmination of a wonderful, spirit filled week.
Everyone involved gave a great effort with
lots of enthusiasm. The Lord provided beautiful
weather. We are already looking forward to
next July!!!!!
The children marched into the sanctuary
singing “Stepping Stones to Zion” and then
gathered in the sanctuary for morning worship.
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By Elder Frederick T. Williams, Kent, WA
This scripture calls for a cure, or an action, not
for dreams idly wasted. Over the past several
years, the Aaronic Priesthood have been identified
as the “polishers of the stone,” those men who
place the preparatory touch upon the Saints.
However, they cannot prepare or lift the people
toward a meeting with a returning Christ unless
the people’s physical and emotional needs are
met. Likewise, the Melchisedec Priesthood cannot
give heavenly direction toward Celestial Glory to
a disorganized and unresponsive people.
As grafted branches of Israel’s tribes, do we
gather toward a planned effort of union? Is the First
Presidency and the Bishopric going to call people
home to a Zion comprised of an empty land
without adequate resources and sustainability? Is
Enoch’s city, with its planned effort, going to be
placed down in an empty meadow surrounded by
what our culture would identify as “looky-loos,” a
people untrained and unwilling to associate with it?
The Bishopric is called to be a judge in Israel:
“A high priest that is after the order of
Melchisedec, may be set apart unto the
ministering of temporal things, having a
knowledge of them by the Spirit of truth, and
also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of
the church…” (D&C 104:32c). This appears to
be a monumental responsibility, to judge over
Israel and its children. But with the last part of
that scripture resounding in our thoughts, we
understand the Bishopric has an even further
responsibility in the establishment of Zion – to do
the business of the Church! and continuing to read
from the Doctrine and Covenants, we find this
admonition for each Saint: “Thus saith the Lord,
I require all their surplus property to be put into
the hands of the bishop of my church of Zion,
for the building of mine house, and for the
laying of the foundation of Zion…” (D&C
106:1).
Perilous times are coming in many forms, as
voiced in this verse of scripture: “This know also,
“Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth
my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift
and the power of the Holy Ghost.” 1 Nephi 3:187
As an admirer of The Witness in its efforts to
promote the Book of Mormon, an article in a
recent issue raised two interesting questions to
me: What truly is the “cause” of Zion and does
that “cause” include any building of Zion’s
foundation? As I pondered upon these, I began to
think that perhaps a brief review of Zion’s history
would be helpful for us at this juncture.
The day of Adam, as the “Ancient of Days,”
perhaps is a fitting starting point. Man’s desire to
return to the Garden and into Christ’s presence
has, down through the ages of time, provided the
initiative and the desire to obtain this Zion the
Scriptures speak of so fondly. It can be said that
Enoch and his ministry have come the closest to
fully building Zion. Not knowing how the genesis
of his city fully came into being, it comes to my
mind that perhaps the cause of Zion and the
building of Zion likely came together as a singular
package. Sociologists could state that no building
effort could progress far without a cause or desire
of the people to sustain it. In more modern times
within the Restored Church, we have the
experience of the Saints at Kirtland, OH as our
background story. The Kingdom cause was linked
to many phases of developing a unique city,
eventually finding its major effort in the
completion of the House of the Lord.
Our consideration regarding the “cause” of
Zion does not stop with those pioneering efforts.
Our present day is challenged, requiring us to
have a prophetic understanding of the future:
“And about the eleventh hour he went out, and
found others standing idle, and said unto them,
Why stand ye here all the day idle?...He said unto
them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever
is right ye shall receive” (Matthew 20:6, 8)
25
that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2
Timothy 3:1). But if we will allow our eyes to travel
to the Book of Mormon, we find that a kingdom call
is found in Jacob: “Think of your brethren, like
unto yourselves, and be familiar with all, and free
with your substance, that they may be rich like you.
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the
kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope
in Christ, ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them;
and ye will seek them, for the intent to do good; to
clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry and to
liberate the captive, and administer relief to the
sick, and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:22-24).
With a planned order of procedure “…thou
wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy
properties for their support, that which thou hast
to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed
which cannot be broken;” (D&C 42:8).
The responsibility of the Aaronic Order
through the leadership of the Bishop is found in
Matthew 13:42: “For in that day, before the son
of man shall come, he shall send forth his angels
and messengers of heaven.”
It appears that the men of this order will be
working through the direction and strength of Christ,
with and through His angelic ministry. What a
wonderful promise and opportunity!
Through apostolic ministry, the gospel causes
them to be sent upon their various ministries. “Then
said he to his servants, The wedding is ready; but
they who were bidden were not worthy. Go ye
therefore into the highways, and as many as ye
shall find, bid to the marriage” (Matthew 22:8, 9)
The day is yet to come for the people and the
priesthood to turn openly to each other. Elijah has
yet to be sent; how long do we have to wait?
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
before the coming of the great and dreadful day
of the Lord;” (Malachi 4:5).
Many have heard of Native American elders
designating the Center Place in Independence by
periodically “checking it out,” as it were. Do we
think of the movie “Dances With Wolves” in how
it portrays them when we let our minds reflect
upon our native brothers and sisters in their
several nations? What of our efforts can be found
in 1 Nephi 4:16 and in 3 Nephi 10:1, 2, 4)
“…then shall the fullness of the gospel of the
Messiah come unto the Gentiles, and from the
Gentiles unto the remnant of our seed.”…“But if
they (the Gentiles) will repent, and hearken unto
my words, and harden not their hearts, I will
establish my church among them, and they shall
come in unto the covenant, and be numbered
among this the remnant of Jacob…they shall
assist my people, that they may be gathered in,
who are scattered upon all the face of the land,
in unto the New Jerusalem. And then shall the
power of heaven come down among them; and I
also will be in the midst...”
These words, and the promises embedded
within them, seem to call for a partnership in city
building. Who more than those written of in the
previous scriptures can qualify in the present time
as needing the direction of Zion’s song versus
scrambling for the limited wealth of the casinos
aimed at just a few fortunate individuals? Based
on past experiences, some folks say the world will
not listen. We understand that only the Holy Spirit
can reach anyone’s heart, not our fancy words and
gifts. But is that not how we came into the
baptismal covenant contract, most likely through
the witness and testimony of someone else?
If the cause of Zion seems misrepresented here,
consider the electronic age we live in where
everything seems to come to us in rapid succession.
Perhaps the Scriptures also indicate that there will be
a time when God will move with equally great
rapidity: “And righteousness and truth will I cause
to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out
mine own elect from the four quarters of the earth,
unto a place which I shall prepare; an holy city,
that my people may gird up their loins, and be
looking forth for the time of my coming;…for there
shall be mine abode and it shall be Zion, which
shall come forth out of all the creations which I
have made; and for the space of a thousand years
shall the earth rest” (Genesis 7:70, 72).
It is with these few words we understand and
realize how important the creation is to the
Creator. With all that lies ahead of the Church in
this last dispensation of time, how our eyes yearn
for the vision of Zion’s banner unfurled. This
banner will include the word “Peace” and will
shine to a dark world of seeking people who want
to hear the inner voice of the Shepherd. For He is
inviting us all to join the greatest peace-time
effort ever: Zion, the cause for all who will hear
and obey.
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Smith and remembers his time there in the Center
Place fondly. He currently is in police custody but
can be reached at this address: Deshutes County
Jail, 63333W. Hwy. 20, Bend, OR 97701.
The Dunn Family Reunion was held at
Emigrant Springs State Park in the Blue
Mountains of Oregon. Ted and Debbie Kolecker,
their daughter Amber, and her three sons were
there, along with Tom and Tawna Noftzger and
two of their granddaughters. Don and Linda
Dunn, their daughter Sarah, and her two sons also
attended. It was a wonderful time for each of them
as they reunited their family for several days of
fun and relaxation. Linda plans a further visit to
see her family in Idaho sometime in August.
We send our love and prayers to you from
Oregon. Please come and visit us in Bend.
Oregon Group – Sr. Joanie Barber Reporting
We are pleased to share with the
Saints that we are still attempting
to meet on or near the first
Sunday of each month for class
and ministry provided by Elder
Doug Rouse. This summer Elder
Chuck Barber and Sister Joanie returned to Bend
and Brother Barber is now assisting Brother
Rouse. We continue to meet in Sister Mary Ann
Fullerton’s home in Bend.
Last month we held a fellowship picnic in a
local park and had thirteen in attendance. It was a
lovely time together. Since the passing of her
husband Ron eight months ago, Sister Jeanette
Paugh spends her time with her dog grooming
business which she has named “Pretty Paw.” She
also “hops, jumps, and runs” with her farm
animals. Prayers from the Saints on her behalf
would be greatly appreciated.
Doug and Glenda Rouse are having a great
summer working in their yard and growing
abundant produce to share with others in their
garden. Plus, they also spend a great deal of time
with their children and grandchildren.
With our return to Bend this summer, both
Chuck and I wish to send a huge THANK YOU
for all the prayers on behalf of our son Dan
Barker in his custody struggle for his son. And a
further “thank you” for the prayers on Chuck’s
recent heart surgery which was so successful. We
hope to travel to Arizona for the winter and then
be back in Independence for April’s General
Conference.
Mary Ann Fullerton and her family camped in
July for seven days with her mother. Another trip
is planned for August to celebrate her mother’s
98th birthday. Many family members will be there
for this wonderful celebration. She may well be
the oldest Remnant Church member.
Prayers are requested for Jonah Fullerton,
Mary Ann’s son, who is struggling with some
legal issues at this time. Jonah previously had
attended First Congregation with TJ and Alice
Sperry, OK – Sr. Patricia Whiteman Reporting
May
9 Megan Crank
graduated from UCO with a
Master’s Degree in Family and
Children’s Services.
Jan Harris passed from this life on
May 9. Her services were held at the Sperry
church with Elder C.H. Whiteman presiding.
We had a visit by Apostle Don and Linda
Burnett when they came to attend Linda’s 50th
graduation celebration at Skiatook High School’s
Memorial Day reunion.
Anna Gosser passed away on July 7. Her
services were held at the Sperry church on July 10
with High Priest Steve VanMeter and Elder C.H.
Whiteman presiding.
Leah Anderson has been moved from her
home to an assisted living facility in Vinita, OK,
nearer the cousin who sees to her needs.
Priesthood will continue to visit and take
Sacrament to her.
Several youth attended youth camps and
reunions.
July 20 we had the ministry of Apostle Don
Burnett. On July 19, he and Seventy Roger Tracy
27
Tournament. Josh also got his driver’s license and
begins work at a new job working for the Pryor
Creek Golf Course.
We would welcome any visiting ministry to
Locust Grove. The Rogers’ Bed and Breakfast is
always ready to accommodate you. May God
bless you all.
visited several members in their homes. Sunday,
Brother Don preached and then a basket dinner
was served.
Locust Grove, OK – Reported by Elder Ronnie
Rogers
Osiyo! That is “Hello” in
Cherokee and is the
greeting from the Locust Grove
Branch! A lot is going on in our
area and we’d like to share some of that news
with the Saints.
Gentry is back from her trip to Australia. She
had a great time and encountered a lot of new
learning experiences. Her great-grandmother,
Miree Smith, who gave her painting lessons,
finished a painting for the main worship center of
the Oklahoma Reunion in Miami, OK this past
June. It was a painting of the Father and the Son
and will find a place on the walls of our new
church when we move in.
Robert Day has been mowing and grooming
First Michigan – Sr. Kathleen Haley Reporting
Sometimes,
like wayward
children, my hands do not obey
what my mind tells them to do.
By accident I deleted the whole
article I had written about our branch,
(with no hard copy). So here it goes;
my memory is now on overdrive. Too
late I learned that there would have
been a chance to restore it.
The four of us from our branch had a good trip
down and back for conference. We were blessed
by the Spirit at conference. To me, and also to
Brother Bob Murie, the silent prayer service was a
special service.
The Communion services in May and June
were on time—no snow! We had to reschedule
Communion five months in a row due to weather
and conference.
We’ve had a couple of services of watching
the “Go Ye and Teach” slides and also the live
streaming from the Center Place. These are
always good services. Thank you Lord, for the
modern technology that allows us to do that.
Apostle Bob Murie had to go to Independence
for two Sundays for meetings and to preach on a
Sunday evening. On June 8 we were set to live
stream a sermon of Apostle Don Burnett’s from
earlier in the year. All of a sudden, at 11:30 am,
we heard music, and singing and the starting of a
service cutting in on top of Don. We were getting
a double dose. The only thing we could do was to
end the service early. We’ve never had that
experience before.
Four from our branch also attended the
Canadian-Michigan retreat in Caledon, Ontario. It
was a great experience with a good abundance of
the Spirit also attending while the Lord sent us
beautiful weather. Thank you, Lord.
“Ask for the Old Paths”—Memorial Day. We
remember our forefathers that served their country
and sometimes gave parts of their bodies or their
the new church grounds. Having him as a part of
our branch is a blessing to each of us.
Joe McFarland is back to work after knee
replacement surgery. God truly blessed him with a
quick healing.
Kelsea McFarland was baptized on July 13 by
her father, Tony McFarland, at the pond below the
Rogers’ home. It was a beautiful setting and
outstanding service. She was confirmed and then
served her first Communion on August 3 by her
father.
Jeremy McFarland will be moving into the
college dorm at Northeastern State University in
Tahlequah, OK and begin his college career on
August 18.
Josh McFarland finished 14th out of 175
participants in the South-Central Junior PGA Golf
28
lives for our freedoms today. We must remember
to pray for them and their families and thank them
for their service. Thank you, Lord, for your love
for us, and for the freedoms that you have given to
us. This was the Sunday that we were privileged
to have Seventy Dick Wilson preach while he and
Joyce were here visiting.
Sunday, June 15, brought several surprises.
Priest Karl Bell was scheduled to preach but he
took sick and was in the hospital. Marion Wallace
was also in the hospital. Joyce Malmgren had a
bad shoulder and couldn’t attend. That week I
contracted a slight case of vertigo and had to ride
to church with Jim Malmgren. Sandee Murie’s
brother, who was in the hospital, took a turn for
the worse and she had to leave to go to him.
However, we continue to say, “Thank you, Lord,”
for the blessings that you have given to your
children. Another great blessing in our week of
trouble was the fact that Seventy Ray Setter and
his wife Leith were in the area. He was able to
come and speak to us, and the added surprise was
that Leith played the piano. We were truly blessed
that day. He preached a great sermon by way of
introducing himself to us. He told us some
personal experiences he had in growing up in the
area as a teenager and, as he grew older, of how
the Lord led him to the Remnant. We had a great
service. Thank you, Lord, for sending the Setter’s
to us on Father’s Day.
Sunday, June 22, Priest Karl Bell did make it
to preach to us. He told of his experiences during
his hospital stay and how the Lord blessed him.
His heart had gone out of rhythm. The doctor was
going to have to put him out, stop his heart, then
paddle it back into rhythm again. Right before the
procedure, the doctor checked him again and
found the heart was working okay and the
procedure was cancelled. A day or two later, he
was back in the hospital with another problem.
The internist had prescribed the wrong
medication. An alert pharmacist saw the mistake,
called the doctor and had it changed. If he had
taken that pill, due to his bad heart, he would have
been dead within an hour. We never know how
the Lord uses other people to pass His blessings
on to us. Thank you.
The last Sunday in June, (already-where has
this year gone?) we had a very unique experience.
It was planned that we would have a session of
“Go Ye and Teach” slides. Well, somehow the
computer would not talk to the screen. So we
switched to live streaming, but our modern
technologies were still not speaking to each other,
so we had an unplanned prayer service. The
service was beautiful. Maybe it was the Lord’s
way of letting us know that it was needed. His
Spirit was there in attendance. Thank you.
AMERICA—“A land shadowing with wings,”
preserved and set apart by God for a special
purpose and people. We have seen the makings of
great nations on this land. The birthdays of these
nations are all around the same time of the year:
July 1-Canada; July 4-America; September 16Mexico. For years we have led the way in the
nations of the world by following the way of God.
Lately though, we have seen the workings of the
adversary creeping in. It is becoming harder and
harder to avoid the direction that is becoming the
“new way of life.” We must remain faithful to
God. We need to keep Him foremost in our lives.
Our faith is being severely tested. We are being
tested wherever we turn. Remember to keep your
eyes on God and He will see us through. Also,
remember, if we want God to bless America—
America must bless God. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
AMERICA.
Elder Tom Vanderwalker, in his Communion
address today, told us that we need to have
repentance in our lives. The Lord cannot look
upon sin with any allowance. We can approach
God and ask for forgiveness. God will listen to
our prayers and grant us our request. We need to
devote our lives to the Lord. Tom quoted Genesis
7:23, which is our aim, to build Zion. Repentance
should be a joyful experience, because through it,
we come closer to God. Thank you, Lord, for
allowing us to choose to serve you.
On Sunday July 13, Apostle Bob Murie Jr.
preached a great sermon. Most people want to be
happy, but what we must do is pray for JOY.
Happiness is of this earth, but JOY is spiritual.
The Lord is offering us the eternal JOY, not the
earthly happiness. JOY MUST BE EARNED.
Happiness can be compared to cut glass while
JOY is a diamond. Are we settling for cut glass?
Are we trying to do things our way? We need to
read the instructions and do it God’s way. Alma,
in the Book of Mormon, tells us that Satan does
the sifting and not God. When we serve and stay
with God, we are only storing up treasures in
heaven. Now that’s TRUE JOY. Thank you, Lord,
29
for giving us such great ministry to present the
directions to us.
Apostle Bob Murie, Jr. and Elder Tom
Vanderwalker went to the Geneseo Reunion,
leaving Priest Jim Malmgren in charge of our
service today. It was planned to have a live
steaming service of Apostle Don Burnett, but we
couldn’t find the one we wanted. Then, when we
chose one, the internet system said that they could
not connect it. So we had our Sunday school class
and went home early. Sometimes modern
technology—bah-humbug!! (By the way, Bob and
Tom have reported that the reunion was a great
experience. I’ll report more on their experience
next time.)
Special prayers are needed for Marion
Wallace and her family at this time. She is now
under the care of hospice. Her family is gathering
there from all over the U.S. this weekend. She has
been a very gracious hostess for the ten years that
we’ve met there. Our prayers and thoughts are
with her and the family at this time. We thank
you, Lord, for Marion’s life and for her love of
the gospel and her love for you. We thank her for
allowing us to turn her home into a chapel for you
every week. Be with her and bless her abundantly.
Also bless her family. This is our prayer, Amen.
May God bless everyone in the Center Place
and we look forward to hearing the “good news”
from you on a regular basis.
Blessing of Alexandria
Louise Lemasters,
daughter of Kym and
Kevin Lemasters, by her
uncle, Elder Paul B.
Burke. Alexandria was
held by her cousin Brian
Duke. Alexandria is the
granddaughter of Elsie
Lemasters.
Southern Indiana – Sr. Rebecca Paris
Reporting
The Southern Indiana Branch in
Floyds Knobs, IN has been greatly
blessed this summer. Branch President
Richard Paris and his family attended
the Senior High Camp again this year
in Blackgum, OK. One of the many
blessings they received while there
was a call to the priesthood for Nathan
Paris to the office of priest. Additionally, Brian
Caffrey was also called to the office of elder in
our branch after serving for several years as a
priest. We were blessed to have had a wonderful
service on July 20 at our home congregation for
these two called servants. The branch hosted a
beautiful catered meal following this service. We
were blessed to have Andrew, Megan, and Natalie
Romer, Josh Madding, Eli Woods, Samantha
Holt, Drew Coleman, and Dick and Ester Paris
come and share this special day with us as well as
some special friends and families from this area.
First West Virginia –Sr. Trudy Burke Reporting
Greetings to everyone from the
Saints at First West Virginia
Branch. Our congregation
consists of eight members,
five which attend regularly.
Those members are Branch
President Elder Paul Burke,
myself, and our three children
and their families along with my mother. We meet
in a basement of a private home and find that it
adequately fits our needs–for the moment. We
usually don’t have much news, only that we are
extremely thankful that the Lord saw fit to give us
priesthood to minister to us! I am currently
teaching a pre-baptismal class to my
granddaughter and daughter-in-law. We will be
hosting a fall retreat in September with priesthood
from the Center Place coming to share with us.
We invite others to come along and you can get
further information from Seventy Bruce Terry.
The enclosed photo was taken at the blessing of
our niece, Alexandra.
Another special blessing we have received is
the support from a local friend who felt led to help
us with our church building and facilities.
Although he and his family are not members of
the Remnant Church, and serve at their church
locally, they have helped us update many items in
our building. We continue to be amazed by all
these blessings which have all been donated and
feel led to share with the Saints that the Lord has
supplied our needs in this truly miraculous
manner.
30
NEWS AND UPDATES
ZION’S ACADEMY: Wonderful news is now
being broadcast throughout the Remnant Church
informational
structure.
Beginning
this
September, we are pleased to announce the
formation of our first venture into the education
field with the startup of Zion’s Academy.
Through the support of the Church, and under the
direction of Carl VunCannon, Jr. and Sister Linda
Gussman, an outreach ministry of educational
support for homeschool families has been started.
All families within the Center Place area who
homeschool their children are invited to partake of
the enrichment program of this academy. Using a
majority of certified teachers, the academy will be
designed to meet approximately 50% of the
required course hours for homeschooled students,
providing the parents and families with teachers
who are well qualified in the core areas of
curriculum. Inquiries are invited to contact Zion’s
Academy through this website: zionsacademy@
theremnantchurch.com
Brother Nyaboga and his family at this time of
loss.
HERITAGE HYMN FESTIVAL: Once again
the Remnant Church will be hosting a hymn
festival of heritage hymns on October 19, 2014, at
6:00 p.m. at the Gathering Place Conference
Center. Emily Wilson of Dubuque, IA, the
narrator from last year will again be joining us
and sharing her insights on the history of the
hymns. The Restoration Chorale, Mormon
Chorale, and the Keleher Family will be returning
as participants. New this year will be a men’s
group from Grain Valley Restoration Branch, a
small group ensemble comprised of Remnant and
Restoration singers, the Missionary Sisters, and
two young soloists, Haleigh Wilson and Annie
Smith. The Bountiful String Quartet, also new this
year, will play the prelude and join in
accompaniments. We hope the Saints, both near
and far, will join in this evening of singing praises
to our Heavenly Father. The event will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend.
MEN’S RETREAT: We are pleased to announce
that High Priest John Atkins has volunteered to
direct a Men’s Retreat to be held at the Blackgum
Campground the weekend of October 10-12. All
men and young men, ordained or non-ordained,
are invited to attend. More information will be
made available within the next few weeks.
Inquiries to Brother Atkins can be made at
atkins9937@gmail.com or by phone at 479-6213781 (c).
KENYAN MINISTRY : Seventy Friday
Mbaoma is currently touring the nation of Nigeria
on a two week missionary journey. His goal is to
meet with all of the congregations we have there
and to hold classes for the priesthood and
membership. Brother Friday had earlier
completed a similar journey through Uganda,
following up on the work he and Apostle Damon
undertook earlier this past summer. We wish
Brother Friday “God speed” on his mission.
RECENT LOSSES: Sister Manon Wheeler
passed away on July 24, 2014, after a brief illness
due to a stroke. She and her husband David were
members of the Center Branch in Independence
and were married for 65 years. Manon was a
retired teacher and was very active in many
organizations devoted to helping and assisting
others. She will be greatly missed by the Saints
and her family. We have also heard from Elder
David Nyaboga, our church leader in Kenya, that
his mother recently passed away at the age of 98.
We also extend our prayers and condolences to
31
REMNANT ARMED FORCES
Any Remnant Church family who has loved ones serving in the Armed Forces is welcome to share news
and information about them in “The Hastening Times.” Please provide the name, family information,
branch of service, and address, if desired. Contact: Marissa VanBiber at mjvanbiber@hotmail.com or
816-229-2479.
It is not often that a story comes to our attention that impacts us as this one does. Through the help and assistance
of Bishop and Sister Tony and Teresa Durant, the following information was gained regarding one of our own, a
brother who paid the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in order that others might live. We thought this story so
impactful that we have, for one issue, suspended our normal recognition of all of our servicemen and women in
order to pay tribute to Sargent Drew Douglas Shipley. We trust all the Saints and friends will understand. The
information we were provided has been edited to allow space for the photos which are attached.
Sergeant Drew Douglas Shipley
“DO NOT REGRET GROWING OLDER… IT IS A PRIVILEGE DENIED BY MANY.” -- Author Unknown
These words add to the significance of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. If it were not for the men and
women of our nation’s Armed Forces, we would not be able to worship as openly as we do today.
The day was Sunday, December 10th, 1967. Some of us were attending Church services that day nearly fortyseven years ago while one of our brothers in the faith gave his life to help preserve our freedoms to do so. The
gifts that we were endowed with by our Father in Heaven are not free. Brother Drew Shipley paid the ultimate
price on that very day with his life. Over the years there have been many men and women that have sacrificed
their life for our freedoms…this story is about only one of them.
The location was the Binh Dinh Province in the Republic of Viet Nam. This was the day and place, in the
midst of a firefight, involving Soldiers of B Company, 1st Battalion, of the 50th Infantry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry
Division, where Drew Shipley lost his life while trying to safely position his men. The battle is known today as
the Battle of Tam Quan.
His heroic actions that day contributed to the success of the battle while at the same time preserved the lives
of many men who were with him. He was recognized by our Army when they posthumously awarded him the
Silver Star Medal for heroism, the second highest military honor which can be given to any soldier. He was also
awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his wounds that day. Later he was posthumously promoted to the rank of
Sergeant.
His body was returned to his mother, Lois, who was living in Miami, OK at the time. He was buried with full
military honors at The Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery in Miami, OK a few weeks later. At the funeral his
coffin was draped with an American flag as a symbol of gratitude for the sacrifice he made to our nation, its
people, and our freedoms. At the conclusion of the internment service his mother was given the flag that draped
her son’s coffin.
A few years later, in 1971, Lois Shipley, Drew’s Mother, donated this flag to the RLDS Campground near
Blackgum, Oklahoma. She donated the flag because of the fond memories Drew shared with her about his
experiences at the Church youth camps he participated in. She honored his memory by allowing the Church camp
to fly the flag that draped his coffin.
In 1979, the flag was beginning to deteriorate due to the weather. Before it was damaged, it was folded and
carefully placed in a case with a note indicating its significance and the reason for the donation. Thirty-five years
later it was rediscovered by Sister Melody Moore while she was preparing the campgrounds for the Junior High
camp this summer. She shared her discovery with Tony and Teresa Durant who recognized the name and its
importance.
32
A search looking for family members of Brother Drew was unsuccessful. While performing the search, it was
discovered that building 3570 was named after Brother (Sergeant) Drew Shipley by our Army. The facility is
located at Fort Benning, GA. It wasn’t until then that the true significance of his bravery that day in 1967 was
recognized.
It is impossible for the words contained in a citation to fully record the events that led to the death of Brother
Shipley. The men he served with, along with the Army he served in, will never forget the sacrifice he made that
day.
The facility that is named after Drew is currently occupied by the same military unit that he was assigned to
when he was killed in action many years ago. The unit now trains basic recruits that are just entering military
service in the United States Army. Naming the building which these new recruits live in during their Basic
Training will insure his sacrifice is not forgotten. A brass plaque dedicated to Brother Drew is also attached to the
building.
When President Frederick N. Larsen was made aware of this information, he offered to donate the flag so it
could be displayed in the foyer of the building. The offer was graciously accepted by the Company Commander,
Captain Paul Wade who has assured us this flag will be displayed in a place of honor for all those who enter the
building to see.
There were over 58,000 U.S. Service Men and Women who gave their life during the Viet Nam War. Each
and every one are significant to us. Brother Drew is only one of them.
Sister Lois Shipley passed away in 2009 at the age of 95. We are quite certain she would want the flag of her
son placed in the halls of the building that was dedicated to his memory.
This caption was found on the case that contained Drew Shipley’s Burial Flag
This Flag was donated to the Blackgum Campgrounds in Oklahoma by Lois Shipley, formerly of Miami,
Oklahoma, a teacher who worked with youth throughout her life. This flag draped the coffin of her son, Drew
Shipley, who was Killed in Action in Viet Nam. It was lovingly flown for many years at the campgrounds before it
was retired.
.
33
Children’s Pages
Facing Goliath
By Cindy Patience
“But how do I do that, Mom?” Amy
responded.” I have already tried to be her
friend.”
Amy entered her front door,
dejectedly. In her hand were her
glasses, twisted and broken. “What
happened to your glasses, Amy Jo?
Are you alright?” her Mother asked
with concern.
“Let’s say a prayer that God will give you
an opportunity to help her get rid of that
big old Goliath-bullying spirit inside of
her.” So Mom and Amy knelt by the couch
and prayed that Andrea would somehow
know that Amy was not her enemy but her friend,
and that together Andrea and Amy could defeat
that giant called bullying.
“Andrea was bullying and teasing
me about my new glasses when I
was in line to sharpen my pencil at school. So I took
them off and set them on the window ledge above
the sharpener while I sharpened my pencil so she
would just leave me alone. But then she grabbed
them and twisted them and asked me if I was going
to tell the teacher. I didn’t answer her so she got
really mad and threw them out the open window.
They landed on the cement and broke. The bell rang
right after that so I just went out and got them.” Nine
year old Amy brushed away her tears in frustration
as she shared her story with her Mom.
The next few days at school, Andrea was strangely
quiet. She was afraid that Amy would tell on her and
she would get in trouble for breaking Amy’s glasses.
During P.E. one day, Amy’s class was playing
softball. Amy was in the outfield, as usual, and
Andrea had claimed third base for herself. When the
other team went up to bat, the first batter smacked
the ball hard, sending it flying directly toward
Andrea. The ball hit her hard in the stomach, and
she doubled over and fell to the ground. Amy was
in the field behind her and ran to get the ball. She
could have thrown it to second base in time to get
the runner out, but instead she helped Andrea up
and asked her if she was alright. Amy helped her
walk to the nurse’s office to make sure she wasn’t
hurt badly. Andrea looked at Amy as if she were
seeing her for the first time. She even smiled at her
a little. It was as if all of the anger and resentment
she had held for Amy just melted away. That angry
giant inside of her had disappeared.
“I don’t know why she always picks on me. I’ve
tried to be nice to her,” Amy complained.
“Well it appears that your glasses are fixable. Your Dad
will repair them when he gets home. But the question is
How do we fix this problem with Andrea?”
“I don’t know what to do,” Amy said. “If I tattle
every time she bullies me, things might get worse.”
Mother thought a moment. Then she turned to Amy
and put her arm around her. “Do you remember the
story of David and Goliath in the Bible, Amy?”
Amy nodded her head and snuggled closer into her
mother’s sympathetic embrace.
As Amy walked home that afternoon, she suddenly
realized that maybe Andrea had never had anyone
be nice to her or show her much care. With God’s
help, Amy, like David, had found the faith to
destroy the enemy. But instead of a slingshot, she
had used love and, instead of slaying a real giant,
God had helped her destroy the hate and distrust
between two girls who would soon be good friends.
“Well, what I think we have here is a David and
Goliath situation,” Mother continued. “David had
enough faith to face the giant Goliath and destroy
the threat he had become to Israel. Of course,
Andrea is not Goliath. But her attitude toward you
is. What we need is for Andrea to see that you are
not her enemy. She must be very unhappy. Someone
must have been very mean to her.”
34
Goliath Slayers
David fought against Israel’s biggest enemy, Goliath,
the Philistine giant. Because of his faith in God, he
was able to slay him with just a sling and a stone. But
usually we are not fighting against people, but
against bad thoughts, bad feelings, and bad deeds.
The Scriptures tell us that we are fighting against
darkness or evil, not flesh and bone or persons.
Sometimes that is hard to understand when we see
people doing bad things to others or to ourselves.
But God can help us to see the good in people and to
understand why they do bad things. In 1Timothy
6:12 we are told to “fight the good fight of faith…”
When we try to fight the bad with good feelings
instead of fighting and getting angry at people, we
are fighting a good fight of faith, and we are helping
to build God’s peaceable Kingdom. Listed below are
some good things or actions, which God gives to us, with which we can fight the opposite actions which
are bad or evil.
Draw a line from the good David traits to the bad Goliath traits, then draw
a line through the bad traits to show that the good traits won.
Good David Traits
Bad Goliath Traits
Trust
Anger
Faith
Distrust
Peace
Fear
Love
Faithlessness
Courage
Hatred
35
The Hastening Times
Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
700 W. Lexington Avenue
Independence, MO 64050
Non-Profit Org.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Bemidji, MN
Permit No. 71
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Zion’s Academy is a newly formed outreach ministry of the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints which offers the growing homeschooling community a two-day per week
enrichment program in the Center Place. This uniquely designed academy offers both core and
elective classes created for children enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Classes
will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-3:30 from September through May at the
Gathering Place.
Many hours have been devoted to organizing and planning this new program. If you have
questions the website is: zionsacademy@theremnantchurch.com .
We believe this will be an important ministry in our community and truly hope it will be a
unifying force that will help establish the cause of Zion.