The history of the Church in Brazil actually began in Germany, danke very much. The first known member in the country was Max Richard Zapf, who was baptized in Germany in 1908 and immigrated to Brazil in 1913. After years passed with no Church contact, Zapf learned there was another German LDS family, the Lippelts, living in Brazil. These two families—who became fast friends—represented the beginning of the Church’s permanent presence in the South American country.

The future isn't daunting when we follow the counsel of living prophets to guide us.

Before you pull your hair out at the thought of matching T-shirts and meals for a hundred picky eaters, take a deep breath and read on. By the time you're finished reading this crash course in reunion planning, you'll be ready to tackle this year's event. You might even be excited about it!

We cannot truly love others until we complete this crucial step.

About five years ago, Emily Belle Freeman and Nish Weiseth sat down to eat lunch together.

Finding deeper connection might be a matter of opening your eyes to see others’ stories—even if it’s uncomfortable.

This fatherly advice has been a guiding light for Jenny Oaks Baker long past high school, helping her navigate crucial life decisions.

Just as my parents taught me what to do if I got lost at Disneyland, we’ve all been taught what to do when we feel lost, scared, or abandoned on earth. 

When the world so often degrades mothers, it's always empowering to see those who stand up for motherhood. As Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever.”

Lagi Setu may as well have been on the moon since the end of last year's NRL season. It is quite fitting, in fact, that the space shuttle Atlantis makes its historic final landing in Florida only two days after the Herald meets the former Brisbane back-rower in Rhiwbina, an affluent northern suburb in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Even had he been on board the NASA vessel, Setu would have been more abreast of the happenings in his former industry, rugby league, than he has been for the past 10 months. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often describes its young message bearers - its missionaries from around the globe - as operating in ''a bubble'' during their two years of service abroad. They are not kidding. Setu is tearing into a slice of pizza inside the Mormon church's Welsh headquarters when we arrive to catch a glimpse of an existence about as far removed from that of an NRL professional as one can imagine. The 23-year-old, a quality second-rower who played 64 games for the Dragons and the Broncos as well as two Tests for Samoa, greets us with a full mouth, then a large smile. This is his first interview in about a year, when he seemed to be deciding between staying with the Broncos or signing with the Sydney Roosters, and he is excited.