Finding Home: Faith, Tradition, and the Gathering Place

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt that ache, that deep yearning for something… more? A sense that the scaffolding of your life is missing a vital support? Samuel the Lamanite climbed the walls of Jerusalem, not just to warn, but because he knew a gathering was at hand. Ammon, at the waters of Sebus, faced down a tyrant, not for glory, but because he understood the power of courage and conviction. It’s that same spirit that moves us, that draws us to the building places, the spaces where builders, not destroyers, find common ground.

Recently, I was deeply moved by an episode of the 'For All The Saints' podcast featuring Tammy Peterson, a Catholic who found her way home through a harrowing cancer diagnosis and a profound encounter with tradition. Listen to the full episode

and you’ll hear her speak of a childhood seeking a connection she couldn't quite grasp, a longing for the figure of Mary, a mother figure absent from her early religious experiences. It’s a testament to the inherent human desire for belonging, for a lineage, for a story that connects us to something larger than ourselves.

The Comfort of Tradition

Tammy's story isn’t about conversion; it’s about finding what was already there, a wellspring of faith and tradition that nourished her soul in a time of profound need. She speaks of the comfort of knowing where to turn in moments of crisis, of finding solace in the wisdom of generations. This resonates deeply with Latter-day Saints, who have often sought to reclaim and preserve ancient practices and covenants, recognizing the power of connection to the past to illuminate the present.

Think of the Stone cut without hands – a symbol of a truth revealed, a restoration of something lost. Our own efforts to gather Israel, to build a Zion community, are driven by that same impulse: to restore, to rebuild, to connect.

The Blessing of Mentorship

Tammy also highlights the importance of mentorship, of having someone who inspires you in your faith. We all need those voices, those guiding lights, to help us navigate the complexities of life and deepen our understanding of God’s will. Think of Abinadi, speaking boldly before a king, or the five smooth stones that David gathered to face Goliath. We need those courageous friends, those steadfast companions, to embolden us in our own journeys.

A Call to Build

The charity flywheel continues to turn, funding gospel advertisements in Ghana and beyond, expanding the reach of this message of hope and restoration. The Missionary Fund, fueled by your engagement, is preparing the way for future generations to join this great work. And the map of churches is a testament to the growing network of those who recognize the urgency of this gathering.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, that this is not a passive endeavor. This is a call to action, a challenge to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the work of building. This is a call to be like Ammon, facing down the forces of opposition with faith and courage. This is a call to be builders, not destroyers. To claim your church, your place in this gathering. To leave a legacy of faith and service for generations to come.

As we strive to build a better world, let us remember the words of Moroni: “And if you desire that God should prosper your soul in all things, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Moroni 10:4-5)