From an e-mail dated August 7, 2006: "For there are many promises which are extended to the Lamanites; for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them and prolong their existence in the land. And at some period of time they will be brought to believe in his word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers; and many of them will be saved, for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name." (Alma 9:16-17).

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As I stated last week, there have been changes made in the mission field. Though surprising (with a host of other emotions), these changes represent the fulfilment of prophesy. This is exciting.

The Book of Mormon is full of prophesies that are now being fulfilled. These prophesies are about the descendents of the Lamanites, a group of people who migrated from the Middle East to America in 600 BC. Today these descendents mostly include the Latin community of Central and South America. Though the Lamanites often fell into wicked traditions, the Lord made promises to them in the Book of Mormon. Those promises include:

1. They would be preserved in the Land (North and South America).


2. They would have afflictions and would be scattered.


3. They would be nourished by the gentiles (Europeans) at a future day after first being smitten by the gentiles.


4. A great work would begin amongst the gentiles (The Restoration).


5. That work will bring the Lamanites a knowledge of their forefathers.


6. Through that work, they will believe God's word.


7. They will forsake their father's traditions.


8. They will be taught the doctrines of Salvations through Jesus Christ.


9. They would be brought to know of the truth through the Book of Mormon.


10. Many of them will be saved.

For a complete understanding of these prophesies, read them in the Book of Mormon at www.scriptures.lds.org (Alma 9:16-17; Helaman 15:12,16; 1 Nephi 22:8; Enos 1:11-13; 1 Nephi 15:13-14; 2 Nephi 26:15-16; 2 Nephi 9:53; Alma 37:17-19; Mormon 7; Mormon 5:12-14; 2 Nephi 3:12). It is really neat to read these prophesies and see how they are now being fullfiled today.

Long story short, scholars predict that within 10 years, 8 million people will migrate to California from Latin America. 1 million will come from Asia, and 1 million will come from other countries. Meanwhile, 1 million "white" people will leave. In response to the prophesies of the Book of Mormon and this divine growth of foreign peoples in America, the Church has announced a new missionary program in 5 southern California Missions, including the California Arcadia Mission.

All missionaries coming to this mission from now on will have learned to speak two languages. The California Arcadia Mission is now a completely bilingual mission.

So far I don't know if I will be asked to learn a new language. I only speak English. I do think it is exciting though to see the change. This is a testament to me that the Book of Mormon is true. The descendents of the people who wrote the Book of Mormon are responding to its familiar message. The Church has grown with this hispanic peoples in unprecedented ways.

In other news, an older couple, Elder and Sister Bailey, have been asked to take over my role in the office. I am training them right now. I have mixed feelings about being ousted out of the office so suddenly. You can write me if you want to get more details. (Or you can just write me if you want to make me happy)

In closing, I leave all descendents of Lehi (ie. descendents of Native Americans- Hispanics especially) with an invitation to read a letter written to them by one of their forebearers. It is found in Mormon 7 of the Book of Mormon. Well, take care,

Elder Embree

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"in the latter days, when our seed shall have dwindled in unbelief, yea, for the space of many years, and many generations after the Messiah shall be manifested in body unto the children of men, then shall the fulness of the gospel of the Messiah come unto the Gentiles, and from the Gentiles unto the remnant of our seed— And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved" (1 Nephi 15:13-14).

From an e-mail dated July 31, 2006: ”They have testified of the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his day. … And behold, he is God, and he is with them, and he did manifest himself unto them, that they were redeemed by him;” (Helaman 8:22-23).

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These past two weeks have brought changes- major changes. I have the option of telling you about the changes now, or telling you about some experiences I had this past week. I think I’ll leave you in suspense about the changes and instead write about my week.

The week started with discouragement, anxiety, frustration, and insecurity. As the changes were announced, I felt left out. I felt obsolete. Not to be dramatic, but I even felt like maybe I would be better off at home, where life is carefree (*cough*). In short I felt like poo.

But out of stubbornness I stuck it out. Thursday Elder Pitcher and I realized we really needed morale to improve and we really needed our numbers to improve. Even though we knew it wasn’t very effective, we figured we should knock on some doors. So we prayed, and I felt impressed to knock Workman Street. As we did, we found the street to be surprisingly nice, even polite. A kind woman said we could come back in three weeks. A gardener we talked to was interested in El Libro De Mormon. An hour passed quickly and morale was greatly improved. We had to leave for dinner, but knowing that neighbors tend to be alike, I wanted to come back and finish the street later.

After diner we decided to go out on bike. Even though it was hot, I knew that I needed to get my frustration worked out, and driving in California doesn’t do that. Biking did.

As I was following my companion, he suddenly stopped. We parked our bikes, even though we had been on our way to a referral we wanted to re-contact. Elder Pitcher felt like we had something to do on that street. We didn’t have time to stop, but you can’t argue with inspiration.

As we walked, we found a small cul-de-sac to knock. On the third door, my companion was talking with a young man when someone walked up to the driveway and asked to talk with one of us. I apprehensively stepped away from the door to talk with this man. He was clearly agitated, and I was afraid he had a bone to pick with us. He asked what message we were sharing with his community. I pulled out an offer for a free DVD called “Finding Faith in Christ” and explained that we were helping his neighbors find greater faith in Jesus Christ. I explained that the two obstacles that stop us from eternal life with God are death and sin. I told him how Christ had overcome both obstacles, enabling us to escape sin and conquer death. This softened him.

He told me that he needed someone to put his heart at ease because his brother had died a few days ago. Since his brother was a Mormon, this man was very shaken up. He attends Calvary Chapel (a So-Cal equivalent to Willowcreek in Chicago). At Calvary Chapel, they taught that Mormons go to hell because we don’t accept Jesus. This man was so grateful to accept our assurance that Mormons certainly do accept Jesus as their personal Savior. I could see the relief in his face and knew that finally he could sleep at night knowing that his brother was going to be at peace.

After talking with two very friendly elderly ladies, we resumed our plans. I felt a little bit better that night knowing that I had things to do out here.

On Friday we left the office around 1:45 and had some time to proselyte before a 3:00 commitment. It was hot, so we didn’t really want to kock doors, but after praying I felt that we should finish knocking Workman. It wasn’t long before we found a woman in her early 40’s covered in face mask. She wanted to hear what we had to say, so she ushered her son and her daughter (also covered in white face mask) inside and had us sit on the porch.

This woman (hereafter known as “J”) was concerned because her kids felt alienated at Church. Her Church was becoming a Korean congregation, and had even changed its name. She asked us what we had to offer. As we explained our Junior Sunday School program, she told us that we looked so happy. J wanted her kids to be as happy as we were, so again, she asked us what we had that she couldn’t provide her kids. So we told her.

It was more than just Sunday school. It is the promises we make to our families to be together forever, even after death. It is the Book of Mormon, which was written so that our children could know that Jesus Christ is the source of forgiveness, peace, and joy. It is our personal conversions. She was clearly interested, so we taught her a full first lesson. Though I felt like we had overwhelmed her with information, J was very impressed. She told us that we could come back any time, promised to read some chapters in the Book of Mormon, and agreed to come to Church on Sunday. It was wonderful. She told us how much she had needed our visit that day.

I know that God is real. I know this because A Higher Power has guided me specifically as a missionary. It is a strange and new phenomenon for me to have sudden itches to turn right, stop, or move. It is wonderful to feel so specifically what I should say, or who I should approach. I testify that Elder Pitcher and I are merely instruments following the instructions of an Omnipotent Hand. I testify that the instructions come clearly, and that they come from the only living God. It is my prayer that I can continue to walk in the guidance of the Lord in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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“Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.” (Ether 12:4).

From an e-mail dated July 10, 2006:
Begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead ... And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son" (Alma 33:22-23).

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Dear family, friends, and xangans,

Unfortunately I don't have time for the type of detailed account I gave last week. I do want to offer some follow up. That whole family of three came to
church on Sunday and had a great time. The 5 year old loved drawing pictures of himself and the missionaries during sacrement meeting, and he loved primary. The mom felt better about herself for bringing her children to church. Most importantly, the 15 year old has been eating this up. He loves learning the gospel. He accepts it prayerfully. He is excited about it. He wants to be baptized. I have found fulfilment in watching this family get excited about the powerful message of the Restoration.

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"And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come
among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; [Therefore] ... begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you; Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is amighty to save" (Alma 34:8,17-18).

“And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God” (D&C 42:6).

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Dear Family, Friends, and fellow Xangans,

Today I will give you a play by play account of two days from the past week. I do this in part because Julie wrote me a letter and asked what my daily schedule was like, but also because I learned significant principles from this week I’d like to share. As I do this, keep in mind that my schedule is not a normal missionary schedule because I am an Office Elder (for the time being).

Thursday, June 29, 2006

I woke up at 6:30 to exercise until 7:00. I was showered and ready to go in my white shirt and tie by 8:00. Normally we study for an hour by ourselves and then another hour as a companionship, but we had to leave by 8:20 to get to our district meeting in Monrovia by 9:00. District meetings are gatherings of missionaries that happen every Thursday in which we train each other and practice our “skills” (teaching, finding, committing, planning, etc.).

After district meeting, missionaries plan out the next week for two hours. We had to cut our planning session short so we could make it to the office by noon, but we still had some powerful planning. My new companion and I prayed long and hard over a baptismal goal for the six week transfer. We knew that if there were people to baptize, we hadn’t found them yet. I kept thinking of the number three, but I only felt that we should set a goal for one. Both us really wanted to teach a family. The other two missionaries in our ward had been teaching whole families, one of which they baptized last transfer. Though we wanted that for ourselves, we set a goal for one baptism because that is what we felt right about.

On our way to the office, we grabbed some Subway that we ate as we worked. In the office we are bombarded by tasks that seem important. We try to do them as fast as we can so we can get out into the “field” where our work really is important. Thursday I checked the vehicle information sheets and ensured that during the new transfer the right drivers were driving the right cars. We also prepared for our training for Zone Conference, and we worked on the mission Newsletter. We also had to count/total the supply requests from the zone leaders.

We were finally able to break away form the office at 4:15. As we drove to our 5:00 dinner appointment, we struggled to figure out what to do with a spare twenty minutes. An extra twenty minutes is dreaded by missionaries because it is not enough time to do anything, but it is too much time to do nothing. Remember that missionaries from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm should always be engaged in missionary work.

Elder Pitcher and I decided to just drive and hope for inspiration. As we drove, I made a wrong turn. I adjusted my course, but we still could not figure out what to do. It was then that I noticed a corner that stuck out to me. I felt like we should turn right because the corner was familiar. We were in the left turn lane. We turned around and parked. There was an apartment where my last companion and I had left a Book of Mormon on the doorstep. I guess he had been trying to deliver the book because she had requested it, but they had never gotten a hold of her. When I was transferred in, he decided to leave it on the doorstep and be done with it. So now, twelve weeks later Elder Pitcher and I felt like we should knock on her door. We didn’t even know her name.

We knocked, and she opened the door. She let us in, and we sat down on her couch. She mentioned receiving the book, and slowly her story tumbled out. She was a divorced mother with two kids at home (ages 15 and 5). She had been baptized in the 90’s, but had since fallen less active. She had been fired from her job for being honest. In short, she desperately needed divinity in her life. We taught the three of them briefly, and invited the 15 year old son to listen to the lessons. We left this apartment at 5:10, late for dinner, but with a new family of three to teach. Of course, if this family of three progressed, it would still only yield one baptism.

We had a nice dinner at the Meza’s. After dinner we taught them a lesson. We have been teaching the Meza’s lessons aimed at getting them excited about the scriptures. So far it has actually worked more than I thought it would.

At this point, we didn’t have any appointments scheduled for the rest of the day. We made a few phone calls to set up some appointments for the next day. Then we went to visit a member who had brought a friend to Church the past week. To make a long story short, we ended up having nothing planned from about 8:00 on. Elder Pitcher suggested that we street contact on Garvey. I thought about it, and felt like it would be better to try and make a contact on Las Tunas, a street further north.

When we parked the car and started walking down the side walk, there was not a soul in sight. We decided to walk it anyway. All of a sudden as we stopped at the second intersection, a jogger appeared out of nowhere. We started a conversation with her. She was new to the area, and was a less active member of the Church from Oregon. She had just moved in with her fiancé. We gave her information about the Church because she wanted to bring her fiancé to church with her. It was a perfect contact. Before we knew it, it was 9:00 and we needed to rush home. By 10:30 we were in bed after a good day’s work.

Friday, June 30, 2006

This time we were able to get a full hour’s personal study by 9:00 AM., but we had to skip companionship study. I hate doing that, but it’s one of the things that happens when you’re assigned to the office. We spent the morning boxing up supplies for the zones. Then we picked up 12 pizzas and set up the lunch for Zone Leader Counsel, a meeting where President trains the Zone Leaders. We were able to get out of the office at 2:30.

We went straight to Brother R.’s house. He is a less active member who had come to church twice since we started visiting him three or four weeks ago. We taught him a brief lesson and then headed over to Brother B’s house at 4:00. He is a less active member that we found knocking doors. His wife is Catholic. We taught them a powerful lesson on Eternal Marriage through sealings in the Temple. We committed them for Church again. (As a side note, they both came to churh for the first time that next Sunday).

5:00 brought dinner, this time at our own house. I made breakfast burritos. I’ve gotten very good at it. We had to rush out so that we could get to Maria’s at 6:15. She is the woman I baptized two transfers ago. We taught a very powerful lesson to her about revelation and about Patriarchal Blessings. She loved meeting Elder Pitcher and was impressed by him.

By now I am running out of time writing this. I think you get the idea. We are successful when we teach. Our goal then is to find people to teach and to set up frequent appointments with them.

I have learned a powerful lesson with Elder Pitcher last week though. It is to always be moving forward trusting that the inspiration will come. When ever we didn’t know what to do, we just started moving until the Lord directed us. He directed us every time. I am so grateful that I have learned how to recognize the Spirit’s inspiration and have followed it. I know that it is real. We are guided very specifically. I testify that missionaries are lead by God. I leave you that testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

From an Email dated June 26, 2006:

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Dear Family, Friends, and Xangans,

Last week was a very hard week for me. I had the flu, amonst other woes. I am stoked for the coming week though. Today brings change. I am now the Vehicle Coordinator for the California Arcadia Mission. I have a new companion, Elder Pitcher.

Yesterday was a good day. Church went relievably well. There was a nice fireside about the relationship between Jews and Mormons with a guest speaker who was an Israeli Diplomat. I learned about that made me proud. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only Christian Church in the world with a perfectly clean history of non-antisemitism (sp?). Utah and Idaho have had the first Jewish Governors, for example. Anyway. Made me proud cause I have lots of Jewish friends.

Take Care,
Elder Embree

From an Email dated June 19, 2006:

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Dear Family, Friends, and fellow Xangans,

This week has gone by so fast. It was an extremely sucessful week in terms of numbers and morale for Elder Mancuso and I. Also, in our ward Elder Christy and Elder Whittier baptized a mother and her four kids (ages 15-10). The father will soon follow. It was awesome! I had taught them 2 lessons, and had interacted with them on numerous occasions. The kids are so charming. I got to give a talk on the atonement at the baptism, and I gave the closing prayer. It was a very powerful service. We have now reached the year's goal for the ward.

Next week is transfer day. I will get a new companion. (Wish me lu! ck!) We ll, take care. I have no time to write more,

Elder Embree

Taken from study journal entries dated March 30 and June2, 2006: "BE ye therefore followers of God... But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints... For this ye know, that no… unclean person… hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words..." (Ephesians 5:1-6).

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Thoughts on Salvation, by Daniel Embree

Here in Southern California I see a lot of Evangelical tracts that promise salvation to those who will acknowledge their sinful disposition and verbally accept Jesus Christ as Lord. Such tracts usually will even include the prayer one should repeat to have such a saving moment. These cheesy pamphlets with such an easy solution present salvation as a cheap experience. As a Latter-day Saint this disgusts me.

Salvation is not cheap. It was purchased with the suffering and bloody agony of One who was blameless. It was purchased with the condescension of the God of Israel and the sacrifice of the Almighty. Surely such a price, though already paid, makes salvation more than the cheap experience these popular Born-Again tracts describe.

I do love the conversion experiences the tracts encourage. I have had my own nights spent on my knees wrestling with God, striving to understand the redemptive grace of Christ. I have been born again, and am a Christian believer. Personal conviction, wrought through life changing moments in which one accepts Jesus Christ, is faith. It is certainly the first principle of the gospel, what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland terms "the first step out of despair" (Broken Things to Mend, May 2006 Ensign). But, a first step means little when it is not followed by a second step. We must "turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" (Acts 6:20 emphasis added).

The key missing component from these Evangelical fliers and booklets is that second step: repentance. Though they encourage you to acknowledge your sinful nature, they don’t ask you to do anything about it. They don’t empower you with any sense of a possibility that you can change. They leave out the substance of the message of Christ who came to "call... sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:13) and who said "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). These tracts do not reflect the "Jesus [who] came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God... saying, "... repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:14-15), nor do they reflect the teachings of the Apostles who "went out, and preached that men should repent" (Mark 6:12). (See also Acts 2:38; 3:19).

The problem with an incomplete approach to salvation is that the conversion is less meaningful. Just as you never appreciate having food on the table until you grow up and have to provide for yourself. You will not fully appreciate salvation if you have done nothing to achieve it. A cheap experience is easily thrown away. Conversion becomes less fulfilling when there is no change made. There is little fulfillment in learning that you are sinful if you are also told that you do not need to change your sinful state. The fulfillment comes from tackling personal weaknesses and over coming them. Overcoming sin through Jesus Christ brings lasting satisfaction.

Contrast the message of salvation most evangelical tracts relate to the message of salvation found in the Book of Mormon. The ancient American prophets left a record that presents the depth of salvation. For example, there is nothing cheap about the "glad tidings" the prophet King Benjamin spoke of in Mosiah chapter 3. He said, "[T]he time... is not far distant," he said in 124 B.C., "that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth... working mighty miracles... And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer... for behold, blood cometh from every pore... And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this they… shall scourge him, and shall crucify him. [But] he sha1l rise the third day…" (Mosiah 3:3-10).

Like the Evangelical handouts, King Benjamin acknowledged the sinful disposition of man, saying, "The natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam…" (Mosiah 3:19), but unlike those tracts, King Benjamin empowers his audience with the hope that they can hearken to "the enticing of the Holy Spirit… and [become] a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord" (Mosiah 3:19).

When these people heard King Benjamin’s message, they "viewed themselves in their own carnal state… And they all cried… saying: ‘O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness…’ And… the Spirit came upon them, and they were filled with joy… having peace of conscience" (Mosiah 4:2-3). King Benjamin went on to instruct them on what to do since they had taken that first step. "If ye have known of [God’s] goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins… remember… the greatness of God," he states, "And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need" (Mosiah 4:11, 16). He knew that true faith leads to action. Sincere acceptance of Christ is always followed by Christian service.

After they had acknowledged Christ as their Savior and had exercised faith and repentance, these people were ready for the next step. They "enter[ed] into a covenant with [their] God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments" (Mosiah 5:5). They knew that the third step was to take upon themselves the name of Christ through sacred covenants, such as baptism. Knowing that such a complete conversion experience would lead to salvation, King Benjamin exclaimed, "And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ… for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name…" (Mosiah 4:7).

Their conversion was not complete until they had made that covenant, or oath, to change- to do the will of God, to keep His commandments, and to take His Son’s name upon them. It is that significant action that gives The Book of Mormon "the fullness of the gospel" (Introduction) and leaves most Evangelical tracts wanting.

I testify that Salvation is not a cheap experience. It is not easy to come by. It is not easily forgotten. I bear witness that The Book of Mormon and the Bible contain the complete message of Jesus Christ, the Author of salvation. Their word provides the lasting, meaningful solution to every problem. That you will find that salvation is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Just so you know, I don’t get e-mails, so any messages should be sent snail mail to 170 W. Duarte Rd Arcadia CA 91007

From a letter dated May 29, 2006:

Dear friends, family, and fellow xangans, I like to post things from my study journal up here, but I also like to let you all know what I am doing. Which do you like hearing about more? I will try to keep mixing it up.

This past week was really good. It was busy because we had zone conferences. This will be a busy transfer in general with 20 missionaries leaving and 14 missionaries coming in. I’m starting to feel old. Soon my trainer, Elder Wood, goes home. I will hit my year mark in some 2 months, and I see more and more new missionaries come out.

I’m really enjoying the Temple City ward right now. The missionary work is on fire here. Elder Christy and Elder Whittier, both good friends, are also serving in the ward. And though Elder Murdock left the apartment, Elder Norberg is training a new missionary who is really cool. It makes a big difference when you have a lot of fun with the people you live with. Elder Hardman (the new missionary in the apartment) is into a lot of the same music that I was into. He loves bands like "Rocket Summer"- I didn’t think anyone else would even know who they are. And, Elder Hardman can play Cavanough Park on the piano. This gives him major props. I about died when he played it for us. We miss Murdock though.

Anyway I’m rambling. California is great. The office is great. The ward is great. The weather is intensely hot. That’s all you really need to know.

One last thing: As a missionary I stay out of politics and things like that, but there is an issue I’m going to harp on for a moment. On June 6, 2006 the US Senate will vote on an amendment that will define marriage as an institution between a man and a woman. Please make sure your senator knows how you feel. Contact your senators today via senate.gov and let them know where you stand. This is an important issue for me.

I am in favor of this amendment. I don’t feel like I need to soapbox on the subject. Please do everything you can do, however, to protect the traditional family unit. I hope you all know how much I love the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that it is true and that we can and should find fulfillment and happiness in its teachings. Though some times I may get frustrated with the way a particular thing gets done on a local level, I have had a personal witness that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has authority from God.

Well, I’m doing great (other than I haven’t heard from some of you in a while ). Sincerely, Elder Embree

From a Study Journal Entry dated May 22, 2006:

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"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, 'Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.'" (Acts 7:55-56). 

Apostasy and Restoration Part Three: A Fullness of the Gospel
With such great indications of a general Christian Apostasy, the question remains, "Was Christianity in its truest form restored in 19th Century
America, and if so, why did God wait nearly 1800 years before restoring it?" I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ was restored in 1830, and that the
timing of such a miracle was divine.

Based on the past two sections, at least three things had to happen in order for a complete Restoration to occur:

1. Apostate teachings, which had been introduced to Christianity long after the Apostles, had to be removed.
2. Legitimate, divine authority through a living apostle or prophet had to be reestablished.
3. God had to initiate the Restoration personally through some form of divine manifestation.

Joseph Smith was not the first man to recognize the false teachings of the churches.  In 1552, for example, Michael Servetus, a Spanish physician,
published a book called "Christianity Restored."  Catholics and Protestants alike hated Dr. Servetus because he challenged all churches to return to the original purity of first century Christianity.  He issued "A calling of the whole apostolic church to make a fresh start, restored completely in the
knowledge of God, the faith of Christ, our justification, regeneration, baptism, and the Lord's supper" (Christianity Restored).  A commentary on the book explained "he [Servetus] claimed that Christianity had failed because it had become corrupted in the early fourth century by pagan doctrines and by the church's acquision of temporal power.  He attacked the definition of the Trinity established by the church's Council of Nicaea in the fourth century, as well as the practice of infant baptism, which he termed as unchristian . . ." (Censored Books).  These were many of the same claims that Joseph Smith made after the Restoration began to take shape.

On October 27, 1553, Michael Servetus was burned at the stake.  One hundred and fifty years later, another physician, named Richard Mead, tried to publish Servetus' book in England.  Both he and the printer were imprisoned, and the whole printing was burned in 1723.  To even acknowledge the apostasy of the Churches, much less remove apostate teachings, was not feasible until the modern (or latter) era.  In 1830 Joseph Smith established a Christian Church where the apostate creeds (like Nicaea) where removed from its teachings.

Though many reformers began churches under inspiration, none could trace authority back to Jesus Christ.  Many Churches traced their authority to Bishop Linus, but as stated in Part One, Bishop Linus was not an authorized Church leader.  Even if it had been a legitimate link to Peter, corruption broke the link of the centuries.  At one point the Church was lead by three competing Popes, each who claimed the sole divine authority from Peter.  Any authority that successive leaders might have had certainly would not have been transferred to Protestant break off groups.  They instead rely on a so called "priesthood of believers" in which a line of authority is deemed unimportant.  This contradicts the Biblical passing of authority through the laying on of hands. (see 1 Timothy 4:14, Matthew 10:1, John 15:16, Acts 13:3, Acts 14:23, Acts 9:17, Hebrews 6:2).

Contrast this to the remarkably direct transfer of authority to Joseph Smith.  Peter, James, and John, Apostles of Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as angels and gave them divine authority by the laying on of hands.  There was nothing unclear in the link from Joseph Smith to Peter to Christ.  It was uncorrupted by centuries of Apostasy.  Joseph Smith was the Prophet and living Apostle of a church with divine authority.

Many churches sprung out of 19th Century America.  Only The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however, claimed to be started by a manifestation of deity.  In striking contrast to the centuries of apostasy, corruption, and suppression, the "second great awakening" of America was a place of religious revival and freedom.  It was in this most unique of environments that God's voice was heard once more.  This time, it would flourish.

A young boy named Joseph Smith thirsted in a world that couldn't quench his thirst for truth.  He asked God what he should do, and God answered his prayer in the most remarkable of ways.  Like to Stephen and Paul of old, the heavens opened to Joseph.  He beheld the Son of God standing on the right hand of the Father.  Jesus Christ spoke to him.  Christ proclaimed the apostate state of the churches, and He promised the rise of pure Christianity.  I testify of the Restoration that followed.  Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God.  The Church established under his leadership is the original Church of Jesus Christ.  I know by the power of the Holy Ghost through my own personal quests for truth that this is true, and I know that you too can learn it for yourself.  That you will do so is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

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"And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fullness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity" (D&C 133:57).

From a letter dated May 15, 2006:
Never put a period where God puts a comma (Gracie Allen). 

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Dear family, friends, and fellow xangans,

You will have to wait one more week for Part Three of the "Apostasy and
Restoration" because today is transfer Monday and things are crazy in the
office.  Besides, I have other things I need to write about today.

A week ago I had my first baptism.  It was amazing.  And you could tell it meant
so much to her.  She wrote the most beautiful letter to the missionaries who
taught her- Myself, Elder Mancuso, and Elder Haslam.  She has been so happy.  I
had been teaching Maria for 5 weeks.  I had gotten very close to her; in fact,
she considers Elder Mancuso and I her "adopted" sons.

The work she and we put into preparing for her baptism made the baptism that
much more meaningful.  It was by far the most powerful baptism I’ve ever been
to, and several people made that same comment to me.  I did sent out a lot of
letters with specifics about the baptism, so I won't repeat myself here.

That's all I have time for this week.  Take Care,

Elder Embree