Hello everyone! well as some of you are aware a lot has happened over the last couple of weeks. But when the storms break over you it is then that your friends and allies excel themselves and it is then that they come to the forefront and stand next to you shoulder to shoulder. I would like to personally thank all those that have sent well wishes to us and I would like to now thank our presiding Elders of the church who have come out and defended not only me but the church and the things that we believe in. It was during this time that Elder Michael S Clarke posted a video on the net and set out his stall for the whole world to see and to hear. Please find this video below. Before I end this blog post I would like to remind everyone that the 3rd Annual Winter General Assembly is due to take place on Sunday the 14th of December. We will also be doing one final blog post just before Christmas with the Prophets Christmas message on it. Please stay tuned. God Bless you all.

Elder Michael S Clarke

As some of you are aware last weeks blog post was supposed to be our last of the year, apart form the GA video that is to be posted latter in December. However it has come to my attention again that there continue to be lies posted on the Nauvoo forum about the church and my family. It saddens me that I have to write this blog post, but I want the opportunity to tell the truth regarding some of the lies that have been posted. I think however before I write this post that I make it clear that I have no problem with the LDS church at all. I do not condemn them or the work that they do. I believe they are wrong but I would never go as far as to lie about their teachings or about individuals who lead the LDS church. This seems though unfortunately to be the pattern that many LDS members have taken regarding The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and its leaders and members. The reason for this post apart from telling the truth is that many of these lies are slanderous and have no foundation whatsoever and if these lies ever got out in to the public domain could damage very seriously our professional working relationship.

So some of these lies lets examine them. To do this I shall list just a few of the lies that have been told and answer each of them in turn.

(Bugbyte)“They prey on venerable people. Their 1st ‘convert’ (Smith?) was a returned missionary with quite severe learning difficulties”

We have never preyed on vuneravle people. In fact I don’t even know who these vulnerable people are. They state that at least one of them is Elder David Smith. I have known Elder David smith for a very long time. I knew him when he and I served in Ireland on a Mission. He does not have any learning difficulties what so ever. In fact he was one of those that helped found the church. It’s so funny because any one that knows our David Smith knows that this is just so untrue.

(Bugbyte) “They got him (David Smith) to sell his house he had inherited to fund their church”
Another lie. David Smith has never sold a house as far as we are aware. The church has never taken any money from him in this regard. The question that needs to be asked here is where did they get this lie from? Who told them of this? As it’s not true then I guess that they are listening to gossip yet again. I state once again for the record that Elder Smith has never received a house as an inheritance from any one!!!!1 and he has never sold a house and given the money to the church.

(Bugbyte) “The two new converts in the baptism videos are also venerable ex members. I am concerned at the level of investment they have made to Phil Gill”
I am not sure who they are referring to here. But I state yet again that none of our members here in the UK are venerable in any way. None of them have severe learning difficulties and none of them have given any money to the church, apart from normal tithing donations. Phil Gill is not the leader of this church and has no reason to rip people off and steal from them; he has a very successful business of his own that makes more than enough money. These people listen to our message and we let them decided what hey wish to do about joining, no one has been forced and tricked in to joining. Once again a rumour and a lie. May be they should talk to us rather than listen to gossip.

(Iregretthis) “It bothers me that they are appealing for money to set up Zion Camp. I am so upset to hear about the preying on and exploitation of these vulnerable people”

We do not see a problem in asking people for donations if you don’t want to give then don’t give, it’s that simple, and we don’t force anyone to give us money. I do believe that the LDS church asks its members for donations, they call them fast offerings that are voluntary donations, so what's the difference? Again it would seem to be that this person is more wiling too except an unfounded lie rather than find out the truth for them selves.

(Bugbyte) wouldn’t worry, his church will fail. Phil Gill just does not have the charisma to pull it off, hence the complete lack of baptisms. If you ever met him you would know what I mean. As a good Mormon I do worry about their salvation, but I worry a whole lot more about his converts. Although baptised into our church the three converts have some degree of learning difficulty and will have been exploited. I am 100% sure the Lord will not hold them accountable. The first convert gave the equity from his house sale to them.
I don’t know what Elder Phil Gill having charisma has to do with the church going forward. The LDS church have lots of baptisms because they have lots of people already on the ground to do lots more work with lots more money at their disposal. Please don’t be worried about our members none of them have learning or mental disabilities….it just makes me laugh when in on line this person says that they were former members of the LDS church and makes it sound like its fine for them to have members with difficulties but for any one else to have them, then they must be tricking them or stealing from them. We have no converts with learning difficulties at all in any case so the argument is just stupid. If we did I still don’t see what the problem would be any way. Aren’t they entitled to know God? You might want to find out how many disabled people and people of low intellect there re in the LDS church. You will find it’s much higher than our church, as WE HAVE NONE.

(Freezer) I'm so glad I've found this site and others are aware of the "Gills”. have been very concerned that I was the only person who was aware of Phil’s and Matthews’s background, although there are many facts you are unaware of. Matthew came into contact with David while serving a mission in Ireland. I’ve read Matthews comments of this forum on his blog site and it’s interesting to note that he hasn’t commented regarding the sale of David’s house and if the money was given to the Gills. Whatever reason or motive drove them to this point, only they know. But I do pray for them that they will give up this charade and repent.

Please, please for the sake of sanity can someone tell me what they know about my background and my fathers? Note the word ‘know’ very few people ‘know’ anything what they think they know is untrue. Many of the people like the person above have relied on gossip and lies to fuel their bigotry. Note how they use the David Smith issue again. David has never sold a house and given the money to me my father or the church. I also like how this person thinks that we need to give up the charade. Maybe they need to examine their own LDS dogma and give up what they think is right. Crazy!!

(amazonman) The gills are going all out to deceive so I feel like I need to put in my 2 pennies worth. I grew up with the guy in Tamworth England. We didn't get on. I almost hit him........twice - you get the picture! I smile at his testimony of him growing up and recieving his visitation at 12 and how the family were great church members. I'm sorry but it is completely untrue.The comments on paralells of JS and people not believing him etc etc came to my mind too. Fortunately I know the man behind the claims and can safely say I have good reason not to believe him. I have a lot to say about him, not all good. I knew his counselor briefly too, I think he's seriously been taken advantage of. In summary, try to find someone who has anything positive to say about him or his family. Compulsive lying, pride, not going to church because a position of authority wasn't bestowed.

What a lovely man this is. As I don’t know his name I can’t personally comment on this person. However he betrays the sort of person he is by his unchristian act of almost hitting me twice, nice guy then? I don’t think I have ever used the words great church members, in fact we very rarely mention our past association with the LDS church. He claims to know the man behind the claims, he obviously has a biased opinion of me from his childhood, (maybe he felt inadequate around me I don’t know) and I doubt weather he would have been a friend in any case, so it’s very unlikely that he would ‘know’ me at all. Once again Elder Smith is being described as some kind of poor unintelligent person who can be taken advantage of, not true, and I don’t know how he knows of him any way as I dint even know Elder Smith growing up. This guy has a real dislike of me and my family that is obvious from his post, but I want to state now that none of my family ever went in active from the LDS church while we were members of the church ever!! In any case most of my family had postions of authority for majority of thei time in the LDS church. So that’s a lie.

Once again I would like to say that it saddens me to have to post this blog and defend my self in this way. However after thinking about it long and hard it had to be done. What really get s me is that these idiots listen to this rubbish; it’s just amazing really, its mind blowing. I have nothing to hid, if you want to know the truth then please come to the source and ask me. If you dislike what we have done that's okay but don’t make up lies and stories that are not true. I have never been in gaol, I have never been in front of an LDS court, and no one that is related to me has ever exploited anyone in the church with regards to taking money from them. I have never been arrested for fraud or any other crime of that nature. May be these people that say they knew us are the ones that were jealous of the wealth that my father had while in the LDS church, maybe they are the same ones that he took to dinner on numerous occasions and never thanked him, maybe these people are the ones that converted after what he had but as soon as he had some troubled times walked away form him and didn’t even extend the hand of friend ship, may be they are the ones that took more than they gave in back. What saddens me the most is that many of the people that accuse me and my family of much of these sick things don’t even know us first hand. Many of the people have only heard of us and have only listed to gossip and rumour. I have many friends that are LDS even my extended family my mother in law for instance in LDS and even she can’t believe some of the things that have been said about me. I have just yesterday meet with an old LDS friend at Starbucks in Derby where we had a great chat about some of the things above. I consider him a friend and those that know me know that I would not do the sorts of things that I have been accused of. My father has never been arrested for fraud or for anything of that nature. He might have offended people in the LDS church or had differences of opinion with many of them in the past, but that hardly qualifies them to speak about him in a manner that is both derogatory and untrue. Defamation of character and slander are serious and if I knew who these people were personally I would do something more about it though legal channels. I have approached the Nauvoo forum and have asked them to cease and desist their members from posting things of this nature and have told them of our action to seek legal advice should this continue. We have nothing to hide so I make this post with a clear conscience, I just hope that many of the people who have said some of the hatful things about us have some prang of conscience, however I doubt it.

If you have anything to ask please email me or the church and ask us, if you want to meet face to face about your concerned then I am happy to do that, as I have done just yesterday. Don’t listen to gossip and lies, because all that does is make a fool out of you.

The Last Video Presentation of The Year

Message From The Prophet

The Prophet talks about the current financial crisis that has gripped the world and how the members of the church are dealing with it. So please watch the videos below and we hope that you find it informative, God Bless .

Hello again to the blog site for The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. We hope that you have had a good week and that this blog finds you in good health.

This week has seen some of the most devastating news being beamed around the world, with talk of the imminent financial collapse of the United States and with Britain soon t follow suit, many people have been looking rather grim and down trodden, many of our world leaders look absolutely blasted and they seem to have no good news to pout to the people. We have been inundated with people emailing us asking us what our stance of all this upheaval and how did we feel about the gloom and crisis that the world is in.

Members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ are led today by a modern day living Prophet and they receive revelation from the Lord via the Prophet. We have in the church modern day scripture much of which speaks of our day and forewarns us of these things. Much of this revelation and prophesy which speaks to us of events that are happening today can be found in The Book of Prophecies and Revelation. So with this in mind our members are not worried too much about the events that unfold on the national and international news with regards to the financial collapse of the world and the unrighteous leadership of the different nations involved. We are more concerned with our righteousness and our actions in these times and how they reflect Christ like attribute and weather we are doing what we have been asked.

Just this Sunday the Prophet gave a talk on this very subject. In that meeting he quoted from the book of P&R from a revelation given on the 23rd of January2008. The prophet quoted from many sections of that revelation but the following quote made the biggest impression on my mind “Now behold before my Second Coming nations shall collapse one against the other. Behold my servant they shall collapse because they have not done like unto my servant Joseph son of Jacob and they have not put by for the lean years and they have not done this because of their greed and their wont. Now behold I have caused that they have been blinded by their own greed, but behold my servant these things shall come to because they have not listened to my Prophets and mine anointed and because of this the nations shall collapse and there shall be unrest….hearken unto mu voice for the tribulation is coming and it is coming with great speed and its speed is great and it is like unto a great wind and it shall come and strip bear your land and many others in its wake”

This is just one of the many times that our day is spoken of in the book of P&R however that quote was one that stuck in my mind and has stayed with me and caused me to remain faithful in these hard times and has called me up to remembrance of the promises that I made to God and to the church at my baptism.

Also this week we saw the unveiling of the UK national ID card another issue with which many have come to us and asked what our stance is on this issue. All across the world many God centred people have been asking if such things are from God if they are something that we should be taking and honouring. In the same Sunday meeting that has just gone the Prophet also reminded us that he had been told about this some time ago in 2006 and that we were not to touch them or even take part in them he quoted from the book of P&R again this time he read from a revelation given on Thursday the 19th of January 2006 in which it says “behold a warning I give unto you, the time will soon come when thou wilt be asked to take by the leaders of thy country cards to carry your identity, this thou must not do, that is the will of the Lord”

So my friends you see that the members of the church here fear nothing that is happening at the moment as we have been forewarned by the Lord that these things will come to pass. We hear the words of the Lord and we obey, this obedience helps us get through these times. We are not saying that the hard times that are coming or that we may yet be living in will be a stroll in the park because they won’t be; they will be hard and in some instances very dangerous. Some people may be in danger of losing there lives and other things that they hold dear, but the love of the lord will be with us through all that trouble and strife, he will be with us to guide us and to comfort us when we feel down and despairing, then it will be up to us to give back to him our obedience and faith. With this faith and obedience we shall be blessed and the lord will protect us.

The Lords church is a church of revelation, it is a living thing not a dead organisation that claims to have revelation but then none is forthcoming. If you feel that you are lost and alone at this troubled times then come unto us and we shall help you and shall comfort you and help lighten your burden with the love of Christ. If you feel that you are walking through a dark and dreary waste with no light to guide then we shall help show you the way by which you may gain that that light. We are here to comfort and uplift you in these dark and trying days. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ Is led by a modern day living Prophet of God who speaks and reveals his word to us.

God bless you on your journey, and let your journey led you here to your rest.

Dear brothers and sisters. I have recently had the opportunity to read the comments placed on the Juvenile instructor some time ago. After been told about it and what was said I thought that I would check it out. After reading the report I was shocked to see a report that was concise and informative, even if a little incorrect, however it was refreshing to see that this site and its mediators had taken the time to find out and analyze what was being said in an academic way rather than an unintellectual and scar mongering attitude that has to often been the case when these types of reports or posts have been made by other people such as those made on the Nauvoo forum.
After reading the report or post, I thought that I would glace through some of the comments. After glancing through the comments I was once again not shocked to see that some of the people who commented were doing so from a purely ill informed position. For instance there is one women o the comments section by the name of Christine that pleased with people not to send u money by saying
“I repeat, do not send money for Zion Camp!” Comment by Christine — May 15, 2008 @ 8:5 am She then goes on to say
I know these people (the Gills) very well. The whole thing - the ‘breakaway’ church and especially the appeal for money turns my stomach. Comment by Christine — June 13, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
I would be very interested to know who you are Christine. The name rings no bells for me, but maybe if you stopped to contact us for yourself to find out what we really believe you would stop being so confused and upset by what you think we have done.
The above comments are just a few that were made until they were told to stop by the mediator on the site, at least someone on there had the backbone to tell them to stop and for that we tank you.
The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is not secret it is not shut away so that nobody can contact us we are always here to discuss the gospel with people and the restoration, we have never mad mention of the fact that we are some kind of secret religion that never talks to people, however this attitude has been permitted far to often by our persecutors.
Let me once again inform everyone out there that we believe in the Book of Mormon and in Joseph Smith as a Prophet of the restoration. We hold true to that fact that the early church was established by the Lord Jesus Christ to bring about a change and to bring about the true and living gospel of Christ once again upon the earth. We hold true to the belief that the 1835 D&C is the only copy of the D&C to have been approved by the prophet and the church as a whole and therefore stands as the only copy approved by God. We also hold true to the fact that the Kirtland Temple was and still is the only building built by the early saints and by the Prophet Joseph that was ordained of God to be his temple. We believe and hold true to the fact that the church ceased to exist when the Prophet was cruelly took from us in 1844 that he was not given to appoint another in his stead as the D&C tells us he would do. We hold true to the fact that the church at that time had fallen in to disobedience that there were men and women within the church doing things which Joseph Smith and others were trying to eradicate such as the practice of polygamy and other such practices, and because the church had been warned and not listened after the disobedience of Kirtland that if they feel in to error again that the Lord would withdraw from them the blessing of the gospel no successor was chosen. We believe and hold true to the fact that Brigham young and many others established churches after the death of the Prophet without authority from God and although they may have done good works or may now be in the process of doing good work they are not churches of God. We hold true to the fact that that the Lord has called forth his people again in this time to establish his church one again upon the earth. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is that church and has been ordained by God to stand as his kingdom upon the earth. We hold true to the Book of Jeraneck that stands as a further witness of Christ and his divinity. We hold true to the witness in the book of Jeraneck that the land of Britain is a chosen and choice land and that a righteousness people once inhabited its shores full of the love and grace of God ready to do that which was asked of them by him. We hold true that they just as those spoken of in the book of Mormon feel in to error and were slain from of the face of the land and only the wicked were left upon its shores. Many people criticize us because of the book of Jeraneck and its teachings. They accuse it of being fabrication and a book of the devil; however most of these people have never read the book and have never even picked up a copy. Many of these people find the same problems with the Book of Mormon and the Bible so we see no merit in there accusations. The Book of Jeraneck was given to us by the gift and power of God and we shall continue to give it to as many people as ask for it. It has touched many peoples lives, not just those attached to the church. It has influenced people all over the world to seek out the lord more in their lives and to pray more and to actively seek the lord. We hold true to the fact that the Lord has called a modern day living Prophet once again upon the earth and that we receive constant revelation concerning the coming of the Saviour and the last days, not to mention personal revelation concerning our own lives and actions. Revelation is an important part of the church and the gospel, the gospel of Christ can not function without it, it is the instrument that the Lord uses to convey things to us of great importance, revelation is spoken of in all the books of scripture and is a vital part of the latter day gospel. I do not understand churches that t profess to be the true church when they receive little if any modern revelation. We hold true to the fact that this revelation takes many forms that it comprises of lost scripture and new teachings give to us by God.
We have been accused also of being very similar to the LDS church and that we have a lot in common, I would like to disagree with that most whole heartily. The only things that we seem to have in common are that we both believe in Joseph Smith and even that can be different, as we believe in a different version of the man, just as we believe in different version of the book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants and the Bible, so in fact although on the face of it we might seem like we have a lot in common, we don’t. This church is lead by God and a real Prophet who speaks with God, not a president who stands as a CEO of a big global corporation.
Although we are small were are true and that stands for a lot. I hope that we are able t help and assist all those people that have become disillusioned by the big LDS church or the crumbling Community of Christ and all the other restoration groups who have no substance. I want you to know that we stand ready to help and assist you in your continued journey to eternal salvation. Please if you are one of these lost sheep, get in touch with us and let us add to the knowledge that you already have, let us show you the gospel of Christ is alive and it is talking to the people today.
God bless you all

Over the past couple of weeks we have been in contact with lots of people from all over the world. This is wonderful to see that our message is being received by lots of different people with the same hopes and dreams that we have. However one set of people have relay struck home to us just how important this work is and the job that we still have to do for the Lord.
A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by a man in the USA, this man Is wonderful he is truly blessed by the Lord and has a pure heart and wants to know and understand his role in the Lords plan and what role he has to play in that plan. We have been communicating now for over two weeks and he has a small congregation in the US that are also searching for Zion and the truth. I would like to address this weeks blog to them if I may and hopefully others who read this may also gain something from this as well:-

A couple of weeks ago I sent some papers out to our friends in the United States, it seems form our emails that they are having some difficulty in understanding why we need to be re baptised. I was glad that they have raised the issue of re baptism, because if they had not raised that issue then I would have thought that they were not reading the things that I sent, but it looks like they are so that is great. The problem that they and some of their congregation are having is very similar to what Joseph Smith and the early saints were going through and because of this very issue of re-baptism the Lord gave Joseph Smith a revelation and that is found in D&C section 22 in this section the Lord outlines why he has asked people to be re-baptised it says:-

Behold, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.
2Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works.
3 For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.
4Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.

You see, it is not that God is saying that you must be re-baptized just to join a new religion or to join a club, but rather to join and seal yourself to a new covenant or promise that he, the Lord has instituted not man. Baptism is not just for the remission of sins, although this is a big part of baptism, but it is a promise a covenant that we make with God that we have entered in to this new promise with him, it becomes a very personal thing rather than a blanket thing were it is just for the remission of sins, it is a living hopeful new law or covenant that the Lord has given unto us. I believe that Joseph Smith was and still is a Prophet of God. I believe that the Lord spoke to him and that what is written in the 1835 D&C are the words of God unto him and if this is the case then I believe that what is written in there is from the Lord.

I do hope that although this may seem like a big issue that you will be prayerful over it and that you will not let this be a stumbling block for yourselves and others in joining us with so that we can accomplish all that the Lord has in store for his people. Zion will be redeemed the Lord will have his people united, Zion will be born again and stand as a banner to the world. I believe that things this important are worth fighting for, that God has revealed his truth in these last days and that we stand as his interments and that he has established the church again for the redemption of Zion. I do not believe for one minute that the Lord led you all to us for you let re-baptism be a deal breaker in any way, the Lord has established his law in the D&C and it says that this is necessary to enter in to his new covenant. The Lord is everything and he wants his people to be one, not just in action but in thought and spirit. He wants his people to be like unto Enoch and the City of Zion and for us to establish that Zion upon the earth and I believe that is worth the ask. I know thaw the Lord is with you and that he has brought you to us for a reason and that our paths have crossed for a far greater reason, the establishment of Zion his people upon the earth once more, don’t forget you live in the Promised Land and it is not a coincidence that you found us. I believe that we were brought together for that greater purpose of his church being established once again on the earth and for a people like your to help build Zion in the United States and to be united with his church.

God Bless you my friends. I hope to be able to meet you one day and to stand with you and to minister to you and for you all to be united in Zion with us so that we can go forth and quench the parched earth and make it flower again and make Zion stand as a banner once again.
“Remember straight is the way and narrow is the gate and few there be that find it”

It has been a while since the blog page has been updated and this has caused some people to wonder weather or not the church is still operating. Let me assure everyone that The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is still here! We have not ceased to operate and the wok continues and it continues with the blessing and love of the Saviour Jesus Christ.

The progress of the work is something that is going from strength to strength and is a work in progress. The church has never claimed to be a big multi conglomerate entity, in fact we have stressed on many occasions that we are here not to compete with those churches but to do the work of the Lord, a work that we are doing very well. The Book of Jeraneck has been received in many counties on many different continents and it has fulfilled the purpose for which it was given to us. We have done all that the Lord has commanded concerning the Book of Jeraneck and we have done it with very little resource. The Book of Jeraneck like many books of scripture is had for both good and bad, it had been received on the whole very well but like all good things there is opposition that still exists and that this fine. We have never stated that people can not have differing opinions on the book or even different opinions about the church; all we have asked is that we be given a chance to tell our side of the story before people listen to gossip or hearsay.
The work and our message is being greatly received at the moment in the United States were many people have contacted us with a view to joining the church and becoming active in our mission. The Lord is preparing that fertile ground so that one day a branch of Zion may be erected. This is pleasing to us as we know that the American continent is the Promised Land and that Zion shall be built upon that continent. To all those that live in the United States and have expressed a willingness to join the church please take the time to pray about your decision and to read the material that we send after this if you still wish to united with us then that can be accomplished.
All in all the Lord is working a mighty miracle at the moment and the past disappointments are well and truly behind us, as we march on to our final goal. To all those that have tasted the waters of baptism an have rejected the message I implore you to get back on to the straight and narrow path and hold firm to the iron rod, for only true and enduring happiness can be fund in the church of God and that is here. To all those Mormons of what ever denomination you belong who are felling unappreciated and underused, I say this, we have a work for you here at The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. There is much we can offer you and much we can add to what you already know to be true. Please contact us we standby ready to help and assist you.

Once again brothers and sisters, God bless all of you and please continue to read the blog and email the church, we are always happy to receive emails form people and to help those looking for the light. God Bless.

(Picture from The upcoming Childrens Book of Jeraneck)

Requirements for Membership In

The Latter Day Church

of

Jesus Christ

We have been asked by a few people to give them a set of requirements for membership. I have therefore taken the decision in light of s few people asking that we post the requirements for people to join the church. Despite what some of you may have heard the church is still here we have not gone in to obscurity or fallen apart, although I'm sure some people would love us to. The purpose of this post and these requirements is not only to inform people about what they have to do to be joined with us but it is our way of letting you know that the church is in fact here and doing the Lords work. This week alone we have given out over ten Books of Jeraneck and have given out numerous amounts of reading material to those that are seeking the truth. The Lord has revealed again in our day his word and the work that he wants to be done. I know that there are many of you out there that have a testimony of Joseph Smith that have read the Book of Mormon and know it to be true, but you feel let down and not supported by the other Mormon faiths. I would encourage all those that are having these or similar difficulties to contact us. We are ready to add to your belief and love of the Prophet Joseph and the Book of Mormon. Please don’t suffer in silence come to us and we shall fulfil your testimony and give you renewed vigour and belief.
So here it is The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ’s requirements for membership.

D&C 20:37
And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism-

• All those who humble themselves before God
• And desire to be baptized
• And come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits
• And witness before the church that they have truly repented of ALL their sins
• And are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ
• Having a determination to serve him to the end,
• And truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins,
  SHALL be received by baptism into his church...

D&C 10:67-68

Behold, this is my doctrine--

• whosoever repenteth
• and cometh unto me,

The same is my church. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church.

2 Nephi 31:13, 21

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye will

• follow the Son,
• with full purpose of heart,
• acting no hypocrisy
• and no deception before God,
• but with real intent,
• repenting of your sins,
• witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ by Baptism --
• Yea, by following your Lord and your Saviour down into the water, according to his word...

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost...

2 Nephi 32:5

For Behold, again I say unto you that if ye will

• enter in by the way,
• and receive the Holy Ghost,

It will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh.

3 Nephi 11

Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another, but this is my doctrine that such things should be done away... And this is my doctrine... that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere,

• To repent
• And believe in me...
• And be baptized in my name,
• And become as a little child...

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that is my doctrine... And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil...

Mosiah 23
... It is not expedient that we should have a king; for thus saith the Lord; Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another... Remember the iniquity of King Noah and his priests... ye have been oppressed by King Noah, and have been in bondage to him and his priests, and have been brought into iniquity by them... I desire that ye should stand fast in the liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be king over you. And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister...

Alma 1
And when the priests left their labour to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labours to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labours; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was not better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal...

The church has gone through a very trying couple of weeks with deception and treachery being the order of the day. I want to assure all those that have remained faithful that the Lord is with us that he will not allow the work that has been done over the last four years to be brought to nought, Those that have acted in the way they have know that they will be held accountable for their actions by a judge higher than this earth, We are not the only people to have ever been hurt our founders suffered, Brother Joseph suffered but he endured and that’s what makes us strong. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is still here and is still standing despite the best efforts of those that came here to do us harm. We may not have the trappings of the big churches, the fine buildings the temples we may not have what The LDS of the CofC or the born agains have but we have the truth and that counts for a lot more.

People all over the world are hearing about us are reading the book of Jeraneck and are liking what they are reading and finding out, we are here for them, for the ones that want to genuinely know more we are here for the ones that have really prayed to receive and answer to their prayers. May God bless all those that want to do us harm may he have his spirit to stir your soul to forgiveness for what you have done or what you are thinking of doing.
God bless all the faithful that have clung to the truth and have tasted the fruit and held true to the rod…..To paraphrase a wonderful quote by the prophet Joseph Smith "Notwithstanding our enemies were continually breathing threats of violence, we do not fear, neither do we hesitate to prosecute our journey, for God is with us, and His angels are before us, and the faith of our little band is unwavering. We know that angels are our companions, for we have seen them"

God bless you all Amen

Hi folks we hope that you have all had a great week and that the lord has blessed you in some way. A lot has happed over the last week or so. We had the pleasure of having our first Joseph Smith memorial meeting on Sunday and we had the pleasure of hearing from our newest convert Elder Kyle Alverson who spoke about the Prophet Joseph with real spirit and conviction. We also had the pleasure of hearing form the modern day Prophet Matthew Gill and he also spoke about his personal relationship with Joseph Smith; all in all it was a great meeting.
In the way of news for everyone we have set up a blog site for our chesterfield contingent and the link to that can be found on our main site. Elder Smith has moved over to chesterfield to help and support the new members there and the church is going form strength to strength. Of course we are still looking for new members all the time so if you feel that you are missing something in your life and that it seems that there must be more to this existence than what there is, or you have a testimony of the Prophet Joseph smith and the book of Mormon but are not being fulfilled in your existing church then get in touch with us we have a lot to offer and truths that will fulfil your life.
Alos we have a new video in production at the momnet about the life of the Prophet Jospeh Smith and we also have a new video for the blog that we hopefully be put on next week, so keep and eye out for that.
God bless to all our friends all over the world, we look forward to seeing you soon.

On the 15th of June 2008 Kyle & Andrew Alverson were baptised as members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. This is a chance for all our viewers and readers to watch the event as it happened that Sunday morning. We would like to thank everyone for the help they gave that day and for making it such a wonderful event for Kyle & Andrew.
We wish Kyle & Andrew all the best in their church life and we hope that the Lord will keep and uphold them.

Baptism of Kyle & Andrew Alverson

It is with great pleasure that I the Leader and Prophet of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ have the opportunity to write this week’s blog. The past week has been one that has lifted my resolve and my spirits, I have seen the Lord work his might miracle and I have seen him do wondrous things to the hearts of men who are willing to open their hearts to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. I would like to take the time to publicly thank our Friends in Australia for their love and their support, we really do appreciate your emails they lift my spirits and its good to know that we have friends, thank you once again. On Friday just gone myself and a few of the priesthood of the church were able to spend a wonderful time together with friends reading talking and studying the gospel, we were blessed with a revelation from the Lord during our studies and time together and that in itself was a glorious thing to behold.
However the world never lets the work of the Lord go on without people wanting to bring it down or who wish to drag through the dirt the name of the Prophet Joseph Smith and that glorious work the Book of Mormon. I had the displeasure of seeing the video on youtube by Shazoloo and I have to say that I am very disappointed that he chose to attack the Book of Mormon with such venom. Although I respect him for his views and I respect him for his love of the Saviour, it seems to me that lately he has found any possible reason to attack the Book of Mormon and therefore the Prophet Joseph Smith. The arguments that he puts forward to destroy the Book of Mormon as a book of scripture and a book of God although eloquent in their tone are nothing more than what I expect from a born again Christian. The Book of Mormon does in many ways contradict the Bible but this is only because the Bible although a record and a collection of the teachings of the Jews and the early Christians is not infallible. It has many errors in it due to the fact that it has been through so many people’s hands and it has been used by men who would have the Bible used for their own edification or for their own wicked designs. However I understand that the Bible is the word of God, but this can only be truly trusted as far as it is translated correctly.
The argument that I have just put forth for the Bible can be said of the Book of Mormon, if you know its history. The Book of Mormon was first published in 1830 and since the death of the prophet Joseph Smith it has gone through revision after revision and change after change. For example the Community of Christ have a version that is totally in new English and it has been watered down so much that it has nothing resembling the original about it. The LDS church has revised their edition so many times and they have even taken and altered bits form the original. However the difference between the Bible and the Book of Mormon is that we have an original edition of the Book of Mormon. The manuscript is still available for people to see; indeed you can buy a replica of the original copy with the same text and print as was found in the edition that The Prophet Joseph Smith had printed at the E.B. Grandin bookstore in Palmyra, New York. As you may be aware no one can get a copy of the original manuscripts of the Bible as many people wrote them and many of them have never been seen since the person who wrote them finished them.
I have posted a video response to the video on you tube and I hope that who ever view's this blog will enjoy it and find it informative. I hope that Shazzolo comes back to us and that we can have a healthy sensible debate on many of the issues that he raises and let it be a discussion that is done with respect and with Christ like attitudes, because that is what should be done when talking about the Gospel of Christ. However I would say to him that maybe he is being led astray by not reading and praying about the book of Mormon or even the Book of Jeraneck, may be it’s him that needs to be more influence by the spirit of Christ and not the other way around.
God Bless.

Should We Pray About The Book of Mormon? YES!!

It has been a long gap since we posted the Spring GA videos but we have had a lot happen in that short space of time. The work is going forward and we are having lots of feed back form the Spring GA witch is great. We have had the opportunity to get Apostle Elder David Smith to answer some questions that were emailed to us the video for that is found below. We have also updated the GA with the remaining minutes of the Assembly for you all to see. We would also like to thank everyone for their positive comments made on the email and on you tube. May we also take the time to thank all those that leave negative comments as well, because the more we have of those the more we know that this work is what the lord wills, we welcome all forms of communication but if you have nothing constructive to add then please refrain form leaving comment as this takes up the time form people who leave constructive comments or criticism. Once again may God Bless you in the coming week.

Q&A with Apostle Elder David Smith

This Sunday just gone on the 11th of May 2008 The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ had its Spring General Assembly. We have posted the videos on the blog so that you can enjoy the moment that we all shared on Sunday and hope that you feel the spirit in the words that were spoken. As the Prophet of the church I would like to thank all those that helped make this year’s Spring GA a wonderful spirit filled meeting. God Bless you all and I hope that you enjoy.

Spring GA Part One


Spring GA Part Two


Spring GA Part Three


Spring GA Part Four


Spring GA Part Five


Spring GA part Six

On Sunday we had our testimony meeting which was missed by a few of the members. With this in mind we have decide to post an edited version of that meeting so that they can feel of the spirit that was present on Sunday. As way of a reminder the First General Assembly of 2008 will be held this Sunday at 10:00 am all those wishing to join with us please call in advance so that we can make arrangements for extra chairs to be put out. We have already had a good response and we are expecting to have some new faces in the congregation for GA. Once again any one wishing to know more about that church please email or contact us we have work to do and we need willing hands to do it. God Bless and have great week.

TM Part One


TM Part Two


TM Part Three


TM Part Four

Another week has gone by and it has been a wonderful week for the church with the baptism of Michael Clarke. For this weeks blog we have added the video of the baptism for you all to see. God Bless.

Firstly we would like to thank all those that have been emailing us and sending questions to be raised on the video presentations, we thank you for your continued support and your help, God bless you.
Well it has been one of the most exciting weeks that the church has had for a long time. On Sunday just gone we had and investigator meet with us and after our services and a meeting with the prophet he has decided to be baptised. Michael our investigator is a wonderful person who will bring a lot to the church. He has a spirit that shouts out with the love of the Lord, I’m sure that Michael will be a wonderful member and brother, we look forward to working and worshipping with him. Michael’s baptism will take place on Sunday the 27th of April and of course it promises to be a wonderful event.
The Latter day Church of Jesus Christ also has its first General Assembly of the year coming up on the 4th of May. The General Assembly which is the first one of the year always promises to be a wonderful event which sets out the year’s goals and aspirations for the year. If you wish to come to the general assembly then please call in advance for the start time.
This week we will not be having a video presentation that will continue next week however we would like to share with you a wonderful poem written by the Prophet Jospeh Smith-

This poem was published in the Church's official paper, the Times and Seasons on February 1, 1843. In this poem it tells of a vision that Joseph had had, Joseph had beheld a heavenly vision in which he was shown the condition of those individuals who inherit Celestial Glory. He tells of having been given the knowledge that they who attain Celestial Glory will be "equal in power, dominion and might, with a fullness of glory and grace, round Heavenly Father's throne."
Not only was Joseph’s vision and poem made available to the Church members in America, but it was also published in Liverpool, England, in the Church's paper, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star for August 1843, it was also printed in New York City in the New York Herald.

Joseph's Poem in Its Entirety
I will go, I will go, to the home of the Saints Celestial Glory,Where the virtue's the value, and life the reward;But before I return to my former estateI must fulfil the mission I had from the Lord....
I, Joseph, the prophet, in spirit beheld,And the eyes of the inner man truly did seeEternity sketch'd in a vision from God,Of what was, and now is, and yet is to be....
For while in the act of translating his word [producing the Inspired Version],Which the Lord in his grace had appointed to me,I came to the gospel recorded by John,Chapter fifth and the twenty ninth verse, which you'll see.
Which was given as follows:"Speaking of the resurrection of the dead,—"Concerning those who shall hear the voice of "the son of man—"And shall come forth:—"They who have done good in the resurrection "of the just."And they who have done evil in the resurrection "of the unjust."
I marvel'd at these resurrections, indeed!For it came unto me by the spirit direct:—And while I did meditate what it all meant, The Lord touched the eyes of my own intellect....
I beheld the celestial, in glory sublime; Which is the most excellent kingdom that is,—Where God, e'en the Father, in harmony reigns; Almighty, supreme, and eternal, in bliss.
Where the church of the first born in union reside,And they see as they're seen, and they know as they're known;Being equal in power, dominion and might,With a fullness of glory and grace, round his throne.
(Times and Seasons 4 February 1, 1843 also The Latter-Day Saints Millennial Star 4 August 1843 and the New York Herald March 8, 1843)

God Bless you all for your continued viewing of the blog. we are sorry fpr any problems the last artical may have casued but we hope that this peopm makes up for what was a clerical oversight.

Hello and welcome once again to this weeks blog. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is working toward a lot of goals at the moment and the work that we are about is progressing nicely. We have had a lot of emails and lot of people viewing last week’s video by Elder Philip Gill. This week Elder Gill is doing a video presentation with regards to Zion’s camp. Elder Phil Gill a presiding officer in The Latter day Church of Jesus Christ makes a fresh appeal for funds for the establishment of Zion’s Camp and also talks about the topic of responsible husbandry of the earth.

We have had a magnificent week with people coming forward and contacting us with regards to joining the church. We are going to be having an investigator come and meet with us on the 13th of April and hopefully God willing he will feel the Spirit and join the church. We are just so overjoyed that someone has heard the message and they have felt the Spirit and they have felt that Matthew Gill our Prophet is called of God. Once again we call on all those that are in the LDS (Utah) Church and the other Mormon and Christan denominations that feel that they have been ignored or feel disenfranchised and feel that they have lost that personal connection with the Saviour Jesus Christ to come and talk to us and join with us, we have a lot to offer and we can give you back that personal relationship with Christ. It is great and overwhelming to know that the work that the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr started is finally being continued and is being appreciated, and that it is being done here at The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ.

We hope that Elder Philip Gill appeals for money for Zion’s Camp do not go unheard and that you donate. If you desire to donate please go to paypal and donate tan amount that you feel is appropriate. Please donate it to latterdaychurchofchrist2006@yahoo.co.uk marking it for the attention of Zion’s Camp fund.

God bless you all and have a wonderful week. Next week Apostle David Smith will be making a video presentation, please look out for that.
An Appeal for Funds for Zions Camp

We hope you have had a great Easter and that you were able to spend some of that time reflecting on the saviour and turning your thoughts to what Easter is all about. The ester and Passover celebrations here we very good and we had a wonderful Sunday sacrament meeting where all the talks were based on the Easter story and the saviour’s atonement.

As promised Elder Phil Gill was able to do a video and we have pasted here along with this weeks blog. It is the first time that someone other than the Prophet has done a video so we hope that there will be questions sent to the email, and that it will generate some interest. The church is progressing very well and the wok is getting done the message is being spread and people are becoming engaged. Wonderful things are happening with revelation being given on a daily basis. The Apostle David Smith was given a dream from the Lord last week and the Prophet had a fulfilment of a revelation this week, so the Lord is working his mighty miracle and everything is coming together just as the Lord promises it will. We hope you enjoy the new video presentation given by Elder Phil Gill. God bless you throughout this week.

A Personal testimony From Elder Philip Gill

Hello every one, we hope that the last week has been good to you and that you have been blessed by the Lord. Well it is that time of year again when we celebrate the death and resurrection of the Saviour Jesus Christ. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ hold's this time of year in great reverence and we believe that it is a very special time of year when the Lord gave us a wonderful blessing and gave us the chance to have our sins forgiven and to triumph over death. We would like to remind everyone what this time of year is all about, it’s not about the Eggs and the Easter Bunny but about the Saviour and his life and work. Have a great Easter and Passover holiday bearing in mind what this time of year is all about, please remember to keep it reverent and give some time during this busy holiday to remembering the Saviour and the great gift that he gave at this time.

We hope that you are enjoying the video presentations and that you feel that you are gaining something form watching them. This week’s video is a return to the normal run of the mill topics that we started on. However we would still love to hear form you, if you have nay questions or comments that you feel that you would like to make then please contact us and we will pass it on to get attention on the video presentations. We are hoping to get other members to talk about there experiences and their testimonies on the videos and that should start form next week, Our fist One should be done by Elder Philip Gill, so if all goes well that will be a nice change.

Once again we are calling on all those people and you may be one of them , that feel lost in the other Mormon churches or in any Christen faiths to come and talk to us we have a great deal to offer and we know that we can fulfil your life and fill those gaps that you have been experiencing. Please get in touch with us we would love to hear form you. Well have a great week and a wonderful Easter and Passover holiday, God Bless

Beliefs Part One

Beliefs Part Two

Hello and welcome once again to the official blog site for The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. To the right you will see one of the first batch of pictures that has been done for the children's Book of Jeraneck by the Artist lettmann, I'm sure you will all agree that it is exceptional work that she is doing for us. Well as i said another week and another video presentation. We have been inundated with questions over the last week and the Prophet has chosen a just a few of those questions to answer on the video presentation, we hope that the answers that have been given have been done in a way that is easy to understand. The Prophet of the church has dealt with some issues on this week video blog that we believe needed answering and getting out in to the wider world.

We hope that you continue to send in your questions and as the Prophet has said in his video presentation that if you feel that there is something missing in your life, a void that never seems to be filled, that you will come and join with us in worshiping the Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. To those of you that are among the LDS(Utah) faith that feel that they have been disenfranchised or who feel that there needs are not being met will come to us so that we can add to your belief and fulfil your needs, the gospel of the Saviour Jesus Christ is here and it is alive today in The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. God bless you all and have great weekend

Q&A On The Word of Wisdom part one


Q&A On The Word of Wisdom Part Two

Well another week has gone by and the church continues to go from strength to strength. We have had a lot of people emailing us over the last couple of weeks leaving questions and enquiring about the church and what we are doing and what we believe in. The Prophet has taken a few of those questions and he has done a video post in order to answer some of them in person, that video address can be found here on the blog site and also on youtube as well.

The church has also commissioned Doris Lettmann to do some more Art work to go in to the children’s version of the Book of Jeraneck. So far the work that she has done has been wonderful and it looks as if the pictures are really going to catch the children’s eye, she is a wonderful artist and we thank her for her continued work that she is doing.

Zion’s Camp is hopefully going to become a reality this year with the church planning to purchase some land. If any one is interested they can email us about Zion’s Camp, if you are interested in coming and living at Zion’s Camp then please contact us and we will talk you through what you need to do. We are also still asking for donations to be made to the church for its continued missionary programme and its foundation of Zion’s Camp, please give what you can to the church, your seed will be planted and the harvest will be great.

So we hope that you enjoy the video’s, please keep your comments and emails coming. God Bless and have a great week.
Questions & Answers Part One


Questions & Answers Part Two

Once again we have another video blog. This week has been very unique in as much as we have had two video posts. Today’s video post is in direct response to a video that was posted on youtube called: - A Curious Dilemma for Mormons: The Book of Jeraneck. Although the video was very good and did not portray the church in a savoury light there were some things that the Prophet needed to clear up hence the video response. We have not only put them on youtube but also on the blog so that those who keep updated with the blog will be able to watch them here. If you would like to know more or are interested in joining the church or if you have any questions that you wish to ask then please email your requests to us and we will try our best to answer them in double quick time.

God bless you all and have a great weekend.

It seems that the greater the work the greater the persecution is. This week we have had our share of both good and very bad responses to our video presentations both here on the blog and on youtube. Let me first start by thanking our friends all over the world for their support and their help it is very much appreciated and we welcome your help and your friendship, God Bless you.
As for our persecutors and those who wish us ill we pray for you and we hope that your hearts may be softened and that you will learn to show more Christ like attributes in your life and also that you might read a little more in to your articles of faith in particular number eleven which says, "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may".... Many of our persecutors are once again form the LDS church in Utah, it would seem that they have once again chosen to forget that their own church allows people the right to worship how were and what they may…. We do not know why but they seem to have a problem with any other religious group other than their own. We understand that you may not like what we are doing but then again we don’t like what you are doing but we don’t offend the leaders of your church every week with hate mail. It would seem that although they claim to be lovers of the saviour and the gospel that they are in truth further away form it than they would like to admit. Moving on, this week has been wonderful. We have had many people enquiring about the church and enquiring about baptism. The Lord is truly blessing his little flock at this moment in time.
This weeks the video presentation is on Zion’s Camp. Please enjoy the presentation and please keep your email coming. Have great week, God Bless.

Hello once again and welcome to another church blog. We would like to thank all those people that have made comments about last week’s video blog in particular our friends in Australia. Once again as promised we have posted another video blog. We shall be posting a video blog every week until further notice. The Video blogs will outline our beliefs and our doctrines. This week our Prophet Matthew Gill will be talking about the book of Jeraneck and what it is all about. Please enjoy this week’s video and please keep those comments coming. Next weeks blog will be on Zion’s camp among other things. God Bless.

Welcome once again to this weeks blog. As promised here is the first of what we hope will be many videos outlining the beliefs and doctrines of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ.






In other News. Today we received the Second Edition of The Book of Jeraneck from the publishers. We will be dispatching them as soon as possible to all those that have placed orders for them. If you wish to purchase a Book of Jeraneck then please go http://www.bookofjeraneck.co.uk/ from there you can place your order. God Bless and have wonderful week.

Hi and welcome to all who have found our blog site. This week’s blog will be something a little different. There will not be a normal post this week, as we are going to be given an informal video from our Prophet Matthew Gill that will be posted later this week. In this video presentation the Prophet talks about Zion’s Camp and the role that it will play in the church and also about how the Last Days and events that are happening around us are a fulfilment of Prophesy. We will hopefully have the video posted by the end of the week.

We are encouraging every one that reads this blog to help us in our efforts by talking to us and asking questions, we want to be able to post a video response at least every month to questions that we are asked and also to act as a call all those that are still undecided to come and join with us in building the kingdom of God and also in building Zion’s Camp. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ wants your membership and we want you to join with us.

God Bless you all and we hope that you enjoy the video presentation, keep an eye out for it.

Happy New year to Each And Every One of You.

2007 was a wonderful year for the church which was capped of wonderfully with the Winter General Assembly meeting, which was a wonderful success. The Winter General Assembly can be seen our youtube page.

2008 promises to be a good year for the church with the completion of the second Edition of The Book of Jeraneck soon to be with us and the Book of Prophesies and Revelation also soon to be with us. It is a year that as already brought reward to our small but faithful people. Already in 2008 we have been inundated with emails from people all over the world wanting to know more about us and wanting to get hold of Book of Jeraneck, so all in all the start to 2008 look’s good.

This year we have a plan in force to get a few things done. They are, establishing Zion’s Camp, getting the children’s version of the Book of Jeraneck completed, the churches mission to Tibet and India completed and on track and also the new version of the Bible to be finished and ready to use.

So once again we would like you to keep watching and contacting us as this year should be a great one indeed.

I found the following story and I thought that it would be great to include in this weeks blog. I hope that you like it, we all did. God bless you in your week and may his countenance shine upon you.

A Childs Hug

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a tone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'
If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.