Editor's note: These responses have been edited for length and clarity.

The Bednars may have been in a new place with a new culture, but their testimonies of finding hope through Jesus Christ serve as an important and powerful message for every country on earth.

On the latest episode of the Church News podcast, Sister Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corporation and former member of the Relief Society General Presidency, interviews Sister Wendy Watson Nelson. Together, the two look back on highlights from President Russell M. Nelson’s ministry and life. Here are just three things we took away from this beautiful interview.

With their cassava fields decimated by disease, world cassava markets shrinking, and the country still reeling from the effects of a long civil war, Church leaders in the DR Congo were concerned about their members' welfare. Men, accustomed to working in the fields, found themselves with no gainful employment. Members of all ages were suffering from severe hunger and malnutrition. Church leaders sought help from LDS Charities to salvage this important crop to provide jobs and much needed nourishment. Cassava is a woody, edible root that grows well in poor soils with little rainfall. It is the world's third-largest source of carbohydrates, providing a third of the caloric intake to people in sub-Saharan Africa. Because it can be harvested as needed, cassava acts as a famine reserve; however, the edible root is also susceptible to mold and disease, and contains an abundance of toxins, mainly cyanide.

Four years ago today, the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, our twin girls were born. Moments of that day have slipped in and out of my mind all week, like a soft and gentle stream, giving life to everything around me. Mostly, I have been warmed by the tender, subtle feeling of being known.

It has been two full months since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called publicly for legislators to pass laws that safeguard religious freedoms while also extending protections in housing and employment for LGBT people. Six weeks after the Church’s news conference and after intense negotiations between various community stakeholders, the Utah State legislature passed groundbreaking legislation that achieved that goal.

Recently, Brad Wilcox wrote a post on Time Out for Women about what prophets and apostles have said about having a sense of humor. In addition, he shared this hilarious story:

You must understand that these lessons are not designed to replace the experience you should have in your ward or branch Gospel Doctrine class. I am hopeful that they will expand your understanding of the scriptures and, if you are teaching, your ability to open the scriptures to the minds and hearts of your students. But if would be awful if anyone were to neglect that classroom experience in favor of these lessons.

Join the Magnify community’s study online or host your own book club with this downloadable study guide and fun fall recipe!