Concord, The Shot Heard 'Round the World, & Restoration

This is historic Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts.

We were able, on assignment, to travel here this week,

but first . . . 

. . . we survived the crazy week of Transfers, with three days

of arriving "new" missionaries, their early training,

instruction, pairing with new "Trainer" companionships,

other new teaching assignments among the remaining

young missionaries, and so forth.

The Concord Bridge trip is the outgoing experience

that Mission President and Sister Blair offer to the departing

missionaries - this time a record 21 Elders and Sisters -

as a capstone experience of sorts.

The Concord history is important in so many ways:

starting point (somewhat disputed)

 for the conflict for independence,

encouraging evidence for the ragtag colonial militias

that they might actually be able to stand up to

the most powerful military in the world at the time,

and the spot where the humble farmers and workmen

minutemen drew their line, and forcefully said,

"this far, but no further."

This is the statue that stands on the militia/colonist side

of the Old North Bridge, a tribute to Capt. Isaac Davis, who was

the first casualty of what became the War for Independence.

(Interesting fact: the model for this statue was the young

great grandson of Isaac Davis)

Sister Blair made a presentation to the group

 that pointed out how God had His hand in 

the cause of freedom that would be necessary

in this new country, as a place where the Restored Gospel

could be revealed, beginning with a miraculous vision

of the Father and the Son that opened up

to a fourteen-year-old boy in a wood not 
that many miles far from 

this Minuteman National Monument.

Inspiring information and moments spent!

 A happy coincidence: a Jr ROTC regiment showed up

as we were enjoying the monument along with

three re-enactors. Of course, the young Elders

interacted with them.

From the Bridge we continued up into quaint

and historic Concord town, where we wandered

around the square and up onto cemetery hill

in the heavy rain. The missionaries dispersed

separately, and spontaneously did what they

always do: finding and talking about the Gospel,

and inviting people they met to come unto Christ.

 At evening, we met and had dinner

at the historic Colonial Inn, discussing what we

had learned during the day. 

The missionaries were invited

to express their reactions and thoughts about Concord,

the Bridge and its history, and more.

A point that connected American history

with the Book of Mormon was when a young Elder recited

a scripture from Helaman 5:6  . . . and when 

ye remember them ye may remember their works;

and when ye remember their works ye may know how

it is said, and also written, that they were good.

Delightful (but tiring!) day. So fun to know
we are close to this abundant early American history!