Easter in the Americas

After the Savior was  resurrected, He appeared, not only to Mary Magdalene and His apostles in Jerusalem, but also to some of His "other sheep"(John 10:16) right here in the Americas!

We have all read, and know the story in the New Testament regarding the death and resurrection of  our Savior. We are familiar with all that happened in Jerusalem, but what was happening in other places in the world?  In the Book of Mormon, we are told through ancient prophets about what was happening in the Americas.  3 Nephi 8-11

The world was greatly affected by His death. In the Americas, there were earthquakes, and there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. Cities caught fire, others went into depths of the seas. Tornado's and terrible destruction throughout the land. After the destruction, there was darkness, so dark that even a candle could not be seen!

After 3 days, the inhabitants of this land were gathered together marveling over the events of the past few days when:
  

 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.
 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:
 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.  3 Nephi 11:3-10

In today's world, it helps to have a testimony of our Savior! To know of His life, His atoning sacrifice, and His death and resurrection. When we believe and have faith in His teachings, we have a purpose and a feeling of self worth that is not easily obtained without this knowledge. With the Book of Mormon, we get so much more knowledge and understanding of His plan for us!

How grateful I am for all that the Savior has done for me! I know that He lives! I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of His life!

Submitted by:  Lee Tanner