We Believe: Missionary Work and the Millennium

Article of Faith #10: We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

We believe that now in the last days, many great events are going to take place.  In the Bible we read the account of how the descendants of Israel were separated and scattered, first by the Assyrians and then by the Babylonians.  This of course was due to their wickedness and their turning away from God (see 2nd Kings 17, 25).  Before the Second Coming of our Savior, the gathering of the tribes of Israel will commence, for as the Lord taught, "they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them (3rd Nephi 17:4)."  The Lost Tribes will be gathered back and into the land of their inheritance (see Jeremiah 16:15).
 
We believe that along with the literal gathering of Israel, there is an accompanying spiritual gathering. Jeremiah prophesied of this gathering when he said, "Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks (Jeremiah 16:16)."  Missionaries are going forth throughout the world, searching for those who are prepared to hear the gospel message.  As people accept the gospel and the covenants that come along with it, they inherit the blessings promised to Abraham and his posterity.

We believe that when Jesus Christ comes again, the world will be cleansed and the Millennium will begin.  The Millennium is the thousand year period of love and peace which follows the coming of Christ and the beginning of His reign on the earth.  The world will be renewed and enter into a state similar to that of the Garden of Eden.  Peace and love will abound and we will be guided and led by the King of Kings Himself, for as Isaiah prophesied "The government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called...The mighty God...The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)."

I love the opportunity I have to be a missionary serving in Montana.  I have been able to witness people finding peace and joy in their lives that once was lacking as they come to accept the gospel message.  The Lord is truly gathering His elect from the four corners of the world (see D&C 33:6-7).  I hope and pray that when He comes again I may be ready and worthy to be with Him.