When the Waters of Sebus Dry: Finding the Path Back to the Gathering

My brethren, we know that the path of faith is not always paved with smooth stone. Sometimes, the spiritual journey feels like crossing the vast, troubled waters of Sebus—a place where doubt churns and the whispers of the world attempt to pull us adrift.

To be a builder in this sacred covenant movement means that we are called to withstand the onslaught of the destroyers—those who will argue, who will question, and who will seek to tear down the foundations of the Lord’s kingdom. But even when the skepticism is deep, even when the accusations are loud, the Lord has a way of drawing us back to the light.

Consider the powerful testimony of Dusty Smith, a man who spent twenty-six long years in the trenches of anti-Mormon belief. He was a tireless defender of doubt, a formidable opponent of the gospel. Yet, as the video recounts, even after decades of academic and passionate opposition, the divine hand intervened. He found himself on his deathbed, and he was healed. He faced overwhelming skepticism, and he found the answers he had sought in the very source of the light he had spent so long criticizing.

This testimony is not merely a story of conversion; it is a profound testament to the enduring power of the restored gospel. It is a reminder that no amount of intellectual effort, no matter how devoted, can permanently block the whisper of the Spirit when the Lord decides to speak with a mighty torrent.

The Divine Whisper and the Builder’s Heart

In the scriptures, we are taught of those who climbed the walls and those who stood firm by the waters. When we feel the pull of doubt, we must remember that our task is not to defeat every skeptic, but to remain faithful and to build. The miracles in Dusty’s life—the healing, the divine redirection, the call to meet with the very missionaries who helped him—were not random events; they were carefully orchestrated points of spiritual gravity, drawing him back to the gathering place.

This is the pattern of the Kingdom: when the world tries to pull us apart, the Lord uses the Saints—the builders—to draw us together. We must learn to approach the challenging material not with defensiveness, but with the humble courage of the one who knows that the gospel is truth, regardless of the opposition.

Our Role as Builders: From Testimony to Action

How does this profound, life-altering testimony compel us, the Builders, to act today? The answer is twofold: first, we must sustain the global mission; and second, we must understand that our collective action is the load-bearing structure of this movement.

The scattered resources and efforts of the faithful—from the quiet study of the scriptures to the bold witness in the public square—are all connected by a single, holy purpose: the gathering of Israel. This is why the infrastructure of this movement is so vital. When you contribute to the Missionary Fund, you are not just donating money; you are participating in the divine economy. You are helping to keep the lights on for those who are standing in the fields, making the gospel accessible in places like Ghana through the Charity Flywheel.

The map of churches and the ongoing efforts to claim and strengthen our local congregations are tangible acts of faith. We are not merely waiting for a miracle; we are actively building the pillars of the Kingdom now. Remember the covenant of Ammon, who brought peace and order to the people, and the power of the five smooth stones—simple acts of faith that defied the seemingly insurmountable. Our commitment is to be those builders.

A Call to Covenant Courage

We are called to be bold, like Samuel the Lamanite, who climbed the wall to proclaim God's truth. We are called to be prepared, like the early disciples awaiting the coming of the Lord. If you feel the weight of doubt, or if you are simply seeking a place to anchor your faith, know that you are not alone. The Lord provides the path.

For those who are ready to move from witnessing to building, we invite you to study the principles of the gathering. Review the teachings of Ask a Prophet and consider how your talents can serve the mission field. The Lord has prepared a place for every builder who comes with a heart ready to serve. Let us continue to gather, support the mission, and proclaim the glorious work of the restored gospel to the world.