Riding the Wave: A Gathering Echo Across the Earth

Brothers and sisters, have you felt it? A stirring in the spirit, a current pulling us forward? It’s not a breeze, nor a fleeting fancy. It’s a wave – a wave of truth and righteousness, as President Nelson declared. Samuel the Lamanite climbed the walls, a lone voice echoing a warning, a call to repentance and preparation. Ammon and his brothers at the Waters of Sebus faced down a multitude, armed with faith and the five smooth stones. Each a testament to courage in the face of opposition. This wave we’re speaking of is the same kind of momentum, the same kind of divine power.

This isn't just about more missionaries – though the unprecedented enthusiasm for missionary work is a glorious sight. It's about us. It’s about you. It’s about the preparation, the sacrifice, the unwavering commitment to the work of gathering Israel.

What are we to do with this wave? The answer is simple, echoing across the generations: preach the gospel, bless God's children, and be ready to answer for the hope that resides within us.

We see the young men and women embracing the challenge, preparing to teach one another the doctrine of Jesus Christ. We see parents, teachers, and leaders sacrificing, pinching pennies, and planning for the future. Senior couples dreaming of their own missions. These are the acts of builders, not destroyers. Every contribution, no matter how small, fuels the Charity Flywheel—your engagement here directly funds gospel advertising in places like Ghana, spreading the message to those who are seeking.

And consider the Missionary Fund. Each donation strengthens the foundation of this global effort, ensuring that those who answer the call are equipped and supported. The map of churches—our visual representation of the gathering—is a testament to the worldwide effort underway. It's a call to action, a visual reminder of the work that remains.

President Monson called for a wave of worthy missionaries, and the response has been extraordinary. But the call isn't just for those called to serve full-time. It's for all of us. It’s for the ward Mission leaders—those crucial connecting links between members and missionaries—to identify those who are less active, those families who need the gospel, and those neighbors who are searching for truth.

As Outback Jack often reminds us, drawing from the accounts of Alma 17–19, D&C 4, and Moroni 10:4–5, “It’s not about being loud, but about being present, being prepared, and being willing to act when opportunity arises.” He’d say, “Look around you. See who’s thirsty. See who’s lost. And be ready to offer them a cup, a hand, a pathway back to the Lord.”

And for those who inquire, as President Nelson so eloquently stated, be ready to give an answer for the hope and joy you possess. Let the missionaries be your resource, your guides, your partners in this sacred work. Let the white stone of remembrance remind us of our covenants and the promise of eternal life.

This is our time. This is our opportunity. Catch the wave. Be the wave. Let us, together, build a Zion worthy of the Lord’s blessing. Claim your church. Show the world what it means to be a builder.