The news media folks are having a field day with the Heaven’s Gate mass suicide story. 39 people, trusting in an obviously false prophet have followed him to that spaceship, that "companion" hidden behind the HALE-BOPP Comet. Going out of this world to "Their World", a place where they will live as exalted men/women in their "Evolutionary Level Above Human." [note: quotes indicate data copied from their website.] No wonder they had a good showing of membership from Utah. It is just a tiny step to the side from orthodox Mormon doctrine.

 One commentator said something like, "How could they just believe this utter nonsense and give up their very lives for this bozo?" My sentiments exactly. But if I said that about Mormonism, I would be accused of being a heartless haranguer. Yet, what is so different?

 The Mormons aren’t committing mass suicide to go to their next exalted estate, meet their exalted man-god residing near the great star, Kolob, get their godhood and assignments to go forth and people their very own earths in other, far galaxies.

Yet, tens of thousands of them are dying every year right here in the United States with every bit as strong a belief in their own "graduation from the Human evolutionary level" as the Heaven’s Gate crowd. And they are just as dead. Just as lost. Just as gone to hell as their theological cousins in Southern California. Yet, when we try to shout a warning cry, we are the bozos. Go figure!

We so appreciate your continued support of Saints Alive. Your gifts and prayers sustain us as we stand in the gap, helping to free those who will hear, from spiritual death and eternal lostness. April is a rough month, what with taxes and all the other pressures for your attention. Your gifts are most precious to us. I have been delayed with the newsletter for lack of funds and will be doing a combined March-April one this time to play "catch up." Please bear with us in tight times!

Our Website is reaching farther and deeper than I had dreamed possible. Last month, people from over 50 countries downloaded almost 25,000 pages of material. Comments from some of those visitors indicate that much of our material is being now distributed worldwide. The deluge of email is slowly getting under control thanks to help from fellow Saints alive leaders, Mark Champney from Tacoma, WA and Mike Guthrie in Fresno, CA.

On a local note, Pastor Chuck Padgett has left his full time ministry at Saints Alive to accept a career offer that was "too good to refuse." Pastor Chuck will be dropping in from time to time to continue his involvement with Saints Alive .

Saints Alive Missionary Fellowship

When we first started out in the ministry, we had an urgent burden to go to Utah and Idaho to bring a witness of the reality and joy of the real gospel of Jesus Christ. We raised up and trained teams of missionaries, going from town to town, door to door, street corners to parks and often handed out case loads of tracts at Mormon festivals such as the Manti Pageant, Pioneer Day Parade and at Temple Square. 

Over the years, we grew older (and wiser?) and spent more time on the "larger issues" and wider distribution of our message. Radio, TV, movies and videos went where we couldn’t go before. After a while, I knew it had to be a new generation that would reach out again in such magnitude in that one-on-one work. I think it is time to march again

 Our 24 year old son, Jason is in this new Generation X and feels the call of God to reach out to this same generation of Mormons. Jason tells me that he sees the Mormon youth as a mission field that we old timers are missing. "Dad, by the time they leave school, go to the temple and do those dead works, put on that mystical underwear and head out to the mission field, we have lost them," he told me the other day. "We need to get them before they are lost to the Lord forever!"

 To that end, Jason is moving home from Southern California where he has been working with Jeremiah films and will be helping me to set up a renewed Saints Alive Missionary Fellowship, raising up traveling teams, working with Christian youth groups, teaching at local Christian churches and going into Zion for the Generation X of Mormonism. Jason has spent a number of summers in Utah and with YWAM overseas.

We know he certainly has the pulse of the youth in his heart. He knows that revival and personal commitment has to come to the Christian young people before they can bring it to the lost and has a strong message for these youth, first.

He will be working in tandem with Tom and Cindy Bauer, two Zealots of God who have led many missions trips through Utah and Idaho with us. Tom and Cindy have been leaders over several YWAM bases in the past, training hundreds of missionaries for the work of reaching the lost, but have stepped outside YWAM to set up a Missions Training Center through their home church in Honolulu, HI.

Our 19 year old son, Josh, has been in almost 20 countries, ministering with Tom and Cindy. They are such great people! Tom and Cindy will operate as Saints Alive Missionary Fellowship Training leaders for our missionaries as well as train teams to bring the gospel of truth throughout the South Pacific and the PAC/Rim countries.

I know it is a real step of faith when we hardly have the finances for our newsletter. But, we must go as God gives us the urgency...and trust God to send the people and the finances. If you are as excited about this as we are, contact us. Maybe you want to spend some time on a summer or short term missions program such as this, or perhaps the Lord is touching your heart to offer prayer and financial support. We can sure use all three.

If you can send in a special gift toward getting the program into gear and on the road, please use the return card and send it today. Jason gets into town next week and next to him, my fastest pace is slow! He wants to change the world of Mormonism from within! Those readers on the Internet can send a gift through the Bookstore section (donations) of our web site.

If your church in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California or Utah would be interested in having Jason and or Tom visit soon and speak to your congregation or youth, let me hear from you.

I have been in correspondence with an active member of the LDS church who has worked through the problems of the LDS theology and has turned his life over to the real Jesus and is about where I was in my last days among the brethren. He just told me about the Mormon church’s new 1-800 number for free Bibles TV campaign we have been hearing about. Read what he has to say! (I am keeping his name and Ward from you for obvious reasons.)

Hello brother Ed, it's xxxx again. Assuming I've not already worn out my welcome, I thought you might be interested in a couple of things I found out at church today.

While the rest of the Christian world was celebrating Christ's victory over death and sin, our "Three-hour block" concentrated on clerical affairs and "missionary work." Our Sacrament Meeting featured a farewell talk by the First Councilor in the Bishopric and his wife, and remarks summarized from the Church News by our Bishop. Apart from a musical number by the Primary children, and three (count 'em!) Christ-centered hymns (a rarity in LDS congregational singing, I'm sure you recall), one would have been hard-pressed to know or even suspect that today was a holy day.

Our third hour was a joint Priesthood-Relief Society meeting, and it introduced something I think might interest you. Our new Second Councilor, the retiring Stake Mission President, informed us that our area -- the xxxxxx area -- is part of a new missionary pilot program. Based on demographic research and (I'm not making this up) Nielsen ratings, the Church has inaugurated a new television campaign. It was introduced by an apparatchik from the Church's media department at a mission conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin a few weeks ago, and has been in progress and apparently is very successful.

We were shown five "homefronts" -- television ads. The first two deal with the Book of Mormon; the next two with family home evening. I had seen all of them. However, the last was entitled "Truths Never Change" and it focused on three biblical principles: Forgiveness, love, and peace. At the end of the spot, the announcer informed the audience that it could call a toll-free number and receive -- "without obligation," of course -- a King James Bible (printed in the same marbled blue mass-paperback style as the Book of Mormon). Hmmmm....

The departing Stake Mission President excitedly announced that the fourth spot was being tested in the Milwaukee area and four other areas worldwide, and that it has generated a tremendous response -- more than twice the response of all the other spots combined! Furthermore, it was pointed out that 80% of those contacted via the Bible ad had received the first missionary "discussion," and 60% had gone on to the second. The members were urged to follow-up on the ad within 24 hours of a broadcast (although it wasn't made clear how this was to be done).

Nearly everyone who commented on the Bible spot said that they "felt the spirit much more strongly" in it than they had with the Book of Mormon and Family Home Evening commercials -- but nobody stopped to examine the implications of this observation. Several others pointed out that the ad was not nearly as "off-putting" to the public, as it involved something familiar. It was also noted that the ad "positions" the Church well as a denomination that reads and accepts the Bible.

I just thought you'd find all of this interesting. The Mormon missionaries who are delivering the Bibles aren't Gideons; they are using the Bible as a pretext, which is at best dishonest.

By the way: I was supposed to teach D.C. sections 37-41 today [in his Gospel Doctrine class]. I scrapped it and taught John 5 and 20 and Luke 24 instead. Somebody had to talk about the resurrection, after all. Take care, xxxxx

Why doesn’t this surprise anyone? The Mormons have been going to any length to draw in investigators. I remember a few years back when the church pulled down many of the uniquely LDS portions of the Salt Lake City Visitors’ Center at Temple Square. Out went the First Vision in the Sacred Grove section, along with the Great Apostasy and Restoration scenery.

 One of our friends, still looking for all the world like a visiting Mormon, asked someone why those and other strictly LDS portions of the center were removed and why many of the older ladies and retired Bishop types had been replaced by young, pretty and casually dressed hostesses. He was told that it was to be less "different" and that their Temple Square referrals had leaped since they had made the change.

 Why won’t the LDS people wake up to the reality before them.

I submitted a petition to the Lodge and was initiated in the Entered Apprentice Degree, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, and was soon raised to the degree of Master Mason. I felt that I had attained to the finest fraternity in the world. I was

selected by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge to serve as Junior Steward and later honored by serving as Chaplain. My studies in ritual and degree work continued as Junior Warden and then Senior Warden. I finally became Worshipful Master of the largest Lodge in the state of Nevada.

I believed myself to be a member of a fraternity that stood for God, country, and family. But, after five years of total dedication, I withdrew from the Order. It didn’t happen overnight. My first questioning of Freemasonry was in regard to the obligation I took when I was initiated. One is made to swear secrecy to the point that bloody penalties of death are involved. It was explained that this was symbolic and only emphasized that what I had gleaned was not public information.

My next moment of confusion came when I was Junior Steward. A member was in the habit of talking during lodge meetings. This was disruptive but not a big problem. What was a problem, I thought, was his use of God’s name in vain. One evening this terminology was used four or five times in a short period. I later told him that if he used those words in the Lodge room again, I was going to file Masonic charges against him. The reaction of the members who overheard was very confusing. Some approached me and mildly chastised me for the way I had approached him. But it was the reaction of the majority of the members that caught me off guard. They reminded me that he is a Past Master, and a Grand Lodge Officer. He was not wrong in using God’s name in vain. Rather, I had affronted a Past Master and a Grand Lodge Officer.

All ritual work in Masonry is committed to memory and repeated verbatim, including prayers. At first I did not notice that none of the prayers are in the name of Jesus Christ. "Great Architect of the Universe," "Almighty Father of the Universe," "Judge Supreme," "God," and "Lord," yes, but never in the name of "Jesus Christ."

Being Chaplain, saying grace for a meal was my duty. Since there is no specified prayer, the prayer was my own, and I prayed in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was soon told that we never pray in the name of Jesus Christ for it would be offensive to our Jewish members. I then became aware that there is no mention of Jesus Christ in any of the prayers or in the ritual book.

One evening, I asked about the inconsistency involved for the Jewish member in having the Bible resting on our altar. I was informed that it did not necessarily have to be the Bible. It could be the Koran, the Rig Veda, or even the Book of Mormon. What sacred writing was on the altar would depend upon the religious persuasion of the lodge. So, it really didn’t matter if the Lodge had any Jewish member or not. The important thing was not to pray in the name of Jesus Christ!

A proposed major undertaking that would involve a great deal of money was made into a motion and defeated, much to the dissatisfaction of the Master. Without notice, it was brought up again, this time in a stacked meeting. ‘The motion passed. I made an objection to the Master and told him that what he was doing prostituted the dignity of his office. I found myself "wrong", because the Worshipful Master is always right.

Both of my confrontations began to consume my thoughts. I was morally right, but I was made to feel that I was wrong. By opposing the Worshipful Master I was, in the eyes of some, committing blasphemy! Despite this, I was able to be elected as the next Worshipful Master. I soon found myself questioning things, including my title. Was I really a Worshipful Master? By whose authority? I never considered myself to be master over anybody, and I certainly wasn’t worshipful.

I was in a local Christian bookstore and found a book I was interested in, The Kingdom of the Cults, by Walter Martin. This was of interest to me because of stories regarding Mormonism and Joseph Smith. He was reported to have been a Mason and to have pirated signs, grips, and Masonic ritual work and incorporated them into the Mormon Temple rituals. But, when I turned to the table of contents, it was like someone hit me with a baseball bat.

Listed was the Rosicrucian Fellowship, a group my brother had been studying. He told me how there had been an organization known as The Great White Brotherhood of Man, and out of this came the Rosicrucians, and out of the Rosicrucians came the Masonic Order. For the first time I was seeing Rosicrucian Fellowship in print and it was in a book about cults.

I remember how, after becoming a Mason, I had mentioned it to a man in my church. He said, "So you joined the Masonic cult." I said to myself, "He doesn’t understand." And now it looked like I was to find out who understood and who didn’t. Now there were three words racing through my mind: "Rosicrucianism," "Masonry," and "cult." I turned to the section about Rosicrucians and the reference to Masonry. "It (Rosicrucians) was by admission a secret society. It flourished in a day when secret societies were in vogue, and a century after its origin, Rosicrucianism underwent a recrudescence in connection with Freemasonry, which not only deemed Rosicrucianism genuine, but even borrowed usages and customs from the writings of those who had satirized the fraternity."

Every question that had previously troubled me about Masonry came back to me. A cold shiver went through me. I began praying to God for wisdom to know the truth. I placed a phone call to Christian Research Institute, and I told of my concern about Freemasonry. They said they would send me a booklet which might be helpful, Freemasonry and Christianity by Alva J. McClain. That night, I shared my concerns with a Christian friend. He taught me about blood oaths, secular humanism, and other things.

The next two weeks found me in extreme turmoil. I would think about the discussions with my Christian friend but then I would read from my Masonic Bible. Everything I would read seemed beautiful and I could see no wrong in it. My family’s Masonic background, the relationships I had with other Masons, and the beauty and dignity of Masonic ritual were all going through my mind. I was beginning to think that maybe my friend, like the man before, just didn’t understand.

Finally, I went to my knees and once again asked the Lord to show me the truth. It roared across my mind. "Blood Oath." I recalled my uneasiness with the oath of secrecy, and Jesus’ admonition to "make no oath at all" (Mat. 5:34). ‘That week the secretary of Vegas Lodge No. 32 received my letter of withdrawal. I received a call from a Past Master who asked me why I was withdrawing. I told him I was a Christian, and shared my thoughts with him, including Scriptures from the Bible. He explained to me that I shouldn’t believe everything I read in the Bible and that Christianity was a religion that the men in power at the time came up with to keep the common people in line.

Then he said, "After all, Duane, our dad, uncle, grand dad, and great-grand-dad were all Masons." The Past Master extolling the virtues of Freemasonry and attacking my faith in Jesus Christ was my own brother.

My letter of withdrawal was held for over a month, but now there is a paper in my home titled, "Certificate for a Brother Dropped from the Rolls at His Own Request. "After Christ endured indescribable pain and suffering for my sins, I could not rationalize staying in the lodge because of the difficulties I would have encountered had I resigned. Besides, to stay in Masonry would mean to deny Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in my prayers.

I have prayed for forgiveness and know that God has answered my prayers; not because I am worthy, but because of His grace and love, and because Jesus Christ IS my Lord and Savior.

Box 28702

Las Vegas, Nevada 89126

Dear Ed, I wanted to write and tell you thank you for all you have done to bring to the consciousness of Christians the dangers of Mormonism and other cults. A few years ago a friend of mine lived near some of their missionaries in Dallas, and he started telling me some of the stories of his experiences with them. I then asked him if he could get me a copy of your book "The Godmakers" and he sent me both of them.

At the time I was stationed overseas and the bookstores there didn't carry too many books. I read them and it was quite an eye opener! When I arrived back in the states, I went through some hard times and I honestly believe if it hadn't been for your books I might have joined the LDS church. Their church is presented with such a veneer of Christianity that it's impossible to detect any differences and for those who need answers, they have sure geared their commercials to attract those people. I've just recently seen two new ones on TV, and when I see them I want to be sick. It's like the serpent in Eden calling out to people that he has the answers.  

Once again thanks for the information. Forewarned is forearmed. I hope that many other Mormons will, through your organization, find the true way in Christ. God bless you and all your people.

In Christ, Steve G.

Ed, I just wanted to say hello. I was raised in St. George, Utah and know what it's like to deal with those involved with Mormonism. I found your email address on your web page and thought I'd just send you a note of thanks for your faithfulness in reaching those who are lost in the LDS movement. Just like Harriet Tubman led slaves out of bondage through the underground railroad, You are helping those escape

the bondage of the lies of the Mormon church. Don't ever quit, no matter what. Your ministry is greatly appreciated.

 In Him, Ron D. PS: By the way you have a great web site!

 Hi Ed:

I'm Steve-- friend of Blaine and Randy in Brigham. I live 25 miles north of them - 7 miles from the IDAHO UTAH line. My wife and I were LDS some years back, Now born-again. I have a testimony of conversion and gave it in the letter I sent the local LDS leaders-- mind you this is in rural conservative "ZION" ---

I wrote a book defending Mormonism--- I have a graduate degree and was going to work for the LDS Education system back in 1989. But got saved---divorced---remarried.

Back in the early 80's I wrote you a lot of nasty letters---- but again I'm saved now and God has given me an accurate perspective -----Thanks!

 Dear Ed, Repent, because your gonna die soon!

Ed's Response: We are all going to die. The only difference is that some get to go to heaven and some get to go to hell. I'm looking forward to heaven. Where are you going?

 *************************

My name is Jenifer. I am a seventeen year old, high school senior, from xxxx, LA. I have been receiving your newsletter for almost a year now. It has been really encouraging to hear of all the converts. My father who is now deceased, was a Mormon and all his family are very active Mormons. Just recently I had a cousin pass away, she was only about 30. It is really hard seeing your whole family unprepared to meet the real Jesus.

I keep you in my prayers always and hope to serve in a like ministry when I get older. Thank you for being such an inspiration, for people living in such a dark world.

In Christian Love, Jenifer W. 

Mr. Decker,

Just wanted to let you know that I find your ministry useful and empowering. I am a former latter day saint and have been saved in Jesus Christ for 3 years. Been out of the Church for a total of eight years. God bless you and your ministry. Grateful for any materials which I might find to aid those still in "the maze". Thanks so much!!

Bob J.

[NEW] P.O. Box 1347

Issaquah, WA 98027

http://www.Saintsalive.com

email us at edecker@nwlink.com