In April of 1829, Oliver Cowdery arrived in Harmony, Pennsylvania at the home of Joseph and Emma Smith and offered his services as a scribe to the young prophet who was struggling under the weight of supporting his family, enduring persecution and translating the plates that held a record of the people of ancient America.  As Joseph and Oliver began to work together, the Savior repeated the words He had spoken to his disciples in the New Testament, “…where two or three are gathered together in my name,…behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you.”  (D&C 6:32)

Sunday morning our ward gathered in the chapel, as usual, for sacrament meeting.  As I greeted friends and neighbors and found my seat, the easily recognizable face of President Dallin H. Oaks entered the room and with him came a spirit of reverence that exceeded that of our normal meeting.   The words of the song, “If the Savior stood beside me…” came to my mind as I felt the presence of one of His representatives.

The Savior is beckoning to all the children of God to gather to Him.  He has restored His church with authority to bestow His covenants and His promises.  The “swift messengers” of Isaiah’s prophecies are called and sharing this message throughout the world.  “And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in…And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst.” (3 Nephi 21:24-25) 

“I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment!…Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities.  You do not have to bear them alone!  He will forgive you as you repent.  He will bless you with what you need.  He will heal your wounded soul…Your afflictions will be ‘swallowed up in the joy of Christ.'”  (President Russell M. Nelson, October 2024)

He is in our midst!