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Heartland News April 26, 2013
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Greetings!
Enthusiastic and Energized are the words that best describe fellow "Heartlanders" reaction to the proceedings of the 11th Semi-Annual International Book of Mormon Evidence Conference, held April 4-5 in Utah and viewed by hundreds world-wide by live streaming video. Conference attendee's were provided with a plethora of enlightening and inspiring new research, presentations, artwork and performances that were truly world class. These FIRM Foundation conferences amazingly keep getting better and better.
It has been a long time since the last newsletter, but the lack of communication is not from any shortage of new and exciting happenings to share with you, rather, it is but because of them. Since the December newsletter there have been numerous noteworthy happenings to report. Over the next few weeks and months you should be receiving more regular email newsletters in an effort to help you stay more informed and connected, with info on the latest happenings.
Articles:
- Report on the 11th International Conference
- Elder L. Tom Perry's December Ensign Article
- Meridian Magazine's Geography Bias Exposed
News:
- Nephite Explorer Promotes Heartland Model on TV
- Heartland/Church History Tours for 2013 Update
- Church Corrects New Scripture Index in Heartland Favor
- Costco Stores Success Requires 4th "Exploring" Printing
- Nathan Osmond Named One of Top Ten Young Americans
- The "Windowmaker" Charles Allen of Nauvoo Passed Away
- History Channel's America Unearthed TV Series a Hit
- New DVD's and Books
- Upcoming FIRM Events & Projects
Brief Summary of Upcoming Newsletters...
- New Documentary Film "For Our Day" to be Showcased
- Article: Missionary Work Using Heartland Research
- Article: Hebrew Symbols on Hopewell Stones
- Article: Heartland Research Addresses Causes of Lost Faith
- Article: The Scattering, Gathering and Blossoming of Israel
- Heartland Social Media to be Launched
- LDS Plan of Salvation encoded in Newark Earthworks
- Events: 12th International Conference, Oct. 3-4, 2013
You will find a lot of exciting information in this newsletter. I hope that you enjoy exploring the evidences of the Book of Mormon in America's Heartland!
- Rod L. Meldrum - President, The FIRM Foundation
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Article: Report on 11th International Book of Mormon Evidence Conference - For Our Day
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Over 700 fellow "Heartlanders" gathered at the South Towne Expo Center and at their own homes to watch the proceedings of the 11th Semi-Annual conference. With 20 speakers and performers, along with the unveiling of new artwork and the release of several new books and documentary films, it was the greatest conference yet. Check out the photo gallery HERE. Read the report HERE.
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Article: Elder L. Tom Perry Address Supportive of Heartland Book of Mormon Research Findings
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Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles received a copy of Exploring the Book of Mormon in America's Heartland as a Christmas present in November 2011. Three months later Elder Perry delivered a rousing devotional talk at BYU-Idaho which was subsequently published in the December issue of the Ensign. What did Elder Perry say that has thrilled so many Heartlanders? While it is not known for certainty if there is any correlation between the book and his comments, it is nevertheless interesting that such powerful comments regarding the location of the Book of Mormon's "Promised Land" came shortly after he received it. Read the article with links and photos HERE.
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Church Correlation Makes Important Change in New Scripture Index in Heartland Favor
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About 8 months ago we learned that the Church would be announcing a release of new scriptures with updated helps and corrections. At that time Rod Meldrum was informed that some of those corrections appeared to be in favor of the Heartland Model geography research - specifically as it related to the triple combination index regarding the River Sidon.
From the beginning of the Heartland research when we proposed the Mississippi River as the Book of Mormon's River Sidon, skeptics pointed to the index definition which read "Sidon, River - Most prominent river in Nephite territory, runs north to a sea." Obviously the Mississippi doesn't run north. Where did that idea come from? The explanation is rather lengthy, but just a few weeks ago when the official announcement regarding the new scriptures was made, Rod immediately turned to his wife Tonya to look up on her Kindle the change. Sure enough, Church correlation has removed the unsubstantiated claim of its running north! The Mississippi river now qualifies, according to Church officials, as a candidate to be the Book of Mormon River Sidon! Read the entire article HERE. This is a very significant change and one that all your LDS friends and acquaintances should be made aware of. Please share it with them!
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FIRMly Defending the Heartland - by Rod Meldrum Meridian Magazine's Bias Against the Heartland Geography Exposed
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Meridian Magazine, a popular online LDS news outlet, has provided many wonderful, informative and inspiring articles for its readers over the years. However, recently the magazine seems to have determined to promote a Mesoamerican view of Book of Mormon geography at the expense of all others. We have observed a disappointing trend to include articles that are openly contending against the Heartland Model Geography. Such an article published March 19, 2013 by R. Richard Hauck, Ph.D titled
Recent Book of Mormon Research in Central America: Coming to Grips with Geography, directly attacks the "Heartland Theory" beginning with the opening sentence.
Numerous fellow Heartlanders tried to have their voices heard, but Meridian owners and editors censored their comments, even from such notables as Kieth Merrill, director of the Church's epic film, The Testaments. Find out more about Meridian's censorship and let them know that it is time they follow the leaders of the Church in maintaining neutrality on the subject. Read the article which includes some of the comments that were censored by Meridian Magazine by clicking HERE. Please share your displeasure with Meridian in a kind and Christ-like way, but let them know that it is time they either stop the Heartland attack articles, or allow us to address the false claims of the Mesoamerica theory promoters.
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Heartland in the Media - Nephite Explore TV Series Now Airing on KJZZ-TV!
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A made-for-television documentary series made by investigative journalist Ryan Fisher, who has done work for National Geographic and other prestigious organizations, is now airing in Utah and parts of southern Idaho on KJZZ-TV. Those in this viewing area can watch the Sunday 4:30 or 6:30 pm showings (same episode) through the end of the year!
The show has been an instant hit with LDS audiences as it crosses the world, beginning in Jerusalem, Israel, establishing the importance of covenant and promised lands of God.
Because so many of you receiving our newsletters live outside of the broadcasting area of KJZZ-TV, the producers of Nephite Explorer have agreed to make each episode available for viewing on their website the Monday after they air the episode on Sunday's TV programming! Now everyone can watch the series across the world! We would like to thank Ryan Fisher and his team for making their work available to everyone. You can show your appreciation by "liking" them on Facebook, which you can easily do as you visit the Nephite Explorer website HERE. Its http://nephiteexplorer.com/
The Heartland Model is now being introduced to the public through main stream media!
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Heartland in the Media - America Unearthed Series on the History2 Channel!
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The History Channel is rocking the archaeological world of North America with its new series called "America Unearthed" featuring Scott Wolter of American Petrographic Services. Wolter is the forensic geologist that conducted the scientific analysis verifying and confirming the authenticity of the Bat Creek Stone and its Hebrew inscription! The episodes have been interesting and informative and promises to be even more important to the Heartland research in its upcoming series to air this fall. Watch the series trailer HERE.
Watch one of the more Heartland related episodes:Great Lakes Copper Heist - entire episode HERE. Read about the Bat Creek stone HERE . Watch Wolter's analysis of the Bat Creek stone HERE.
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Heartlanders in the News - Nathan Osmond
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For 75 years, the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) has recognized the ten young men and women - under the age of 40 - who best exemplify the highest attributes of the nation's emerging generation. They will name the 2013 Ten Outstanding Young Americans on June 8, at the Doubletree Seattle Airport Hotel in Seattle, and Nathan Osmond is one of them. Read the article HERE.
Nathan Osmond Patriotic Song Hits #1
Heartlander Nathan Osmond, son of music legend and fellow Heartlanders Alan & Suzanne Osmond) released a deeply moving and inspiring patriot song and accompanying music video titled "Stars and Stripes" which has hit #1 on the Independent Country Music charts. Nathan performed the song with the video playing on our jumbo 20' screen at the 11th National Book of Mormon Evidence Conference! Conference attendees were equally moved by the deeply spiritual song Nathan performed called simply "A Little Boy's Prayer" which should be #1 on every LDS facebook page (in Rod's opinion!) Gird up your heart, grab your tissues and click on both of these Nathan Osmond original songs and videos now!
Watch "Stars and Stripes" HERE.
Watch "A Little Boy's Prayer" HERE.
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Heartlanders in the News - Nephite Explorer Producer Ryan Fisher Interviewed by KSL-TV
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Fellow Heartlander Ryan Fisher was interviewed recently by Church owned KSL-TV regarding his new Nephite Explorer TV series airing on KJZZ-TV in Salt Lake City. Ryan, who grew up wanting to be a National Geographic photographer achieved his goal and went on to become a investigative journalist and videographer. His aerial imagery specialty has been used extensively in his Nephite Explorer series. Ryan, taking a cue from the FIRM Foundations Director of Youth Education Jake Hilton, talks about the need to reach the youth of the Church with solid facts and reasonable explanations about the Book of Mormon and its historical efficacy, or historicity. Read the KSL article with video HERE.
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Now Its Your Turn!...
To Take Your Tour of a Lifetime -
Exploring Book of Mormon Evidences and Church History...in America's Heartland!
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 Make this year your year to tour the sacred and covenant lands of America!
Learn More or Reserve Your Tour Today!
Join both Rod Meldrum and Wayne May who are personally hosting these tours!
(The "Ultimate Autumn Leaves" LDS Church History & Book of Mormon Evidence Tour)
Tours are focused on Book of Mormon Evidences and Church History in America's Heartland
Call Toll Free at 877-221-5161 Now!
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Legacy Tours and Travel - Heartland Approved!
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 | | Kirtland Temple, click to watch tour members tell of their experiences and feelings about the tour! |
Call Legacy directly at 801-683-0123 or go to their website at http://www.legacytoursandtravel.com/
Come Tour with Us, Call Today!
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Costco Stores Success with "Exploring" Causes Need for 4th Printing - Now 20,000 books!
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Warehouse superstore Costco has been carrying Exploring The Book of Mormon In America's Heartland in 13 of its stores now for almost a year! It is their best-selling LDS book! It has become the new standard in defending the Book of Mormon's Historicity and continues to be the most sought-after book on Book of Mormon geography! 
Watch the television ad by clicking on the image above!
One of the significant comments we keep getting from parents about the book is their delight in having a book for their family that is full of "real" places and artifacts, rather than the usual "make believe" drawings and illustrations of Book of Mormon stories. Parents have said that they feel this provides a deeper understanding that the Book of Mormon is a reality rather than a storybook or fiction.
Families who have the book are finding their children enjoying the book all by themselves, wondrously engrossed in the many beautiful photographs and easy to read information. This is an educational tool every family with children of any age should have in their home.
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 | | Click to write a book review for Deseret Book! Please! |
Go to any of these Costco Wholesale locations:
Utah - Lehi, Orem, Murray, Sandy, West Bountiful, Salt Lake City, Spanish Fork, West Valley, South Ogden, St. George
Arizona - Mesa, S.E. Gilber, N.W. Gilbert
Idaho - Boise, Pocatello
or Order yours ONLINE today!
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Announcing 12th Semi-Annual International Book of Mormon Evidence Conference
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 Set your calendar for the
12th Semi-Annual International
Book of Mormon Evidence Conference
Coming Thurs/Friday Before LDS General Conference Weekend!
October 3-4, 2013
Registration is not yet available.
Please watch for future email regarding the conference.
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Our goal is to:
- enable you to share and defend the gospel more powerfully
- to learn and understand the Book of Mormon in more depth
- to know how and where to find useful information and resources
- to teach how to share this research properly with others
- to learn how we can use this knowledge to bring truthseekers to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are living in exciting and challenging times to be sure. We must be prepared to answer questions from our friends and neighbors who are not of our faith, to help them into the gospel. Mormonism has been gaining more world-wide exposure and we now enjoy the largest missionary force in Church history! The Heartland Model geography offers the most effective answers to Book of Mormon authenticity questions available and it is truly sweeping throughout the Church. Your help is needed in order to educate as many of our brothers and sisters as quickly as possible so that we will all better understand the sacred covenants and judgements that are upon this nation - the United States of America.
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! If you have any suggestions, comments or ideas, please let us know. If you have an article you would like to submit to the FIRM Foundation's Research, Review and Editing Board, please contact us as well. We are looking for well written articles on Book of Mormon subjects involving the Heartland Model geography.
Your brother in the gospel,
Rod L. Meldrum
President
Foundation for Indigenous Research and Mormonism
The FIRM Foundation
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NEW ITEM!
For Our Day
Covenant on the Land -
Exploring the prophetic Parallels in the Book of Mormon
by IntegraVision
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"This mind expanding DVD film encapsulates, organizes and skillfully aligns centuries of meticulously written and miraculously preserved ancient records that carry a critical warning for us today. This sacred history, recorded by Holy prophets who were shown our day in vision, was preserved by God to guide a specific latter day nation...They tried to warn us. Our solutions are embedded in their parallel history. For Our Day puts it all together." - Rod Meldrum
DVD Video Documentary
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NEW ITEM!
Lost
American Antiquities -
A Hidden History
by S. Edgar Smoot
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S. Edgar Smoot, Executive Producer of the documentary, The Lost Civilizations of North America, comes revealing new research into Americas ancient civilizations and how history has been handed down to our day. Learn how a handful of the early men of science, John Wesley Powell and Lewis Henry Morgan changed nearly every aspect of modern society; and why their philosophies matter today. With hundreds of referenced works and thousands of quotes this masterpiece of thought will inspire. 360 page softcover, with photos and appendices
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NEW ITEM!
5 Scriptures that Validate the Heartland Model for the Location of the Book of Mormon
by Amberli Nelson
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Read the Article On Amberli's previous DVD HERE.
"Every serious student of the Book of Mormon should become familiar with the work of Amberli Nelson, who has brought one of the most unique, significant and essential, yet never before considered, pieces to the puzzle of Book of Mormon geography research. Her findings will forever alter the landscape of geography theories."
- Rod L. Meldrum
In this compelling presentation you will gain insight into the very significant role that the Law of Moses play in determining the location for the Book of Mormon. When you combine the scriptures presented here along with the findings of the Archeological record of North America, you will come to the conclusion that the most plausible location for the setting of the Book of Mormon is none other than the Heartland of North America. DVD Video, 80 min.
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NEW ITEM!
The Lost Stones
Chasing Down this Treasure Could Cost Everything
by Paul Rimmasch
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A Heartland Model Geography Book of Mormon Novel!
Ammon and John are searching for the glowing stones that guided the brother of Jared across the ocean--but for very different reasons. Joined by John's daughter, Sariah, they get more than they bargained for as they learn they aren't the only ones searching for these precious artifacts. This thrilling adventure will have your whole family racing to the last page. A great LDS historical fiction that incorporates Book of Mormon history into an exciting latter day fiction novel. Better than the "tennis shoes" series!
Author Paul Rimmasch graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminalistics and a minor in Photography. Paul has spent the last fifteen years working as a Crime Scene Investigator for Weber-Metro CSI and is active in Forensic Science education and Law Enforcement training. Paul has parlayed a life long interest in Book of Mormon Archaeology and LDS Church History into his first novel, The Lost Stones.
Watch the book trailer HERE.
- 183 pages, softcover
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NEW ITEM!
Sailing Close
to the Wind -
An Epic Voyage Recreating the First Circumnavigation of Africa by the Phoenicians in 600 BC.
by Philip Beale and Sarah Taylor
Lehi's Voyage Verified!
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Non-Mormon Maritime explorer Philip Beale and writer Sarah Taylor collaborated on the only official book chronicling the epic voyage of the Phoenicia, the incredible 20,000 mile circumnavigation of Africa beginning from Salala, Oman around Africa towards North America and into the Mediterranean -finishing in Lebanon. It follows the same path as Lehi and, like him, it was done in a 600 BC era (replica) wooden sailing ship! Lehi's voyage has now been demonstrated to the world!.
- 218 pages, softcover, color photos, notes, references and bibliography.
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NEW ITEM!
Hidden Cities
The Discovery and Loss of Ancient North American Civilization
by Dr. Roger Kennedy
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Former director of the Smithsonian's American History Museum, Dr. Roger Kennedy, has written one of the most profound books ever on the hidden archaeology of North America. How and why was it hidden away for centuries and why is it important to the future of America? Reprinted by The Free Press, New York after overwhelming demand for its powerful message. - 302 pages, softcover, appendices, notes, bibliography, & index |
Touring Book of Mormon Lands In North America
 | | Take a Video Tour! |
Ancient American publisher and renown Book of Mormon scholar Wayne N. May has been exploring the Heartland of North America for evidences of the Book of Mormon for decades.
Now you can have Wayne take you on a "private tour" of these sacred sites of the Book of Mormon through incredibly beautiful photography and video work that is the next best thing to being there! This 70 minute video will take you to many of the sites typically visited during his tours as well as several others inaccessible to the tours. You'll even be the first to enjoy remote "helicopter" fly-overs of several of the mound structures!
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