'I Want to Start a Patriot Saints Group Here. How Do
I Do It?'
It's largely up to you. Local initiative is what
drives this, not central control.
The following exchange is posted with permission.
Q.
To: Sterling
Allan
Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2001 2:15 PM
Subject: Interested in PatriotSaint branch and other ideas
Hi Sterling -
I was referred to you by Dennis Ure. He was, I guess, the branch leader of a
group here but is moving to Houston, Texas. I have just barely found the
internet sites (greater things, patriot saints, and joseph prep). I recently
wrote him an e-mail to find more information about groups and coops. Could you
tell me more. I definitely would like to join up and believe very firmly that
the time is soon coming for a need for a group that can assist each other
temporally and spiritually and community-wise to survive future situations and
events. I have been very interested in the idea and concept of covenant
communities, Zion societies, etc.
I feel now is the time to develop these ideas to a practical and useful
level so that we are prepared for whatever. Anyway, My name is Rod Nilsson and
my phone number is (208)684-5455 and my address is P.O. Box 1461, Blackfoot,
Idaho 83221. If you know of others I could join and meet with tell me.
I am LDS but I believe in not waiting until a majority of people decide or
wait for a pronouncement of sorts before I do something or join with a
practical workable community. Hope to find more about what can be done and
stay in contact with those with materials and helpful contacts.
Thanks much,
Sincerely,
Rod Nilsson
A.
From:
Rod,
The first thing I would like to emphasize in my response to you is that
"Patriot Saints" is not really a group as much as it is a name for a
phenomenon that already exists. You were a "patriot saint" before
you ever came across that name per se. So are a bunch of other people.
Likewise, there are many people who are having meetings as patriot saints,
though they do not call themselves such, and they may have never heard the
term. They get together to talk, to listen to special speakers, to have social
interaction, to learn.
What we are hoping to accomplish by using that phrase is to bring attention to
the two-fold responsibility that each of us has toward the first and second
coming facets of the Messiah. The first coming had to do with the gospel. The
second coming has to do with government.
A 'saint' is one who adheres to the principles of the gospel. A 'patriot' is
one who adheres to principles of free government. A 'patriot saint' is one who
does both.
So in terms of getting 'involved' with 'Patriot Saints' as an organization,
per se, I would say that you are already involved and have been for many
years; and so are many of your acquaintances.
What I see as lacking, and the reason I began the 'group' and website by that
name www.patriotsaints.com , is people getting together enough on a local
level who are of a like mind toward these two standards of God's gospel and
government.
Our purpose is to serve as a catalyst to get people to meet together more
often than they currently do, and with, specifically, both the gospel and the
government facets of the kingdom of God in mind as they do so -- whether their
get-together is to have a discussion, or to have a social activity, or to have
a training exercise, or to listen to a lecture.
Other than that, the initiative as to how and when and where is really up to
you and those in your area. Its between you and God.
This is not a centrally dictated group. It is an idea that has no earthly
ownership. Truth is eternal. Individuals are answerable individually (gospel)
to God as well as collectively (government). Each of us has a responsibility
to fulfill our obligations toward both.
So what I am saying is that you should not expect an organization such as you
might be used to in your church affiliation, with a strong hierarchy. It's
really up to you what you do, and you answer to God for your actions. There
are no 'franchise' fees. No mailing lists. No membership fees. No headquarters
rosters of all 'members.'
Perhaps as the idea takes hold there may be more supplemental materials
provided, and perhaps more structure than what we now have. But I am of the
strong opinion that this needs to be directed by the Lord with each
individual, and not by the arm of flesh. The less we provide by way of
leadership, the more you will be required to lean on the Lord, which is the
ideal anyway.
So if this sounds interesting to you, by all means, go for it. We would love
to hear back from time to time as to how things are going -- what you have
found to work, and what you have found doesn't work.
On an organization level, I would like permission to list your name as a
contact point on the website for people who live in the Blackfoot, Idaho area.
But don't expect this to provide a lot of referrals. If something is going to
happen, it will be because someone rolls up their sleeves and starts
contacting people they know, and have them contact people they know, and start
getting together more often to bolster one another in the various facets of
their responsibilities toward the gospel and government of God.
Another recommendation I would make as far as organization is concerned, is
that those of your acquaintances along these lines who have internet access
subscribe to the patriotsaints general newsletter for an occasional message
such as this one relevant to 'Patriot Saints.' You will find a link to this
from the patriotsaints.com website.
Finally, for those who are of an LDS background, the e-mail forum
"David's Outcasts" might be of interest to you, as its discussions
are geared toward things relevant to this 'patriot/saints' idea. See
for information about the group and instructions of how to subscribe.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Bradley Jordan
www.patriotsaints.com
