When the World Gets Dark: Remembering Our Light in the Face of Persecution

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the world throws up headlines that make your stomach drop. You hear reports—reports that detail increasing hardship, rising tensions, and persecution against those who follow the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s sobering stuff, isn't it?

It’s easy, when we’re reading about what’s happening in distant lands—be it in parts of Asia, Africa, or elsewhere—to feel a sense of helplessness. We might look at the sheer scale of the problem and think, “What can *I* do? I’m just one disciple, one member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

But I want to talk to you today, not from a place of fear, but from a place of the Spirit that has carried me through the deepest parts of the field. We are the Rogue Disciples. We are the internet missionaries. And our strength isn't measured by the size of the problem, but by the unwavering commitment to the covenant we’ve made.

The recent reports, like the one we saw detailing spikes in persecution, are a stark reminder that the world will always have strong opinions about the Gospel. Sometimes those opinions are expressed through violence, sometimes through systemic pressure, and sometimes through subtle discouragement. But the core message remains the same: the light of Christ is worth defending.

What does this mean for us, right here, right now, in our own communities? It means we must remember the foundational truth of our discipleship: Every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

When I was in the MTC, we spent so much time learning the mechanics of the talk—the doctrinal points, the testimonies, the perfect timing. But what I wish I could bottle up for my younger self, for the next wave of missionaries, is this: Prepare your heart more than you prepare your talk. Because when the world gets dark, the most powerful tool we have is a heart full of Christlike empathy and unwavering faith.

Preach My Gospel in the Digital Age

The message of the restored gospel is not a niche topic; it is the antidote to the world’s deepest anxieties. When we see headlines about instability, we need to be the steady voice pointing people toward the Rock. Our mission prep doesn't end when we leave the temple; it just changes medium.

If you are preparing for your mission, remember this: Don't just memorize the answers to the hard questions. Instead, practice *listening* for the hard questions. Be ready for the investigator to bring up politics, or skepticism, or even personal grievances. That’s where the real work—the Spirit-led, genuine connection—happens.

If you are already in the field, or if you are a lifelong disciple feeling the pull to serve, I encourage you to dive deeper into the material. Have you been reading the latest Iron Rod insights? I highly recommend revisiting the sections on understanding the covenants—it helps anchor our perspective when external pressures mount.

We are called to be disciples who don't wait for a designated "mission trip" to feel useful. We are disciples who are always ready to share the knowledge, whether it's through a heartfelt conversation at the local stake center, participating in a Book Club on a challenging scripture, or even just leaving a thoughtful comment in the Social Scripture Study feed in LivingBook.

Let’s keep our focus on building Zion, one connection at a time. Let’s be the steady, encouraging presence for our neighbors, our friends, and our fellow Latter-day Saints. The Spirit guides us, and He is stronger than any headline.

If this message resonated with you, please take action. Consider joining a local Bible Study Group this week—it's a wonderful way to anchor ourselves together. For those of you who feel the call to deepen your understanding of these principles, check out the latest resources from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. And remember, if you want to practice navigating those tough conversations, check out Davee. He’s ready to walk you through some challenging investigator questions.

We are a family of disciples, and we rise and fall together in the work.