Why I’m so grateful someone pushed through awkwardness to serve

The Middle East, the area that borders the Mediterranean Sea and includes western Asia and North Africa, has a complex history as it has been under the Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Muslim Caliphates, and Ottoman Empires. This means that genealogy for those with Middle Eastern roots can be tricky due to diverse cultures and languages. FamilySearch recently offered some suggestions for those seeking to begin their Middle Eastern family tree. Among the suggestions are:

A new graphic from Church News labels the 30 countries with the most members of the Church. According to the Church's 2020 statistics, there are 16,663,663 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world in 31,136 congregations.

From heartfelt stories to lessons of faith, these uplifting books are just what your young ones need to finish up the summer. Whether the book is filled with scripture stories, gospel lessons, inclusive illustrations, or inspiring messages, your kids will love exploring everything inside these new additions to your storybook rotation.

Editor’s note: “This week from the Pulpit”highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church.

The Work + Wonder workbook was born in out of Rio Grange’s desire to blend her two biggest passions: her love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and her love for graphic design.

For the second time in less than a month, an American missionary appeared on local television in eastern Europe—this time in Kosovo—and spoke fluently in the country’s native language, resulting in an amazing and life-changing experience for him and smiles and gratitude from the country’s native residents.

The latest round of updates to the English version of the General Handbook: Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was published today, August 4, 2021. It includes one new chapter, two rewritten chapters, one expanded chapter, and many updated administrative policies. It also includes smaller revisions in other chapters.

At a time when the Nephites were in physical and spiritual danger, Alma went among them to preach the gospel. He was accompanied by Amulek, Zeezrom, three of Mosiah’s sons, and two of his own sons. Alma and his companions shared the gospel because “the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them” (Alma 31:5).

At 5:15 a.m. Natalie Law and her 13-year-old daughter, Kyla Law, depart Robie Park east of Squaw Valley, California, mounted on their horses, Brave and Flash. In the next 24 hours, they’ll attempt to complete a 100-mile ride to Auburn.