Welcome to This Issue

Is It Possible to Build Zion Today?

Photograph courtesy of the authors

From the people who formed the city of Enoch and from the Nephites following Christ’s visit, we learn about communities that loved and cared for one another in a beautiful and holy way. As a couple, we have often wondered, could such a community exist today?

Over the past few years, we have been blessed with opportunities to enjoy fellowship with many African refugees who have relocated to Spokane, Washington, USA. As we’ve built relationships with these wonderful individuals and families, we have been the beneficiaries of so much love and kindness. We are excited for you to hear some of their stories (see page 8). We have learned much from their faith in and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Their experiences, heritage, and determination to follow Him have greatly enriched our lives and have strengthened our ward family and our entire community.

Our African friends have been great examples of discipleship. As Elder Dale G. Renlund teaches us in this issue, Jesus not only asked His New Testament disciples to follow Him but also invited all future disciples, including each one of us, to follow Him. As disciples “we need to conscientiously align our will with the will of our Father in Heaven” (see page 4). By so doing, we can learn to love as He loves and serve as He would have us serve.

Yes, it is possible to create a community of people who love and care for one another in a beautiful and holy way. We have seen it happen.

Sincerely,

Alice and Philip Huber