When Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced that Church gatherings were cancelled until further notice on March 12, 2020, due to the sudden COVID-19 pandemic, members discovered the Lord had been preparing them for this unique time for almost two years (The First Presidency. Update). One member, Philipp Schmidt, even said he was able to remain optimistic despite worries.
This is because in October of 2018, President Nelson announced a new home-centered curriculum, along with a plea to all the world. He said, “It is time for a home-centered church [called Come Follow Me], supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings,” with the warning that if we are to stay strong in the coming days, we need to be spiritually independent (Nelson. Opening Remarks)
While potentially unaware of the coming pandemic, many members are now eternally grateful for the blessings and security this new program has provided them.
Jared Miller, a bishop, or leader, over a congregation of church members in Bowling Green, Kentucky, stated, “This has been a testimony-builder for me and many members to see how the Lord, through revelation to a modern-day prophet, has prepared us to BE READY for the current state in which we find ourselves!”
He went on to describe the way this new initiative has worked for the members he looks after in Bowling Green, Kentucky, “Home-centered church curriculum [called Come Follow Me] has given our members a special way to study the gospel and grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. The study guide invites you to study certain passages of scripture and then ask yourself questions about it. This sparks a special way to learn what this topic means to you as an individual and as a family. […] Since the virus has kept us all at home, many families have taken this model to study the gospel and discuss what they have learned in a different direction. They are having regular meaningful discussions around the dinner table with immediate family and regular discussions via technology with extended family and friends.”
Other members in the Bowling Green area have shared their experiences with this Come Follow Me program. The Watkins family said, “Our Family has enjoyed having Home Centered Church these past several months. It has given us time to reflect on our Savior and the meaning of the atonement. Our testimonies have been strengthened as we read scriptures, partake of the sacrament, and share our testimonies of the Savior and His gospel.”
We are facing a difficult time together in the world, but members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints find themselves spiritually taken care of. They are excited for church to become a public event once more, but for now, are grateful for this time to strengthen their testimonies as a family. “We invite all to make personal and family habits of daily scripture study by joining us in studying Come Follow Me. This commitment of a few minutes every day will bring you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ and help you make it through these trying times.” encourages Bishop Jared Miller.
Citations:
The First Presidency, The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Update: Gatherings of Church Members Temporarily Suspended Worldwide.” Newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 12 Mar. 2020, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/gatherings-worldwide-temporarily-suspended?lang=deu.
Miller, Jared. Personal Interview. 5 Aug 2020
Nelson, M. Russell. “Opening Remarks” 188th semiannual General Conference: Saturday Morning Session, 6 October 2018, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center, Salt Lake City, UT.
Schmidt, Philipp. Personal Interview. 6 Aug 2020
Watkins, Stephanie, Personal Interview. 2 Aug 2020
-by Samantha Ith
About the Author: Samantha Ith is a journalism major from Longview, Washington. She is serving an 18-month mission in this area. If you would like more information you can text or call 615-715-0318. The COME FOLLOW ME lessons are available on YouTube. You can research the program on CHURCHOFJESUSCHRIST.org. If you would like a copy of the manual contact Glenda Beck at moglenda@hotmail.com.