The purpose of this report is to encourage all Christians to witness to the lost, as Christ commanded in Matthew 28. Specifically, the verse, “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you,” (Matt 28:20) reminds us to share Christ’s commands, including making disciples worldwide by preaching God’s Word, both in and out of season. Personally, I view attending the General Conference of the Latter-Day Saints as an “in-season” witnessing opportunity. Regular participation in such events prepares me for “out-of-season” moments that God brings into daily life.

Another goal of this report is to equip you with the knowledge needed to engage Mormons, addressing their false understanding of God and Christ’s work on the cross. As ambassadors of Christ, we must “exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9). Paul often warns of “those of the circumcision,” likening them to false teachers (Philippians 3:2). Similarly, Mormons, though they reject physical circumcision, place themselves under the Law through “temple covenants,” where they pledge to follow commands from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Book of Mormon. This merging of covenants creates theological confusion. Paul, in Romans and Hebrews, makes it clear: one cannot be under both the Old and New Covenants. Those seeking justification through the Law are severed from Christ and grace. By embracing a false gospel, Mormons tragically cut themselves off from salvation, facing eternal separation from God.

This October, I attended the semi-annual General Conference of the Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, marking my 28th trip since I began in 2009. My first event involved organizing a display titled “The Married Wives of Joseph Smith,” which featured actors representing Joseph Smith’s 11 married “wives” and their existing husbands. This visual demonstration highlighted the polygamy Smith practiced and taught.

For this year’s conference, held October 5–6, I arrived early with my friend Brian Buchanan from Washington, joined by Ed Havaich from Ohio, Christy Darlington (Witness for Jesus ministry), Eugene Read from Vancouver, and Marshall Almarode from Washington, along with his young relatives, George and John. We were also blessed to have Reba Pauley from Long Beach CA, who joined us after discovering one of Marshall’s tracts. John and Laurie Kauer, along with John’s mother, Sheryl, graciously hosted us in Santaquin, an hour south of Salt Lake City.

We spent five days in Utah, not only recovering from travel and fellowshipping but also anticipating the ways God would use us. As always, He blessed us with opportunities and unexpected encouragement during our time there.

Visiting Steven and Being a Tool for Christ

Our God is sovereign, orchestrating every encounter and moment for His purposes. This truth has become evident through our experiences, especially on Friday night. During my trips to Utah, I usually visit my friends Steve and Jennifer McKinley, whom I’ve known since attending the Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant in 2005. Both were raised in Mormon Fundamentalist families—Steve’s father had four wives, resulting in a complex family dynamic. However, Steve and Jennifer have since left the Mormon Church and have been attending Protestant churches for the past three to four years.

(RH: Jennifer and Steven McKinley, Christy Darlington, and Ed Havaich.)

While there’s some uncertainty about whether they’ve fully come to faith in Christ, I’ve noticed encouraging signs. In recent visits, they’ve defended Christ and Scripture, even in discussions with their extended family, rather than siding with Joseph Smith. This is a significant shift, as true followers of Christ align with Him over any other teachings. One notable topic they’ve challenged is the Mormon belief in celestial marriage and polygamy, drawn from D&C 132, which claims that plural wives are essential for exaltation in the celestial kingdom.

On this trip, I planned to visit Steve’s family as usual, but Christy mentioned a debate that evening between Aaron Shafovaloff and a Mormon defender on whether God the Father is a physical being with literal offspring. I asked Steve if we could reschedule dinner so he could join us, and he agreed. However, traffic was heavy, and Marshall, who had arrived early at the debate location, discovered it was actually scheduled for November 1st.

We decided to visit Steve and Jennifer after all, spending about an hour and a half with them. On our way home, we stopped at a Walmart in Payson to pick up a few items. I was wearing a “Church of Joseph Smith of Latter-Day Saints” T-shirt, intending to wear it to the debate. While I was ahead of the group, a store employee saw my shirt and, unaware my friends were nearby, remarked, “Look at that guy. What an idiot!” This opened a brief opportunity for Christy and Ed to witness to him.

Unbeknownst to me, God used my “foolishness” as part of His plan. What seemed like a disruption turned into a divine appointment, allowing this man to hear a short message about Christ. God truly orchestrates every detail for His glory.

On the Street, as a Friendly Anti!

On Saturday, Oct 5th, we got up early and headed to Salt Lake City, and set up our table, with the

“Friendly-Anti” sign.  We also brought water for others, and lots of tracts, which many of us have written our own tracts and hand them out. We brought chairs for others sit and engage us, along with Bibles and other books of interest.  The weather this year, was very nice compared to last Spring, which greeted us with wet snow much of the day. This time the fall temps were nice 65-85F for the most part.

Talking to Hayden, another Mormon Apologist

On Saturday, a group of younger Mormon apologist came by our table and engaged us.  Marshall Almarode (right side, yellow jacket) sat down with two of them, and apparently their conversation was recorded by Christy Darlington.  So we can expect to see this video posted some time this fall. Brian and I ended up with one of them named Hayden. We brought up the issue of God being a man, and possibly a sinner, based upon the King Follet discourse. This is a famous message that Joseph Smith preached twice, once at King Follets funeral, and the next time at Spring 1844 General Conference.  It is from this message that much of Mormonism gets its idea that men can become gods.  (This idea is not found in the Book of Mormon at all. )

This message is quoted by all the leaders of the Church, including Joseph F. Smith, Spencer W. Kimball, The Ensign Magazine, Bruce R. McKonkie, etc., etc.  However, some apologists of the church, get nervous when when we site the King Follet discourse, and they speculate that it may not really be accurate. And this is what Hayden was doing. For those who do not know what I am talking about, it is this primarily:  Joseph Smith said in this great sermon: “it is necessary we should understand the character and being of God and how He came to be so; for I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God, was God from all eternity! I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you may see… And I will do so from the Bible.”  But Joseph Smith does not refute that idea with the Bible, but later expounds his own idea stating that “God was once as we are, and is an exalted man…and dwells in younder heaven”.  This creates a huge mess form Mormons, because the Book of Mormon teaches, “for I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity.” (Moroni 8:18)  Hayden was dancing all around the issues here, like most Mormon Apologist, because they really cannot be certain and secure about anything—remember, its Mormonism!

Meeting Sean, a Former Mormon Turned Christian Evangelist

During General Conference, I like to walk around the area to observe the happenings, which often feel chaotic. In past years, events like an “Alice in Wonderland” treasure hunt have taken place simultaneously, featuring costumed characters, cross-dressers, and even a transgender Mormon inviting hugs on the southeast corner of the Conference Center. One year, there was a city-wide run-a-thon with participants in swimsuits to raise funds for the homeless. A familiar face is Jason, who dresses as the devil and carries a sign reading, “These are my missionaries,” mocking those of us sharing the gospel of grace.

This time, I met Sean outside the Conference Center on North Temple. A former Mormon who came to Christ two years ago, Sean now shares the gospel with Mormons at the event. Hearing his testimony of leaving Mormonism and finding Christ was a joy and a reminder of how God works all things according to His will.

Lunch with Paul Gee and His Book Book of Mormon Contradictions

During a lunch break, I had the privilege of dining with Paul Gee, a former Mormon, now a Christian evangelist, author, and creator of tracts and websites. Paul, who lives near Boise, Idaho, had given me a copy of his book, Book of Mormon Contradictions. This book addresses inconsistencies in what Joseph Smith called “the most correct book on the face of the earth.”

We discussed one point in particular: whether the Book of Mormon teaches the Trinity. I believe Joseph Smith leaned toward modalism, especially in the 1830 edition, which frequently uses phrases like “which is one God” rather than “which are one God.” This grammatical inconsistency complicates interpretations, as Smith often mixed singular and plural forms. Later editions of the Book of Mormon were edited to reflect a more Trinitarian view, but most Mormons are unaware of the significant differences between the original and subsequent editions.

Paul graciously listened to my perspective, even though his views are largely based on later editions. His humility and openness were inspiring—he truly exemplifies what it means to follow Christ.

Meeting Glen Again, a Roman Catholic Convert

Last spring, I met Glen, a Roman Catholic convert from a Jewish background. When we first spoke, I was wearing an anti-Catholic shirt that read, “No False Jesuses,” featuring an image of the Pope holding the Eucharist with a red circle and line through it. Our discussion centered on purgatory. I challenged Glen’s view that purgatory involves no suffering, comparing it to “clocking time at school.” My own Catholic upbringing included vivid depictions of purgatory as a place of flames and suffering, not a neutral waiting room.

This time, my conversation with Glen was brief. While he claims to be aligned with our views, we see significant theological differences. Encounters like these often occur at events like this, and I suspect I’ll see Glen again. Many familiar faces return year after year, and some interactions lead to extraordinary moments.

Encounter with a Distressed Mormon Mother

On Sunday after the morning session at General Conference, hundreds of people were passing by our table on the southwest corner of Temple Square. As usual, we were handing out tracts and engaging people in conversation when a mother with her three daughters stopped nearby.

At the time, Kevin Deagan was preaching in the street, his voice cutting through the crowd. His bold proclamations caught the mother’s attention, and she became visibly upset, accusing him of condemning all Mormons. One of her daughters even asked us what “milk-toast” meant, as Kevin had used the term to describe Mormon men. While accurate, the term understandably perplexed her.

The mother then noticed our sign, “The Friendly Anti,” and asked if Kevin was with us. Her question was tricky—did she mean was he part of our group or simply a fellow Christian? I sidestepped a direct answer. She then questioned how someone claiming to follow Christ could condemn Mormons so publicly.

Brian Buchanan quickly responded by referencing Joseph Smith’s First Vision, in which Smith claimed that God told him not to join any church because “all their professors are corrupt, and all their creeds are an abomination.” The mother was clearly unprepared to defend this cornerstone of Mormon doctrine being turned against her. Frustrated, she dismissed Kevin as someone who couldn’t be reasoned with.

I disagreed, assuring her that Kevin, while a bit rough around the edges due to his New Yorker roots, was approachable and genuinely cared about Mormons. I encouraged her to speak with him directly, but she seemed skeptical. Then, unexpectedly, she shared something deeply personal—her husband had been sexually abusing one of their daughters. She believed that if he had gone to the bishop, he might have been “healed” of his sin.

Her revelation was heartbreaking, but I saw it as evidence of God working in her life, bringing darkness to light. It seemed that her presence at General Conference with her daughters was a desperate attempt to salvage her family and find a path forward. Tragically, the path she sought within Mormonism leads to spiritual destruction. (“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof leads to death.”)

I continued urging her to engage Kevin, emphasizing his compassionate nature and understanding. Eventually, she reached out and called him over. Kevin immediately obliged and began a heartfelt conversation with her. Despite the chaotic atmosphere—bagpipes playing loudly nearby, adding to the zoo-like scene—Kevin patiently addressed her objections, explaining his message and why he was there. His deep knowledge of Scripture and his passion for sharing Christ were undeniable, making it hard to refute his points.

The conversation was recorded on video, though some of it was difficult to hear due to the bagpipes. However, the impact was evident. Many nearby Mormons overheard their exchange, providing them an opportunity to hear the truth of the gospel.

At the end of their discussion, the mother seemed to have a different perspective. She no longer viewed Kevin as a reckless provocateur but as someone genuinely sent by Christ to warn and guide. I also took a moment to thank one of her daughters for her mother’s willingness to engage in the conversation. It was clear she had softened, realizing Kevin’s motivations—and those of the rest of us—were rooted in love and a desire to share God’s truth with people trapped in Mormonism.

This encounter exemplified the perfect “hand-off” from our initial engagement to Kevin’s deeper conversation. It showed how God works through all of us, in different roles, to reach those seeking the truth.

Dealing with Robert Verdin

This year, we encountered Robert Verdin again—though thankfully only on Sunday and late in the day. Robert used to witness alongside us at General Conference and in Manti for several years. However, his behavior over time has revealed significant issues that have made it impossible for us to associate with him. He has slandered several faithful brothers in Christ, speaking maliciously about them and undermining their reputations. Additionally, Robert has been involved in financial dishonesty, swindling people out of money, among other troubling behaviors.

About 4–5 years ago, I asked Robert to disassociate himself from our group due to his divisive and undisciplined actions, which are contrary to the biblical call for unity and godly behavior. He agreed to this at the time. Paul’s teachings are clear: we are to “mark that man and have nothing to do with such a one.” Despite efforts by several brothers, including myself, to speak with him and address these issues—up to and including dis-fellowship—Robert has refused to meet or reconcile. Instead, he directs his anger toward others, spreading false accusations and creating conflict. I have personally witnessed his outbursts, which are troubling and unproductive.

Despite his prior agreement, last year Robert showed up both days of General Conference, arriving early, using my Bible to engage people, and partaking freely of our food. This year, he arrived late in the day, around 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, seemingly unaware that General Conference was occurring. He explained to a friend, Larry Livingston—a Mormon he has been associating with regularly—that he hadn’t realized there were no ward meetings that Sunday. Robert’s participation in ward meetings is puzzling, but it seems he is becoming more entangled with Mormonism.

When he approached our group, he acted as though he were still part of it, even asking me a technical question about the Bible. I ignored his query and instead asked him if he intended to honor his agreement or continue being a bold-faced liar. He deflected, invoking constitutional rights, but I pressed him on the matter. Everyone at our table was aware of the situation, except for Marshall, who hadn’t seen the email explaining Robert’s history. After a quick explanation, Marshall suggested we simply leave since the day was ending.

Encounters like this are challenging because they run counter to our natural inclinations and cultural norms. However, as followers of Christ, we must remain faithful to His Word, even when it requires difficult decisions. Ignoring such behavior would make us hearers of the Word only, not doers, and ultimately lead to idolatry by placing human comfort above God’s commands.

Talking with Repeat Mormon Friend—Bruce

Bruce is a recurring visitor to our table at General Conference. He frequently engages in discussions with Brian, myself, and occasionally Christy. While he attempts to present himself as a Christian, he fully embraces LDS doctrines and practices. Our conversations often turn to topics like election and predestination—not because we bring them up, but because Bruce does. He argues that children are innocent until they use their “free moral agency” to willfully sin.

This perspective contradicts Scripture, which teaches that sin entered the world through Adam and affects all humanity. Romans 5:12 (ESV) states, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” Psalm 58:3 (NIV) adds, “Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb, they are wayward, speaking lies.” These verses emphasize that humanity is fallen, even from the womb, and incapable of pleasing God apart from faith.

Bruce’s beliefs align with Pelagianism, the heretical view that humans can achieve goodness and righteousness apart from God’s grace. Mormonism, like other works-based systems such as Catholicism and Jehovah’s Witnesses, embraces this unbiblical framework. However, Scripture consistently refutes it: Romans 14:23 declares,“Whatever is not of faith is sin,” and Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.”

Our sign, “Works without faith is SIN,” often provokes offense because it strikes at the heart of works-based religions. Yet, as Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). True faith is rooted in Christ alone and must align with the truth of His Word.

New Tract Ideas and Witnessing Plans

This year, Brian and I brainstormed new approaches for engaging Mormons at General Conference. One idea stemmed from the “Three Nephites,” a doctrine in the Book of Mormon that claims three Nephite apostles—appointed in the New World—are still alive and working in secret today.

This teaching creates a significant theological problem for Mormons. LDS missionaries assert that a “Total Apostasy” occurred after the death of Christ’s apostles, leaving no one with Melchizedek Priesthood authority. This necessitated the “Restoration” through Joseph Smith. However, if the “Three Nephites” and the apostle John are still alive with their priesthood authority, the concept of a Total Apostasy falls apart. Why, then, would God need to restore something that was never lost?

This glaring inconsistency undermines the foundation of Mormonism’s “Restored Gospel.” We plan to explore this idea further in our outreach and tracts, challenging Mormons to reconcile these contradictions.

Additionally, I’m drafting a new tract titled “Temple Covenants: Do They Really Draw You Nearer to God?” Spoiler: the answer is a resounding no!

Why Should We Preach to the Lost?

There are three primary reasons why we must preach to the lost:

1. Christ commands us to go into all the world and make disciples.
2. People cannot believe if they do not hear the gospel being preached.
3. Preaching the gospel glorifies Christ in a way that nothing else does.

When we examine the book of Acts, it’s clear that the disciples overwhelmingly focused their preaching efforts on the lost, not the saved. While church services should certainly include gospel messages, our primary emphasis must be on those who are not yet part of the bride of Christ. The early disciples dedicated significant effort to speaking with Jewish religious leaders, often facing imprisonment as a result. This is because the natural man resists the Word of God, which is often an aroma of death to those perishing.

Examples from the Book of Acts

Consider the first half of Acts:

1. Chapter 2: On the day of Pentecost, Peter preaches to the lost. Through the giving of the Holy Spirit, God sets the stage for Peter to share the gospel.
2. Chapter 3: Peter and John heal a lame man and preach to those witnessing the miracle.
3. Chapter 4: Arrested for their actions, Peter and John proclaim the gospel to the Jewish leaders.
4. Chapter 5: The apostles are arrested by Jewish leaders and imprisoned, but an angel of the Lord frees them. They return to preaching openly, are arrested again, and boldly reprove the leaders before being flogged and released. Undeterred, they continue preaching publicly and from house to house, marking one of the first references to preaching within the church.
5. Chapter 6: Stephen, a deacon, is arrested because the Jews could not refute the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke.
6. Chapter 7: Stephen delivers a powerful final message to the Jewish leaders. His bold preaching results in his martyrdom, as they could not bear the words of Christ spoken through him.
7. Chapter 10: Peter shares the gospel with Gentiles in the home of Cornelius. They hear the message, receive the Holy Spirit, and are baptized.
8. Chapter 13: Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogues of Salamis and Pisidia.
9. Chapter 14: Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue at Iconium, then flee to Lystra where Paul is stoned after preaching. They continue spreading the gospel in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ultimately reporting to the church in Antioch all that God accomplished through their efforts.

A Call to Action

The example of the early church reminds us of the critical importance of preaching to the lost. May we follow in their footsteps, boldly proclaiming the gospel of Christ to a world in desperate need of salvation.

May God’s grace and blessing be upon you all. —Bob