July 26th, 2025, 9am MDT
In Luke 24, when strangers join them, two followers of Jesus Christ walk from Jerusalem towards Emmaus. They discuss the recent events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, and the two disciples express their grief over his death.
The stranger then explains the Bible to them, teaching them that the death and resurrection of Christ fulfilled the prophecy.
Upon reaching Emmaus, the disciples invite strangers to stay with them. During the meal, strangers bless and break the bread. The eyes of the disciples are opened, and they recognize that the stranger is the resurrected savior.
Luke 24:32 captures their perceptions.
As I observed, this Bible account came to mind repeatedly, and joined me on June 22nd, so that Christ seemed to walk at the church Heber Valley camp east of Heber, Utah.
It is named after the 2025 youth theme, “Look of Christ.” Based on Doctrine and Contract 6:36, the 1.3-mile walk along the dimly lit mountain trail at night is designed to have a sacred and personal experience where participants can build faith in their Savior.
Before beginning, participants will be invited to write anonymously personal challenges on paper. Each paper will then be displayed at points along the trail for everyone to see.
Everyone deals with heavy things, as explained in the hymn “Lord, I will follow you.” The issues listed included health issues, anxiety, depression, loneliness, fear of the future, addiction, job search challenges, family conflict and broken trust.
Others shared more specific concerns: one wrote, “feeling of sadness from a friend’s suicide,” while another expressed her desire to “help my children return to Jesus Christ.”
As participants continue on the trail, they encounter a sparkling white stick that leads to a big image of the Savior, symbolizing that “whatever the questions or problems you have, as taught by Russell M. Nelson, taught at the General Conference in April 2023, the answers will always be found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.”
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the walk for me came near the end when participants looked back at their personal faith in the Savior and imagined what he might say if there was. Each person writes his thoughts on a piece of paper, which are displayed along the trail, cultivates a spirit of heavenly love, hope and support.
As I sat on the tree stump next to the trail, pondering my trial and what my Savior might say to me, the words of Isaiah 41:10 were also seen in the third verse of the hymn.
“Don’t be afraid, I’m with you. Ah, don’t be disappointed,
“I am your God and I will still give you assistance.
“I will strengthen you, help you, and make you stand,
“Supported by my righteous, and supported by my righteous,
“I was supported by the omnipotent hand of my righteousness.”
As I stared at the stars in the sky on a June night, I remembered the words of the Lord at 1 Nephi 17:13.
Finally, Mormon 5:23: “Do you know if you are in the hands of God?”
All these moving thoughts comforted my soul and filled me with the love of the Lord when I needed it most.
Truly, like the disciples of the road to Emmaus, the Savior walks each and every one of us on the journey of life. “I will not make you feel comfortable; I will come to you,” he said in John 14:18.
While walking through the mountains above the Heber Valley can be a wonderful spiritual experience, the true “mountain of the Lord” is his holy temple (Isaiah 2:3). It is a place where disciples can learn about him, make contracts, and gain greater access to his strengthening power, as President Nelson taught in October 2024.
“Here is my promise to you, and all honest seekers of Jesus Christ will find him in the temple,” the prophet said. “You will feel his mercy. You will find the answer to your most troublesome questions. You will better understand the joy of His gospel.”
– Trent Tone is a church news reporter.
