Chapter 73: Gather

"Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places."

Doctrine and Covenants 101:22

The first week of Zone Conferences is already behind us! As of right now, I am in Belfast of Northern Ireland preparing for the All-Ireland Zone Conference this upcoming Wednesday. It has been an incredibly fulfilling week, with many spiritual highs and their naturally, accompanying physical lows, all in the exhilarating service of God as one of his missionaries on the Earth.

As I mentioned before, we had our first two Zone Conferences this week, Scotland South on Tuesday consisting of the Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Paisley Zones and then Scotland North on Thursday consisting of the Aberdeen and Dundee Zones. It was really neat to be a part of such a gathering of missionaries from across the mission and feel the spirit edify us all in uniquely personal ways.

I am always so impressed by the missionaries I am able to serve with here in Scotland and Ireland. I feel as if I learned so much from the Elders and Sisters who shared their thoughts and impressions in conference, and I felt a deep sense of pride in how many of them, being my peers and good friends, have grown so much since I met them.

I just love this work and the blessing to gather and enjoy "the opportunity to edify each other and rejoice in [our] labors together" (Missionary Standards 2.3.5). It gives comforting perspective to aid me through the more difficult times on my mission.

We also got to have exchanges in Dundee! It was really fun to be back in my old area and see some really wonderful people who I hold dear to my heart.

I've thought a lot about these opportunities I've had to gather with those I love this past week and perhaps the significance such gathering plays in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout the scriptures we are taught to "gather together oft" for many different reasons (Alma 6:6). Formally within the church, we meet for sacrament meetings, special conferences, and other observances where we worship God as a gathered membership of Saints. However, life also presents to us many instances in which we experience the joys of gathering together naturally. We can have family meals, wholesome nights with friends, and celebrations of many different occasions.

It seems that gathering together gives us time to be with those we love and experience joy. As we are with those who share similar values and who want the same things in life, we discover added safety and strength to continue in our fight against the world. As well, families have incredible potential to grow close together through gathering often and enjoying the peace of the accompanying spirit. I am so grateful to be so close to my family who I love, and for parents who never missed a moment to meet and make memories.

I treasure those moments I have to be in holy places with people who help me in my striving towards holiness. Such times add to my daily restoration and I feel such a lightening peace come from The Spirit. In these moments, as we gather together and strengthen each other, we should remember Christ's remarkable promise, that "there will I be also" (Matthew 18:20).

To gather righteously with one another is to take opportunity to draw closer to Christ.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers

Zone Conference in Edinburgh with my great friends Elder Peavler and Elder Yorgason teaching doctrine.

Picture with my dear friend Ann McHugh In Dundee.

Pictures from Giant' Causeway! We went here for pday today in Northern Ireland!

As well Dunluce Castle, a famous castle just 10 minutes from the Causeway. So fun to be in these great places with Elder Lambert.