We do believe the scripture that says that no man knoweth the day or the hour of his coming. That would never keep us from following his direction to build temples and to expect that he will come to his temples as Malachi predicted.

"BEHOLD, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts." (Old Testament | Malachi 3:1)

There are currently 117 temples and several more in planning or construction around the world. Each of these temples are the best that can be done to create a House of the Lord, beautiful and appropriate. In the mid 1800s, there was a temple planned for Independence Missouri. I believe that this is the temple site in which you are referring. The members of the Church were driven out of Missouri by mobs who felt threatened by the unity of the "Mormons" and because of their beliefs. The temple was not built at that time, but it is anticipated that some day it will be.

I don't want to leave with you the impression that temples are being built just to have a place for the Lord to visit. Temples are used by members of the church for sacred ceremonies involving covenants and ordinances pertaining to the gospel. One of these ordinances is called Eternal Marriage where a couple is sealed to each other for not only the time here on earth, but for eternity as well. The children are also sealed forever to their parents. One of the great joys of my life is the assurance that if I live worthily and keep the covenants I have made in the temple of the Lord, I will be with my family forever. In other words, the primary purpose of temples, is to create eternal families.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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