ZIONWORKS NEWS for JULY 19, 2025 

“THE LOVE THAT BINDS ALL THINGS TOGETHER, THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST, IS THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE”  

 

 

   The news this week is short and powerful: A huge percentage of the population of the tribes descending from Lehi in North America and other parts of the globe have come to claim the The Record of Nephi as their own as it corroborates with and reinforces their national histories and identities!  Presently, they are planning to gather here! All the hopes and the tears of five thousand long years, are blossoming now as the rose. 

   Since 1829 and earlier, prophecy has told of this gathering of the tribes to “this land”. We have been told in scripture to prepare in righteousness for this and to be ready to assist in the building of Zion. We have known since 1830 that we must prepare by practicing living in the Kingdom. We know that we can’t be prepared by just talking and singing of Zion. In last week’s Zionworks News, several reasons for this lack of preparedness and obedience were proposed, and none of them are valid excuses.  

   This past Thursday may have seen one of the very most momentous events in our history. A conference was held at The Remnant’s Conference Center in Independence. The conference was called to discuss the collaboration of the JCRB, Remnant, Bickertonites, any other restoration groups and people interested, and an established organization of natives from Canada north down to Patagonia south, to lay out a serious, prayerfully organized plan to build the foothold/first phase of Zion; the plan to be adopted by consensus by April 2026; thereafter to begin implementing with a goal of completion by October of 2028. This approach has substantial support by many of the various leaders already.  

   Chief Midegah, organizer of these mentioned tribes and nationalities, during his presentation Thursday, said that,“ The natives are coming to Jackson County. Preparation must be made to greet and settle initially 100,000 of ‘us’ “. Very much, the restoration understands the history and the promise to these people of the House of Israel. They’re coming with or without our help and they are already making plans to come. Many reported miracles have been experienced already during previous gatherings and conferences held in Yucatan and North America under the leadership of Chief Midegah. Presently, this collaboration among the people of Lehi and saints is advancing in Europe and to other nations. 

    There will be a gathering of saints and all interested individuals to exchange and hear more related information this coming Sunday at Center Branch at 2:00 PM. This is intended to be a gathering of all interested people. Many saints are already cooperating and planning in collaboration with Chief Midegah and the descendants of Lehi. It will be wonderful if any of them can meet with us to impart more information. The goal in our hearts is for all of Jesus’ pure-in-heart of the world to be happily spiritually bonded under His wings. At our meetings, we ask the Lord to bless the meeting, itself, to be an experience in Zion.  See “Calendar”, below.  

 

                                                     CALENDAR 

 

Special note: Annie Webb’s class, “On This Wise I do Give This Account”, will be held at 3:30 PM this coming Sunday, July20th, at the Stone Church in the fellowship hall. It will expound on Moroni’s part in Ether speaking to us about the days we’re living in. We will adjourn the Zionworks meeting at 2:40 to allow adequate time to get seated for her class. 

 

  Next Zionworks meeting, Special agenda: This coming Sunday, July 20^th at 2:00 PM at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00 PM. Special agenda: Exchange and hearing of information on the coming gathering as detailed above. All people are invited. 

 

Sunday, July 27^th: Zionworks meeting at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00 PM. Video of the July 17^th conference mentioned above so people can hear every word that was spoken by Chief Midegah and Sinnagwin and others. There will be discussion and more information. Planning and cooperative work for Zion. 

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   Please ask about the source of the statements in this newsletter and address any of your questions and comments to zionworkz@protonmail.com or yyeoman@protonmail.com 

 

                            With Christ and his love as our bond, 

                            Your friends at Zionworks 

                             

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 17, 2025

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 17, 2025

 

God’s gracious blessings to all His children on this earth,

 

SECTION 65 - Doctrine and Covenants

Prepare the way of the Lord-The gospel and kingdom of God shall roll forth to fill the earth

1a Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose voice is unto men: Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make his paths straight. 1b The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth; and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth until it has filled the whole earth. 1c Yea, a voice crying, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; prepare ye the supper of the Lamb; make ready for the Bridegroom;
1d pray unto the Lord; call upon his holy name; make known his wonderful works among the people; call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, 1e that the inhabitants thereof may receive it and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth. 1f Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, may be glorified in heaven, so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power, and glory, forever and ever. Amen.

 

As you can see, DC Section 65, though short, has some major points regarding our living in the Kingdom of God. We all know the scriptures are over flowing with references to God’s Kingdom and what is required of those who desire to be in that Kingdom. One such example is Matthew 5.

 

5:21 Whosoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so to do, he shall in no wise be saved in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach these commandments of the law until it be fulfilled, the same shall be called great and shall be saved in the kingdom of heaven. 5:22 For I say unto you, except your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

5:32 Therefore, if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 5:33 Or if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 5:34 And now this I speak, a parable concerning your sins; wherefore, cast them from you, that ye may not be hewn down and cast into the fire. THIS VERSE IS ONLY FOUND IN THE INSPIRED VERSION. People have been known to pluck out their eyes and/or cut off their hands, but Jesus was not telling us to mutilate our bodies, but to cast out our sins.

 

5:45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 5:46 But I say unto you, Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; 5:47 That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 5:48 For if ye love only them which love you, what reward have you? Do not even the publicans the same? 5:49 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans the same? 5:50 Ye are, therefore, commanded to be perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

 

Whatever “Kingdom” we may live in, means we are subjects to that “King.” If we are living in the Kingdom of God, we must live a life in obedience to all of God’s commandments. As we follow God’s plan for us, we then work toward perfection. That does not mean we never make mistakes, but that we follow God’s plan for correcting or overcoming those mistakes.

 

We overcome our mistakes by repenting, seeking forgiveness from whoever may be involved and we reconcile. Jesus did not die to reconcile God to us, but rather to reconcile us to God. There are variations in different versions of the Bible as to the number of times we are to forgive. It is not how many times we forgive, but the attitude in which we forgive. As always, JESUS is our chief example and so He says, “Follow Me.”

 

God bless

Paul Gage

 

Laura Presler - Bridal Shower

 

Healing Hearts Meeting in July 2025

 Healing Hearts Meeting in July 2025

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, July 13, 2025 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:  Mary Drummond 816-665-9051

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 10, 2025

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 10, 2025

Hello Dearly Beloved Saints of God,

As I consider this article each week, I ask God for direction as to what might be needed by those who receive it. It seems to always be something that I need as well as anyone else. Maybe that is because though we have many differences of various kinds, there is still that inborn need for mostly the same things in our lives. We all have the same basic physical needs, but we also all have the same spiritual needs.

Any and all needs that we have are basically the same that our first parents had before and after being cast out of the Garden of Eden. Once they were out of the Garden, they were out of the Presence of God It wasn’t nearly so much that they needed food, clothing and shelter, as much as they needed to regain their relationship with God. That is where we each find ourselves in today’s world as we desire to assist God in the building up of His Kingdom and establishing His righteousness.

Many are still looking and waiting for God to tell them what to do, when, in fact, He has told us many times and in many ways. It all boils down to the Two Great Commandments. We KNOW what the commandments are, but does it translate into our individual lives as much as possible every day? If you haven’t done so in a while find in Matthew, Mark and Luke where Jesus is asked about the Great Commandment. Notice especially how Jesus responds in each situation.

The scriptures tell us we shall know them by their fruit. Galatians 5:16-26 tells what the fruit of the flesh is as compared to the fruit of the Spirit The following is a ten point checklist for spiritual health.

1. Love This word for love doesn’t refer to warm feelings but to a deliberate attitude of goodwill and devotion to others. Love gives freely without looking at whether the other person deserves it, and it gives without expecting anything back.

2. Joy Unlike happiness, joy is gladness that is completely independent of the good or bad things that happen in the course of the day. In fact, joy denotes a supernatural gladness given by God’s Spirit that actually seems to show up best during hard times. This is a product of fixing your focus on God’s purposes for the events in your life rather than on the circumstances.

3. Peace It’s not the absence of turmoil, but the presence of tranquility even while in a place of chaos. It is a sense of wholeness and completeness that is content knowing that God controls the events of the day.

4. Patience Other words that describe this fruit are lenience, long-suffering, forbearance, perseverance, and steadfastness. It is the ability to endure ill treatment from life or at the hands of others without lashing out or paying back.

5. Kindness When kindness is at work in a man’s life, he looks for ways to adapt to meet the needs of others. It is moral goodness that overflows. It’s also the absence of malice.

6. Goodness While kindness is the soft side of good, goodness reflects the character of God. Goodness in you desires to see goodness in others and is not beyond confronting or even rebuking (as Jesus did with the money changers in the temple) for that to happen.

7. Faithfulness A faithful man is one with real integrity. He’s someone others can look to as an example, and someone who is truly devoted to others and to Christ. Our natural self always wants to be in charge, but Spirit-controlled faithfulness is evident in the life of a man who seeks good for others and glory for God.

8. Gentleness Meekness is not weakness. Gentleness is not without power, it just chooses to defer to others. It forgives others, corrects with kindness, and lives in tranquility.

9. Self-control Our fleshly desires, Scripture tells us, are continually at odds with God’s Spirit and always want to be in charge. Self-control is literally releasing our grip on the fleshly desires, choosing instead to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. It is power focused in the right place.

10. Walk by the Spirit While not a fruit of the Spirit, the final item on the checkup produces all nine qualities listed above. When we follow the Spirit’s lead instead of being led by our self-focused desires, He produces the fruit. But even when we don’t walk by the Spirit, He is the very one who convicts us that things are not in proper order in our lives and bids us come back into His Presence.

We might also remember the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. These are in Matthew 5-7.

God Bless

Paul Gage

 

Daniel Dennis Hirst - Obituary

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Daniel Dennis Hirst

August 24, 1932 — June 27, 2025

Pleasant Hill

Daniel Dennis Hirst passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, at the age of 92. Born on August 24, 1932, in Independence, Missouri, Daniel lived a life filled with devotion to his family, career, and community.

Daniel graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1950, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey marked by numerous contributions to those around him. In a beautiful culmination of young love, he married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Shadel, on September 21, 1951, at the Spring Branch R.L.D.S. church in Independence. Their partnership stood as a testament to love and commitment, lasting through the decades. From their union came four children: Russell David, Steven Wayne, Ruth Ann, and Bruce Alan.

His professional journey encompassed more than four decades, working tirelessly for ARMCO Steel for 31 years before dedicating another 18 years to UMKC. Daniel’s work ethic was a defining characteristic, as he devoted himself with integrity and passion to his roles, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike.

Beyond the workplace, Daniel was deeply committed to the values of community service, particularly in youth development. He spent an impressive 49 years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, showcasing his dedication through various positions, including Scoutmaster of Troop 208 and co-founder of Troop 802 in Buckner, Missouri. For his unwavering commitment to scouting, he proudly received the district award of merit in 1976 and was honored to be a member and Sachem in the tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Daniel's faith was central to his life as a lifelong member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended the Buckner Restoration Branch, where his role as an elder allowed him to serve his community faithfully. His passion for gardening was matched only by his love for antique cars and building miniature engines, interests that brought him joy and creativity throughout his life.

His passing is preceded by his parents, Edgar Leroy and Ruth Belle (Worsham) Hirst; his siblings, Mary Seaman and John Hirst; his daughters-in-law, Claudia Hirst and Sherry Hirst; and his granddaughter, Arielle Thomas. His legacy lives on through his best friend and wife of 73 years, Dolores Hirst; their children, Russell Hirst, Steven Hirst, Ruth Small (Steve), and Bruce Hirst (Joanne); his grandchildren, Jeff Hirst, Jessica Hirst, Ashley Pinkston, Brice Hirst, Angela Napier, Wendy Fleming, and Jennifer Hirst-Long, as well as 13 great grandchildren.

Family, friends, and all whose lives he touched will gather to honor his memory during the funeral service to be held on July 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Buckner Restoration Branch in Independence, Missouri. Following the service, a graveside service will take place at 3:30 PM at Buckner Hill Cemetery in Buckner, Missouri.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Daniel Dennis Hirst, please visit our flower store.

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 3, 2025

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 3, 2025

 

July greetings to all the lovely Saints in every corner of God’s vineyard,

 

Does anyone remember the old song, “Sixteen Tons?” You are telling your age if you do as it was written in 1946, but that is beside the point. There are a few lines in the song that we might want to look at.”Saint Peter, don’t you call me, cause I can’t go. I owe my soul to the company store.”

 

The lyrics are not scripturally correct, as is the case with secular songs and even some religious hymns, but prompts us to ask ourselves, here at the midpoint of 2025 and approaching another Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to whom or what do we “Owe our souls?” I’m sure every “Christian” in the world would quickly say, “God, of course.” However, the quick answer is not always the real answer. The real answer is in our heart which is reflected in our daily life. The whole ministry of Jesus Christ was and still is to show us that we can be friends of our Lord rather than slaves to the world.

 

Who are the ones to be blessed in the Beatitudes? Those who believe on him, come down into the depths of humility, are baptized in his name and receive the Holy Ghost, those who come unto Him and are poor in spirit, those who truly mourn due to their sins, those who are meek, hunger and thirst after righteousness, are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, those who are persecuted and reviled for his name’s sake. All these things plus many more are what defines who owns our souls.

 

A ministry of music sang at Waldo Avenue RB last Sunday, taken from Joshua 24 where Joshua is challenging them Israelites before going into the Promise Land. He reminded them of all God’s blessings and then told them to choose that day whom they would serve. His response was “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The immediate response of the Israelites was, basically, “Of course, we will serve the Lord.” You know the rest of the story. They did not serve God except when they got themselves in trouble, then they cried out to God. Many of us are just like the Israelites. We say one thing and do another. Thus, Zion waits. Thus we still wait for “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”

 

I was shaken in my complacency last week in a small group meeting when a person mentioned Earl Curry’s “Endowment “ experience in 1957. She wanted to know when the priesthood were going to do something about it. While a significant part of it refers to the priesthood, it also involves all those who

anticipate, yet are waiting, for “The Endowment.” We each have a role to play in the fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth, now and later.

 

In the Endowment experience, God made some statements that should have really caught our attention in 1957, surely in 1984, or 2001, but definitely in 2025. In question 1, “When shall the day of marvelous Spiritual Endowment be?” “Endowment COULD come to the church surely within ten years (1967) and even less: IF God’s people will make themselves aware of the world’s great need, IF they will become aware of the church’s desperate need for mighty spiritual power, and IF they will go up to the mountain of the Lord’s House.”

 

A line from the hymn, “A Calm and Gentle Quiet” by David Smith, reminds us, “We must not wait, FOR NOW the time is OURS. And if I wait, another waits for me…”

 

God bless

Paul Gage