Elder Linder

Welcome, and Happy New Year!

There is something inspiring about the start of a new year. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been and consider where we’re going. Today feels especially significant for me—not only is it New Year’s Day, but it’s also the day I begin my digital ministry as a service missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as an Online Seminary & Institute instructor, starting with this blog.

Modern prophets and apostles have emphasized the importance of using the internet and social media to share messages of light and truth. In a powerful message about sharing the gospel using the internet, Elder M. Russell Ballard has encouraged:

“May I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration.”

Later, in a landmark address about social media, Elder David A. Bednar issued a powerful challenge:

“Brothers and sisters, what has been accomplished thus far in this dispensation communicating gospel messages through social media channels is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood…. I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood.”

As I launch this digital ministry, this blog represents my commitment to answer their call. Here, I hope to share thoughts, insights, and experiences that bring light into the world—small and simple messages that I pray will inspire and uplift.

I’m reminded of the prophet Alma’s words:

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” (Alma 37:6)

Every great work begins with a single step. Whether it’s a personal goal, a spiritual practice, or sharing the gospel, the Lord can magnify our small efforts into something extraordinary. Consider the story of the Brother of Jared, when his faith in preparing small stones led to them becoming sources of light for a great journey (Ether 3). Like him, we may not see the full path ahead, but if we act with faith, the Lord can illuminate our way.

Just as those small stones brought light to the Jaredites’ vessels, I hope this blog can be a source of light in the digital world. Through sharing seminary and institute lessons, spiritual insights, and personal experiences, I aim to contribute to the flood of truth and righteousness that Elder Bednar envisioned.

In the coming weeks and months, you can expect to find:

• Insights from Seminary and Institute lessons
• Reflections on scripture study
• Personal experiences that testify of God’s love
• Practical applications of gospel principles

As we begin this year, I invite you to reflect on one small step you can take to share light with others. It might be as simple as sending an uplifting message to a friend, sharing a scripture on social media, or even starting your own blog or project to spread truth and goodness.

Thank you for joining me here. Together, let’s answer Elder Bednar’s call to “sweep the earth as with a flood” and make 2025 not just a new year, but a year of faith, hope, and light.