My scripture studies article “The Gathering of My People: D&C 29; 33; 37; 38; 52; 57; 110.” Quote from the opening paragraph:
“In every dispensation God has revealed the gospel with the purpose to prepare the hearts and minds of his children that they might physically and spiritually gather unto holy places. Missionary efforts in the early days of the Church usually took place in informal settings among friends and family of Church members living in Fayette, Manchester, Colesville and Harmony. Although missionary efforts were undertaken before the Church was organized in April of 1830 and continued throughout the summer of 1830, the first organized mission of the Church, the Indian mission, was not established until the Church conference of September 1830. Just prior to this conference the Lord prepared the hearts and minds of his elders to engage in spreading the truth when He revealed that he would “gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer” (D&C 29:2).”
