"While generational research focuses on the averages/generalities associated with different generations, there is great variation across Millennials."

From Utah to Brazil and Japan to Canada, the First Presidency has called eight new mission presidents and their wives to begin their new callings in July. Their biographies will be published through 2018 on news.lds.org.

With the New Year underway, Latter-day Saints likely have a question or two about the Church’s new Children and Youth initiative.

David Figueroa is a returned missionary in Ecuador who had to close his baked goods business when it failed. But after receiving business training and mentoring, he started a successful gardening venture. Felicia Ama Mensah is a retired schoolteacher in Ghana who needed continuing income. Now she makes and sells peanut butter and corn dough and is learning how to promote her products using labels and other basic marketing skills.

There have been two constants in the lives of Mark and Lee Anne Pope—change and the gospel of Jesus Christ. But they are all about leaving it all on the court and not holding anything back, regardless of what might change. In their family, in their communities, on their teams and in the Church, Mark and Lee Anne Pope choose to be “All In.”

Celine and David Morton, proud residents of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, have shared a rich marriage of 29 years, blessed with a vibrant (you know what that means) family comprising five children—Jared, Ireland, Gabriel, Max, and Jack—along with their ever rotating animal companions from birds to ferrets, rats and orphaned squirrels but currently simply two dogs and three cats. Celine's passion for photography, flower collecting and mountaineering, fused with her frequent (somewhat embarrassing) bursts of song and dance, makes sure the home is anything but typical. Meanwhile, David, is a professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Utah, where he teaches anatomy and physiology to aspiring medical, dental, PA, PT, and OT students. He serves as bishop in their home ward and also maintains a YouTube channel teaching anatomy to prospective learners across the globe. Both children of European immigrants Celine and David share a love for travel, and food and music from all cultures. If it would make a great story to tell, they are willing to try anything. Including, being guests on this podcast.

”Partaking of the sacrament is a privilege. As we partake worthily and thoughtfully, our weekly experience … can remain with us, lasting beyond the few minutes of the ordinance.”

Manual 1; Excerpt from "The Influence of Righteous Women," Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"It was essential that God’s spirit children have mortal birth and an opportunity to progress toward eternal life,” taught Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.”

From South Africa to Peru and Chile to Spain, the First Presidency has called seven new MTC presidents and their wives to serve in MTCs around the world.