Greetings!
There are so many exciting things happening that it is hard to keep everyone informed. The North American 'Heartland' model continues to gain additional evidences and support, for which we are very grateful. This newsletter shares some of the things that have recently happened, as well things to come. It is meant to help keep everyone informed about the progress of this Book of Mormon geography research.
In the past month our first tour with Legacy Travel and three fantastic events took place that are newsworthy. You will find short articles on those events below. Several additional tours and events are planned (see below). In addition, the newly completed revision of The Lost Civilizations of North America documentary is now again available and will begin shipping July 26! Please forward this newsletter to all that you feel would be interested in learning more about this research supporting the Book of Mormon. They will be glad you did!
Rod L. Meldrum - President
ps. Be sure to see the SPECIAL OFFER at the END of this newsletter! Take advantage of this offer while it lasts, because it will only be available online for the next two weeks! |
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Church History & Book of Mormon History; Touring America's Heartland with Rod Meldrum and Legacy Tours and Travel! | |
Tour Group at the Great Circle Earthworks, Newark, OH, June 2010 | Our first tour of the season with Legacy Tours and Travel to see the sacred sites of Church History and visit the proposed Book of Mormon sites of America's Heartland was "unforgetable!"
Tour Fun! |
Group at Fort Hill, Cumorah and Fort Ancient |
Come join Rod and Legacy Tours for a "combination tour of a lifetime!"
Sept. 3 - 11 9 Day Tour with Rod Meldrum and Kay Godfrey
Oct. 11 - 23 13 Day Comprehensive Tour with Rod Meldrum,
Elder Hartman Rector Jr. and Kieth Merrill (schedule permitting)
This tour is nearly full, call today if you would like to go!
2011 Tours are now scheduled and can be reserved!
June 13 - 25, 2011 13 Day Comprehensive Tour
Sept. 12 - 24, 2011 13 Day Comprehensive Tour
Oct. 3 - 15, 2011 13 Day Comprehsensive Tour
Are you interested in joining us on one of our future excursions? Please contact Legacy Tours, Betty Leasure or Mark Clifford. They have very special pricing for these tours! Don't miss out, call them today!
Come Join Us! |
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Online Presentations to be Offered | |
Because of the overwhelming interest in this North American Heartland Model for the Book of Mormon, we are planning to begin offering online presentations to be scheduled beginning in August. You will be notified via email of the times and course subjects in the soon!
We are offering the most interesting course subjects for sharing online including Joseph Smith's knowledge of Book of Mormon geography and the physical evidences and correlations between the Hopewell civilization in America's heartland and the Nephite civilization of the Book of Mormon.
Finally we have a way of reaching all of you who live in areas where it is not possible to conduct a live presentation. We look forward to sharing new information, having informative guests and making it possible for everyone who has access to a computer and the internet to join with us in wonderful discussions that will be enlightning, educational, and fun! Please watch for the emails with dates, times and registration information! |
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FIRM Online Articles | |
There are now articles related to the Heartland Book of Mormon geography available to view online. We would invite you to read them to learn more about this exciting new research into the original thoughts by Joseph Smith on Book of Mormon geography.
Read these two new articles!
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FIRM Upcoming Events | |
America's Constitution Week
Monday, September 27 - Friday, October 1, 2010
Mark your calendars! This will be the event of the year that you will not want to miss! The FIRM Foundations October National Conference is being expanded from a two day event to a weeklong celebration of the United States Constitution! The FIRM Foundation is hosting "America's Constitution Week 2010" which will be held the week before LDS General Conference at the former David O. McKay Events Center, on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit worthy organizations such as American Indian Services, Sons of Utah Pioneers, and others.
Event Speakers and Entertainment
Speakers
Earl Taylor - President, National Center for Constitutional Studies (confirmed)
Dr. Glenn Kimber - President, Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Studies (confirmed)
Andrew Biggs - Constitutional Attorney and Arizona State Senator -
Co-author of Arizona's Immigration Bill 1070 (confirmed)
Scott M. Bradley - Constitutional author and educator, Senatorial Candidate from the Constitution Party (confirmed)
Paul Skousen - Constitution Coach & son of W. Cleon Skousen (confirmed)
Jerome Horowitz - Constitutional Attorney and author of The Elders of Israel and the Constitution (confirmed)
Scott Swain - President, Roots of Freedom (confirmed)
Rod L. Meldrum - Reseacher, co-author of Prophecies and Promises; The Book of Mormon and the United States of America (confirmed)
Jon McNaughton -LDS Artist and painter of One Nation Under God (confirmed)
Entertainment
Cries of Freedom Pageant - As performed at America's Freedom Festival, July, 2010 (not confirmed)
Voices of Light Choir - Sacramento, Ca based vocal group (confirmed)
Military Color Guard - Patriotic Veterans Flag Ceremony and Retiring of the Colors Ceremony with playing of 'Taps'
W. Cleon Skousen |
A special tribute for Constitutionalist W. Cleon Skousen will be awarded at this event and there is the possibility of a nationally recognized Constitutional celebrity participating in the event! For more information click HERE! |
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FIRM Update - The Lost Civilizations | |
The Lost Civilizations of North America
 This newly revised film is incredibly even more powerful in its message than its original version. Its documentary team has removed a small amount of material, but added two new interviews that greatly enhance the films powerful message! After watching a pre-view this week, the overall feeling was that this film is truly "monumental" in its message.
The FIRM Foundation has been very supportive of this new documentary film, and in its continued support we would like to extend to you a very special offer. Many of you have seen the original DVD titled DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography which first introduced the North American 'Heartland' model. Since that time, so much additional information has come forward that it became necessary to make a more comprehensive educational video series to answer more of the questions about the Book of Mormon occurring in North America. The new 5 disk DVD video series is the result of that necessity. However, many of those who have seen the original disk are not aware of the tremendous additional supporting evidences for the Book of Mormon given in the new DVD series.
For this reason the FIRM Foundation is offering until July 31st, a special 'combination' package that together form the most authoritative, educational, comprehensive, and engaging work ever assembled on what is now known as the "Heartland Model" Book of Mormon geography in the Promised Land of North America!
This combination offer includes:
Book of Mormon Evidence 5 DVD video series
AND
The Lost Civilizations of North America
Both for only $49.99 ( savings of $30 ! )
So compelling is this research that is has now been officially called a 'movement' within the membership of the Church! See the special offer at the end of this newsletter! Don't miss this one!
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FIRM Update - Joseph Knew - Book Release | |
For those who are awaiting the upcoming book, Joseph Knew, please be patient as this book will require at least an additional month or two for completion of the manuscript and editing. We have been conducting further necessary research which has required more time. It will be worth the wait! |
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FIRM Volunteering - Native American Celebration in Liberty Park, July 24th | |
 Native American Celebration in the Park's mission is to educate and share the proud heritage of the Native American community to the world through music and dance, cultural displays, entertainment and the arts, both traditional and contemporary. To foster self-sufficiency and self-reliance for all Native Americans through entrepreneurship, sound financial practices and integrity. And lift Native Americans to a higher level of self-worth so that they will achieve their individual and community potential.
For 16 years event organizer Cal Nez has been celebrating the Native American Indian culture. Recently he met with Rod Meldrum, president of the FIRM Foundation about help at this years event. Your help will be a blessing to both our Native American brothers and sisters as well as yourself! Cal will be instrumental in moving this work forward.
The Lord in at least 5 verses of scripture requires us, the latter-day Gentiles, to assist the true remnant of Israel, the Native Americans, in fulfilling His covenants with them.
6 Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel. - 1 Nephi 22:6
Please come and help at this event. Contact:
Chelsey Nez - Volunteer Coordinator - 801-708-9834 or Chris at 801-898-3332 |
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FIRM Recent Events in the News | |
Held July 2,3 and 5th, 2010
Rod Meldrum, president of the FIRM Foundation
spoke both Saturday and Monday
'Proud to be an American' Celebration!
Senator Orrin Hatch |
This incredible event featured:
United States Senator Orrin Hatch,
Former LDS Relief Society General President and Bountiful native,
Sister Mary Ellen Smoot |
Mary Ellen Smoot
Young American Voices childrens choir directed by Maria McKay Price
Young American Voices Choir |
And the incredible power tap-dancing troupe, The Fab Five, who were finalists in 'America's Got Talent'.
Click to watch the Fab 5! |
'A Celebration of the Prophet Joseph'
 Saturday, July 10th
All enjoyed inspirational presentations on the life and times of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Singer/songwriter Kimberly Smith and her son Bryan Davis, 2nd and 3rds generation descendants of Joseph Smith sang and spoke about their heritage.
Author of Keeper of the Prophets Sword, Howard Carlos Smith spoke of how Joseph Smith's sword was hidden in West Bountiful for 165 years, and distinguished Bountiful resident Steven Smoot provided a preview screening of the new Lost Civilizations documentary film. LDS artist Jon McNaughton spoke about his recent painting One Nation Under God and FIRM Foundation President, Rod Meldrum shared portions of his latest research on the inspired knowledge of Joseph Smith regarding Book of Mormon geography. |
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FIRM Update - The Phoenicia Expedition |
The Phoenicia expedition is 'History in the making,' showing that Lehi's group may very well have left the Arabian Peninsula and sailed around Africa to the America's. This expedition, in a re-created wooden ship patterned after the remains of ancient Phoenician vessels that were plying the oceans during Lehi's days (600 B.C.), has now made it to the Azores in the mid-Atlantic. It is showing unequivocally that this route around Africa to the America's is not only possible; it is the most likely route for Lehi's voyage. Evidence of this magnitude for this epoch Book of Mormon journey is unprecedented.
Route intented |
Right now the ship is approaching the Azores in the mid-Atlantic. They sailed far enough north off the east coast of the United States that they are and finally heading east toward the Mediterranian. Click on the map and then click 'track the ships progress.' Then zoom out using the scale bar on the left.
Actual Route of Phoenicia Voyage! |
The assumption that Lehi's family crossed 10,000 miles of the open waters of the Pacific Ocean to land on the west coast of South America is one that must now be re-examined. Never before has this level of evidence been available to demonstrate by actual experiment the route most likely to have been taken by Lehi's family to the Promised Land. Such a high level of actual evidence is entirely lacking for routes proposed by Mesoamerican theorists. You can track this expeditions progress , see photo's of the ships construction and learn of the ancient sea-faring Phoenician people who left their homes in the Mediterranean Holy Land near Lebanon, Syria and Palestine by ship to circumnavigate Africa in search of trade goods. You can read more about their history by clicking HERE.
A recent article titled Sailing with Nephi, in Meridian Magazine by Mesoamerican theorist Warren Aston, Sailing with Nephi, discusses another expedition by a ship patterned after a much later 800 AD vessel with a deeper keel which helps it to better sail against contrary winds. In contrast to the Phoenicia, this ship set sail in February from the Arabian Peninsula in an easterly direction towards their final destination of Singapore, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula of Southeast Asia. The ship, deemed the 'Jewel of Muscat' after the port city where it was constructed, is presently completing its journey across the Bay of Bengal just north of Aceh province of Indonesia.
Aston, assumes this route for Lehi's voyage as he states that this ship launched in February of this year, "sailing eastwards across the Indian Ocean toward Singapore in much the same direction that Nephi likely did." According to Aston, Nephi "headed in a different direction" from the Phoenicia expedition.
Nowhere in the Book of Mormon does it state that they sailed east in their ship or that they landed on the west coast of South America. This assumption is based on a false report that Joseph Smith claimed that Lehi "...landed on the continent of South America in Chile, thirty degrees South Latitude" and has been thoroughly refuted by Mesoamerican theorists themselves. The account has been shown to have been written in the handwriting of Frederick G. Williams in the margins of the Bernhisel Manuscript. This false report was then promulgated time and again by faulty research, claiming that Joseph was its author. That this claim, thought to be made by Joseph Smith, has been shown through historical documentation to have been falsely attributed, is further evidence for the need of solid historical documentation for all claims regarding the mind of the prophet. More on this will be discussed in the upcoming book, Joseph Knew. |
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We would like to announce that presenters are needed to handle the demand around the country to learn more about this research. If you are interested in becoming a Heartland Model presenter, please email me at rodneymeldrum@hotmail.com and include your reasons for wanting to share this information with others, along with your presentation experience or call me directly at 801-429-9751.
Have a Question?
Do you have a question you've been wanting to ask or have interest in an area of research that you'd like to see published on our website? If so, please submit your question or relate your interest on a specific subject (one per person please) to the FIRM Foundation by sending it to rodneymeldrum@hotmail.com . We cannot guarantee that your question will be selected for answering, but the board of FIRM will consider the questions and determine the overall interest in the subject material. If selected and approved, it will be assigned to one of our affiliates for any additional research, writing and editing. Finalized responses will be posted on the FIRM website and included in the newsletter.
Thank you all again for your marvelous help and support. We are truly grateful for you and hope that you have found this information to be uplifting, exciting and helpful!
Your brother in the gospel,
Rod L. Meldrum
President
The FIRM Foundation |
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New Items!Educational Materials, Products and Specials
To Order
go to the
or call
801-429-9751 | | |
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New! Introduction to the Heartland Model DVD! |
Click to Order | |
Introducing our newest way of sharing this incredible new research with your family, neighbors and friends. This 1 hour video presentation forms the scriptural basis for this research. It includes an introduction by Elder Hartman Rector Jr., Rod Meldrum's Prophecies and Promises presentation (disk 1 of the Book of Mormon Evidence series), interview with filmmaker Kieth Merrill, introduction to the DVD series and information about visiting these sacred lands. Now you can share the exciting new Heartland Model research for a great price!
Only $2 ea. when purchased in a qty of 10!
Note: these DVD's are in a paper sleeve with clear cellophane window to reduce packaging costs. |
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The Book of Mormon and the Constitution |
Click to Order | |
Now being offered again for the first time in 4 years!
Being the first General Authority called by President Ezra Taft Benson, H. Verlan Andersen shared many of the prophets political views regarding the proper role of government. This book identifies parallels with the Nephite experience of self-government, and the requirement to avoid the secret combinations that proved the downfall of so many ancient civilizations. The inspired Constitution of the United States formed the foundation for which free people around the world are ever indebted.
- softcover
$19.95 |
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Iron Age America Before Columbus |
Click to Order | | |
Did the ancient Hopewell Mound Builder civilization smelt metals? After 60+ years of intensive research, locating and identifying a multitude of ancient furnaces in the Ohio River Valley, field study amateur archaeologist William D. Conner of the Midwestern Epigraphic Society, reveals new evidence that the Hopewell's were smelting iron and copper in furnaces often buried within their mounds and utilizing technology found in the Old World even before Lehi. This book is filled with unprecedented new and exciting evidence of Book of Mormon technology among the Hopewell Mound Builders! - softcover
Now 10% off, only $22.45 |
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He Walked the Americas |
Click to Order | | |
This almost legendary book, first printed in 1963, now in its 22nd printing!
Archaeologist L. Taylor Hansen shares her amazing research into the ancient legends, oral histories, writings and traditions of the native peoples of the New World which tell of a great teacher, healer and prophet (Jesus Christ) that visited the people and taught them wonderful things that made indelible impressions on civilizations throughout the Americas.
Hardcover - only $19.00 |
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Heroes of the Fallen |
Click to Order | |
This is the first of many new LDS novels sooon to be released written from a 'Heartland perspective!
Author David J. West enters LDS historical fiction with an incredible look into the last days of the great Nephite nation as they battle for survival against their sworn enemies, the Lamanites. Stand alongside daring heroes such as Captain Amaron, the White Lamanite Zelph, and Anathoth, the Lamanite General as their wars and contention consumed their once mighty civilizations! - hardcover
Now 15% off, only $16.95 |
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The Elders of Israel and the Constitution |
Click to Order | |
The United States Constitution plays a significant role in God's plan for his children. Millions today live in peace and freedom because of this sacred document. The Lord described its framers as "wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose." Latter-day Saints have been encouraged to learn its principles and precepts. Author Jerome Horowitz presents a true Constitutionalists view of its inspired creation and our duty to uphold it. - softcover
Now 15% off, only $11.85
Hear Jerome Horowitz speak at America's Constitution Week, Sept. 27 - Oct. 1, 2010! |
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The Name of God - From Sinai to the American Southwest |
Click to Order | |
Dr. James R. Harris, a foremost expert on ancient Near Eastern languages, shares the culmination of over three decades of work uncovering an ancient alphabetic script used by peoples of the Negev (Israel) and the ancients of America. He traced the name of God, or "Yah" (abbreviated from "Yahweh") from Proto-Sinaitic (Proto-Canaanite) depictions to New World petroglyphs in America demonstrating Hebrew linguistic influence.
- hardcover
$19.95 |
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The Spirit of America |
Click to Order | |
The Spirit of America is a limited edition compilation of patriotic addresses from America's Freedom Festival, held each 4th of July in Provo, Utah.
The twelve addresses were delivered at this event, which has become one of the largest in the nation.
LDS Presidents
Gordon B. Hinckley,
Ezra Taft Benson,
with apostles
M. Russell Ballard, James E. Faust,
Jeffrey R. Holland,
Neal A. Maxwell,
Russell M. Nelson,
Dallin H. Oaks,
Boyd K. Packer, and
L. Tom Perry.
hardcover
-20% only $14.36 |
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To Preserve the Nation |
Click to Order | |
Scott N. Bradley, has dedicated his life to the study of American History, the Constitution, and the wisdom of the Founding Fathers. He is recognized as one of our nation's foremost Constitutional scholars. This 526 page book should be every citizen's guide for becoming involved in civic affairs so that America can continue to be the freest, most prosperous country, and light to the rest of the world.
- hardcover
- Save 15%, Only $29.75 |
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Only One Cumorah! |
Click to Order | |
Just came in!..a limited number of our new shirts! They are 100% cotton short sleeved button - down collared shirts in deep rich colors. Presently we have Royal Blue, Burgundy, and Black in Large and XL sizes only. The logo is embroidered in gold / grey / silver with the words
"THE FIRM FOUNDATION" in white with the words "ONLY ONE CUMORAH!" in gold. Jonathan Corey shirts retail for over $45. Available now for only $29.95!
- Save 35%, Only $29.95 |
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