When the Fires Come: Finding Resilience as Internet Disciples

There are times when the weight of the world—or perhaps just the weight of a tough week—can feel overwhelming. We read stories of immense suffering, of communities facing threats we can barely comprehend, and we are left asking: Where does true strength come from? Do we draw it from our own reserves, or is it something higher?

Recently, I came across an incredible account of a community that faced a catastrophic loss—a fire that destroyed their sacred space. The story, detailing the aftermath and the profound outpouring of aid from neighbors, struck me deeply. It wasn't just about the physical rebuilding of walls and services; it was about the invisible act of showing up. It was about the unwavering commitment to one another when fear threatened to tear the very fabric of a community apart.

It made me think about what it means to be a disciple today. When the fires come—whether they are the fires of misunderstanding, the fires of apathy, or the fires of local adversity—how do we, as Latter-day Saints, prepare to be the light? How do we move from simply *caring* about the work to actively *participating* in it, right where we are?

Being a Disciple Anywhere, All the Time

The message I always want to share, whether I'm back in the field or sitting in my living room, is that our calling doesn't stop at the boundaries of a mission. Our calling is universal. We are called to be disciples everywhere—in the office, in the grocery store, on the internet, and in our homes. We are meant to be the helping hands, the steady voice, the source of genuine kindness that the story above demonstrated.

This concept of community support is the heart of the gospel. It’s not enough to just *believe* in the work; we must be ready to *do* the work. We must be prepared to lend a hand, offer a listening ear, or simply share a scripture when someone is distraught. That is the essence of being an Internet missionary.

Practical Preparation: Strengthening Our Foundation

If we want to be sources of strength for others, we must first solidify our own foundations. For me, that means dedicating time to the quiet work of scripture study. I’ve been spending a lot of time diving into the Book of Mormon through our Book Club in HolyPlaces. It's such a powerful reminder that our forebears faced challenges, and yet their faith was always bolstered by their commitment to one another and to the Spirit.

“The greatest gift we can give to the world is our example of discipleship.”

If you feel yourself losing steam, or if you are struggling to connect the principles of the gospel to your busy modern life, I have a recommendation for you. I’ve been revisiting the teachings of Avraham Gileadi, and I found a book on understanding the Atonement that really helped me refocus. It’s available in LivingBook, and I think it will serve as a wonderful refresher for any disciple feeling the call to deeper understanding.

Next Steps for Our Rogue Disciples

Remember that preparation is not just for the mission; it is for life. If you feel the Spirit nudge you toward deeper understanding of the plan of salvation, I strongly encourage you to join a local Bible Study Group. These groups are incredible places to wrestle with the hard questions and grow in your knowledge.

If you are feeling stuck on how to answer a difficult question from an investigator, don't panic! That's where I love bringing in our AI co-pilot, Davee. He's trained specifically for the AI Investigator role and can walk you through the tough questions so you can feel confident in your missionary discussions.

And finally, if you're looking for a way to connect with others who share this hunger to learn, come join us this Saturday for our weekly Disciple Challenge. We’ve got a great discussion planned about translating ancient principles into modern action. I hope to see you there!