Martha Ann Jane Stevens Perkins Howell stood with dignity and determination as an African-American member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between the slave years and the beginning of the Civil Rights movement in the United States. Through her example of seeking education, demonstrating a firm commitment to morality, and readily offering her friendship, she raised her family to be Latter-day Saints even under race-based disadvantages, and she herself rose to some prominence when she accompanied her second husband on an unprecedented mission for the Church. Although most of her posterity left the faith, all were affected for good by Martha Ann’s strength in her beliefs.

“What bravery! They died with their boots on,” remarked one of the Zapatista executioners [1]. He was reflecting almost respectfully on the surreal way that Mormon leaders Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales had stood to receive the fusillade that pierced their bodies on the evening of 17 July 1915. The terror of facing an execution squad notwithstanding, no cowering, no begging, and no hysterics marred their calm and stalwart resolution to not repudiate their faith. The Zapatista commander had given them that option. The men responded by affirming their religious convictions, emphasizing that the only arms they possessed were not the clandestine military weapons they were accused of hiding in the Monroy family store but rather their sacred texts—the Bible and the Book of Mormon—which Monroy carried with him nearly all the time. Monroy was president of the San Marcos Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Vincente Morales, Monroy’s employee, was also his first counselor.

Here are some interesting facts about temples without angel Moroni statues and a look at the current renderings for new temples. 

Latter-day Saints aren't the only ones who have spoken from the podium of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Many US Presidents have as well. In honor of President's Day, here are a few interesting details behind each of their visits to this historic Temple Square building.

All of the Church’s Book of Mormon videos begin with this statement: “Based on actual events as recorded in the Book of Mormon.” And as we begin our study of Ether 6–11, it’s important that we keep in mind that these chapters are “based on actual events” because so many crazy things take place. Sons imprison fathers, fathers imprison sons, famines and poisonous serpents plague the land—it honestly sounds like the Jaredites had their own version of 2020. So grab your scriptures, and let’s dig into these events to find the warnings that are preserved for us in our day.

Who remembers this gem of a Janice Kapp Perry song from the 80s? "Integrity, a word so seldom understood / Integrity is doing all that is right and good." That song was ringing through our ears while reading about the Old Testament prophet Jacob this week. From being tricked by his father-in-law to struggling with his brother Esau, Jacob faced a lot of challenges in his life. But he always kept his word, and the blessings he received for doing so still make an impact on us today. So grab your scriptures and let's dig into Genesis 28–33 to learn more about how this prophet was blessed for keeping his integrity.

One definition of the word destitute is to be “without basic necessities.” Has there ever been a time where you felt spiritually destitute? Like you were missing the basic necessities? If so, this week’s lesson 1 Kings 17–19 is for you because if there is anyone who understands the feeling of being destitute, it’s Elijah the prophet and the widow of Zarephath. Through their examples of faith, we’ll learn who we should turn to in our greatest moments of need and learn how all things can be restored through the Savior.

How do you know if you can trust someone? Whether you feel an instant connection or it's earned over time, the first leap to really trusting someone can be a little scary. In this week’s discussion of Numbers 11–14 and 20–24, we’ll see how the children of Israel made the leap several times not just with each other, but with the Lord as they were asked again and again to trust in Him.

The war chapters—sounds kind of like a PBS documentary, don't you think? Well with all the contention, tactics, wins, and losses, Alma 43–52 would make an epic war movie. So why would Mormon choose to include these stories about battles and intrigue in the Book of Mormon? Join us in this week's study group as we dig into the scriptures to discover how the war chapters apply to our day and why we might actually grow to love them and their message to us.

Hopefully, the following sentence makes you feel a little sad: this week will conclude our study of Isaiah. When we started on this journey four weeks ago, our goal was to be able to see the great worth of Isaiah’s words and delight in them. Have you experienced that sense of delight yet? Do you feel less timid and more excited about this precious part of scripture? If you do, wonderful. If you haven’t felt that way yet, don’t worry–this week’s lesson in Isaiah 58-66, is sure to do the trick. So let’s dive into our discussion about fasting, repentance, and how God always has our back.