The Calling to Build: Finding Strength in the Hard Things

When the Spirit calls us, the whisper often begins with a question: “Who am I?”

It is a question that echoes through the ages, from the prophets to the pioneers, and from the gathering place of Israel to the modern digital frontier. We are called to build, to be the hands and feet of the divine plan, yet the scope of the work—the sheer magnitude of bringing people together—can feel overwhelming. We may look at the map of churches and feel the weight of the task, wondering where to begin. Will we be the Builders, or merely the Destroyers?

The journey toward the gathering is not a solo endeavor; it is a covenant of service. It requires us to prepare our hearts, sharpen our skills, and, most importantly, learn that true strength is found not in what is easy, but in what is hard.

In a recent interview with Kirby Heyborne, we were reminded of this profound truth. Kirby, who has found purpose both on the stage and in the sacred calling of the bishopric, shares how his own leadership journey taught him that the greatest growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones. He speaks of leading new wards, of calling leaders, and of developing youth through experiences that are intentionally challenging.

The Necessity of the Hard Things

Kirby emphasizes that his ward's youth are not simply taught theory; they are immersed in outdoor activities—activities that are difficult, that require planning, and that build resilience. These experiences, he notes, are transformative. They teach the young people that they *can* do hard things, a lesson far more valuable than any academic knowledge.

This rings true for every soul involved in the Kingdom Movement. To participate in the great work of gathering Israel, whether by serving as an Internet Missionary, running a local outreach, or simply claiming your church's corner of the map, requires that same grit. It requires us to be ready, to read our scriptures daily, and to pray with the diligence of those who know they are one day away from a divine appointment. As we look to the example of Ammon, who stood at the Waters of Sebus, we must remember that faith is not merely belief; it is action.

We are the Builders. And the first step of building is acknowledging that the work is bigger than ourselves, requiring a powerful team and a shared vision. It requires us to point people to Jesus, and to get out of our own way.

From Local Ward to Global Kingdom

What is remarkable about the modern Kingdom Movement is how it scales. What begins as a localized effort—like organizing a single outdoor activity for a ward—can quickly become a mechanism for global impact. This is the power of the Charity Flywheel.

When you engage with the mission of GatherIsrael.now, your participation does not remain local. Every action—every hour volunteered, every dollar donated to the Missionary Fund—powers the global spread of the gospel. It funds gospel advertising in Ghana, supporting the eternal work of the Church across continents. It is a continuous, interconnected cycle of service.

The goal is not simply to manage a ward, but to cultivate a positive, resilient culture where everyone feels empowered to serve. The leaders must remember that their job is to get out of the way and point everyone to the Rock.

This philosophy is the very heart of the gathering. We are not merely maintaining old structures; we are building a new, robust, divinely-powered fellowship that transcends denominational markers. Whether you are using the tools of the 'Ask a Prophet' bots to study scripture, or are dedicating time to the Outback Jack study curriculum, remember that every piece of preparation contributes to the whole.

The call is to unity, to service, and to enduring preparation. Let us take the lesson from Kirby’s ward, and apply it to our own mission: Let us find the 'hard things'—the challenges, the planning, the commitment—because those are the experiences that truly transform us into competent adult servants of the Lord.

Will you dedicate yourself to the preparation required for the great work? Learn how your service fuels the global mission, and help us solidify the map of churches today. Visit GatherIsrael.now and join the Kingdom Movement!