About Our Speakers and artists
About Rod Meldrum
Rod Meldrum served as senior scientific researcher for 7 years on a natural sciences book to be published in the near future. He was President and CEO of High Country Gourmet, Inc. in Orem, Utah. More recently he was Director of Business Development for Interact Medical, an online network LMS (Learning Management System) based training systems developer for surgeons and patients in the medical device industry. He and his wife, Tonya, are the parents of four teenage children.
Brother Meldrum is a third generation member of the church, served a mission in Milan, Italy and has served faithfully in many church leadership callings, most recently Young Men’s President of his Provo, Utah ward.
He began his study of issues surrounding the controversy over DNA and the Book of Mormon in 2003 which lead to questioning the origins of proposed geographical settings of the Book of Mormon. In addition he completed intensive study of the Book of Mormon itself and the historical background and documents associated with this subject. In 2007 he began sharing his research in free presentations done at his own expense in the Intermountain Region of the United States.
Interest in the research reached a point that it was no longer possible to accommodate all those who wanted to learn more and it was suggested that the presentation be recorded, which resulted in creation of a DVD titled “DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography. Brother Meldrum has since given presentations across the United States and has spoken to many thousands of faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on his findings in support of the truthfulness of Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ. The comprehensive 4 hour DVD has now reached tens of thousands of viewers across the globe who have overwhelmingly expressed gratitude and excitement about the information, many stating that it “just makes sense” intellectually as well as spiritually.
About Elder Hartman Rector Jr. Hartman Rector, Jr. (born August 20, 1924) was one of the first converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to become a general authority of the church during the second half of the 20th century. He served as a member of the First Council of the Seventy from 1968 to 1976 and as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy from 1976 to 1994. He was born in Moberly, Randolph County, Missouri and joined the United States Navy in 1943. He married Constance (Connie) Kirk Daniel and while serving in the Navy became converted to the Church and was baptized February 24, 1952 in Japan. He spent a total of 26 years as a navy pilot. In 1968, Elder Rector was called as a member of the Church's First Council of the Seventy. From February to March 1969, he served as the president of the Italian Mission of the church. Beginning in 1971, Elder Rector was the first president of the Alabama–Florida (later the Florida Tallahassee) Mission of the church. He became a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1976. In the late 1970s, he served as president of the church's San Diego Mission. In 1994, he was made an emeritus general authority and released from his full-time ecclesiastical duties. Testimony from No More Strangers I am a witness before God that he lives and he hears and answers prayers, for he has heard and answered mine. I bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, and that he lives; that he has re-established his true Church upon the earth in modern times through the Prophet Joseph Smith—great, great prophet that he was; and that the true Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth today, presided over by a living prophet who has been chosen by the Lord for this particular purpose. These things I do not merely believe; I know with that sure witness which can come only from the Holy Ghost, through which all gospel truths can be known. About Wayne N. May Wayne N. May was born and raised in Wisconsin. He is a 36 year convert to the LDS Church and has served in four Branch Presidencies, three Elder Quorum Presidencies, Seminary Instructor, Gospel Doctrine Instructor, Veil worker at the St. Paul Minnesota Temple, and currently is serving as Gospel Doctrine Teacher of the Menomonie Wisconsin Branch, Oakdale, Minnesota Stake. His wife Kristine is active with Wayne in the archaeological discoveries of the Midwest. Together they publish the quarterly magazine Ancient American which has been in continuous print for sixteen years and covers the pre-Columbian Americas. Wayne and Kristine are the parents of seven children, and grandparents to sixteen. Wayne is author of four books on the subject of Book of Mormon Archaeology in North America. They are entitled; This Land: Zarahemla and the Nephite Nation; This Land: Only One Cumorah; This Land: They Came from the EAST: and book four is This Land: America 2,000 B.C. to 500 A.D. Wayne gives firesides to members and non-members alike, wherever he is invited to present. He has been presenting information on the topic of North America's archaeological data since 1994 which demonstrates how it applies to the Book of Mormon timeline. Columbus was last! About Bruce Porter Bruce H. Porter earned his bachelor’s degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from B.Y.U. and went on to receive his master’s degree in Middle East Studies with an emphasis in Semitic languages, Hebrew Aramaic, Akkadian, Coptic, and Hieroglyphics, with a minor in ancient Near Eastern Religions. His Ph.D. was acquired in the History of Religions, with emphasis in Egyptian religion and textual studies, with a minor in Anthropology. Brother Porter has done extensive research for the Religious Studies Center, on the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Abraham. He has done research in the major museums and libraries of Europe, and the United States. He has also presented papers for the Society for Early Historic Archaeology, and the Journal of Egyptian Archeology. Brother Porter has also co-authored a paper with Stephen Ricks that was published in By Study and also by Faith, a two volume work honoring Hugh Nibley. During his graduate work he assisted in the writing of a documentary on Egyptian archeology for the BBC and worked as a technical director on the film. Born in Mesa Arizona, Brother Porter has lived in Utah, Israel, and California while working for CES (Church Education System). He also served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in England. Now semi-retired he teaches adult religion classes for BYU Continuing Education, and continues his passion of scriptural research. He has served in many capacities within the church. He is the father of 10 children and grandfather to 10.
About Kieth Merrill
Kieth Merrill is a writer, producer and director of motion pictures. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Director’s Guild of America. He is a two-time Oscar Nominee and winner of an Academy Award for his film, The Great American Cowboy. His films have received numerous festival honors and other awards including an Emmy nomination. Most members of the Church are familiar with Merrill's work—if not his name—because of the First Presidency Project Films he created for the Legacy Theater on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. LEGACY and THE TESTAMENTS. Brother Merrill also directed Mr. Krueger's Christmas, a church classic familiar to many. Merrill confesses that "there is no such thing as retirement for moviemakers" and he remains active in creating motion pictures. Brother Merrill is the chief creative officer and co-founder of Audience Alliance Motion Picture Studios, a film company dedicated to the production of highly entertaining films in all genre that embrace virtues and values.
About Kay Godfrey Kay Godfrey is a graduate of Brigham Young University, holding degrees in Historic Archaeology and Anthropology. His Archaeological degree has an emphasis on biblical archaeology. He speaks Hebrew and has conducted religious related research in the Holy Lands. Brother Godfrey has spent the better part of twenty-eight years researching the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He has authored many articles in LDS church related magazines on a variety of themes singular to the Prophet. Kay has spoken at a Deseret Book symposium in Nauvoo on the "trials of the Prophet Joseph in Missouri" and lectures regularly on the topic of modern day restoration to zones of full-time missionaries. Kay has lectured extensively through-out the United States and Canada, and is dedicated to sharing with others his testimony of the significance of the Prophet and Man - Joseph Smith. Kay authored a four-part DVD series in cooperation with Digital Memories entitled, "Following The Footsteps of Joseph”, "The Early Years" (1805-1830), "The Echo Of A Beating Heart" (1830-1838), "The Silver Lined Clouds Of War" (1838-1839) and "The Passport To Heaven" (1840-1844).
About Shirley Whitlock Shirley Whitlock served 14 years as president of the Arizona Eagle Forum, a pro-family, pro-U.S. Constitution educational organization. Shirley also served many years on the speaker’s bureaus of: Arizonans for National security, The Coalition for Peace Through Strength, and The High Frontier. In July of 1982, Mrs. Whitlock was selected as one of 50 women leaders to receive training at the American Security Council in Virginia, concerning the position on the U.S. Military vs. that of the Soviet Union. On several subsequent occasions she received training in Washington D.C. on the High Frontier – Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) under the direction of General Daniel O. Graham. In 1985 she was appointed by the Reagan Administration to serve on the Arizona Advisory Board to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights where she served for 5 years. When President Reagan formed a committee to celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution (1987-91) Eagle Forum’s national leader produced a Constitutional slide presentation titled: “WE THE PEOPLE” – to be given in all 50 states. Mrs. Whitlock presented it to audiences all over Arizona during the 5 years of Bicentennial Celebrations. Mrs. Whitlock has promoted and defended the positions of the above organizations in lecture and debate before various types of community groups as well as on radio, television and in newspaper and magazine articles. Shirley and her husband, Wayne, have served 2 missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are the parents of 8 children, 51 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
About Douglas E. Brinley Douglas E. Brinley is a retired professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Utah State University and a Ph.D. from BYU. The author or coauthor of 10 books, including Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy, he is also a popular speaker at BYU Education Week. Brother Brinley has served as the president of the Texas Dallas Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife, Geri, are the parents of six children.
About Jon McNaughton ( http://www.mcnaughtonart.com )
Jon McNaughton is an established artist from Utah whose paintings have attracted the attention of collectors from across the country. Breathtaking landscapes, nostalgic country scenes, and highly detailed religious subjects are the focus of his paintings. His experiences are the inspiration for his work. “I have traveled to many places around the world to know my subjects” he states, adding that “I choose to paint from the heart and evoke my personal vision into each painting.” His roots trace back to rural Utah where he developed a deep love for his pioneer heritage which translates to his art. Jon and his wife, Tammy are parents of eight children. A McNaughton painting has the timelessness of the masters of the past and yet speaks to the sensitivity of the modern observer.
Jon has specific goals for what he hopes to accomplish with his artistic talent. “It is my hope that my paintings will reach the viewer on more than a superficial level: to touch something inside them which may not be easily reached,” he says. “I want to leave a feeling with them they will never forget because what they have seen has become a part of them.” This is certainly the case with his latest work, One Nation Under God, which elicits strong emotions of patriotism wrapped in a knowledge of the Christian influences that established this nation.
About Howard Carlos Smith
Howard Carlos Smith holds a B.S. Degree in Engineering from Utah State University and an M.S. Degree from Brigham Young University. As a teacher and trainer he taught over 15,000 students spanning a period of forty-five years. He was one of three missionaries to open the Island of Puerto Rico for missionary work.
He learned of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s Nauvoo Legion Lieutenant General’s sword through his Uncle Delbert Nobel, a direct descendent of Joseph Bates Noble who was a personal friend and bodyguard to the Prophet. On their way to fateful Carthage, the Prophet asked Brother Noble to return to Nauvoo with a letter for his wife Emma and a pistol for Porter Rockwell. He also removed his sword and gave it as a gift to his trusted bodyguard who had served him while on Zion’s Camp and beyond his death. The sword has been kept hidden away, being passed from generation to generation of the Noble family for 165 years. This legendary sword of the Prophet, Joseph Smith has never been displayed publicly…until now.
Howard visited his Uncle Delbert son LaMar who allowed him to hold the sword. Howard recalls “Holding the sword, I felt a spirit like I’ve never felt before…almost like grasping the hand of the Prophet himself” he said.
About Roger K. Young
Roger K. Young is the #1 selling LDS author & lecturer on the Signs of the Times and the Events of the Last Days over the last 20 years. His books; As a Thief in the Night, Behold the Fig Tree, When Ye Shall See All These Things, And There Shall Be Signs, Zion the Holy City of New Jerusalem, Dreams and Visions of the Last Days, To Your Tents O Israel, They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, and his newest book: Escape From Babylon, have become essential LDS gospel library materials and his lectures are often standing room only.
About Colette Thomas Smith
Colette Thomas Smith has spent the better part of the last fifteen years doing research in ancient studies at Brigham Young University. Her cultural emphasis has been in ancient American contacts with the Middle East and the British Isles from about 1000 B.C. forward…while connecting the dots to North America. She has published articles in the Ancient American magazine over the years on many subjects.
Colette has served three missions for the LDS Church in missionary, genealogy and Temple work. She has also served three years on the Brigham Young University Emeritus Board. She has served as a Gospel Doctrine teacher and Primary President in California.
She lectures on world travelers, explores, traders and adventurers before the time of Christ and after who came to America from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Egypt or Phoenicia. The early Chinese settlements on the American coast were by ship. They called this continent ‘The Land of Fusang’…meaning enormous trees for which the gigantic Redwoods would fit that description.
She has a rich background in ancient Mediterranean history from 2000 BC forward and has also done extensive research in this time period in prehistoric America. She taught Old Testament biblical history and have traveled in Israel and Jordan. From the Mound Builders to Stonehenge and the great pyramid in Giza have all been subjects of interest or short talks.
About Yvonne Bent Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Yvonne Bent, mother of 5 grandmother of 9,she resides in the Bay Area with her husband Frank, and her 2 youngest children. She serves as Director of Public Affairs in her stake, plays the cello with the Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra, is the principal of The Home University ( a parent group interested in learning how to homeschool their children). A proverbial student herself, she is an author, teacher, traveler, and above all, a person who loves making
connections and discovering patterns in the scriptures. Determined to teach her children all subjects using the scriptures, she found that the math and sciences eluded her. In her continual pursuit of truth, she continues to explore the scriptures, and design geometric manifestations of scriptural truth in art. You can see her most recent piece depicting the Articles of Faith on display at the Conference Center.
Statement by Rod Meldrum in response to two attack articles post on their website. See: http://www.fairblog.org/2008/07/03/a-faulty-apologetic-for-the-book-of-mormon/#more-95 for the original posting.
Rod Meldrum Says:
July 7th, 2008 at 10:32 am
This is Rod Meldrum, of whom FAIR has posted their opinion of my research contained in a recorded live presentation DVD titled DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography; New scientific support for the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
From the FAIR website (quoted below) we gain a proper perspective of the significance of the FAIR review of my research.
“FAIR is not owned, controlled by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All research
and opinions provided on this site are the sole responsibility of FAIR, and should not be interpreted as official
statements of LDS doctrine, belief or practice.”
As such, their collective opinions are no more, nor less, valid than any regular member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All members of the church are given the power of discernment through the gift of the Holy Ghost at baptism. It is encouraged that members use this God-given power to determine for themselves whether something is true or in error. Members need not assume that all truth must be first filtered through those professing to be experts at FAIR before being able to find and know it for themselves. FAIR does not speak for the church or its membership.
“5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:5)
Members of FAIR have taken the research I have presented and the words I have spoken, and through conjecture and innuendo have misinterpreted and misrepresented them to imply things that I did not say nor intend.
I will not be drawn into further contentious argument and debate on the matter. This is contrary to the spirit of Christ.
“For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 11:29)
To be clear exactly where I stand, I make the following statements.
I have not, and do not claim to receive revelation for the church or any of its leaders or members.
I support and sustain current and past prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as Prophets, seers and Revelators.
I do not represent the church in any way in this research, and so state in my DVD, my presentations, and on my websites (www.bookofmormonevidence.org) .
I do ask daily for personal guidance from the Lord in all aspects of my life through prayer, including my research, and will not deny that I have on occasion felt his guiding influence in my life. This is not contrary to the teachings of the gospel. Please see the following scriptures. I believe the scriptures are true. Following are quotes from the standard works pertaining to this subject.
“35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh.” (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:35)
“7 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
8 For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 14:7 - 8
“20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 18:20)
“5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (New Testament | James 1:5)
“7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me,…” (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:7)
“64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:64)
I am doing my utmost to be a servant of God and his son, Jesus Christ, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know that I am not perfect, and neither is my research. I state this up front in the DVD. As mistakes are found, I will correct them. Please note that the presentation under review was a 4-hour long, non-scripted presentation before a live audience from memory. I could not include much of the total research as the content was limited to a four hour DVD.
I have posted the following on my website at http://www.bookofmormonevidence.org . “Correction Notice: A quote from President Hinckley used in the presentation is used incorrectly and will be removed from the next version of the DVD and all future presentations. It was incorrectly understood that the Prophet was speaking of all people who dismiss Joseph Smith, including LDS scholars; however it has been brought to my attention that President Hinckley spoke specifically of non-members and did not specifically mention scholars. As stated in the live, non-scripted presentation, if there are mistakes they will be corrected.”
This is an example of my willingness to correct mistakes when shown that such is the case. FAIR did not give me the courtesy of enough time to make the correction before publishing their review as I was on the road and had no internet access and therefore could not review the material, nor make the change on my website.
I am simply presenting ideas and information. It is fully referenced to enable those who would like to study further to do so. The information is available for those who seek further knowledge on this subject.
I invite anyone who wants to know what I have actually said to review the information I present and then make their own decision. It is every member’s right and responsibility to study it out for them self, then pray and ask the Lord to determine what is truth and what is not. The scriptures are clear how to judge for yourself whether something is of God or not.
“5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.
10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift.
11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.
12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.
19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.” (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:5, 10- 19)
I testify that the Book of Mormon is first and foremost a spiritual witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I also testify that it is a literal historical record of real people and events that did actually occur.
I testify to the Prophetic calling of Joseph Smith Jr. as the leader of this dispensation. I give my solemn witness that he did indeed translate the ancient records of Lehi’s posterity to bring forth the Book of Mormon. I also believe his prophetic statements, claimed by him to have been received by revelation.
I testify that the church today is headed by a prophet of God, currently President Thomas S. Monson, who guides and directs the affairs of the church on the earth today, and who is solely authorized to receive divine revelation appertaining to the body of the church.
Truth stands on its own.