Mason Wells was about 10 meters from the first explosion at the airport, where he was injured from the flame and the shrapnel. When his companion, Elder Joe Empey, found him, Mason was standing in a pool of blood and Joe told him to lie down. A passerby put a suitcase under Mason’s bloody ankle. Both missionaries were on the ground when Joe offered to give Mason a blessing. Mason pulled out his vial of consecrated oil but his shaky hands dropped it. Mason pulled out a second vial of consecrated oil and Joe gave Mason a priesthood blessing that he would return home whole. Mason offered to give Joe a blessing, but Joe said Mason was too hurt to expend energy doing that. Emergency personnel were putting lanyards on the wounded to indicate the severity of their injuries. Mason was more badly hurt than Joe, so they had different colored lanyards around their necks. The companions were soon separated and taken to different hospitals. They haven’t spoken since.

“I believe it will change your life.”

When a family member or friend leaves the Church, it can be a very heart-wrenching experience. It can also be difficult to know what to say or do in order to support them as they navigate life without the teachings of the gospel. This was the situation Joseph Smith faced throughout his life as close friends would sometimes leave and become antagonistic toward the Church. But in Doctrine and Covenants 71–75, we find invaluable counsel the Lord gives to Joseph Smith that can help us today as we seek to support and love those who have left the Church.

This is a part of a new LDS Living series where we will be highlighting the Church gospel topics essays, which provide insights into often challenging gospel topics and help Church members “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”

Along with President Joseph F. Smith, who was prophet at the time, many apostles who would later become prophets are caught on this rare black-and-white footage taken at the April general conference in 1910. Learn more about their lives and their service in the Church by watching this video posted on United Latter-day Saints Facebook page:

Paul McGuire thought his fourth tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would be similar to his previous trips. That was before the 47-year-old Provo resident learned he would be returning to the place where a distant relative helped build an early settlement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When you’re up against a trouble,

The Church is seeking to reflect the Church’s diverse global membership in the artwork that hangs inside temples.

Don’t miss out on these unreal Black Friday deals from Deseret Book. With savings up to over 70%, you’ll be sure to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list.

Manual 1; Excerpt from "Sacred Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood" by Larry M. Gibson