By Humberto Rosario, Council of Presidents of 70

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval.

Some time ago I was invited, along with other leaders of the apostolic field, to be part of the ministerial formation team. The team is made up of passionate disciples from different parts of the world who speak different languages. In short, it is a diverse team that meets virtually periodically. I have had the pleasure of meeting some members at different events at our headquarters in Independence, Missouri, but with most of them I had only shared through a small box on my computer screen.

I was excited about the idea of holding a summit of writers and producers of the team, where we would have the opportunity to produce necessary resources, deepen relationships with other members, and be in a country that not even in my best dreams I planned to visit.

Sometimes I comment that there is no date, no matter how distant it may seem, that does not arrive faster than we imagine. This is what happened with the writers’ summit: in the blink of an eye, the scheduled time came to meet in the Philippines. Approximately 70 disciples from 23 nations around the world shared the same destination: the Philippines.

I still remember the first dynamic. We received a bag with materials for the summit, but it was not ours—it belonged to another member. We had to deliver it to the owner even though we did not know everyone’s names. It was difficult, but we did it. From that moment on, I felt that a new community was beginning: a group that barely knew each other began forming bonds of love and companionship that deepened as the days went by.

One thing I did was share at least one meal a day with brothers and sisters from different cultures, countries, or languages. With my little knowledge of other languages, I used the phone’s translation application. Perhaps I could not share with everyone individually, but we observed how language, culture, and other barriers disappeared, bringing us closer and making us part of the new community we were forming together.

I understand that in the formation of a new community, some things arise spontaneously, but others require intentionality, courage, and acceptance of others with all the diversity they bring. Sometimes that will make us uncomfortable; but if we clothe ourselves with love, patience, tolerance, and respect for diversity, we will become part of that new community as the One who has called us to belong desires.

I am certain that from a diverse, heterogeneous group with only loose ties, a new community has emerged—one that will continue to positively impact Community of Christ and inspire future gatherings of this nature.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.