IMCA Preparing Video for Native Americans by David Campbell

Several members of IMCA have begun gathering information for a video to share with Native American peoples. A second video is planned later for non-Indians. Because materials for the first video are still being organized, both the production time and length of the final presentation are uncertain. The large quantity of material being gathered may require two or three shorter segments rather than a single longer presentation.

The video will begin with an emphasis on spiritual visions and testimonies of several Native American figures. It is only mildly surprising that viewers will discover the same truths revealed in Native experiences are also found in prophetic scripture of the last days.

The video will seek to affirm and enlarge their present understanding with testimonies of their ancient forefathers in the Book of Mormon. Of interest will be the message, "...that if the Gentiles do not repent, after the blessing which they shall receive, after they have scattered my people, then shall ye who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them...as a lion among the beasts of the forests, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep " [3 Nephi 9:51-52]

However, as native peoples relate their testimonies, we do not find in them a desire to revile. After acknowledging they have been conquered and treated badly, "It is remarkable that among all these Indian peoples their great prophetic dreams do not speak of how revenge will some day come for their humiliation, but how there will one day be brotherhood and love between all races. It is the bigness and grandeur of these visions that makes any forward-looking person want to help them come true, for they promise the spiritual regeneration and uplifting of all mankind." [Warriors of the Rainbow, William Willoya and Vinson Brown, quoted from the Foreword.]

Native peoples have peered through the mist of generations to anticipate a time when, "New teachers would come who would give a Message that would be the same as the presence of God Himself, since this Message would gradually change the hearts of men and produce anew, spiritual civilization in which the rights and happiness of all men would be fully protected... All Indians should watch carefully for the coming of these new teachers of love and unity." [Warriors of the Rainbow, William Willoya and Vinson Brown, p. 52]

Through such testimonies, it is apparent the Great Spirit has prepared native people to receive a great testimony from white brothers; we believe it to be the Book of Mormon. Their sense of spiritual calling should find continuity in the promise that, "...as many of the house of Israel as shall come...may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem; and then shall they [the Gentiles] assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem. And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst, and then shall the work of the Father commence, at that day even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people." [3 Nephi 10: 2-4]

Recent generations of native peoples have been looking for true white brothers to come bringing a powerful new message of light and a new life. What an opportunity and privilege we have to enlarge the message of peace and vision of Zion! It appears many possess the spirit of Zion; they simply await the message.

In addition to an emphasis on their spiritual heritage and destiny, the video will update both the well-established evidence as well as new discoveries affirming the Native American connection to the ancient covenant people. Exciting discoveries in archeology in Central and North America will affirm the prophetic nature of the Book of Mormon. The relationship between different languages such as the Micmac, Hebrew, petroglyphs and gold plates in the museums in Mexico will be examined. The similarities of the different migration stories will be illustrated. Their long-standing search for truth will be acknowledged in the story of the Nez Perce search for the book from heaven.

Finally, it is hoped the spiritual vision portrayed in this video will enhance and deepen Native appreciation of their heritage. The marvelous spiritual concepts they hold bring them honor. No wonder the Lord, in speaking of native peoples declared, "...1 do not bring it to destroy...but to build it up..." [D & C 3:12]

It is our prayer native peoples receive the Book of Mormon as it was intended. The Great Spirit has carried this testimony of their forefathers who "cry from the dust" desiring its message of healing and promise be received by their precious children.