18 Moments from 2017 That Show Just How Rad Mormons Are

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This past year was one for the books for Mormons. From volunteering and organizing relief efforts to sharing their talents on Dancing with the Stars and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Mormons have rocked 2017.

And to celebrate, we decided to share some of our favorite moments from this past year that show just how rad Mormons really are. 

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Defend Mormons + More Celebrity Interactions with Mormons

1. Tim Allen and Why He Almost Walked Out on The Book of Mormon musical

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Image from the Deseret News

After seeing The Book of Mormon musical, a parody of Mormon missionaries and doctrine, actor and comedian Tim Allen said he didn't think it was "funny at all" and even almost walked out of the theater. 

In an interview with the Deseret News, Allen said he found the play "mean-spirited" and "troubling," but also praised Mormons for their lack of retaliation, saying "it shows a level of class" among the LDS Church. 

► You'll also like: "Why Tim Allen Almost Walked Out of a Performance of 'The Book of Mormon' Musical"

2. Tom Hanks Defends the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

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Image from npr.org

Dubbed "America's Choir" by a U.S. president, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is fairly well known throughout the world. 

And in an episode of NPR's Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me, Tom Hanks defended the "celebrity choir" when Paula Poundstone doubted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's notability. 

"I don't think the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is exactly a celebrity. When was the last time you bumped into the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the CVS and said, 'My friends aren't going to believe this!'" Poundstone said on the show. 

That's when Tom Hanks followed up with, "I'm just going through all the famous choirs in my head, and out of them all I think that if any choir is, in fact, the celebrity of choirs, I'd have to give it to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir."

► You'll also like: "Tom Hanks Defends Mormon Tabernacle Choir on NPR in Most Hilarious of Way"

3. Kourtney Kardashian Snapchats a Photo of the Los Angeles Temple

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Image from U.S. Weekly
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Mormons on Twitter went berserk when they saw model, socialite, and reality star Kourtney Kardashian posted a picture of the Los Angeles temple on Snapchat earlier this year. 

Kardashian did not post any description of the picture or context for taking it, but a screenshot of the image made its way around Twitter with some pretty hilarious responses.

the los angeles missionaries must be doing a superb job because look where kourtney kardashian went today pic.twitter.com/8wXVCoUyAp — madison (@madiharris514) May 30, 2017
Hey @kourtneykardash I can get you hooked up with some Mormon missionaries if you wanted to go inside that temple one day pic.twitter.com/g3NlHQevHO — Kay (@kaylien17) May 30, 2017
Yo girl DM me if you have any questions about the Mormon church I got you @kourtneykardash#everymemberamissionarypic.twitter.com/gDHWRM9eeb — Gabby Heroux (@gabbyheroux) May 30, 2017

► You'll also like: "Kourtney Kardashian Shares Picture of LDS Temple, Mormons' Priceless Reactions"

4. Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute) Meets Sister Missionaries

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Image from Business Insider and Instagram

When actor Rainn Wilson, known for his role as Dwight Schrute from The Office, shared a picture on Instagram of two sister missionaries with the caption "I was visited by some very nice Mormon missionary Sisters this morning," the Mormon world went crazy. 

But how did two sister missionaries meet with Wilson in the first place?

Sister McGuire and Sister Riggs were walking down the street near Wilson's house when he started talking to them while in his yard. 

"It was a huge surprise," Sister McGuire says, with Sister Riggs adding, "He talked to us right away and told us about how much respect he has for missionaries and everything we do! We did not think we would meet him so it was an incredible surprise and made us so happy!"

► You'll also like: "Sister Missionaries Who Met Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute) Share the Incredible Behind-the-Scenes Story"

I was visited by some very nice Mormon missionary Sisters this morning. A post shared by Rainn Wilson (@rainnwilson) on Nov 15, 2017 at 6:47pm PST

5. Conan O'Brien Posts Hilarious Missionary Tweet

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Image from The Atlantic

When Conan O'Brien sent out the tweet, "A Mormon came to my door, and after a long, emotional, and persuasive pitch, I got him to start wearing longer sleeves," he might not have expected the response from former missionaries around the world. 

A Mormon came to my door, and after a long, emotional, and persuasive pitch, I got him to start wearing longer sleeves. — Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) November 28, 2017

Here are just a few of our favorite responses, including one from LDS pitcher Jeremy Guthrie.

Lead me, guide me @ConanOBrienpic.twitter.com/4jymXKOF9a — Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) November 29, 2017
Been wearing them ever since! pic.twitter.com/ZYwmP88qc8 — Jonathan Low (@Jon_Low) November 28, 2017
Missionaries in Samoa might be a harder sell! Good Luck, Conan 😅 pic.twitter.com/XWI3mV2Wjc — Amyrella (@ByAmyrella) November 29, 2017

► You'll also like: "Conan O'Brien Sends Hilarious Mormon Missionary Tweet"


The Amazing Work We Are Doing Around the World

1. LDS Missionaries, Members Help with Hurricane Harvey Cleanup

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Image from the Texas Houston South Mission Facebook page

After the devastation of Hurrican Harvey ripped through Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas, many were left with homes partially or completely underwater. 

To make things worse, the flood water was contaminated with sewage so when the water receded and families returned to their homes, they were forced to rip out and throw away most of what the water touched. As many began this daunting, overwhelming task, they were greeted by members and missionaries wearing the bright yellow Helping Hands t-shirts.

The Mormon volunteers moved from home to home until they helped clear out entire neighborhoods of contaminated debris. Many did this even though their own homes were in need of repair. Their work did not go unnoticed.

"I knew the Mormons would come," an elderly woman said when she saw the yellow shirts, according to a Facebook post from the Texas Houston South Mission. 

► You'll also like: "'I Knew the Mormons Would Come': LDS Missionaries Begin Cleanup Work in Houston after Hurricane, Floods"

2. President Uchtdorf Visits Houston Temple After Hurricane Harvey

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Lead image from President Uchtdorf's Facebook page

After Hurricane Harvey devastated much of the Houston, Texas, area, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf traveled to Houston to visit the Saints in the area and assess the damage.

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President Uchtdorf Speaks in Houston After Hurricane Harvey

While there, President Uchtodorf shared messages of hope with the Saints and posted a message just for the Saints in Houston when he left the area. 

I want to speak directly to my friends in Houston, but I also hope this message can be helpful to you, wherever you are, if your own spiritual floodwaters are rising and you don’t know where to turn.
The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: “Fear not, little flock . . . Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:34, 36). Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us.
And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged and worried—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in.
Never surrender.
Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.
When we have hope, we acknowledge the difficult path ahead of us, but we move forward in faith, knowing that God will see us through these times of trial.
My friends, embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart. I love you and I pray that you may find hope during these difficult times.

► You'll also like: "President Uchtdorf Visits Houston Temple, Shares Message of Hope for All After Visiting Victims of Hurricane Harvey"

3. President Eyring Visits Puerto Rico After Hurricane Irma

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Image from President Eyring's Facebook

After Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria ripped through Puerto Rico and Florida. President Eyring  visited the Saints in both areas, saying, "I felt the Lord wanted me here."

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President Eyring Offers Support in the Caribbean After Hurricane Irma

The visit was not at the most convenient time for the member of the First Presidency. General conference was only a few weeks away and he was planning on attending the upcoming inauguration ceremony of his son, Henry J. Eyring. However, President Eyring taught all members of the Church a lesson of true Christlike service when he visited with those in Puerto Rico and Florida and shared this beautiful message on Facebook. 

This hurricane has caused severe damage and intense heartache. We weep with those who find themselves in dire circumstances. Many of these people are praying to Heavenly Father for relief, for help in carrying their burdens. As followers of Jesus Christ, it is our privilege to serve God’s children as we bear one another’s burdens, mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.
I testify that the Lord loves His children in need and also those who want to help. Our Heavenly Father hears the prayers of His children across the earth pleading for food to eat, for clothes to cover their bodies, and for the dignity that would come from being able to provide for themselves. Those pleas have reached Him since He placed men and women on the earth.
Because the Lord hears their cries and feels your deep compassion for them, He has from the beginning of time provided ways for His disciples to help. He has invited His children to consecrate their time, their means, and themselves to join with Him in serving others.
I invite each of us to prayerfully consider how we can bless the lives of the many people around the world who are in need of assistance. I pray God will guide you in your efforts to lift others.

► You'll also like: "'I Felt the Lord Wanted Me Here': President Eyring Shares Unforgettable Message with Hurricane Irma Victims"

4. Church Donates $5 Million to Ongoing Refugee Relief Efforts

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Image from lds.org

This year, the Church made a $5 million donation to aid ongoing refugee relief efforts throughout the U.S.

The donation included $3 million in goods and services and $2 million in cash to nine U.S. charities that help resettle refugees. 

Of the donations, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé recently said, "As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to bear our neighbors’ burdens and provide them with refuge from the storms of life. . . . Local organizations know the unique needs of the communities they serve. Along with our prayers, we provide this support to help them respond to the needs in communities across the nation."

► You'll also like: "Church Donates $5 Million in Ongoing Refugee Assistance"

5. Church Helps After Sierra Leone Mudslides

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Image from Mormon Newsroom

After a devasting mudslide killed more than 1,000 people and left thousands more homeless earlier this year, LDS Charities offered relief to members and non-members alike.

The charity helped provide aid to those in need by donating mattresses, food, water and other life-sustaining supplies to 105 families. Nearly all those who were aided by LDS Charities were not members. 

Leaders of LDS congregations went door to door to determine who needed aid the most, then submitted their needs to LDS Charities after three days of rain-triggered flash floods and a massive mudslide near Freetown. 

The efforts of the Church and local leaders were later recognized by the President of the West African country.

“On behalf of the government and His Excellency, the President of Sierra Leone, we say kudos to your Church and its members,” Freetown city official Shiaka Lamin Dumbuya said, according to Mormon Newsroom

► You'll also like: "'Kudos to Your Church and Its Members': Church Helps Victims of Deadly Sierra Leone Mudslides, Receives Praise from Officials"

6. Church Offers Relief After Earthquakes in Mexico

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Image from NY Times

After two devasting earthquakes struck Mexico within two weeks of each other, destroying thousands of homes and killing hundreds, the Church responded by offering aid and support to those affected by the two disasters. Sending hundreds of tents, food, hygiene kits, and other relief items to those in need, the Church helped thousands who were affected by the 8.2 and 7.1 magnitude earthquakes. 

"Like the rest of the world, we are deeply concerned about the many natural disasters that have occurred throughout the world in recent weeks. The earthquake that struck [on September 7] in Mexico affected thousands of people, and we pray for their safety and well-being," a Church statement read.

► You'll also like: "Church Releases Statement in English and Spanish Following Deadly Earthquake in Mexico"

7. Peruvian President Asks to Meet with General Authorities

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Image from Deseret News

After floods and mudslides ripped through Peru last spring, leaving hundreds of thousands without homes, the Church responded by shipping more than 200 tons of food and supplies to devasted areas. 

More than 36,000 people benefited from the donations, according to lds.org, and many also benefited from the service of missionaries and Church leaders. 

"I am grateful for this assistance from the Mormon Church in this difficult time for Peruvians," Peruvian First Lady Nancy Lange said, according to lds.org. “Not only has Piura been affected by the rains, but also other regions such as Lambayeque, La Libertad, Tumbes, and Ancash.”

And while Elder Oaks was visiting Lima, Peru, this year, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski asked to visit with Elder Oaks to thank him for the Church's aid. President Kuczynski also spoke with President Eyring via video conference to express his gratitude. 

"The purpose of this call is to thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the help it provided in a time of emergency that our country recently experienced—along with the sacrifice of the Church members and volunteers who [served] where they were needed,” President Kuczynski said, according to lds.org.

"Words alone are not enough to thank the Church for all it has done during this emergency,” First Lady Nancy Lange added.

► You'll also like: "'Words Alone Are Not Enough': Peruvian First Lady, President Thank LDS Church for Flood Relief Efforts"


Mormons Who Rocked It on TV

1. Claire Ryann Crosby on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Little Big Shots

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Image from www.seattletimes.com

YouTube sensation Claire Ryann had a big year in 2017. The LDS star, known for her spot-on covers of Disney songs, made several TV appearances, charming big names like Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey with her voice. While on NBC's Little Big Shots, Claire's performance "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid left host Steve Harvey raving about her talent.

"She's [four] and she knew the whole song," Harvey says in amazement. "When I was three, I knew nothing."

► You'll also like: "Steve Harvey Raves About LDS 4-Year-Old Claire Ryann, Who Performs Perfect Disney Song on Live TV"

Claire also appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show twice, impressing the talk show host with her performance of "You've Got a Friend in Me" in February and receiving a birthday surprise on the show after her performance of "A Whole New World" in October.

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Claire and Dave Crosby Soar with 'A Whole New World'

2. Evie Clair on America's Got Talent

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Image from www.goldderby.com

From the moment Evie Clair stepped on the stage of America's Got Talent, she charmed show judges and audience members alike with her amazing voice and sweet personality. 

But success and fame were not why she came on the show. Her motivation for competing was her father, Amos Abplanalp, who was battling stage 4 colon cancer at the time with a five percent chance of survival. 

"When my dad is having rough days, then I go to his room and I sing him this song to help him feel better and just to give him comfort and strength to continue fighting," Evie said on the show.

► You'll also like: "'You Make Me Speechless': LDS 13-Year-Old on "America's Got Talent" Receives Standing Ovation for Stunning Performance"

Sadly, her father passed away when it was clear Evie would advance to the finals. As one of her last performances on the show, Evie dedicated her song, "What a Wonderful World," to her father. 

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Evie placed ninth overall in the competition, inspiring many with her testimony and the love she had for her father. 

3. Mormons Sweep Top Three Spots on Dancing with the Stars

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Image from www.goldderby.com

From her first performance on Dancing with the Stars, Lindsey Stirling wowed judges with her talent as a dancer and a violinist. 

Lindsey, who competed on season 25 of the show, earned praise from the judges throughout the competition, with Carrie Ann Inaba noting Stirling had a "natural elegance" and she was a "beast" for taking on such difficult routines.

Even after displacing a rib, Lindsey still managed to compete on the show, crediting the prayers of her fans for helping her to pull through her performance. 

► You'll also like: "After Displacing Rib, Lindsey Stirling Says Prayer Helped Her with 2 Epic Halloween Dances on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Thank you for everyone who prayed for me. I felt those prayers pull me through this painful performance. Pls vote! https://t.co/HO5d3rGPqppic.twitter.com/YeqkkfovrM — Lindsey Stirling (@LindseyStirling) October 31, 2017

After a slew of amazing performances, including one where Lindsey cracked out her violin, Lindsey and her partner placed second on the show. But the Mirror Ball trophy still went to a Mormon, professional dancer Lindsay Arnold, as did third place, which was taken by professional dancer Witney Carson.

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4. Three LDS Artists Make It on The Voice in the Spring

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Image from nbc.com

"For someone who's 15 years old to be that good, she's gifted," The Voice judge Adam Levine said after LDS teen Hanna Eyre's very first performance on the show. 

The LDS teen turned three chairs with her blind audition of "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, leaving judges Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, and Blake Shelton vying for Hanna to join their teams. Ultimately, Hanna chose Adam, who praised her as "the sweetest human being that has ever lived" and said it was "miraculous" for a 15-year-old to be so talented. 

► You'll also like: "Adam Levine Calls LDS 'The Voice' Contestant 'the Sweetest Human Being That Has Ever Lived'"

Two other Mormons also competed on the show with Hanna: 14-year-old Aaliyah Rose from Provo, Utah, and 16-year-old Lauryn Judd from Draper, Utah.

After her blind audition performance of “Rise Up” by Andra Day, Aaliyah made it on judge Gwen Stefani's team and received a special tweet from the pop artist.

OMG Aaliyah!! You are so cute, I could die! I can’t wait to work with you, you little ray of sunshine! ☀️ gx #VoiceBlinds — Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani) March 7, 2017

Lauryn's blind audition performance of  "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper earned her a spot on Alicia Keys's team before she as "stolen" by show judge Blake Shelton during the knock out rounds. "Lauryn you're so special!" Keys tweeted. "So fly to have you on #TeamAlicia!"

Lauryn you're so special! So fly to have you on #TeamAlicia! 💜 #VoiceBlinds — Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) March 8, 2017

Lauryn was later eliminated during the battle rounds. Both Aaliyah and Hanna lasted on the show until the live playoffs but were eliminated before the final 12.

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5. Dave Crosby on The Voice

Image from YouTube

When it comes to talent, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in the Crosby family. When Claire Ryann's father, Dave Crosby, appeared on The Voice during the fall season, he earned three chair turns from Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Miley Cyrus for his version of "I'll Follow You Into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie. 

And when Levine recognized Dave as Claire's father and singing partner, the show judge couldn't help but be "blown away" by Dave's performance. 

► You'll also like: "Adam Levine Freaks Out Over LDS Dad on 'The Voice': 'I Can't Believe It's You. I'm Blown Away'"

"When I had my baby girl, that was one of the most amazing moments of my life," Levine said. "And someone sent me that video and I lost it. I'm so happy you realized that you should never have given up on this because if you had given up on this, that never would have happened. What a beautiful thing. I can't believe that it's you, that dude from the video, standing in front of me right now. I'm blown away."

Claire also joined her father on stage, with Shelton remarking, “Dave, I want you on my team man, but I'd really like to have her.”

Ultimately, Dave chose to be on Levine's team and made it to the Battle Rounds of the show. 

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6. Ashley Gardner on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

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Image screenshot from YouTube

Sometimes moms just need a break—and a treat. And no one knows this better than Ashley Gardner, the creator of the "Gardner Quad Squad" blog and LDS mother of quadruplets. 

And her hilarious, 34-second video earned her a spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and hit home with mothers everywhere.

"Dad is out shoveling the driveway. Mom desperately needed a treat to get through the rest of the night. So I'm hiding in the pantry, eating a treat. Is that wrong?" Gardner says in the video.

► You'll also like: "Ellen's Best Moments with Mormons: 8 Latter-day Saints Who Rocked It on the Show"

While on Ellen, Ashley received her very one portable pantry complete with treats and a trip to Hawaii with her family. 

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Lead image from Instagram, goldderby.com, and Facebook
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