While working in Jacksonville, Florida beginning in1995, I would occasionally go to lunch with a couple of childhood church-buddies. We would talk about our responsibilities in business, church and raising our young families. We enjoyed the support we gave one another. We were in very similar situations--we were returned missionaries and new professionals who were trying to provide for our families.

After these infrequent lunch meetings, I began to wonder why we didn't get together more often and then I thought how great it would be if other local LDS professionals could benefit from such support groups. I envisioned getting together with people who had similar values and commitments. We would provide encouragement and help each other succeed in our individual vocational pursuits.

Although we are in the world, but not of the world we do not have to be alone. We support each other in spiritual matters at church and we can also choose to help each other out in temporal matter.

Working together and helping each other succeed professionally is good, but doing it for the purpose of building up the Kingdom of God and establishing Zion, is better. In the end, the pure in heart will be united spiritually and temporally. I believe ZionsCommerce.com is a better way to do business because it seeks to unify and prosper the Pure in Heart for the purpose of establishing Zion.

Zion's Commerce Facts

1. How is Zion formed?

Zion is formed by the pure in heart--righteous, covenant people that seek the Lord's will in all things and who work together for the success of all. Zion is spiritual and temporal unity. Zion is formed on the principles and values of faith, hope, charity, work, self-reliance and consecration.

2. What is the purpose of ZionsCommerce.com?

The purpose of ZionsCommerce.com is to unify and prosper the saints. Coming together and helping each other succeed in our individual pursuits is a noble cause. We can build Zion by consecrating a part of our gifts, talents and knowledge to help other good people succeed.

It makes a difference where we spend our money. Money and people support causes. You support the cause of Zion when you spend your resources with someone who is committed to being honest, responsible, competent and in doing God's will. You are encouraged to put your money where your heart is by supporting the economic interests of the saints.

3. How will ZionsCommerce.com accomplish its purpose?

ZionsCommerce.com will help the saints by promoting their economic interest, fostering trade and the sharing of ones talents. These goals are accomplished by (1) teaching provident living concepts and sharing discount purchase opportunities, (2) listing and promoting individuals and businesses with integrity, (3) facilitating a forum of support where people can share their gifts, learn and network.

4. Who may join ZionsCommerce.com?

All who have a desire to build up Zion and are committed to the Vision, Mission, Goal and Values of ZionsCommerce.com are invited to participate.

5. Why is the Zion's Commerce pledge important?

The Zions Commerce Pledge is a unifying statement that declares our commitment to God and the goal to assist in the establishment of Zion.

The Zion's Commerce Pledge: I pledge to work toward the establishment of Zion--to become pure in heart and labor for Zion; to be of one heart and one mind with an eye single to the glory of God. And I will conduct business with complete integrity and responsibility.