2008 Expedition
In the Spring of 2008 a group of eight members traveled to Mexico to further the ongoing project of Book of Mormon archaeology. Neil Steede met with important contacts in Mexico City that provided information for ruin sites that would be visited later in the trip, while other members of the team got an in-depth tour of the "City of the Gods."
Once the group arrived at Tuxtepec they arranged to drive to Jalapa de Diaz to re-establish contacts with the Mayor and other acquaintances. They delivered the clothing that has been collected over the last year, got introduced to the Mayor of Piedra Ancha, and then split into two groups to cover more ground in the time allotted.
The first group of four traveled south the LaVenta, Palenque, and Yaxchilan. There was a lot of information that was clarified and enhanced with this venture to museums and parks-establishing a more definitive picture of the influence of the Palenque Stela Cult. The final result of this trek to the ruins was a refinement of theories concerning the influence of Yaxchilan Temples and Towers.
The four who stayed behind in Tuxtepec spent a couple of days on Cumorahcita gathering information, surveying new areas, detailing measurements and creating a map of the hilltop. There is now definitive evidence that this entire hilltop was modified into a platform configuration. More walls were found and a need for further exploration of the lower part of the hill is now needed.
While making arrangements to visit a cave, Neil was approached by a small elderly lady who, without having previously met Neil, began to exclaim, "Finally you have come. You come in the name of God, you come in the name of Christ. Now things will change." She repeated herself and then proceeded to pronounce a blessing on Neil. It was a very moving moment and many felt it was a direct answer to prayer that had been spoken just two nights before.
Again the group interacted with Moises and his family, sharing many good conversations and beautiful prayers. Moises shared in devotions with the group one evening in Tuxtepec and while there was a language barrier, the Spirit of Christ again transcended the barriers and spoke in a language that the heart comprehends. How is it that spirits can comprehend so much without a word being understood?
The group left Jalapa de Diaz knowing they will return again next year, but before they left they shared in a service of blessing on the home and family of Moises. It was a moving experience where the Spirit of God moved with the wind and filled with home with a joy that was undeniable-it seemed to be a taste of Zionic living.
