5 Years Later: What We Learned in the Church of Jesus Christ During the Pandemic

Five years ago, the world stopped. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was no exception.

Within days, Sunday meetings were suspended, temples closed their doors, and thousands of missionaries were reassigned or sent home.

It was a time of uncertainty, but also of faith and miracles.

Adjusting to a new reality

On March 12, 2020, the First Presidency announced the suspension of all public worship gatherings worldwide . From one day to the next, members of the Church of Jesus Christ stopped meeting physically.

Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Homes became centers of worship, and members strengthened their faith by studying the “Come, Follow Me” program.

The temples, considered sacred places of peace and revelation, were temporarily closed. However, the faith of the Saints was not extinguished.

Many clung to their covenants and found ways to serve from home. Missionary work also underwent a radical transformation: thousands of missionaries returned home unexpectedly, while others were reassigned to new missions or preached the gospel virtually.

A historic General Conference

In April 2020, for the first time in modern Church history, General Conference was held without a live audience . The image of President Russell M. Nelson speaking to an empty auditorium symbolized the reality of the pandemic, but his message was filled with hope.

A nearly empty auditorium in the Church Office Building due to COVID-19.

It was at that conference that he announced the invitation to a “Worldwide Day of Fasting and Prayer” to seek relief from the pandemic.

President Nelson. Photo: Church News

In the following months, Church leaders offered words of encouragement and comfort. The importance of patience, faith, and love for one’s neighbor was emphasized. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:

“Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.”

Sadly, the pandemic claimed the lives of many members and friends of the Church, including local leaders and people who dedicated their lives to serving the Gospel.

Despite their sadness, the Saints found comfort in the promise of resurrection and in the knowledge that life does not end with death.

President Nelson’s invitation to get vaccinated

When COVID-19 vaccines became available, President Nelson, who is also a physician, was one of the first to receive them . His example was clear: he urged members to get vaccinated, calling it a “modern miracle.”

The First Presidency issued a statement encouraging the Saints to protect themselves and others, emphasizing that science and faith can go hand in hand.

Lessons and blessings five years later

Today, five years later, we look back and see the blessings hidden behind the trial:

1. The home as a center of worship : We learned that our relationship with God does not depend on a building, but on our personal commitment.
2.   The power of technology in the Lord’s work : Virtual meetings, online teaching, and digital missionary work became valuable tools that we continue to use.
3.   The resilience of the Gospel : The Church not only survived the pandemic, but emerged stronger. Members learned to trust in the Lord and strengthen one another.
4. The Importance of Service and Unity : In times of crisis, Latter-day Saints responded with love, ministering to those in need and extending a helping hand to their communities.
5. An eternal perspective : The pandemic reminded us that life is fragile, but God’s plan is eternal. Hope in Christ sustained us amid uncertainty.

Photo: Deseret News

Today, we continue to move forward with faith, remembering that trials can become opportunities to draw closer to God and to others. The Church of Jesus Christ continues forward, more united and stronger than ever

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