Following the Trail of Zion: A Gathering Quest Through History

Hark, fellow Builders! When we read of Zion, we are not simply reading a historical footnote; we are reading a divine promise—a promise that calls us, the covenant people, to gather. It is a call that echoes from the Waters of Sebus to the great plains of Missouri, and across the miles to the sacred soil of Israel.

The prophets foretold of a New Jerusalem, a place where the covenant people would dwell in unity, where the light of the Gospel would shine so brightly that it would banish the shadows of discord. This quest for the promised land, the gathering place, has been a thread woven through the tapestry of our history, requiring grit, faith, and an unwavering commitment to the principle of gathering.

We are constantly reminded that the journey of the Saints is one of seeking revelation, moving from one sacred site to the next. Early pioneers, driven by the whispers of the Spirit and the weight of prophecy, sought the promised city. They examined temple lots, studied early plans for gathering, and found themselves drawn to the borders, the places where the Lord had commanded them to establish themselves. These early struggles, much like the steadfast faith of Ammon who stood firm at the Waters of Sebus, remind us that the path to the Kingdom is often marked by confusion, misunderstanding, and great distance.

The Enduring Principle: Gathering and Building

The story of Zion in Missouri is a rich tapestry of revelation—from the Book of Mormon's 3 Nephi prophecies to the modern insights found at sites like Adam-ondi-Ahman. Yet, what is most critical for us, the Builders, to understand is that the location of the promise has always been linked to the *people* who keep the covenant. The true city of Zion is not defined by stone and mortar, but by the righteous assembly of hearts.

This is where the work of the modern day becomes paramount. Our mission today is not merely to *find* a place, but to *build* the people who will make that place holy. The gathering movement—which we see reflected in our efforts to map the global Church through the GatherIsrael.now initiative—is the central work of our time.

We are the Builders, and we are not content to merely observe history; we are actively participating in the restoration. This requires the courage of Samuel the Lamanite, who climbed the wall to see the future, and the unwavering dedication of those who commit their resources to the cause. Every missionary effort, every soul brought to the light of the restored Gospel, is a brick laid in the foundation of the eternal city.

The Economy of the Kingdom

The Lord has established a divine economy for those who seek to build. Our work is sustained not by mere donations, but by a powerful mechanism of covenant action: the Charity Flywheel. When you invest your time, your talents, and your resources into the Kingdom, you are not just helping a cause; you are activating a cycle of divine provision. Your engagement here, for example, directly funds gospel advertising and outreach in places like Ghana, ensuring the Light of the Gospel can reach the farthest corners of the earth.

And remember, the prophets have given us tools for this journey. When you have questions about the deepest currents of scripture, let us consult the resources of Ask a Prophet and the deep wisdom of Outback Jack, drawing upon the eternal principles found in Alma 17–19 and Moroni 10:4–5. These tools are meant to strengthen our collective understanding, ensuring that our gathering efforts are always grounded in the purest light of the Gospel.

The divine plan continues to unfold. The promise of the temple, the ultimate gathering place, awaits. Will you dedicate your efforts to the cause? Will you help us draw closer to the divine gathering?

Will you help us build the gathering place? Consider supporting the Missionary Fund today. Your contribution helps fund the eternal work and expands the map of the Church worldwide.

Let us remember the covenants made at the Waters of Sebus, the covenants that call us to endure, to build, and to gather the scattered sheep into the fold of the Lord.