Artemis II Astronauts Show World How to Be Peacemakers

Four astronauts just traveled 252,756 miles around the moon, but the most extraordinary part of their journey wasn't the stunning photos or the record they set. It was watching them become family.

The Artemis II crew made history on April 6, 2026, when Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen became the first humans to fly behind the moon in over 50 years. They captured breathtaking images of lunar craters, Earth rising beyond the moon's edge, and their own smiling faces floating in zero gravity.

But Glover had something else on his mind as they approached the moon. During a livestream, he spoke about "one of the most important mysteries on earth: love." He quoted Christ's command to love God and love your neighbor as yourself.

The crew's friendship became a master class in peacemaking that the whole world watched. Koch said their bond felt like brothers and sisters. Hansen reminded viewers that "we can do better as a human race by lifting one another up and collaborating." Wiseman summed it up perfectly: "We launched as friends, and we came back as best friends."

After returning home, Glover stood in his front yard during a neighborhood welcome and gave everyone a simple challenge: "Let's be this more. Let's be neighbors."

The Ripple Effect

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. While the astronauts circled the moon, Church President Dallin H. Oaks spoke at a conference in Salt Lake City about the same message. He quoted Jesus telling his followers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who persecute them.

President Oaks explained that in biblical times, "enemies" meant not just military foes but anyone who actively opposed you. Today we might call them adversaries. His point hit home: all mortals are beloved children of God.

"How it would change the world if followers of Christ would forgo harsh and hurtful words in all their communications," President Oaks said. The astronauts proved his point from space.

We don't need a rocket ship to be peacemakers. The Young Women leaders who encouraged kindness, the mission companions who built friendships when it wasn't easy, the family members who forgave old hurts are doing the same work right here on Earth.

President Oaks reminded his audience that Jesus Christ set the greatest example by choosing to love others even when they showed little or no love toward him. Following that example might feel overwhelming at first, but watching the Artemis crew shows it's possible.

The four astronauts didn't just explore the moon together. They showed millions of people watching from home that loving your neighbors, working as a team, and building peace isn't just inspiring—it changes everything.