Just imagine, for a moment, the anticipation, urgency, and excitement shared by the people in America who had the opportunity to travel, (probably at great sacrifice), to see the Savior, and to invite others to do likewise:
3 Nephi 19:1-3
1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ascended into heaven, the multitude did disperse, and every man did take his wife and his children and did return to his own home.
2 And it was noised abroad among the people immediately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus, and that he had ministered unto them, and that he would also show himself on the morrow unto the multitude.
3 Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude.
Several years ago I read those verses and noticed a pattern which is best illustrated by switching out a few words in order to liken the passage to our day (pardon the time travel):
3 Nephi 19:1-3 (modified)
(34 A.D)
1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ascended into heaven, the [church of Jesus Christ] did disperse, and every man did take his wife and his children and did return to his own [religion].
(1820 A.D. and beyond)
2 And it was noised abroad among the people immediately...that [Joseph Smith] had seen Jesus, and that he had ministered unto [him], and that [Jesus] would also show himself [in the near future] unto the [world].
3 Yea, and even all [that dispensation] it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that [dispensation], that they might be "on the morrow" in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the [world].
Like the people in the Book of Mormon, we are preparing to meet the Savior and inviting others to do so. The things we do today will have effect on our opportunities later. Joshua summed it up beautifully:
Joshua 3:5
5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for "to morrow" the Lord will do wonders among you.