Stakes of Zion

Found this today at google video. It shows the growth in stakes (diocese - groups of congregations) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). For those less familiar with the history, back in the 1800s the church had a policy of encouraging emigration to Utah, so that's why there don't appear to be any stakes in other countries despite the fact that until about 1860 there were more members in England than there were in Utah.



On the one hand, I thrill to see how rapidly stakes have multiplied since WWII. On the other, it's amazing how large an area is still dark on the map. As Pres. Monson said at the last General Conference, "There remain, however, areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. As did President Spencer W. Kimball over 32 years ago, I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. As we prayed then in response to President Kimball’s pleadings, we saw miracles unfold as country after country, formerly closed to the Church, was opened. Such will transpire again as we pray with faith."