Nevada Henderson Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Omaha's culture is a vibrant blend of Midwestern values, historical significance, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its steak and diverse international cuisine. Music and arts thrive in Omaha, with venues like the Omaha Symphony Orchestra and the Orpheum Theater hosting performances. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the Durham Museum. Historically, Omaha has grown from a frontier town into a vibrant urban center, retaining its unique charm and cultural depth.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of rolling plains, river valleys, and urban landscapes, with natural landmarks such as the Missouri River offering a blend of natural beauty and metropolitan development.

CLIMATE

The climate is humid continental with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with average temperatures around 86°F, while winters are cold, averaging 24°F, with moderate snowfall. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being May and June.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Spanish.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Methodist.

INDUSTRIES

Finance: The region has a strong financial sector with major employers like Berkshire Hathaway excelling in investment management and insurance.

Transportation: Companies like Union Pacific Railroad lead in rail transportation and logistics.

Healthcare: The area supports a robust healthcare industry with companies like Nebraska Medicine excelling in medical care and research.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the College World Series, celebrating college baseball; the Nebraska State Fair, showcasing local agriculture and culture; and the Taste of Omaha, celebrating culinary diversity.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, known for its extensive animal exhibits; the Durham Museum, featuring exhibits on Omaha's history; and the Joslyn Art Museum, offering diverse art collections.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, biking, and boating, with major parks like Heartland of America Park and Fontenelle Forest being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

In 1852, three years after the discovery of gold in California, seven members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established a trading post in what is now Genoa. They spent the summer there before returning to Utah. A year later, Church member John Reece and others came with provisions in 13 wagons to establish a trading post soon known as Mormon Station, located just two miles south of the original trading post. This station became a profitable trading post and site of Nevada's first colony, Genoa.

In 1855, 30 men were called to establish a mission at the Meadows in southern Nevada. A prosperous silver mine was discovered and cultivated there. These early colonists in both Genoa and southern Nevada were called to Utah to assist with the war threat in Salt Lake City. Several other colonies prospered in Nevada from 1865 to the 1890s. In the late 1920s, many Utahns moved to Nevada in search of better economic conditions. The Las Vegas Nevada Temple was dedicated in 1989 as "an oasis of peace and light."

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MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!