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I recently received an email from a friend looking for advice. He related how he has been diagnosed with major depression for several decades. Throughout that time, he has gone to counseling, read self-help books, taken antidepressant medication, and done his best to keep his covenants. Still, his feelings of depression never fully resolved and have waxed and waned. Then about five years ago he was diagnosed with a chronic nervous system disease which has increased his suffering and decreased his hope. Although he tries every day to look forward with faith and gratitude, he finds this more and more difficult as his situation deteriorates. I empathized with his situation. Reflecting on his case, I realized he was definitely not alone. I have personally known many individuals who suffer with persistent problems. Despite their best efforts, they are not able to fully overcome their challenges.

With 47 sessions and 59 presenters, the conference is sure to be inspirational and uplifting. Here are 8 things you need to know about the conference.

Jennie Taylor has known plenty of heartache in her life. As a 10-year-old, she lost her father to suicide. Years later, when she was married with four children, her teenage brother-in-law also committed suicide. And during her husband Brent’s fourth deployment as a soldier in 2018, she found out he’d been killed in action.

A partnership to assist exploited children in Hawaii has been launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Ho’ōla Nā Pua (New Life for Our Children). The Church has given the nonprofit organization a $400,000 donation to support the Bromley Family Pearl Haven Campus, the first licensed residential treatment center in Hawaii for youth 11 to 17 years of age who have been sexually exploited. The donation will support the center’s specialized clinical and therapeutic service programs.

Following the April 2021 general conference where eight new General Authority Seventies received calls and 77 new Area Seventies received calls, the First Presidency has announced changes to the Church’s area leadership assignments, effective on August 1, 2021.

The following excerpt originally ran on LDS Living in April 2017. Changed through His Grace is now available as a Pocket Gospel Classic.

Jordan Ricks Hanks was my college roommate my senior year at BYU. She is also one of the most upbeat, positive people on the planet.

APRIL 28–MAY 4, 2021 BYU performing groups are presenting a week-long series of virtual concerts, devotionals, and workshops for all ages. These free, livestream events will span every continent and feature music, dance, and cultures from around the world. See performances every day from the Ballroom Dance Company, International Folk Dance Ensemble, Living Legends, Vocal Point, and Young Ambassadors. These performances will happen daily at 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm MDT.

As my social work program came to a close, I remember a distinct moment walking across campus to the Marriott Center for a Tuesday devotional. I realized that BYU had become my home and that I wasn’t ready to leave.