On a recent trip to the UK, my son, grandson, and I had an amazing experience of love and empathy that has changed “our world”. Our rental car stalled, and exhibited a motor fault light on a one lane country road, with blind curves and large hedges on both sides.
We called for a rescue, but found out two hours later that they had no record of our request for help. We decided to leave the car, as it was getting dark, and were immediately picked up by a young couple who took an hour and a half out of their day to help us get to a hotel in a small town near the railroad station. We would need to take four trains in four hours to get back to London Heathrow airport for our flight the next day. At the hotel, the Saturday night crowd was dancing to a live band, and busy staff stopped to help us.
The hotel registrar informed us there were no rooms available for three persons, and advised us to look for lodging elsewhere, with suggestions. After an hour, we had been unable to secure transport to the other suggestions, over thirty minutes away, because it was too late.
We approached the bar for assistance again. The bartender paused, listened to our story, and said, “That sounds like a nightmare!” and went for the manager. Though very occupied, he took the time to listen to our dilemma. He shook his head sadly, reiterating no room available, and rehearsed concerns for fire codes, etc. However, as our despair became evident, his face suddenly changed. With a determined step, he took my hand. “Come with me!”
He led us up a back staircase and to a little room. It was pleasant, and peaceful, and was shortly accessorized with a couple of small mattresses. They had no sheets or pillows, “we are so full!” and he apologized several times, telling us there was nothing better, but promising the fee for breakfast would be covered. As I gazed at our place of rest, it felt like heaven!
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No Room At The Inn
While traveling in the UK, a narrator with a son and grandson became stranded when their rental car stalled on a narrow country road. After rescue services failed them, a young couple drove them to a hotel, where staff initially said there were no rooms. A bartender and the manager listened compassionately, and the manager found a small back room with mattresses so they could rest. The narrator felt deep gratitude for the kindness shown during their stressful journey.
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👤 Parents
👤 Young Adults
👤 Other
Adversity
Charity
Kindness
Love
Ministering
Service
Tithing Pie
A bishop teaches children about tithing using a peach pie, explaining that God gives us everything and asks for a small portion back. The next Sunday, a girl named Maya brings her tithing, likening it to giving back a slice of pie.
Bishop Romney is here to talk to us about tithing.
Who knows what tithing is?
It’s money we give to Heavenly Father!
That’s right! We share 10 percent of what we receive with Heavenly Father.
Why do we have to give our money away?
Tithing money is used for lots of things, like building churches and temples and helping the missionaries.
If it sounds hard to give away your money, this might help. Pretend this is a peach pie. Who wants the pie?
Me! I do!
OK. I’ll give you the whole pie! Now would you give me just one piece of it back?
Sure! You’re the one who gave me the pie.
This slice of pie is like tithing. Heavenly Father gives us everything we have. He just asks for us to give one slice back to Him.
The next Sunday …
Is this your tithing, Maya?
Yes. Heavenly Father gave me all that I have, so I’m giving Him a piece of my pie!
This story took place in the USA.
Who knows what tithing is?
It’s money we give to Heavenly Father!
That’s right! We share 10 percent of what we receive with Heavenly Father.
Why do we have to give our money away?
Tithing money is used for lots of things, like building churches and temples and helping the missionaries.
If it sounds hard to give away your money, this might help. Pretend this is a peach pie. Who wants the pie?
Me! I do!
OK. I’ll give you the whole pie! Now would you give me just one piece of it back?
Sure! You’re the one who gave me the pie.
This slice of pie is like tithing. Heavenly Father gives us everything we have. He just asks for us to give one slice back to Him.
The next Sunday …
Is this your tithing, Maya?
Yes. Heavenly Father gave me all that I have, so I’m giving Him a piece of my pie!
This story took place in the USA.
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👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Children
Bishop
Children
Missionary Work
Sacrifice
Stewardship
Teaching the Gospel
Temples
Tithing
Want to Come to Church?”
A young girl visiting her aunt and uncle befriends her cousin's boyfriend, Merrick, who is not a Church member. She invites him to attend church, which he enjoys and continues to attend; two months later he is baptized. After serving in the military and corresponding with Jenna, Merrick and Jenna are married in the Salt Lake Temple. The experience teaches the narrator the power of a simple invitation.
A few years ago, my younger sister, Brooklynn, and I visited my aunt and uncle for a couple of weeks. We had only been at my aunt’s house for a few minutes when my cousin Jenna and her boyfriend, Merrick, burst inside, eager to see us.
Over the next few weeks, we did many things with Jenna and Merrick. We went swimming together, rode scooters, watched movies, and jumped on Jenna’s trampoline. We also played card games together. But my favorite activity was dressing Merrick up in costumes.
Merrick was not a member of the Church. But since we had become good friends, I decided to invite him to come to church with us. Jenna, Brooklynn, and I were very happy when Merrick said yes. It was a wonderful Sunday being able to see Merrick at church, smiling and listening to the talks about eternal families. He wanted to know more about our beliefs and came to church the next week too.
Two months later Merrick was baptized. Then he left to join the military. He and Jenna wrote to each other while he was away. After two years Merrick and Jenna were married in the Salt Lake Temple! It was wonderful to see Jenna and Merrick coming out of the temple together. Who would have guessed two years ago that an eight-year-old girl asking a simple question could help lead to a temple marriage?
Knowing the wonderful happiness that can come from inviting someone to church has given me courage and excitement to be a young missionary to my friends and neighbors.
Over the next few weeks, we did many things with Jenna and Merrick. We went swimming together, rode scooters, watched movies, and jumped on Jenna’s trampoline. We also played card games together. But my favorite activity was dressing Merrick up in costumes.
Merrick was not a member of the Church. But since we had become good friends, I decided to invite him to come to church with us. Jenna, Brooklynn, and I were very happy when Merrick said yes. It was a wonderful Sunday being able to see Merrick at church, smiling and listening to the talks about eternal families. He wanted to know more about our beliefs and came to church the next week too.
Two months later Merrick was baptized. Then he left to join the military. He and Jenna wrote to each other while he was away. After two years Merrick and Jenna were married in the Salt Lake Temple! It was wonderful to see Jenna and Merrick coming out of the temple together. Who would have guessed two years ago that an eight-year-old girl asking a simple question could help lead to a temple marriage?
Knowing the wonderful happiness that can come from inviting someone to church has given me courage and excitement to be a young missionary to my friends and neighbors.
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👤 Children
👤 Friends
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
Baptism
Children
Conversion
Courage
Family
Friendship
Marriage
Missionary Work
Sealing
Temples
FYI:For Your Information
When Dan Baker’s two-year-old brother began choking on a carrot, Dan used the Heimlich maneuver he had learned in Scouts. His quick action saved his brother’s life. Dan also served in school and Church leadership and received academic and musical recognition.
Daniel Baker of the Republic Branch, Colville Washington Stake, was awarded a medal and certificate from the Boy Scouts of America for his action in saving his younger brother’s life.
Dan’s two-year-old brother was choking on a piece of carrot and was unable to breathe. Dan, an Eagle Scout, used the Heimlich maneuver that he had learned in Scouts to help his brother.
In high school, Dan served as the student body vice-president, junior class president, and as president of his seminary class. He also received awards for being the outstanding history student and choir member of his school.
In his branch, Dan served as president of his priests quorum. In his spare time he enjoys hunting and fishing.
Dan’s two-year-old brother was choking on a piece of carrot and was unable to breathe. Dan, an Eagle Scout, used the Heimlich maneuver that he had learned in Scouts to help his brother.
In high school, Dan served as the student body vice-president, junior class president, and as president of his seminary class. He also received awards for being the outstanding history student and choir member of his school.
In his branch, Dan served as president of his priests quorum. In his spare time he enjoys hunting and fishing.
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👤 Youth
👤 Children
Courage
Education
Emergency Response
Family
Priesthood
Service
Young Men
Embarking on Faith’s Journey: The Evolution of the Kpong Branch (1983–1999)
Francisco and Sarah Adjei arrived from Germany, worshiped in Accra, then moved to Kpong and faced an 80 km weekly journey to attend sacrament meetings in Tema. In 1985, Mission President Miles H. Cunningham suggested forming a group in Kpong, leading to the first sacrament meeting held in Francisco’s home on December 25, 1985. This marked the humble beginning of the Kpong Branch.
The Kpong Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a rich history of faith, dedication, and growth. Bro. Francisco Kwabena Adjei and his wife, Sarah Adjei, founded the Kpong Branch in 1983. After arriving in Accra from their home in Germany, the two began attending sacrament meetings at the Laterbiokoshie Branch in Accra. However, after several weeks of worship there, they moved to Kpong, creating an 80 km journey every Sunday to attend sacrament meetings in Tema. The geographical distance posed a challenge.
In 1985, President Miles H. Cunningham, then president of Ghana Accra Mission, suggested establishing a group in Kpong. This suggestion was met with mixed feelings, but the group was eventually formed, with Brother Adjei serving as the group leader. The first sacrament meeting in Kpong was held on December 25, 1985, in the sitting room of Francisco’s house, marking the humble beginnings of what would become the Kpong Branch.
In 1985, President Miles H. Cunningham, then president of Ghana Accra Mission, suggested establishing a group in Kpong. This suggestion was met with mixed feelings, but the group was eventually formed, with Brother Adjei serving as the group leader. The first sacrament meeting in Kpong was held on December 25, 1985, in the sitting room of Francisco’s house, marking the humble beginnings of what would become the Kpong Branch.
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👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
Adversity
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Faith
Missionary Work
Sacrament Meeting
Sacrifice
FYI:For Your Information
John D. Langren Jr., a priest from Rockford, Illinois, helped his high school golf team win the state championship and previously won a youth golf tournament. His coach praised his skill, work ethic, and attitude, highlighting a key birdie putt. Beyond sports, John faithfully attends seminary, has led his quorum, and maintains a perfect home teaching record.
Winning is pretty much par for the course for John D. Langren, Jr. John, a priest from Rockford, Illinois, was a member of the winning team in his state’s high school golf tournament. Earlier he had taken first place in the Youth Classic Golf Tournament in Illinois.
When the Guilford High School golf team took high honors in the state linksmen championship, coach Roger Lindeman named John the team medalist. John had the team’s low score, including a 30-foot putt for a birdie on the 450-yard 16th hole. His coach says that John “is the type of player every coach would like to have. He hits the ball extremely well, works hard on his game, wants to be good, has the right attitude, and is a gentleman.”
In addition to golf, John has played a lot of baseball, basketball, and ice hockey. A member of the Beloit Wisconsin Stake, John attends early-morning seminary and has served as president of his teachers quorum. He also has a 100 percent home teaching record.
When the Guilford High School golf team took high honors in the state linksmen championship, coach Roger Lindeman named John the team medalist. John had the team’s low score, including a 30-foot putt for a birdie on the 450-yard 16th hole. His coach says that John “is the type of player every coach would like to have. He hits the ball extremely well, works hard on his game, wants to be good, has the right attitude, and is a gentleman.”
In addition to golf, John has played a lot of baseball, basketball, and ice hockey. A member of the Beloit Wisconsin Stake, John attends early-morning seminary and has served as president of his teachers quorum. He also has a 100 percent home teaching record.
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👤 Youth
👤 Other
Education
Priesthood
Service
Young Men
Church Still Offering Aid to Flooding, Quake Victims
After the 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Pisco, Elder Russell M. Nelson visited and promised continued aid. The Church partnered with companies to deliver 40,000 pounds of supplies and housed 600–700 people in meetinghouses, coordinating with civil authorities for blankets and camping equipment. Leaders emphasized that humanitarian aid is central to the Church’s mission.
Five weeks after an 8.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Pisco, Peru, in August 2007, the Church continued to send relief and supplies to the affected areas by teaming up with other organizations.
It is estimated that 70 percent of the city of Pisco was destroyed, and aftershocks continued to shake the area for days. No Church meetinghouses were destroyed, but many received damage. Hundreds of people were killed in the earthquake.
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited the devastated nation less than two weeks after the earthquake and assured Peruvians that the Church would continue to provide aid.
“We will be there,” he said. Leaders and members worldwide were praying for the people in Peru, he said, and humanitarian relief would keep coming even after the initial efforts were exhausted.
In a coordinated effort between the Church, Gossner Foods, DHL International, and ASTAR Air Cargo, 40,000 pounds (18,000 kg) of hygiene kits, blankets, school kits, and ultra-high temperature milk—a milk that has been specially processed and packaged so that no refrigeration is required until it is opened—were delivered to Pisco.
Under the direction of the South America West Area Presidency, four meetinghouses temporarily housed 600 to 700 Church members, relatives, and neighbors. Working with Peru’s Civil Defense Agency, the Church provided 10,000 blankets and other emergency supplies such as tents and basic camping equipment.
Rick Foster, Welfare Services spokesman for the Church, acknowledged the generosity of DHL and ASTAR Air Cargo in providing transport for the shipment and Gossner Foods for providing the milk. Pilar Nores de García, the First Lady of Peru, said milk is one of the most-needed commodities.
Brother Foster said humanitarian aid is part of the Church’s core mission and expressed gratitude that others were willing to partner with the Church in “blessing the lives of those in need.”
It is estimated that 70 percent of the city of Pisco was destroyed, and aftershocks continued to shake the area for days. No Church meetinghouses were destroyed, but many received damage. Hundreds of people were killed in the earthquake.
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited the devastated nation less than two weeks after the earthquake and assured Peruvians that the Church would continue to provide aid.
“We will be there,” he said. Leaders and members worldwide were praying for the people in Peru, he said, and humanitarian relief would keep coming even after the initial efforts were exhausted.
In a coordinated effort between the Church, Gossner Foods, DHL International, and ASTAR Air Cargo, 40,000 pounds (18,000 kg) of hygiene kits, blankets, school kits, and ultra-high temperature milk—a milk that has been specially processed and packaged so that no refrigeration is required until it is opened—were delivered to Pisco.
Under the direction of the South America West Area Presidency, four meetinghouses temporarily housed 600 to 700 Church members, relatives, and neighbors. Working with Peru’s Civil Defense Agency, the Church provided 10,000 blankets and other emergency supplies such as tents and basic camping equipment.
Rick Foster, Welfare Services spokesman for the Church, acknowledged the generosity of DHL and ASTAR Air Cargo in providing transport for the shipment and Gossner Foods for providing the milk. Pilar Nores de García, the First Lady of Peru, said milk is one of the most-needed commodities.
Brother Foster said humanitarian aid is part of the Church’s core mission and expressed gratitude that others were willing to partner with the Church in “blessing the lives of those in need.”
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
Adversity
Apostle
Charity
Emergency Response
Prayer
Service
Mirror Image
In junior high and high school, the author became self-conscious about her height and weight. During senior-year show choir, she was taller than every boy, felt bigger, and avoided eating in front of others. She got through the experience, though her weight concerns continued.
I used to like being tall. Then I got to junior high school. I became very self-conscious about my height and consequently my weight. I always felt fat and out of shape in gym because I was more awkward than everyone else. I wasn’t skinny growing up, but I wasn’t fat either. I was just big. Polite people would tell me I had large bones.
My senior year in high school I became obsessed with my weight because the senior choir I was in had a show-choir program at the end of the year where we sang and danced to Broadway tunes. We learned dances for all of our songs, and I was taller than every boy in choir. Because I was taller, I felt bigger too. I felt I couldn’t eat in front of anyone because they’d think I was too big already. Somehow I survived that experience. But my weight issues weren’t over.
My senior year in high school I became obsessed with my weight because the senior choir I was in had a show-choir program at the end of the year where we sang and danced to Broadway tunes. We learned dances for all of our songs, and I was taller than every boy in choir. Because I was taller, I felt bigger too. I felt I couldn’t eat in front of anyone because they’d think I was too big already. Somehow I survived that experience. But my weight issues weren’t over.
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👤 Youth
Adversity
Health
Mental Health
Young Women
Love Is Life
A BYU student ward Relief Society committed to complete the New Testament reading and live its teachings. They read to a blind sister so she could participate and helped another ill sister keep up with coursework and scripture study.
Early in my administration as Relief Society General President, a Relief Society group from one of the BYU student wards came to my office and presented me with a long scroll on which were listed the names of those who had completed the New Testament adult scripture reading course for that year. That Relief Society unit had determined that they would not only commit themselves to completing the Church reading assignment, they would live it and make it part of their lives. They wept as they told me that one girl who wanted very much to participate was blind, and so each member of their Relief Society unit took a turn reading the scriptures to her so that she could participate in the project.
Another girl became ill, and so they all helped her keep up with her class assignments so that she could do her scripture reading as well.
There is great value of combining the efforts of Relief Society members to go beyond theory into life-enriching experiences.
Another girl became ill, and so they all helped her keep up with her class assignments so that she could do her scripture reading as well.
There is great value of combining the efforts of Relief Society members to go beyond theory into life-enriching experiences.
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👤 Young Adults
👤 Church Members (General)
Disabilities
Ministering
Relief Society
Scriptures
Service
Emily’s Lawn Service
After hearing in sacrament meeting that Brother Schwartz has cancer, nine-year-old Emily wants to help. She decides to mow neighbors’ lawns and gives the money she earns to the Schwartz family. Despite exhaustion, she finishes the work and delivers the envelope, feeling happy for serving others.
One Sunday morning in early spring, nine-year-old Emily sat with her family in sacrament meeting. The bishop looked sad as he got up to make the announcements.
“The Schwartz family found out this week that Brother Schwartz has cancer,” the bishop said.
Emily saw that both her parents had tears in their eyes. Emily knew that cancer was a serious illness. She was sad for the Schwartz family too.
After church Emily was reading in the living room when she heard her parents talking about Brother Schwartz’s illness.
“He’s so young,” Mom said.
“I know.” Dad spoke softly. “His medicine and treatment will cost a lot of money. I wish there was something we could do to help.”
Emily looked out the window. The spring rains had made the neighborhood beautiful and green. The grass and flowers were growing fast. Seeing the yards all along the street gave Emily an idea. She ran to the kitchen to tell her parents.
“I want to help Brother Schwartz!” Emily said with a smile.
“What do you want to do, honey?” Mom asked.
Emily pointed out the window. “I want to mow our neighbors’ lawns and give the money to the Schwartzes.”
Dad smiled. “That’s a great idea, Em.”
That week Emily talked to lots of neighbors about mowing their lawns. By Saturday she had a full day of grass cutting lined up.
On Saturday, Emily pushed the mower up and down the yards in her neighborhood. All day. As she mowed, her arms and legs seemed to get heavier and heavier. But she was determined to keep going. She wanted to finish all the lawns.
It’s for Brother Schwartz, she kept telling herself. Her arms were sore from pushing, and her legs were tired and wobbly. But she kept mowing—only a few more lawns to go.
It was time for dinner when Emily finally finished. She walked home slowly. I’ve never been so tired in my whole life! she thought.
After dinner Emily walked to Brother Schwartz’s house. She was excited as she rang the doorbell.
Sister Schwartz opened the door.
“Hi, Sister Schwartz,” Emily said. “I mowed a bunch of lawns in the neighborhood and wanted to give you the money to help your family.”
Emily handed an envelope stuffed with money to Sister Schwartz.
Sister Schwartz started to cry. “Thank you, Emily,” she said.
“You’re welcome! I hope Brother Schwartz gets better.” Emily turned with a big smile and headed home.
She was tired from her hard work, but she felt warm and happy because she knew that Heavenly Father and Jesus are happy when we help others. And now she just couldn’t stop grinning.
“The Schwartz family found out this week that Brother Schwartz has cancer,” the bishop said.
Emily saw that both her parents had tears in their eyes. Emily knew that cancer was a serious illness. She was sad for the Schwartz family too.
After church Emily was reading in the living room when she heard her parents talking about Brother Schwartz’s illness.
“He’s so young,” Mom said.
“I know.” Dad spoke softly. “His medicine and treatment will cost a lot of money. I wish there was something we could do to help.”
Emily looked out the window. The spring rains had made the neighborhood beautiful and green. The grass and flowers were growing fast. Seeing the yards all along the street gave Emily an idea. She ran to the kitchen to tell her parents.
“I want to help Brother Schwartz!” Emily said with a smile.
“What do you want to do, honey?” Mom asked.
Emily pointed out the window. “I want to mow our neighbors’ lawns and give the money to the Schwartzes.”
Dad smiled. “That’s a great idea, Em.”
That week Emily talked to lots of neighbors about mowing their lawns. By Saturday she had a full day of grass cutting lined up.
On Saturday, Emily pushed the mower up and down the yards in her neighborhood. All day. As she mowed, her arms and legs seemed to get heavier and heavier. But she was determined to keep going. She wanted to finish all the lawns.
It’s for Brother Schwartz, she kept telling herself. Her arms were sore from pushing, and her legs were tired and wobbly. But she kept mowing—only a few more lawns to go.
It was time for dinner when Emily finally finished. She walked home slowly. I’ve never been so tired in my whole life! she thought.
After dinner Emily walked to Brother Schwartz’s house. She was excited as she rang the doorbell.
Sister Schwartz opened the door.
“Hi, Sister Schwartz,” Emily said. “I mowed a bunch of lawns in the neighborhood and wanted to give you the money to help your family.”
Emily handed an envelope stuffed with money to Sister Schwartz.
Sister Schwartz started to cry. “Thank you, Emily,” she said.
“You’re welcome! I hope Brother Schwartz gets better.” Emily turned with a big smile and headed home.
She was tired from her hard work, but she felt warm and happy because she knew that Heavenly Father and Jesus are happy when we help others. And now she just couldn’t stop grinning.
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👤 Children
👤 Parents
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
Charity
Children
Kindness
Sacrament Meeting
Service
Seven Tender Miracles Along the Way
Desiring to become a missionary, he waited seven months for his adoption to be finalized. Immediately after submitting his papers, he received his mission call within days, treasuring both the final adoption papers and the call as a culminating miracle.
Finally, nine years later, I knew how to become like those missionaries! The missionary age was now 18, but my adoption had not yet been finalized. I waited seven long months until my adoption was completed. Finally, my missionary papers could be submitted. Four days later I received my mission call. In just one week the Lord blessed me with final adoption papers and a mission call. I treasure both papers exceedingly! They are my seventh miracle. Yes, indeed, it took many miracles along the way from that mud hut in Ethiopia to my treasured mission.
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👤 Parents
👤 Missionaries
👤 Young Adults
Adoption
Miracles
Missionary Work
Patience
Young Men
Sharing the Gospel by Sharing You
In Argentina, Eliana and Anabel became friends at age six. Though Anabel declined baptism at 14, continued friendship and experiences like seminary and temple preparation led to a spiritual turning point, and Anabel was baptized after several years.
Eliana Verges de Lerda, a member of the Church in Argentina, met her friend Anabel when they were both six years old. Their friendship grew as they went to school together. During that time, Eliana never hid the fact that she was a member of the Church.
“I felt very comfortable talking about the gospel with Anabel, even though we didn’t share the same beliefs,” she says.
When the girls were 14, Anabel agreed to listen to the missionaries, but she decided not to be baptized.
Eliana was disappointed, but this did not stop her from continuing their friendship; nor did it stop the gospel discussions. A few years later, Eliana invited Anabel to attend seminary with her. During the lesson, Anabel felt the Spirit very strongly. As Eliana prepared to go to the temple a few days later, Anabel told her, “I promise to go with you next time.” Anabel was baptized a short time after.
Anabel’s conversion did not take days; it took years. The process was possible because Eliana was her friend first—regardless of whether or not Anabel felt an interest in accepting the gospel.
“I felt very comfortable talking about the gospel with Anabel, even though we didn’t share the same beliefs,” she says.
When the girls were 14, Anabel agreed to listen to the missionaries, but she decided not to be baptized.
Eliana was disappointed, but this did not stop her from continuing their friendship; nor did it stop the gospel discussions. A few years later, Eliana invited Anabel to attend seminary with her. During the lesson, Anabel felt the Spirit very strongly. As Eliana prepared to go to the temple a few days later, Anabel told her, “I promise to go with you next time.” Anabel was baptized a short time after.
Anabel’s conversion did not take days; it took years. The process was possible because Eliana was her friend first—regardless of whether or not Anabel felt an interest in accepting the gospel.
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👤 Youth
👤 Friends
👤 Church Members (General)
Baptism
Conversion
Friendship
Holy Ghost
Missionary Work
Teaching the Gospel
Temples
Testimony
Comment
A German sister was deeply touched by an article about Alice Springs in Der Stern. She repeatedly set the magazine down but kept returning to continue reading. She expresses gratitude to the Australian youth featured for their example and wishes strength and faithfulness to all young people.
The article “Alice Springs” in the March 1996 Der Stern (German) touched me deeply. I put the issue down several times but kept picking it up again in order to read the article. I wish to thank the young Australian brothers and sisters featured in the article for their example of serving the Lord. I wish all young people continued strength and faithfulness in the Lord’s work!
Gisela Ludwig,Hohenstein-Ernstthal Branch, Leipzig Germany Stake
Gisela Ludwig,Hohenstein-Ernstthal Branch, Leipzig Germany Stake
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👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Youth
Faith
Gratitude
Service
4 Ways I’m Overcoming My Weaknesses through Christ
After returning from a mission determined to avoid pornography, the author relapsed and felt miserable. During sleepless nights and prayers for forgiveness, they felt the Spirit remind them that, through the Savior, weaknesses can become strengths. They realized they did not have to be defined by their weaknesses.
One of my greatest struggles before my mission was viewing pornography, and I was determined not to return to my pornography habit after I came home. But unfortunately, I gave in to that temptation again.
I felt miserable. I would lie awake at night, thinking about all the mistakes I’d made. But through all the pain, as I prayed for help and forgiveness, I always felt the Spirit remind me of a simple truth: with the Savior, my weakness could become strengths. I didn’t have to be defined by my weaknesses.
I felt miserable. I would lie awake at night, thinking about all the mistakes I’d made. But through all the pain, as I prayed for help and forgiveness, I always felt the Spirit remind me of a simple truth: with the Savior, my weakness could become strengths. I didn’t have to be defined by my weaknesses.
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👤 Church Members (General)
Addiction
Atonement of Jesus Christ
Forgiveness
Holy Ghost
Pornography
Prayer
Repentance
Sin
Temptation
Because of Jesus Christ, I Found New Life
After divorce and business failure left her lost, a fortune cookie scripture sparked her search for God. A friend invited her to church, where a missionary, following a prompting, welcomed her. Through lessons and scriptures, she felt God's love and learned about faith. She chose to humble herself and was baptized.
Ten years ago, my marriage ended. My ex-husband’s priorities did not include our family and, for more than nine years, my daughter and I struggled to live a normal family life. After the divorce, I worked hard to build a business, but it failed. I felt lost and unsure of my purpose in life.
In 2018, everything began to change. One day, I opened a fortune cookie that contained a verse from Psalms 18:1: “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.” I had never read the Bible before; I grew up in Taiwan, following family traditions and worshiping ancient idols. Yet I was drawn to the promise of love and strength in that verse and kept the note in my wallet for months.
Later, I shared the note with a Christian friend and asked her about its meaning. She invited me to attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I entered the chapel I felt peace. A young missionary greeted me and, though I initially thought it was arranged, I learned he had simply followed a prompting to welcome newcomers. He invited me to learn more and I accepted.
At first, I struggled to connect with the teachings. However, when the missionaries shared Alma 32:21—“faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things”—I was intrigued. I wanted to learn how to develop faith in unseen things. As I continued the lessons, I felt God’s love for the first time in my life. I knew He understood my loneliness and struggles.
Through prayer and study, I witnessed miracles and felt peace. But I hesitated to be baptised. One day, while reading Alma 32:16, I realised God was inviting me to humble myself and trust Him. With a full heart, I chose to be baptised.
In 2018, everything began to change. One day, I opened a fortune cookie that contained a verse from Psalms 18:1: “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.” I had never read the Bible before; I grew up in Taiwan, following family traditions and worshiping ancient idols. Yet I was drawn to the promise of love and strength in that verse and kept the note in my wallet for months.
Later, I shared the note with a Christian friend and asked her about its meaning. She invited me to attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I entered the chapel I felt peace. A young missionary greeted me and, though I initially thought it was arranged, I learned he had simply followed a prompting to welcome newcomers. He invited me to learn more and I accepted.
At first, I struggled to connect with the teachings. However, when the missionaries shared Alma 32:21—“faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things”—I was intrigued. I wanted to learn how to develop faith in unseen things. As I continued the lessons, I felt God’s love for the first time in my life. I knew He understood my loneliness and struggles.
Through prayer and study, I witnessed miracles and felt peace. But I hesitated to be baptised. One day, while reading Alma 32:16, I realised God was inviting me to humble myself and trust Him. With a full heart, I chose to be baptised.
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👤 Missionaries
👤 Friends
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
👤 Children
Adversity
Baptism
Bible
Book of Mormon
Conversion
Divorce
Faith
Family
Friendship
Holy Ghost
Humility
Miracles
Missionary Work
Peace
Prayer
Revelation
Single-Parent Families
Testimony
Quiet Moments at Christmas
The author recalls hearing a radio interview with Bishop Desmond Tutu after he published a book about reconciliation in South Africa. Asked how his relationship with God had changed as he aged, Tutu said he was learning to be more silent before God. He contrasted earlier prayers filled with a 'shopping list' of requests with simply being in God's presence, like sitting before a warming fire in winter.
Some years ago I heard a radio interview featuring Bishop Desmond Tutu, the Anglican archbishop in South Africa. He had just published a book with his daughter about the reconciliation that had taken place in South Africa following apartheid.1 Basically, the book’s message is that there is good in all people.
During the interview the host asked a perceptive, inspired question of Bishop Tutu: “Have you found that your relationship to God has changed as you’ve grown older?”
Bishop Tutu paused and then said: “Yes. I am learning to shut up more in the presence of God.”
He recalled that when he prayed in his earlier years, he did so with a list of requests and solicitudes. He would approach heaven with what he called “a kind of shopping list.” But now, he said, “I think [I am] trying to grow in just being there. Like when you sit in front of a fire in winter, you are just there in front of the fire, and you don’t have to be smart or anything. The fire warms you.”2
During the interview the host asked a perceptive, inspired question of Bishop Tutu: “Have you found that your relationship to God has changed as you’ve grown older?”
Bishop Tutu paused and then said: “Yes. I am learning to shut up more in the presence of God.”
He recalled that when he prayed in his earlier years, he did so with a list of requests and solicitudes. He would approach heaven with what he called “a kind of shopping list.” But now, he said, “I think [I am] trying to grow in just being there. Like when you sit in front of a fire in winter, you are just there in front of the fire, and you don’t have to be smart or anything. The fire warms you.”2
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👤 Other
Faith
Humility
Prayer
Reverence
Comment
An Italian nonmember became friends with two missionaries in Carbonia. She admired their positive attitude despite being away from their families. The missionaries brought a cassette of the April 1999 general conference to her home, and she listened with great interest, noting the Church's teachings of unity, respect, and love.
I want to congratulate you for your church’s devotion to missionary efforts around the world. I had the wonderful opportunity to become friends with two missionaries in Carbonia, Italy. I was very impressed with their positive attitude, even though they were separated from their families.
I am not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I eagerly read the Liahona (Italian). I admire your prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, and his counselors. The missionaries brought a cassette tape of your April 1999 general conference into our home, and I listened to the addresses with great interest.
The true Church promotes unity and acceptance of others. It teaches respect and kindness and love. The missionaries I met demonstrated these attributes.
Angela Bratu,A friend of the Church in Carbonia, Italy
I am not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I eagerly read the Liahona (Italian). I admire your prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, and his counselors. The missionaries brought a cassette tape of your April 1999 general conference into our home, and I listened to the addresses with great interest.
The true Church promotes unity and acceptance of others. It teaches respect and kindness and love. The missionaries I met demonstrated these attributes.
Angela Bratu,A friend of the Church in Carbonia, Italy
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👤 Missionaries
👤 Friends
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Friendship
Kindness
Love
Missionary Work
Unity
Cookie Kindness
After Sister Marjorie Hinckley passed away in 2004, a child and his mother in Utah made cookies to take to the Hinckley family dinner following the funeral. While baking, the child felt a warm confirmation from the Spirit and discussed with his mom how serving others is serving God. The next morning, dressed in a white shirt and tie, he delivered the cookies, hoping to comfort the family.
On Easter weekend in 2004, when I lived in Utah, a very special person in my ward passed away. It was Sister Marjorie Hinckley, President Hinckley’s wife. My mom was asked to make a dessert to take to the family dinner after the funeral. We decided to make my two favorite cookie recipes. I wanted to help my mom make the cookies, so we worked hard. While we were making them, I had a wonderful, warm, happy feeling inside. It was the Spirit letting me know that what I was doing was right. My mom and I talked about how Jesus taught that when we serve others, we are really serving God.
The next morning we put all the cookies on a platter to take to the dinner. I put on my white shirt and tie to deliver the cookies. I hope they helped make the Hinckley family feel better.
The next morning we put all the cookies on a platter to take to the dinner. I put on my white shirt and tie to deliver the cookies. I hope they helped make the Hinckley family feel better.
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👤 Parents
👤 Children
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 General Authorities (Modern)
Death
Grief
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Kindness
Ministering
Service
The Broken Frame
Erica asks her dad about a picture of Jesus and its broken frame. Dad explains that Oma received the painting when she left home to be a nurse, it fell and broke, and she later gave it to him. He keeps the frame broken as a reminder that Jesus Christ helps us when we feel hurt or broken. Erica feels comforted knowing the Lord cares for her family.
Erica walked into her parents’ room and looked at the picture on the wall. It was a picture of Jesus Christ. She had seen it many times before, but this time she noticed something.
“Hey, Dad? Where did this picture come from? And why is the frame broken?”
Dad looked up from making the bed. “That picture was Oma’s.”
Oma was her grandma who lived in Holland. Erica liked to hear Dad tell stories about her life.
Dad sat on the bed next to Erica. “When Oma grew up and left home to be a nurse, her mother gave her this painting,” he said. “She hung it up in her room. One day it fell off the wall, and the corner broke. She wasn’t able to fix it, and it’s been broken ever since. Then when I grew up and moved away from home, Oma gave it to me.”
Erica asked, “Why haven’t you fixed it?”
“I could fix it,” Dad said. “But it’s a good reminder. It helps me remember that even though we might sometimes feel hurt or broken, Jesus Christ can help us. And it reminds me that He knows and loves our family.”
Erica felt warm inside as she looked up at the picture again. It felt good to know that the Lord cared for her family.
“Hey, Dad? Where did this picture come from? And why is the frame broken?”
Dad looked up from making the bed. “That picture was Oma’s.”
Oma was her grandma who lived in Holland. Erica liked to hear Dad tell stories about her life.
Dad sat on the bed next to Erica. “When Oma grew up and left home to be a nurse, her mother gave her this painting,” he said. “She hung it up in her room. One day it fell off the wall, and the corner broke. She wasn’t able to fix it, and it’s been broken ever since. Then when I grew up and moved away from home, Oma gave it to me.”
Erica asked, “Why haven’t you fixed it?”
“I could fix it,” Dad said. “But it’s a good reminder. It helps me remember that even though we might sometimes feel hurt or broken, Jesus Christ can help us. And it reminds me that He knows and loves our family.”
Erica felt warm inside as she looked up at the picture again. It felt good to know that the Lord cared for her family.
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👤 Parents
👤 Children
👤 Other
Atonement of Jesus Christ
Children
Family
Jesus Christ
Love
Growing toward the Good
While serving as a bishop, the speaker blessed a young mother seeking strength during a difficult pregnancy. He tangibly felt power flow through him and into her, and she felt it throughout her body. Both recognized the calm, rejuvenating effect of priesthood power.
Often I have felt the priesthood power, power outside myself, moving through me to the person being blessed. I remember blessing a young mother who came seeking renewed strength to endure a difficult pregnancy. She had great faith, and as I blessed her as her bishop, I felt power streaming down my arms and through my fingers into the crown of her head. I felt it course through her body, even to the tips of her toes. It was a powerful, cleansing, rejuvenating force, almost electric in its energy, yet calm and soft and assuring. After the blessing, she arose, and with tears in her eyes said, “I felt that all the way to the tips of my toes.”
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👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
Bishop
Faith
Health
Miracles
Priesthood
Priesthood Blessing
Spiritual Gifts