Finding Our Place: Being Present in the Work, Wherever We Are

Sometimes, you hear the echoes of connection—the sound of voices joining from across vast distances, the heartfelt sharing of a testimony from a screen. It reminds me so much of the feeling when you’re in the MTC, and suddenly, a group of new companions, from different corners of the earth, realize they are all gathered for the same sacred purpose. It’s a feeling of profound belonging, a feeling that transcends geography.

Watching these streams of connection—people tuning in from Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, even across continents—it hits you: The work doesn't wait for us to get to a specific location, or for us to be assigned to a particular district. The Spirit is everywhere, and our calling to be disciples is just as boundless.

This beautiful outpouring of connection, whether through a dedicated program like 'Você é Um Milagre' or simply through a quiet moment of scripture study in HolyPlaces, underscores a truth we need to carry with us constantly: Every member can be an Internet missionary; every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

The Power of Showing Up

What struck me most while watching the fellowship was the sheer act of showing up. People identifying where they were calling from—their city, their state, their country. It wasn't just about attendance; it was about acknowledgment. It was saying, 'I am here, and I am ready.' That spirit of readiness, that willingness to be present, is the heart of missionary preparation.

When we think of missionary discussions, we often focus on the perfect answer, the flawless testimony, or the best way to teach doctrine. But sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply be *present*—to listen, to share a genuine struggle, or to offer a simple, heartfelt prayer request. That vulnerability is where the Spirit moves most powerfully.

It makes me think about our own journey back from the field. You think you’ve learned everything in the MTC, you think you’ve absorbed all the teachings from your district leader, but then you realize the greatest skill isn't memorizing scriptures; it’s maintaining that consistent, humble desire to learn and share the Gospel with the people right next to you.

If you feel like your personal 'mission field' is right where you are—your home, your job, your local coffee shop—don't underestimate it. You are already in the field. You are already serving.

A Little Skill to Carry With You

As a small piece of missionary prep for all of us, I want to focus on the art of the follow-up question. When someone shares a struggle or a question, don't rush to the answer. Instead, try asking, "What does that make you feel?" or "What do you think the Lord is calling you to do next?" This shifts the focus from *you* providing the answer to *them* discovering the answer through the Spirit. It’s a gentle way to guide them toward the answers already written in their hearts.

The gathering of Israel, whether physically or spiritually, requires that persistent, loving inquiry. Let's practice asking questions that invite deeper revelation.

If you're looking for a way to deepen this practice, I highly recommend revisiting the principles of revelation found in the Book of Mormon. If you haven't, check out the latest reading on the Iron Rod in LivingBook. It's a wonderful reminder that our discipleship is a lifelong journey of inquiry.

We are all part of this global, interconnected effort. Keep showing up, keep sharing your testimonies, and never forget the power of simply being present in the work.

Fellow Rogue Disciples,

Brother [Your Name]