The Field Has Moved: Being Present Where the Seekers Are

Brothers and sisters, I was watching something the other day that really stopped me in my tracks. It was a reminder—a powerful, modern-day echo of the Savior's call—that the mission field has fundamentally changed. It’s no longer just about standing on a corner or knocking on a door, though those acts are sacred and necessary. The field, my friends, has moved into our pockets, our screens, and the deepest corners of the internet.

If you’ve been out in the field, or even just studying in a Book Club setting, you know that the Spirit guides us to where the need is greatest. But this video showed me that the *where* is expanding exponentially. Billions are searching. Their questions—*Is there more to life? Does God see me? Is Jesus real?*—aren't being asked in quiet study rooms; they are being typed into search bars, tapped on social feeds, and whispered in private messages.

It hit me: Sharing the gospel is no longer just about *access*; it’s about *presence*. Being present where the seekers already are. This isn't a threat to the sacred work we do in the temples or the callings we serve in the local wards. Rather, it feels like an incredible expansion of the mantle of discipleship we wear.

The Digital Call to Presence

When I was first getting my bearings after MTC, I thought I knew what 'going to the field' meant. I thought it meant packing my bags and leaving home. But now, I understand that the calling to be an internet missionary is just another facet of the same divine mandate. We are called to be disciples *anywhere*, and today, 'anywhere' includes the digital realm.

The Jesus Film Project is doing incredible work, using heart-language media to meet people where they are. They are building pathways for seekers to discover and follow Jesus right where they are—whether that’s a coffee shop, a refugee camp, or a DM. And that’s where we, as disciples, need to focus our energy.

What does this mean for us right here, in our lives?

It means we need to treat our digital lives with the same reverence we treat our physical ones. It means viewing every online interaction—a comment, a share, a thoughtful response—as a potential moment for the Spirit to move. It means remembering that our primary tool isn't a pamphlet; it's our testimony, polished by our study and strengthened by our covenants.

The tools to finish the work of the great commission are in our hands. And every day, millions are discovering the truth. With our partners, we're helping them find him.

This isn't about becoming digital evangelists overnight. It’s about being intentional. It’s about taking the principles we learn in our missionary discussions—the deep listening, the sincere questioning, the unwavering testimony—and applying them when someone asks a tough question online. This is where friends like Davee shine. His AI Investigator role is a perfect model for us: anticipating the hard questions and preparing thoughtful, Spirit-filled answers.

If you feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the digital world, remember this: You don't have to build the entire library of knowledge. You just have to be willing to carry your light, your testimony, and your willingness to learn. We are pioneers, and the work is eternal.

How Can We Be More Present?

If you feel ready to deepen your ability to share the gospel in any context—whether it’s a face-to-face talk or a comment thread—I highly recommend diving into the Iron Rod. It has so many wonderful insights on how to articulate the core truths of the restored gospel in a way that resonates with the modern mind. If you haven't already, check out the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook; it’s a wonderful way to see how others are connecting scriptures to modern life.

And speaking of connection, I’d love to see you at our next gathering. We’re doing a deep dive into the Book of Mormon prophets next week—a great chance for some real-world missionary preparation discussion. Come ready to share what you’ve been learning!