The City of Nephi

About the Book

This book begins with an introduction of what is hoped to be accomplished within its pages. Since the purpose of the Gospel in these latter days is to bring people unto Christ and the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, then our challenge is to build on these fundamental truths. To bring people closer to the truth and the Gospel of Christ through the Book of Mormon is our quest. We hope to not detract from this mission but to enhance it and present evidence that the Book of Mormon is literally true in every sense of the word. In fact, we believe that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book ever written. So we will start with that premise and work backward, if you will, to collaborate the truth of the Book of Mormon. We are not trying to prove the Book of Mormon is true because we already know that, but what we are going to do is discover and find evidence and proof from the legends, geography, history, archaeology, and some physical attributes that establish the truth. We see the Book of Mormon as the absolute truth that all things are measured against in our study. We realize that much has been already written about this most-important scriptural text. It is hoped that these discoveries are as wonderful for you, the reader, as they are for those that have already discovered them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concerning the record (The Book of Mormon) the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” --Introduction to the Book of Mormon The Promise In this book, we review a unique promise that comes from the ancient Lamanite prophet, Samuel, to the remnant of the Children of Lehi. At the time of this prophecy, the Lamanites were more righteous than the Nephites and because of their dedication and devotion they were given this promise: 12. Yea, I say unto you, that in the latter times the promises of the Lord have been extended to our brethren, the Lamanites; and notwithstanding the many afflictions which they shall have, and notwithstanding they shall be driven to and fro upon the face of the earth, and be hunted, and shall be smitten and scattered abroad, having no place for refuge, the Lord shall be merciful unto them. 13. And this is according to the prophecy, that they shall again be brought to the true knowledge, which is the knowledge of their Redeemer, and their great and true shepherd, and be numbered among his sheep. Helaman 15:10-13 This great prophecy says that once again these people will be favored of the Lord and come to a knowledge of the truth of the gospel and will embrace it. With that knowledge of truth in the latter days will come a realization of who they are, where they came from, where they lived, and who they will become. And just like the Lamanites in earlier times, these Children of Lehi will again discover their heritage and discard the false teachings of their fore fathers. They will come to a knowledge of their Savior and be numbered in His Church. This prophecy is literally true and is now coming about, and it is the purpose of this book to bring these truths from the Book of Mormon to this chosen people, to bring people to Christ. There is currently a ‘Marvellous Work and a Wonder’ happening amongst this people. A marvellous miracle is occurring with the Lord’s children specifically in South America. The sole purpose of this book is to increase faith and testimony among all true believers in Jesus Christ and this other testament, the Book of Mormon. “We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3-5) Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.” –- Introduction to the Book of Mormon

About the Author

L. Norman Shurtliff, (Les) was born in St. George, Utah, and grew up on a small vegetable farm in Southern Nevada where he lived with his parents, four brothers and two sisters. After graduation from high school the family sold the farms in Nevada and moved to Canada. Les was able to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Argentina for two years where he learned the Spanish language and the culture of the wonderful people of South America. He attended Brigham Young University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1979. Immediately after graduation from university the family moved from Vanderhoof, B.C. to the small town of Taylor, B.C. Les got a job at the local oil refinery as a chemist and held various positions there in the lab and in management for the next 25 years. Les and his family also developed a greenhouse complex to grow bedding plants and trees for reforestation. Eventually, Les would venture out on his own and build a gas chromatography lab which was later sold to Norwest Labs. Les managed the Fort St. John Norwest lab for three and a half years and built an environmental lab for the company until it again changed hands and was sold. After his mission 40 years ago Les was able to visit and see first hand the magical land of the Incas. Intrigued with the history and culture of South America Les has re-visited this land of beauty and mystery many times since and continues to search this ‘Promised Land’ for its many types of treasure. The gold may now be gone or only found in museums, but there is still other kinds of treasure more important that can only be found in the wonderful people who live in the enchanted Andean Highlands. Les has spent a lifetime studying and visiting South America and has a unique passion for this people and their legends. The evidence of this passion is seen in the long hours and effort to write a series of novels which will bring to life the story of a chosen and elect people. Les and his wife, Christal, continue to live in Taylor, B.C., and they have four sons, three daughters and sixteen grandkids. Les now owns and manages several businesses of his own with his wife as his business partner including the original greenhouse and landscaping business, and a Quiznos Restaurant. His real passion is to visit South America during the cold winter months in Canada and thus escape to a land where dreams really have come true.