So, I had a great opportunity this weekend. Living in Wichita, KS, I am not too far from Missouri. In the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, many things happened in the area around Kansas City. This past Saturday, as an institute activity we drove to Adam-ondi-Ahman, in western Missouri (north of Kansas City).
For those unfamiliar with this area, this is where Adam and Eve lived after they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. Many glorious things have happened here. Besides just living there, Adam had a grand meeting with all his posterity before he passed away. There he blessed his children. Joseph Smith affirmed that there was an actual altar made by Adam (of stones) found at his time in Adam-ondi-Ahman. In addition, a Nephite altar was also found. Many other wonderful things happened there which I cannot discuss here. However, I would like to comment on the great meeting that will happen there. First of all, the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman is enormous! I can't even fathom how many people could meet there, but definitely millions. I heard the church owns 3,000 acres of the land. When Christ comes again on the earth, he will gather the faithful members of the world to this place and there a great meeting will occur. I won't go into details, but needless to say it will be amazing, I'll leave it at that but those wishing to expound, feel free.
In addition, after visiting this holy place, we drove south to Liberty, MO. This is where Liberty Jail can be found. Here it was that Joseph Smith was kept in prison (with 4 others) for over 4 months. While conditions were horrible, and he was held without guilt of any crime, it turned out to be a place of great revelation. Our guide there, Sister Brooks (a sister missionary), explained that as members of the church we like to think of Liberty Jail as a place of great revelation, not as a place of suffering, even though great suffering occured there. If you weren't sure, Doctrine and Covenants sections 121-123 were all received while he was incarcerated in Liberty Jail.
These were both great, positive places to be. I suggest that you go if you get the chance, you won't regret it! I am grateful to be here in Kansas, close to many church historical sites. I'm planning a trip to Nauvoo to see the temple there, visit many sites there and visit the temple lots in western Missouri. What a great time to be alive and to have a knowledge of all these wonderful places!
