ZIONWORKS NEWS for FEBRUARY 20, 2026

 ZIONWORKS NEWS for FEBRUARY 20, 2026                                             

WHAT WILL ZION COST YOU? 

 

  Making Zion a reality is much the same as planning and building a homestead complete with a warm and dry house practical for Mom and Dad and safe, healthy for the children. To sustain the homestead requires a means of income, a well-managed economy with workable plan to be out of debt, continual maintenance (that requires a budget, and a budget of time for the labor. [mowing, trimming, house repairs, yard and land repairs and a budget for the tools and equipment for the maintenance). There needs to be a supply of safe water, a means of heating the home, a means of sanitation and a means of safeguarding or perpetuating the home and family. Growth needs to be considered and planned for; the growing size of the family and the growth of knowledge. The place needs to be attractive and inviting to friends and well-meaning strangers. An abundance of healthy food must be assured by the head of the household, as well as a means of ensuring the physical health of each member. Because of the healthy, fundamental need for friendships and relationships outside the home, a means of travel from home to home is vital. A means of travel to buy, sell or exchange goods and services is vital as well as a means to travel to work and to explore the beauties and wonders of the land. A budget for all of this including a means of meeting emergency needs is vital. A recognizable and universally equitable means of exchange of value is vital. 

  Roads and bridges from home to home and from settlement to settlement become vital. The funds to maintain roads and infrastructure must be generated and those funds must be supplied by the people benefitting from them. 

  We can see that a well-run small town with its water system, sanitation system, electrical generation and distribution, its clinics, its fire department and first-responders, its specialty shops and specialty laborers and professionals all performing honestly and conscienciosly sounds like an efficient and happy social arrangement. With each person dedicated to Christ and to all members of the community and their well-being…well, that sounds a lot like Zion. All good skills, specialties, industry and fascinating human and spiritual endeavors find an environment for explosive growth and fruition there! It is prophesied that Zion will start out small and keep expanding until it covers a large portion of the United States. Its success will become recognized worldwide as the working model of Christ’s kingdom on earth, proving to the world that God’s word will not return to Him void!  

  So, where are we now in understanding and applying ourselves in this so practical and do-able enterprise? I have asked this question to a few people this past week and here are a few candid answers I have received. We should discuss this same question at our upcoming meeting this coming Sunday: “People are not willing to go all-in with each other to make Zion a reality.” “We don’t understand the conditions of Zion well enough.” “We should meet together regularly in fellowship, praise and testimony, and come together in developing close friendships.” 

  Certainly, we have been very blessed in our meetings, our friendship growth, our praise and testimony, our fellowship, and blessings of The Spirit and remarkable healings. These things reinforce the Lord’s pleasure this endeavor, and we are reinforced by the blessing of these friendships and the acts of helping each other, of growth together and reaching out to others in need. 

  So, we will continue at this coming Sunday’s meeting to plan and execute the tasks Jesus has for us to do as individuals and as a group for making His Zion a working reality. Here are the same topics mentioned for consideration in the last Zionworks News: 

*How will those gathering in be housed? 

*How will those gathering in be fed? 

*How will those gathering in find gainful employment and contribute to Zion? 

*How will this community exist and operate “independent” of the world’s infrastructure and commerce? 

*What occupations and industries will we need? 

*How will we relate with each other without letting our differences interfere? (Cultural upbringing, differing interpretations of scripture, differing lifestyles, differing priorities) 

*Will we be perfect in Zion? 

*What problems or complexities perplex us at this time about cooperating and lovingly relating, working and worshipping together? 

*What will create a Christ-centered bond of permanent and growing friendship? 

*Your additional questions and concerns. 

* Your visions and hopes. 

                                              ---------------------------------------------------------- 

 

  I attended Richard Lade’s class last Sunday at South Crysler Restoration Branch on “Last days and Kingdom living”. It was very well researched and foot noted with a large topical scriptural compilation. It was well-presented and attended by a large number of people eager to learn and apply the call to the Kingdom. ‘So good to see and be with people actively engaged in this endeavor. 

 

                                              ----------------------------------------------------------- 

REMINDER: Tomorrow, February 21^st: WORKDAY at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence. Beginning at 9:00 AM. Cleaning and light repairs. We are grateful for the large meeting room this branch has provided for the last two years. 

 

NEXT ZIONWORKS MEETING: This coming Sunday at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00 PM in the basement. This is for any and all people seeking or curious about Christ’s kingdom on the earth. 

 

Your questions and comments are welcome at zionworkz@protonmail.com 

 

                               With Christ and his love as our bond, 

                               Your friends at Zionworks, 

                               Jim Huseby, coordinator 

Healing Hearts Meeting - March 15

 Healing Hearts Meeting - March 15 

Healing Hearts is a Christ centered group open to all who are currently widowed (widows and widowers).  We offer fellowship, friendship, fun, and worship.  We support each other emotionally through our presence and our common grief.  This group is open to all who are widowed, regardless of church affiliation.

We will meet at Colbern Road Restoration Branch on:

Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:30 - 4:00 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ

Colbern Road Restoration Branch

9525 Lake Lotawana Rd., Gate 2

Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Contact:  Jeanie Marsh 816-678-7212

Free Resources - Stories for Families

 Free Resources - Stories for Families

Many new videos have been created to go with the first four Kingdom Kids Stories. (1. Out of the Darkness  2. Into the Light  3. In His Time  4. No Fear in Love ) 

These stories explore some of the challenges children and families face and the scriptural solutions for them. They are about living in the Kingdom on earth. They are designed to be read or watched with a parent or teacher. Suggested ages  8-12.

My testimony is that the Lord began putting these stories in my mind, and I wrote them. I know He has a purpose for them.

Each chapter has discussion questions and links to a printable PDF with kids' pages, activities, and scripture memory songs. I hope this is a blessing and you will share it with others. 

On the Living Hope website: search livinghopebranch.org + kingdom kids + kingdom kids books (Stories 1-4) 

https://www.livinghopebranch.org/kingdom-kids/kingdom-kids-books/

Search on YouTube, Kingdom Kids OTK, or click the link below. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrouHknKjFgT3aTiGLxrwcg

P.S. This is not monetized - just a free resource. 

For more information or resources contact: 

Becky Stayton

kkidsontheirknees@gmail.com

Conference of Restoration Elders 2026

 Conference of Restoration Elders 2026

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD FEBRUARY 19, 2026

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD FEBRUARY 19, 2026

 

Lovely greetings to all God’s lovely Saints throughout the planet earth,

 

Ah, living in the Kingdom of God! We sing the hymn, “What a glorious thing to be, IN THE LIGHT OF GOD.” Some of the words are: “Revelation’s holy light, is the light. And all else is dark as night, Save this light of God.” Let us keep our spirits pure, and unto the end, endure. In the Light of God.”

 

This hymn is a true Restoration hymn and speaks to the kingdom of God being on earth now as we await the coming of Jesus in His glory to establish His true Kingdom on the earth as it is in heaven. The first words, recorded, that were spoken by John the Baptist, as well as Jesus Christ, were, “REPENT! FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND.” Keep in mind that the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are the same.

 

Today, with all the turmoil in every part of the world, is the Kingdom of Heaven still at hand or has it faded into obscurity? It likely depends on how we each respond to the first word, REPENT. Do we live in the light of God’s revelation to us? It is becoming easier, all the time to trust in technology. I am sure that every person, of age, on this earth has heard of Ai. Ai is not new. It is a method of the adversary who thought his intelligence was greater than God. He was totally exposed and defeated by the great sacrifice of love. The love of God, who so loved, that he gave His Only Begotten Son that we might have and know the truth and live our lives in accordance with that of our Holy Messiah, JESUS CHRIST.

 

It doesn’t take much to go from the light to the dark, so we must keep our repentance fresh and not let the sun go down on our anger. If we go to sleep in anger or any of the other sins, and do not wake up, we are in the darkness. We know God is kind, merciful, loving, forgiving and all the other traits that we say He has or is, but at the same time, we cannot forget that he also will judge us and his justice and judgment will be perfect, or the TRUE LIGHT. If the Kingdom of Heaven is still at hand, then we must make sure we are also LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD.

 

Jesus gave us to be the light of the world. The reason? Matthew 5:18 “Therefore, let your light so shine before this world, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.” We don’t need Ai, just the real thing, GOD, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Yea, THE GREAT I AM111

 

The Lord bless and keep you

Paul Gage

 

Donor Request

 Donor Request

Dear Saints,

Of all people it seems true that we are most blessed to have in our possession the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the evidence of truth and Spirit that accompanies it, bringing forth very great testimony among us of God’s love and His continual watch over us and His willingness to guide and direct throughout the course of our lives. His Gospel confirms our need to live by faith in Him as we live through the trials, as well as the joys of life with the calling to persevere to the end of this probationary time, ready to step further into life eternal to meet Him face to face.

Most of us, if not all, will at some point face difficult decisions and perhaps needs that seem too great to face alone. I believe there is a principle at work here, designed of God, to both bring us closer to Him as well as to bring us closer to one another.

The purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention one such need. A need that uniquely extends beyond the boundary of a single Branch of His Church, to appeal to the greater number overall.

One of our elders at South Crysler Restoration Branch, Paul Davis and his wife Lynette, are well loved and known among the Restoration Saints. Brother Paul has been physically ill for some time with complications associated with liver disease. This has grown worse over time. Though there have been many noticeable blessings along the way to indicate God’s presence and encouragement to Paul and Lynette, still his doctors have recently recommended that he search out a possible liver donor. He has need to have liver transplant surgery.

Paul has understandably been strongly hesitant to make this request known. After much thought and prayer, he has agreed to allow me as his pastor, to send out a request among the saints in search of one whose circumstances in life might allow consideration of being such a donor.

Any study of the complexity of any part of our physical existence certainly points to God. Only a Divine Creator could bring into existence life as we have it. We can only stand in awe of His Design. Though living in the latter days brings its share of unique concerns for mankind, it also allows us to make use of God given advancement of knowledge, another Gift to the world. He holds nothing back and indeed has encouraged us in seeking the truth of all things physical as well as spiritual. Within our physical makeup, each organ is unique and complex beyond our understanding. In learning more about this process associated with a liver transplant, it seems to us to be extremely interesting that for the donor, only a portion of the liver is removed......and grows back to its original capacity within approximately 8 weeks’ time. Almost as if it’s meant to be used in this way, no other
organ within us has this unique ability to return so quickly to its original form. And of course, that portion of the liver that is given has tremendous capacity within it to revive the troubled organ of the one in need.

Paul’s faith, as well as that within most all the saints, is in the love and power of He who created us. Our God is all powerful. Our God heals.....on occasion within a minute’s time....sometimes over the course of days and years. Sometimes by way of His invisible Spirit. Sometimes by the combined efforts of heaven and earth. He heals.

In light of God’s gifts in life, I now make the request known. Could it be that there is one among us who would make the sacrifice to literally offer a portion of themselves to this specific need? A brief description of the requirements is listed below.

Along with the consideration of this search for a donor remains our request for continued prayer for Paul’s strength, for God’s guidance and direction to his mind and for peace to continue to prevail within Paul and Lynette’s heart, home and family.

Should it be that after such thought and prayer you would like to investigate this possibility further, please get in touch with myself, or anyone you may know within the South Crysler Restoration Branch, to convey your interest. We will see to it that proper follow-up connections are made.

It is with sincere and heartfelt appreciation that I thank each of you deeply, for your
prayerful consideration of this matter.

With Sincere Appreciation,
Scott Nixon
pastor – South Crysler Restoration Branch
jsnixon916@gmail.com

Brief Overview of Primary Living Liver Donor Requirements:
- Would need to have type A or type O blood (to match Paul’s blood type)
- Would need to be aged 18 to 55.
- Must have excellent physical and mental health
- Must weigh under 200 lbs.
- Must have the time available for medical evaluation and recovery from surgery.
Please also note that all donor medical costs would be covered by Paul’s insurance.

Your brother in Christ

Jeremy Stephenson

CRE Chairman

jstephenson@eldersconference.org

816-898-4748

RLDS BOOKS SALE EXTENDED THROUGH FEB. 28

 RLDS BOOKS SALE EXTENDED THROUGH FEB. 28

 

ALL USED RLDS BOOKS—except those priced at less than $5.00 or more than $99.00—ARE OFFERED FOR HALF OFF THE LISTED PRICES.

 

This offer is extended through February 28, 2026, and limited to supplies on hand.  No discounts apply on sale books.

 

To order, e-mail to PaulVLudy@gmail.com or call 816-210-8450.  I will ship with an invoice and envelope for your payment or deliver in the Independence, MO, area for $2.00.

 

Suggestion:  Go to RLDSBooks.blogspot.com and click on ALL RLDS BOOKS to see the list—alphabetical by author—and prices.  Copy and paste the titles you want; then e-mail your order to me.  That saves a lot of typing!

 

21 NEW BOOKS FOR $6.00 EACH  

Prices are good through February 28, 2026.

 

Book of Mormon Blessings by Evan A. Fry  $8.00

*Book of Mormon Gems and Settings by Paul V. Ludy  $6.00

*Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy by George Gross  $6.00

Emma Smith, the Elect Lady by Margaret Gibson  $8.50

Endowment Series, The by Arthur A. Oakman  $8.00

Gomer T. Griffiths; An Autobiography  $8.00

*In the Hollow of His Hand by Camilla Collins  $6.00

Joseph Smith Bible Story, The, by Dean R. Zimmerman  $8.00

Miracle of the Cardinals by Pat Chadwick  $10.00

Restoration Beliefs, revised from San Francisco Bay District  $8.00

Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, The, by Evan A. Fry  $7.00

Samuel the Lamanite by C. Houston Hobart  $8.00

*Study of Jesus Christ’s Visit to Ancient America, A, by Ronald M. Turner  $6.00

Tell My People by Walter Weldon  $7.50

Tower Cookery by Graceland Mothers Club, 1950  $8.00

*Voices from Church History by Paul V. Ludy  $6.00

*Voices from the Golden Plates by Paul V. Ludy  $6.00

W.O.W. Cookery from Blue Valley Stake women  $8.00

What’s Your Heart’s Desire? by Barbara Wilkinson  $8.00

*Zion’s Hope Stories Book 1 by Paul V. Ludy   $6.00

*Zion’s Hope Stories Book 2 by Paul V. Ludy  $6.00

 

Check out Newbookman.blogspot.com, where you can preview new books in the RLDS tradition.

 

Note:  Books marked with * and having a regular price of $6.00 also qualify for a discount of $1.00 each when you purchase 3 or more new books (mix or match).  Books with a sale price of $6.00 but with a higher regular price do not qualify for the additional discount.

Paul V. Ludy

 816-210-8450

Check these websites:
1 RLDSBooks.blogspot.com for ALL RLDS Books
2 Newbookman.blogspot.com for new RLDS books with previews
3 RestorationScriptures.blogspot.com for the new 3 in 1 and IV

Musical Review

 

THE COMING OF THE END OF AN ERA

 THE COMING OF THE END OF AN ERA

 

For the past 25 years, we have had the privilege of obtaining, safeguarding, and distributing a great number of RLDS books.  That activity has been a business, a ministry, a service, and a real joy.  But a recent health problem involving the pain and malfunction of my legs has served as a harbinger to convince us that we cannot continue this activity forever.  We trust that the leg problem is temporary.  However, we see the need to develop plans to transfer the “Oldbookman” activity to a responsible party now while we are still available to help with the transition.

 

At present, we have an inventory of about 20,000 used RLDS books, including hardcover and softcover books, coil-bound materials, pamphlets, brochures, etc.  We want to transfer these used materials to someone who can continue this ministry for the next 25 years or so.  We also have another 5,000 new books in the RLDS heritage, which we expect to wholesale and retail to customers.

 

NOTE:  We expect to keep the business going during the foreseeable future.  Customers can continue to order books from Paul V. Ludy until notified otherwise.  But the delivery may be a tad slower.

 

Our method of operating during the past 25 years has included maintaining a website—RLDSBOOKS. BLOGSPOT.COM—and receiving inquiries and orders by e-mail and phone, mailing books, delivering in the Independence, Missouri, area, and selling books through displays at conferences and reunions.

 

We suggest that the new “responsible party” could be a husband-wife team, an extended family, or a few close friends working together.  We do not anticipate that a new “responsible party” would need to conduct business exactly the same way we have.  The important thing is to make books available to the Saints at fair prices, to give good service, and to enjoy the opportunities to minister in this way.

 

If you are interested in this endeavor, here are a few items to consider:

 

1.  Do you have a background in the Restoration, a love for the gospel and its resources, and an ability to interact and minister to people in various Restoration organizations—and sometimes beyond?

 

2.  Can you do the work without trying to live on income produced by selling used books?  You will never get rich in this endeavor; that is not the purpose.

 

3.  Do you have some facility for storing the materials—maybe 1,000-2,000 square feet—in a dry basement, garage, or other building close to your home?

 

4.  Are you willing to learn enough about the books in your care that you can help customers who want to know what various books are about?

 

5.  Are you willing to give yourself in service—perhaps at inconvenient times—to take phone calls, answer questions, search for books, etc.—realizing that the customer is not a distraction but the reason for your being involved in this endeavor?

 

We invite any interested persons to call immediately to discuss possibilities.  May all our thoughts and our plans be to the glory of God!

 

Paul V. Ludy   816-210-8450

CPCT Newsletter updated 2/16/26

 From: Brad & Vanessa Hampton

bvhampton@gmail.com

CPCT Newsletter updated 2/16/26
Joy Cain

joy.cain1986@gmail.com

ZIONWORKS NEWS - Feb. 14, 2026

 ZIONWORKS NEWS  - Feb. 14, 2026 

Next Meeting - Feb. 22, 2:00pm

Next work day: Saturday, February 21  starting at 9:00 AM at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence. A few hours of cleaning and light repairs where we have had the privilege of meeting for the last two years. 

 

Next Zionworks meeting. All people seeking or curious about Christ’s kingdom on the earth are invited: Sunday, February 22  at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00 PM in the basement. ‘Looking forward to the ideas expressed, the testimonies and the blessing together by the Holy Spirit. 

Australian Restoration News - February 15

 Australian Restoration News

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Br Ronald Edward Mitchell (affectionately known as Ron, or Poppa) passed over to Christ on Sunday the 1st of February at approximately 7am. Br Ron was 90 years old.

All family are grateful he is at peace now, and will be greatly missed. May we please uphold them in our prayers, especially his widow of 64 years, Sr Janice.

With love in Christ,

Sister Charise Morris

Editor

Australian Restoration News

2026 Elders’ Conference - Mar. 29 - April 3, 2026

 

Restoration News Feb. 15, 2026 subscribe here Send post requests to: restorationews@gmail.com 2026 Elders’ Conference - Mar. 29 - April 3, 2026 “Awake and Arise” Eph 5:14 The 2026 Elders' Conference will take place from March 29 to April 3 at Waldo Ave Restoration Branch.  Registration is now open. Please visit this link to register. https://www.eldersconference.org/cre2026.php Council nominations will be done online prior to conference. This can be done using the link as well. Please obtain any nominees' permission before including them and check the box on the form that says you have done so. Your brother in Christ, Jeremy Stephenson CRE Chairman jstephenson@eldersconference.org

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD - FEBRUARY 12, 2026

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD - FEBRUARY 12, 2026

 

Extending God's blessings and Eternal Love to all the Saints world-wide,

 

How are things going in your part of the Kingdom? Much of it depends on us, individually, and how we think about things. Are we among those, who upon awakening each day say, "GOOD MORNING, LORD!" Or are we among those who say, "Good Lord, is it morning already?"

 

If we consider ourselves "living in the Kingdom of God," then our daily walk should reflect a "kingdom walk," in spite of surrounding circumstances. As one song says, "He never said there would always be sunshine. He never said there would be no rain. He only promised a heart full of singing about the very things that once brought pain."

 

In the book of Obadiah (21 verses) who was an Old Testament prophet Esau is mentioned six times and not favorably. It talks about the not so good choices he made with his life. If he had realized the spiritual as well as physical value of his birthright, he would never have sold it for any amount, even if he starved to death.

 

With the concept of "living in the Kingdom," our entire life should reflect a "kingdom quality." We all are aware of the daily struggles we face, some of our own doing and some out of our control. We need not capitalize on our short comings, but when they become evident to us, we are to make immediate adjustments so we may continue "in the Kingdom Way."

 

As most of the world will observe "Valentine Day" on February 14, let us remember that perhaps the greatest scripture about love might be John 3:16. As we live in the Kingdom of God may we reflect a Godly love for everyone, especially for the Saints and our families. After all, if we can't love each other, can we really say we are "living in the Kingdom of God?"

 

If you have a copy of a little tract called, "A Father's Love Letter," read it at least once every day to remind you of His Great Love for You, that we, in turn might exhibit His Love for all we meet. If you do not have a copy, you can pull it up on the net. It was written by Barry Adams several years ago.

 

In the scripture below, follow the bold letters. I am not promoting Valentine Day, etc, just the Love of God.

For God so loVed the world, That he gAve His onLy begottEn SoN

thaT whosoever believeth In Him should Not perish, but have Everlasting life" John 3:16.

 

Stay strong, the King IS Coming!

 

God bless

Paul Gage

 

EVENTS IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

 EVENTS IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

Dear Friends and Saints, 

There are some pretty important events coming up in Independence in the next weeks and months that may have immediate as well as long term impact on Independence. You may already know about some of these things, so this email is just for information.

If you do not live in Independence, this may not affect you. 

Feel free to forward and share as you desire.

1.  AI Data Center. You can do your own research on this to get details. This center is to be built basically at or near the area of 23rd St (Hyw 78) and Little Blue Parkway. It is in the general area of the power plant at 21500 E. Truman Road.

A meeting is being held at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 603 N. Jennings, Independence, MO on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:30 pm. Jennings is at the intersection of Jennings and Hy24 which is east of 291 Hyw. It is the intersection where the El Volcan Mexican restaurant is located. Two City Council members are supposed to be present.

2. City Election for Mayor, City Council and Independence School District Board of Education.

April 7, 2026.

Other items regarding the Data Center will likely be discussed at the meeting this Tuesday.

As citizens and Saints, we all need to be more knowledgeable regarding things going on in the community and school district.

Thanks and God bless

Paul Gage