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57815

How modern-day Filipino pioneers helped establish the Church in their country

Danielle Christensen - Editor's note: This article used information from Church Newsroom Philippines, which originally published a story on July 6, 2020, about pioneers in the Philippines. Since publication, it has been brought to our attention that some of the information in the Church Newsroom Philippines article is outdated, including the fact that Ruben Gapiz passed away in 2013. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and still acknowledge the remarkable contributions of these pioneer Latter-day Saints. Latter-day Saint pioneers aren’t just those who crossed the plains and settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Church members who have established the gospel in their native...

57813

Elder Christofferson explains 2 critical components of conversion

Lindsey Williams - Speaking to mission presidents and companions and the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar, Elder D. Todd Christofferson pointed to a “simple and profound” statement in Preach My Gospel: “The power of the Holy Ghost is central to conversion.” Church News   shared a summary of Elder Christofferson’s remarks, in which he discussed the importance of missionaries teaching with the spirit of revelation and the spirit of prophecy so the Holy Ghost can bear record. “I think of the spirit of revelation as primarily having to do with the declaration of truth and the spirit of prophecy as the confirmation or testimony of...

57814

President Oaks speaks on the challenges in missionary work today

Danielle Christensen - During the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar, President Dallin H. Oaks shared challenges missionary work faces today. The first is in how missionaries are now sharing the gospel because of the coronavirus pandemic—but that challenge can be turned into an advantage, President Oaks said. “None of us and none of our missionaries should look at these changes as posing new obstacles,” he said. “We should see them as advantages to help us refine our practices to be more effective.” Desiring to return home early is another challenge some missionaries face, Church News   reported. President Oaks advised mission leaders to encourage their...

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Number of temples opened for husband-wife sealings grows to 115. See the full list here

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Editor's note: This press release was originally published on May 7, 2020. An updated list of temples in the first phase of reopening is included below, with the most recent additions bolded. In a letter to all Church members, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed their gratitude for the efforts of all those who have worked to address the global COVID-19 pandemic. “With profound gratitude to our Heavenly Father that He has heard our prayers, we rejoice in announcing a careful, phased reopening of temples,” the First Presidency said. “Beginning Monday, May 11, 2020,...

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John Bytheway answers why anti-Christ arguments like Korihor’s are preserved in the scriptures

John Bytheway, excerpted from "Golden Answers" - An intriguing question is a gift. When a student asks a tough one, the whole class goes into “search mode,” and we put our collective heads together searching for an answer. Here’s a good one: If the scriptures teach us to “say nothing but repentance unto this generation” ( D&C 11:9 ), why would the scriptures give any airtime to anti-Christs? If Korihor’s arguments were so persuasive that many good people were deceived, why would we preserve those arguments for a new generation? Shouldn’t we have left them buried? Anyone who has read the Book of Mormon knows that space on...

57808

The form of OCD we may misdiagnose as faith crisis

LDS Living - As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, confession is absolutely an aspect of our religion. We are a church that believes in repentance, and confession is one of the steps of repentance . However, do we understand the purposes of confession and a priesthood representative’s role in the repentance process? On this week’s episode of the All In  podcast, Debra Theobald McClendon , PhD, discusses in-depth the topic of scrupulosity, a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that affects people’s religious experience, which she previously addressed in the September 2019 digital-only edition of the Ensign . We often...

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'America needs you': President Monson shares 2 ways members can serve God and their country

President Thomas S. Monson, excerpted from "Be Your Best Self" - This excerpt is from  Be Your Best Self by President Thomas S. Monson , which was published in 1979. This excerpt originally ran on LDS Living in July 2017. Recently I was a passenger on a flight that took me from the Pacific Coast across the continent to the Atlantic Ocean. At many points along the way, serenely seen through white, billowy clouds, were the fertile patchwork fields and majestic mountains of this great land. The words of Katherine Lee Bates, author of "America the Beautiful," coursed through my mind and found lodgment within my soul: Oh beautiful for spacious skies,...

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How a run honoring Parley P. Pratt's 1839 jailbreak became a Missouri community's First Amendment celebration

Emily Abel - On July 4, 1839, Parley P. Pratt broke out of the Columbia, Missouri, jail and ran for freedom. Pratt, who was then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had been arrested because of his participation in a battle against Missourians when Latter-day Saints were expelled from the state in 1838–39. After spending months in jail, he had a dream in which his late first wife promised he would eventually be free. Fittingly, July 4 would be the day Pratt made his escape. He successfully returned to the main body of Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, and would later lead...

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'Let us trust our youth!': Church leaders discuss how to empower and unite youth during isolation

Emily Abel - Editor's note: " This week from the pulpit " highlights recent messages by General Authorities and General Officers of the Church.   Youth in the Caribbean recently experienced a special occasion in Church history: the first-ever virtual For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conference. The timing of the conference was also special as it gave the over 3,000 youth spread across 27 countries and territories a way to connect to each other during a time of hardship and isolation. “If we had done this the way we typically do FSYs, there is no way at all that they would have heard...

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What I hope I’ll say when my daughter asks me about her place in the Church

Lindsey Williams - Editor's note: Our bi-weekly Friday column, “ Found in the footnotes ,” explores some of the footnotes from remarks given by General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A few weeks ago, a friend posted on social media that his daughter had asked him what he thought a woman’s role in the Church was. As I read the conversation he had with his daughter, I felt compelled to ask myself, “What would I say if my daughter asked me this question?” Now, I’m not a parent, nor am I a wife. But as I...

57802

Watch: Peter Hollens and BYU Vocal Point's stunning cover of 'When You Believe'

Emily Abel - YouTube star Peter Hollens and BYU Vocal Point teamed up once again to create an inspiring new music video. This time, their voices blend to share the hopeful message that “there can be miracles when you believe.” The group performed a cover of “When You Believe” from the popular animated movie musical Prince of Egypt . The video begins with the singers recording the song over what they call the “Ultimate Zoom Choir,” and then the shot switches to a stunning view of the group outdoors that was filmed in early February. ►   You May Also Like:  Vocal Point creates...

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4 things I’ve learned about spiritual survival in the last 4 months

Lindsey Williams - If you’re like me, you have probably had someone tell you recently—or perhaps you have said it yourself—that 2020 has been a total wash. Just look at some of the major events of this year: devastating wildfires in Australia , the eruption of the Taal Volcano in the Philippines, the third impeachment trial in US history, the killing of George Floyd , a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Oaxaca , Mexico, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic . As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said in April 2020 conference, COVID-19 is “a solemn reminder that a virus 1,000 times smaller than a grain of...

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President Ballard shares 4 things mission leaders can do to receive promised blessings

LDS Living - In May 1829, Hyrum Smith traveled 160 miles from Palmyra, New York, to visit Joseph and Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania, eager to learn more about Joseph's recent work and revelations as prophet. During Hyrum's stay, Joseph received a revelation for his brother, which is now known as section 11 in the Doctrine and Covenants. It was in this revelation that Hyrum was promised, “the field is white already to harvest” ( D&C 11:3 ). Speaking at the Mission Leadership Seminar, President M. Russell Ballard pointed to Doctrine and Covenants 11 to outline four things the Lord has counseled for success in...

57793

How the Church’s humanitarian response to the pandemic kept food banks open

Lindsey Williams - The COVID-19 pandemic may have been unexpected, but when one looks at the humanitarian response by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the crisis, their preparation is visible. In a video released Tuesday , Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé discussed the Church’s recent humanitarian efforts. “This is part of our DNA, that we go and find those that are in need and try to help them, whether it is in our own community or far away in other countries,” he said. “This is really at the center of our religion.” Deseret News   reporter Tad Walch detailed the impact...

57774

Elder Bednar's 3 fundamental truths about repentance

Danielle Christensen - Elder David A. Bednar spoke about an important aspect of repentance during his recent address at the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar. “Described most simply, repentance is turning away from evil and turning to God. As we exercise faith in and on the Lord, we turn toward, come unto, and depend upon Him,” he said. “Thus, repentance is trusting in and relying upon the Redeemer to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.” Turning toward God in repentance is a hopeful theme often found in the scriptures, Elder Bednar said. He then outlined three fundamental truths about repentance, which Church...

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President Eyring’s advice for when ‘you wonder if the call you have is beyond you’

Lindsey Williams - Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have times in their lives when they receive a calling and question whether they are capable of fulfilling the assignment from the Lord. Certainly, that feeling can be echoed by mission leaders. Speaking to 135 couples of new mission presidents and companions, President Henry B. Eyring gave advice for these times, as reported by Church News . “You may have times when you wonder if the call you have is beyond you,” President Eyring said. “I have had such moments, and I have learned how important it is to banish...

57775

Elder Andersen warns that persistence is needed to achieve unity in callings

Emily Abel - In the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar, Elder Neil L. Andersen taught how important unity in missionary work is, provided practical advice for mission presidents on working with stake presidents, and discussed the power that comes with a setting apart. Church News reported that Elder Andersen told new mission presidents that a great spiritual adventure awaits them in the field, and that they can expect miracles as they strive to “be one” with missionaries and members.  “I know that each of you desire to ‘be one’ not only with the missionaries but also with priesthood leaders and the members in the wards...

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Join us for a special general conference study with members of The Bonner Family

LDS Living Staff - Without regular Relief Society or elders quorum lessons on the April 2020 general conference messages, are you looking for an additional way to dive into the conference addresses? If so, you’re in luck. The July the  LDS Living Book Club pick is the General Conference Addresses Journal Edition with special hosts from The Bonner Family ! Throughout the month on the LDS Living Book Club Instagram page, The Bonner Family will be sharing their insights from general conference. About LDS Living Book Club Each month we choose a new book to read together. Joining is easy! Simply follow @ldslivingbookclub on Instagram...

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What happened when the firsthand Nephite witnesses of Christ were gone and why they matter to us today

John Bytheway, excerpted from "Golden Answers" - In the New Testament, the resurrected Jesus appeared to many people, including Mary Magdalene, the women who came to the tomb, the Twelve, the disciples, and, according to Paul, “above five hundred brethren” ( 1 Corinthians 15:6 ), as well as, of course, to Paul himself on the road to Damascus. Fired by their personal experience, these witnesses fearlessly took Christ’s message to the world, enduring every kind of persecution imaginable. I love to read the New Testament and see the impact of Christ’s Resurrection on those who witnessed it! In another hemisphere, the resurrected Jesus appeared to a large multitude...

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A look inside the July/August 2020 issue of LDS Living Magazine

Jannalee Sandau - Emma Smith, Jane Manning James, Emmeline B. Wells, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, and the current Relief Society General Presidency are just a few of the faces you might spot on the beautiful cover of the July/August 2020 issue of LDS Living  magazine, specially illustrated for us by Caitlin Connolly. As the United States celebrates 100 years since the 19th Amendment was passed on August 18, 1920, which granted women the right to vote, this special edition of LDS Living  highlights the lives and achievements of Latter-day Saint women throughout history. Whether or not you are a woman, we hope you will enjoy...

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Elder Uchtdorf shares how a 1974 quote from President Kimball is being fulfilled today

Danielle Christensen - At the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke about the value of using technology wisely and encouraged those who may feel like they are underprepared to serve God. Church News   reported that Elder Uchtdorf quoted President Spencer W. Kimball in 1974, who said, “I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse.” Today, Elder Uchtdorf continued, missionary work has benefitted from modern day technology as President Kimball envisioned. “He was thinking of small recording devices back then, but the Lord had bigger plans,” he...

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The most important convert a missionary can have, shared by Elder Cook

Lindsey Williams - Elder Quentin L. Cook’s introduction to missionary work started when he was just a boy. At the age of 7, his mom gave him a copy of the history of his great-great-grandfather, Elder Heber C. Kimball. At the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar, Elder Cook shared some lessons he learned from the life of his great-great-grandfather and shared ways missionaries today can “build up the Church,” as reported by Church News . Elder Kimball was one of the first missionaries to preach the gospel in England and is acknowledged by the Church as the first full-time mission president. When the call came...

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President Cordon: 3 keys of retention missionaries need to remember

Emily Abel - At the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar, President Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, spoke about the importance and the process of creating lifelong conversion.  Multiple experiences in President Cordon’s life have taught her principles of successful missionary work. She served a full-time mission to Portugal, watched her parents serve as mission president and companion, and later she and her husband presided over the Brazil Curitiba Mission. President Cordon taught that missionary work is not just about baptizing new members but about “nurturing lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ,” as reported by Church News . “We rejoice when they choose to be...

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Elder Gong explains the Lord's definition of perfection and why it's attainable

Danielle Christensen - Becoming perfect in Christ isn’t unattainable, said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—otherwise, the invitation wouldn’t be extended in the first place. In his 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar address, Elder Gong reminded listeners of President Russell M. Nelson’s teaching that the Greek word “telios,” which is often translated as “perfect” or “perfected” in English, means “complete.” It does not mean flawless. The Apostle continued by explaining that “part of becoming perfected in Christ is to become complete,” and that doing so is different than what the world views perfectionism to be, Church News   reported. Understanding...