Adam-Ondi-Ahman

    

     In September 2006, the First Presidency called us to supervise the work of maintaining and beautifying Adam-ondi-Ahman in Missouri. We were responsible for the supervision of the 12 missionary couples called to serve and work there. The couples normally served for 18 months, with everyone serving over two summers and one winter.  One of our key responsibilities was to identify worthy couples that had the needed expertise to serve there, and then make recommendations to the First Presidency—to whom we reported directly. In our meetings with Presidency, we reported on the progress of the work, upcoming projects, and a review of the budget and future financial needs. Initially, we served with Elders Burke Peterson and Graham W. Doxey, until both passed away. We recommended to the First Presidency that Elder and Sister Sheldon F. Child then serve with us. We alternated visiting Adam-ondi-Ahman every other month. We flew to Kansas City, rented a car and drove the 70 miles to the property.

     We stayed on the property in a three-bedroom trailer that was owned by the Church. We so appreciated the sister missionaries cleaning the trailer and stocking the kitchen with food prior to our visits. The front window provided a beautiful view of the barns and grain silos.  We loved the quiet serenity of this hallowed site. Unlike other church historical sites, Adam-ondi-Ahman offers no formal tours. There were a few informative signs pointing out locations of historical interest. Other than that, members who came were on their own to enjoy the beauty of Adam-ondi-Ahman. When guests of the brethren or others we knew were there, we often gave more personal tours of the land that once was a bustling center of the Church. When we were not there, Brother Austin Bonnett showed special guests around. This fine brother served as Patriarch in his stake. Often people who visited this sacred place commented on the distinct feeling of reverence they experienced. Even those who were not members of the Church felt there was something unique. One day a man delivered a modular home for the property. He looked around and said, “What is going on here? There is something very different about this place.”

     Every other month when we were in Missouri, a highlight for us was having a pot-luck dinner with all the missionary couples upstairs in the main gathering area. Following the dinner, we would both share a gospel message. Each day we enjoyed lunch in one of the couple’s homes. The couples lived in either farm houses that were part of the properties purchased by the Church to restore the land of Adam-ondi-Ahman, or modular housing the Church had provided over the years. We were always touched by the efforts of the missionaries to provide a lovely meal for us. These personal visits gave us the opportunity to get to know them better; learn how they were doing in their missionary service, the well-being of their families back home, etc. How we loved these stalwart couples. Their dedication to their call and their specific skills and expertise were a remarkable blessing to this great work.

     The elders worked on continuous beautification and maintenance projects. They tirelessly painted fences, and every week cut thirty plus acres of grass along the roads.  They graded 7.1 miles of roads, which were intentionally left as gravel roads to retain them much like they were in the days of the early saints.

     The sisters planted lovely flowers each spring to enhance the property. Every weekday, they did family history work and extraction. Every morning, Barbara shared a special spiritual thought and often gave them a handout or small gift. These faithful sisters provided weekly support at the Seventh Day Adventist second-hand store in nearby Jameson, Missouri sorting donated clothing. They regularly helped with community activities and events in order to strengthen relationships with the local residents.

     There were many mature trees on the property. At times, arborists advised that certain trees needed to be removed in order for the remaining frees to thrive. During the time of our service, the Kansas City Temple was planned and constructed. We felt strongly impressed to recommend to the First Presidency that these extracted trees be used to construct the beautiful temple alters and moldings. It is thrilling that wood from the trees of this holy site—many of which existed during the days of the Prophet Joseph, now adorn the Lord’s holy house.

     We had a sweet experience with President Uchtdorf and his family. We learned that the Uchtdorf’s were planning to take their family on a Church history tour prior to their twin grandsons’ departure on the respective missions. Adam-ondi-Ahman was not on their travel agenda. We encouraged them, that if they could work it out, to stop by this most remarkable place. They did and had a marvelous experience. In fact, they said it was the highlight of their trip.

     Another most significant event was hosting President Russell M. Nelson right after he was sustained as the Prophet. He said, he “needed to know more about this place,” so he came with his wife Wendy, Elder M. Russell Ballard, Sheri Dew, and his secretary. We planned to have a luncheon together with the missionaries, but (for security purposes) didn’t tell the missionaries who was coming until shortly before they arrived. What a great surprise for all of them. We had a wonderful time together and he posed for the picture with the missionaries before leaving.

     During our dozen years of service—with over 70 trips to Adam-ondi-Ahman, we were thrilled to have several of our dear family visit us and tour this glorious site. We loved having them come. We are forever grateful to the Lord for the singular privilege to serve at Adam-ondi-Ahman—“days never to be forgotten” indeed.