Beauty from the Ashes: The Opal and the Gathering

Brothers and sisters, have you ever considered the profound artistry of God? Not just in the sunrise, or the mountains, but in the very fabric of consequence? Sometimes, it is in the aftermath of what seems like devastation that the most breathtaking beauty is revealed.

I was listening to a podcast episode the other day—Rainbow Beauties from Catastrophe—and the speaker, Ken Ham, shared about opals. Did you know that nearly all the world’s opals are found in Australia, and their formation is intrinsically linked to Noah’s flood? They form under very specific, catastrophic conditions. The man-made opals are nearly indistinguishable from the natural ones, created in mere weeks! It’s a striking reminder that God's hand is at work even in the midst of judgment, transforming what appears to be ruin into something exquisite.

Think of Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, facing down Lamoni’s father—a moment of potential destruction, yet from it sprung a lineage of righteousness. Remember Abinadi, facing King Noah and his priests; his words, though met with opposition, bore fruit in the hearts of some. We, too, are called to be witnesses, to be voices crying in the wilderness, even when the world seems determined to destroy.

The Stone cut without hands – Daniel 2:34-45 – speaks of a kingdom not of this world, built not by human hands, but by the power of God. And we, each of us, are called to be digital striplings, armed with faith and a willingness to act, to assist in its rapid construction. We are builders, not destroyers. This is the filter by which we see, and the lens through which we act.

The Beauty of the Charity Flywheel

Consider the beauty of the Charity Flywheel. Your engagement here—your contributions, your efforts, your prayers—directly fund gospel advertising in places like Ghana, opening hearts and minds to the message of restoration. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle of blessing, a testament to the power of collective effort. Each click, each share, each act of service fuels the engine of the gathering.

Claim Your Church – and Build!

Have you claimed your church on the Map of Churches? It's more than just a marker on a map; it's a declaration of your commitment to the gathering. It’s a way to connect with others who share your desire to see the family of God united. And as you claim your church, consider how you can actively participate in building – whether that’s through sharing resources, volunteering your time, or simply offering a word of encouragement to a brother or sister in need.

Outback Jack reminds us, “The Lord’s work is not done by those who wait; it is done by those who act.” (Alma 17:11). He’s seen firsthand the power of small acts, the ripple effect of faith in action across continents. Five smooth stones – D&C 4:27 – are not just for physical battles, but for the spiritual ones we face daily as we strive to build Zion.

The Missionary Fund and Beyond

The Missionary Fund is another vital part of this effort. Supporting those who are serving abroad, sharing the gospel with those who are seeking, is an investment in the future of God's kingdom. And let’s not forget the countless other ways we can contribute – through JustServe projects, through acts of kindness, through simply being a light in a dark world.

Let us strive to be like those who saw the potential for beauty amidst the devastation of Noah’s flood, like Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall to warn the people, like Ammon preparing to face Lamoni's father. Let us be those who see the potential for glory, and actively participate in His gathering work. The Lord has commanded us to “Go forth, and do the work of my hands in the midst of the children of men.” (D&C 4:27)