Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the first video in its series of Book of Mormon videos. But the videos have been changing lives long before they have reached people’s homes.

A fascinating new study manual released by the Church gives more context to our Church history as well as the revelations given to prophets in the early days of the Church.

Sharing the gospel can sometimes feel forced or awkward—but Christmas is a special time of year when it becomes easier for us to focus on our faith.

As the new year rolls around, the Church's Friend magazine has some exciting new changes to get children more engaged and excited about the gospel.

Every once in a while an event occurs in our lives that teaches us something about the true meaning of life and offers us a glimpse into the eternities. For my wife and me, one of those events occurred earlier this year when, after more than three years of trying unsuccessfully to have children on our own, we were able to adopt our sweet baby girl. More than anything else, becoming a father has helped me gain a better understanding of the nature of our relationship with God. So, while I certainly realize that I am only at the beginning of this great adventure called parenthood (and have a LOT more to learn), here are just three of the lessons I have found most meaningful during my short time as a father.

"To me, it feels like I have been led here by the hand of God,” former refugee Saborn Va shares, talking about his remarkable journey to the Church and the United States.

1.“I say to all those who are disposed to set up stakes for the Almighty, You will come short of the glory of God. To become a joint heir of the heirship of the Son, one must put away all his false traditions.”

Following is a timeline of statements and actions from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding religious freedom and nondiscrimination: 1835: A general assembly of the Church held in Kirtland, Ohio, on Aug. 17 unanimously adopts a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws: “We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others."

What an exciting announcement we heard this Sunday morning session!

There's a reason why the Mormons fielded two top candidates in a single presidential election cycle and there's a reason why the comparatively small church is surging to prominence worldwide. Primarily, it's the fact that they inculcate within their teenagers the idea of mandatory service. From age nineteen to twenty-one, young Mormon men are encouraged to serve on a mission which they themselves largely subsidize by working in their teen years. Many Mormon women also do a mission beginning at 21 for about eighteen months. And what does a mission do? It teaches them altruism and selflessness, not to mention going beyond a natural shyness and learning to approach complete strangers about their beliefs. The approximately 52,000 Mormon missionaries are not allowed to call home other than Christmas and Mother's Day and communicate with loved ones with a single weekly email.