Gathering Together: Reviving the Legacy of Joseph Smith Through Service and Faith

The legacy of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, continues to inspire families and communities today. One remarkable effort to honor and protect this legacy is led by the nonprofit Willing Joseph Smith Liahona. This organization focuses on educating, uplifting, and gathering family members while promoting the restored gospel through service and faith. Rooted deeply in family history and devotion to Jesus Christ, this movement brings together descendants and faithful members of the LDS community to carry forward the work started by their ancestors.

!Eye-level view of a historic family gathering in a church hall

The Mission of Willing Joseph Smith Liahona

Willing Joseph Smith Liahona was founded with a clear purpose: to educate, protect, promote, and secure the family legacy of Joseph Smith. This nonprofit is not just about preserving history; it actively engages in uplifting families and pointing others to Christ through the restored gospel. The organization partners with groups like Empowering Change Outreach, combining efforts to serve those in need and spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.

These partnerships allow the Willing Joseph Smith Liahona to be the hands and feet of Christ in action. They focus on:

• Educating people about the gospel and family history

• Serving those who are broken, displaced, or underserved

• Promoting the truths of the restored gospel with love and compassion

• Gathering family members to strengthen bonds and faith

  
  

This approach reflects the spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, emphasizing service, truth, and light in all they do.

Family History as a Foundation for Service

The strength of this movement lies in its deep roots. Many members, including direct descendants of Joseph Smith’s brothers, stand united in this cause. For example, the narrator is a 3rd great-grandson of Samuel Harrison Smith, Joseph Smith’s younger brother. This personal connection fuels a passionate commitment to continue the work their ancestors began.

Just as Joseph Smith stood alongside his brothers Hyrum and Samuel, today’s families gather side by side. They do more than talk about faith—they live it through action. This includes:

• Speaking at firesides to share testimonies and gospel truths

• Ministering to those with physical and spiritual needs

• Hosting podcasts and educational events to spread the gospel message

• Building partnerships that serve communities in practical ways

  
  

These efforts demonstrate a living faith that honors the past while actively shaping the future of the latter day saints community.

!Close-up view of hands holding a family genealogy book

Walking the Path of Truth and Light

The restored gospel is central to the work of Willing Joseph Smith Liahona. Their service is grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, focusing on truth and light. This means living with integrity, showing compassion, and sharing the gospel in ways that uplift and inspire.

The organization’s members understand that the work ahead is vast. The last days call for dedication to restoring and finishing the work started by Joseph Smith and his family. This includes:

• Sustaining the legacy of the prophet Joseph Smith

• Supporting church leaders and the broader LDS community

• Encouraging faith and testimony through personal example and outreach

  
  

By embracing these responsibilities, the families involved in Willing Joseph Smith Liahona embody the spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They show that faith is not just belief but action rooted in love.

The Power of Partnerships in Serving Others

Partnerships play a vital role in expanding the reach and impact of this work. Collaborations with organizations like Empowering Change Outreach allow the Willing Joseph Smith Liahona to serve more effectively. Together, they provide:

• Resources for those facing hardship

• Opportunities for community service and outreach

• Platforms for sharing the gospel message in diverse settings

  
  

These partnerships reflect the unity and cooperation that Jesus Christ taught. They help bring the light of the gospel to those who need it most, fulfilling the call to be the hands and feet of Christ.

!High angle view of a community service event with volunteers distributing food

Continuing the Work of Our Ancestors

The legacy of Joseph Smith is not just a story of the past; it is a living mission carried forward by his descendants and faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Willing Joseph Smith Liahona exemplifies this mission by combining family history, faith, and service.

Their work reminds us that:

• The gospel is a source of truth and light in challenging times

• Families united in faith can accomplish great things

• Serving others is a powerful way to share the love of Jesus Christ

• The restoration of the gospel continues through dedicated individuals and partnerships

  
  

This movement invites all latter day saints to join in sustaining the restoration and pointing others to Christ with love and conviction.