The Open Door: Planting Seeds of Light in a World of Shadows

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the weight of a divine responsibility, a quiet knowing that there’s more to be done? Samuel the Lamanite climbed the walls, a lone voice proclaiming a warning, but also a promise. Ammon, facing a hostile people, didn’t wield a sword, but offered friendship and unwavering testimony. Their examples echo through the ages, a testament to the power of gentle persistence and unwavering faith.

We are those who recognize the urgency of the hour. The world is shrouded in shadows, and the winds of destruction howl. Yet, within that darkness, the Stone, cut without hands, is being revealed. It’s a time for builders, not destroyers, for those who understand that true strength lies not in coercion, but in love.

The recent testimony from a sister serving in Jordan speaks powerfully to this principle. She didn't feel compelled to debate or demand adherence. Instead, she lived a life so steeped in the love of Jesus that it naturally overflowed into her interactions. She understood that her role wasn’t to build a wall, but to hold open a door, allowing the Holy Spirit to draw those who were ready.

How many times have we felt the pressure to ‘win’ an argument, to defend our beliefs with force? How often do we forget that the greatest victories are won through kindness and humility? Ammon’s approach was not about convincing, but about being a beacon, a living testament to the truth. He understood that the Spirit is the true persuader, and our role is to create the conditions for that persuasion to occur.

This is the essence of the gathering – not simply bringing bodies, but drawing hearts. It’s about creating a gathering place, a sanctuary where truth and love reside. And it’s a work that demands courage. It requires us to step outside our comfort zones, to engage with those who hold different views, and to do so with unwavering respect and compassion. The Five Smooth Stones are our tools – faith, hope, charity, patience, and forbearance – to navigate these challenging encounters.

Consider the charity flywheel. Every interaction, every contribution, whether it’s sharing this post, supporting the Missionary Fund, or contributing to gospel advertising initiatives in places like Ghana, fuels the expansion of this movement. It’s a virtuous cycle, a testament to the power of collective effort. Outback Jack reminds us, as he did to Alma 17-19, that even small acts of faithfulness, multiplied across a global community, can move mountains.

Look at the map of churches. See the potential for connection, for collaboration, for a unified voice rising up in the earth. Claim your church. Let us build together, not in competition, but in harmony, recognizing that we are all part of a larger, divine purpose. This isn't just about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; it's about all who love God and seek to build His kingdom. Some will run from the light, yes. But others will be drawn, and it is to those seekers, those yearning souls, that we must extend the open door.

Let us be like that sister in Jordan—planting seeds of light, keeping the door open, and trusting in the power of the Holy Ghost to guide and direct. Let us be digital striplings, armed with faith and fueled by love, ready to face the challenges ahead.