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Aussie Samoan Couple Continue to Serve Others Amid Lifeโ€™s Challenges

Summary: Gose and Arouma Mataโ€™utia describe serving as senior missionaries despite serious health challenges and deep family losses. Their faith grew through a severe car accident, a stroke, and the deaths of two daughters, and they continued to serve in Australia during COVID. Now they are grateful to return to Samoa for a second senior mission, trusting the Lord to bless their family.
When applying to serve as senior missionaries in Apia, Samoa, Arouma answered one of the questions, explaining, โ€œI can walk about 15 minutes, and my husband can walk about 30 minutes before having to stop and rest, but we donโ€™t need a wheelchair.โ€
Gose corrected her by stating, โ€œI can walk an hour. Whatever the mission requires us to walk, weโ€™ll walk. It doesnโ€™t matter how far.โ€
Spend a little time with the Mataโ€™utias and you will quickly learn that this is how they approach life. One step, one day at a time.
Gose and Arouma Mataโ€™utia grew up in Samoa, married, and then raised their seven children, and three other children they call their own, in Australia. They also have 10 grandchildren. They say with big smiles, โ€œOur children complete our joy.โ€
In 1993, they were involved in a severe car accident with six of their children. It took many months to recover from serious injuries, including brain injury, broken bones, and the loss of one of their childrenโ€™s arms. They could not understand how something so terrible could happen to them, but they came to realise that they were โ€œvery blessed to survive.โ€
While still recovering, Gose accepted the request by Church leaders to be president of a Samoan branch in Canberra, Australia. He did that from his hospital bed for about a month, and then continued to serve as the branch president for 10 years.
After that life-changing accident, they both believed their lives were spared, and it strengthened their commitment to live the gospel. Arouma said, โ€œWe felt the need to give back to the Lord.โ€
They encountered more challenges when Gose suffered a stroke in 2015. After an extensive time recovering from that, their oldest daughter became sick and died three years later at the age of 38. At the time of her death, Arouma recalls, โ€œWords came to me that Heavenly Father was telling me, โ€˜She is my daughter, too.โ€™โ€ They were comforted.
When contemplating whether to serve a senior mission, they describe their love of a scripture, Matthew 19:29, โ€œAnd every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my nameโ€™s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.โ€
Gose and Arouma decided to serve a senior mission for the Church of Jesus Christ after President Russell M. Nelson visited Australia and spoke about missionary service. They were called to serve in 2020 as welfare and self-reliance missionaries in the Australia Sydney Mission.
Although COVID affected the world during that time, they were able to continue their mission in Sydney. They learned to teach via video calls and taught English Connect as a pilot program.
Another daughter died from cancer in 2023, also at the age of 38. The Mataโ€™utias remember her as especially faithful. Arouma said, โ€œShe desired and continually encouraged us to serve a second mission.โ€
They expressed gratitude to be returning to their homeland of Samoa to serve their second senior mission. Gose said, โ€œWe will leave it to the Lord, and He will bless us and our family.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries
Disabilities Endure to the End Family Missionary Work

Don Carlos McBride

Summary: Before his mission, Elder McBride received a blessing promising power to still winds and waves if he served obediently. While traveling by boat to Savaii, a fierce wind drove them out to sea, and the men became exhausted. Remembering the blessing, he commanded the sea to be calm in Christโ€™s name; the storm ceased and they safely reached the island.
In June 1898 Elder McBride, with only a few dollars in his pockets, left for Salt Lake City to be set apart for his mission. There he received a special blessing from a General Authority of the Church. The blessing contained a promise that if he would fill an honorable mission, obeying those who were in authority over him, he would have power to command the winds and waves of the sea to be still.
Elder McBride and his companion were called to travel to the island of Savaii to prepare for a conference to be held there. As they drew near the island in a boat, a fierce inland wind suddenly forced them back out to sea. Having no compass, they knew that they would be lost if they didnโ€™t keep the island in sight. They and the Samoan men with them took turns rowing until all were exhausted, their hands blistered and raw.
Suddenly Elder McBride remembered the blessing that had been given to him. He arose at once and stretched forth his hands. In the name of Jesus Christ he commanded the winds and the waves to be still. Immediately the winds subsided, and the terrifying waves became peaceful, astonishing the frightened natives. Although the men were now far out to sea, they turned their boat toward the island and rowed to it safely.
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๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern) ๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Faith Miracles Missionary Work Priesthood Priesthood Blessing

Josephโ€™s Journey

Summary: Jon, who plays Hyrum Smith, was overwhelmed with school and work. One night, with no car available, he biked about half an hour to the church for rehearsal. Upon arriving, he felt it was worth the effort and was uplifted learning about the Prophet and the Church.
It wasnโ€™t easy, but Jon Kirkham, who plays the part of Hyrum Smith in the presentation, says that sometimes the things that require the most sacrifice also become the most valuable.

โ€œIโ€™m so busy with school and everything that lately things have just been nuts. Last week I came home from my job and discovered neither of the cars were home, so I had to ride my bike to the church. Itโ€™s about half an hour by bike, but once I got there I didnโ€™t care how tired I was. Itโ€™s just incredible being there with everyone and learning about the Prophet and the Church,โ€ says Jon.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth
Adversity Education Employment Faith Sacrifice Teaching the Gospel

Elder Henry B. Eyring:

Summary: While studying physics, Hal asked his father for help with a math problem. His father perceived Halโ€™s lack of passion for the subject and counseled him to find something he loved so much that he would think about it naturally. This counsel deeply impressed Hal and influenced his eventual choice to pursue teaching business rather than a career in physics.
Because of his great love for science, Henry Eyring encouraged each of his sons to major in physics as preparation for a career in science. It was while Hal was studying physics at the University of Utah that a conversation with his father marked one of those defining influences in his life. He asked his father for help with a complex mathematical problem. โ€œMy father was at a blackboard we kept in the basement,โ€ Elder Eyring recalls. โ€œSuddenly he stopped. โ€˜Hal,โ€™ he said, โ€˜we were working this same kind of problem a week ago. You donโ€™t seem to understand it any better now than you did then. Havenโ€™t you been working on it?โ€™โ€
A little chagrined, Hal admitted he had not. โ€œYou donโ€™t understand,โ€ his father went on. โ€œWhen you walk down the street, when youโ€™re in the shower, when you donโ€™t have to be thinking about anything else, isnโ€™t this what you think about?โ€
โ€œWhen I told him no,โ€ Elder Eyring concludes, โ€œmy father paused. It was really a very tender and poignant moment, because I knew how much he loved me and how much he wanted me to be a scientist. Then he said, โ€˜Hal, I think youโ€™d better get out of physics. You ought to find something that you love so much that when you donโ€™t have to think about anything, thatโ€™s what you think about.โ€™โ€
The advice deeply impressed young Hal. He went on to finish his degree in physics, graduating not long after the end of the Korean War. During the war, the number of missionaries called from each ward had been greatly restricted. Further, by the time he graduated, Hal had already committed to a commission in the United States Air Force. So he entered the military without having served a full-time mission. But in a bishopโ€™s blessing prior to his departure, Hal was promised that his military experience would be his mission.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Children
Bishop Education Employment Family Love Missionary Work Parenting Priesthood Blessing Religion and Science War

โ€œI Felt Like I Was in Heavenโ€

Summary: A Nepali Church member prepared to attend the temple despite financial constraints, visa and travel concerns, and leaving his nonโ€“member wife at home. With help from the Temple Patron Assistance Fund, he joined a group of ten traveling through Malaysia to the Philippines. After logistical preparations at the temple, he felt profound peace and joy as he entered and worshiped inside, seeing many people dressed in white. He expresses a desire to return to the temple again.
When I decided to go to the temple, it meant that I committed to following the Ten Commandments and the rules and regulations of the Church. But I also knew that I would get lot of blessings if I went to the temple. My goal in life is to return to live with Heavenly Father.
Nepali people canโ€™t afford to go to the temple again and again, but with help from the Temple Patron Assistance Fund, I was able to go at least once.
I had to arrange time off of work and arrange things financially at home to be able to go. My wife is not a member of the Church, so she could not go. It was difficult for me to leave her alone at home.
Getting a passport was not a problem, but there were concerns about getting needed visas for travel. (No visa was needed to enter the Philippines, but depending on the route of travel and airlines, visas might be needed. The group ended up traveling through Malaysia. It was not the direct route, but no visa was needed.)
Getting an airline ticket proved difficult. The less expensive flights didnโ€™t have enough seats available for our group of ten. But we finally made it to the temple.
When I saw the angel Moroni on the top of the temple, I felt peace, happiness and comfort. There were several housekeeping things we had to do before we entered the temple. We had to check into patron housing and go to the distribution center to buy garments. We had to eat meals and dress in our best clothes. At last we were ready to go inside the temple. I was so excited and felt more and more happiness as we did all we needed to do to be ready to go inside. Once there, we all changed into white clothing. I saw many people from different countries, but we were all dressed in white. I felt like I was I heaven. I felt so peaceful inside.
I want to go to the temple again.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Adversity Charity Commandments Covenant Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Employment Family Garments Happiness Obedience Ordinances Peace Plan of Salvation Reverence Sacrifice Temples

My Mentor

Summary: At age 24, the narrator befriends 87-year-old Julio, who later joins the Church. The narrator resists learning about the Church but notices Julioโ€™s Christlike changes. At Julioโ€™s urging in August 1998, the narrator meets missionaries, feels a powerful spiritual witness, and is baptized nine days later.
I was 24 years old when I first met Julio Martรญnez. At the time, I had great interest in meeting someone who could explain the purpose of life to me and help me understand why I felt such a void in my soul. Julio, age 87, was just such a person. He enjoyed extraordinary physical and mental health. He loved nature and was always in a wonderfully good humor. We spent many summer afternoons talking, and I came to admire him and his ideas. A philosopher who practiced what he taught, he became my mentor.
One day, two and a half years after we met, Julio told me he had been baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was dismayed. How could a man as wise and experienced as he was make such a decision? I respected him, however, so I respected his choice. We continued to visit frequently, but I would turn the conversation to other matters whenever he began to talk about the Church.
In time I began to notice some changes in Julio. His eyes had a new glow, and he became kinder, less critical, and more humble. I didnโ€™t understand what was prompting the changes, and I was afraid of losing the good friendship we already had. But still I remained unresponsive to his invitations to learn more about his church.
And so I ignored the Lord as He called to me. I believe He calls to each of us, often through other people, but we hear only if we have ears to hearโ€”and only if we open our hearts. The Lord called to me several times, but my heart was closed.
Then on 20 August 1998, at Julioโ€™s urging, I met with some of the Lordโ€™s missionaries, Elders Martรญnez, Boyle, and Winward. For the first time, I recognized the voice that had been calling to me. The Spirit bore such witness that my heart was softened and I was humbled. With tears flowing down my cheeks, I asked myself over and over, How is it possible for the Savior to love us so deeply? How did He come to do what He did for us, for me?
Nine days later I was baptized. Thanks to Julio, my friend, I now know the love Jesus Christ has for us and the fellowship that is found in His Church. Julio became like a grandfather to me, and I rejoice to know that because of our Lordโ€™s grace I found His eternal truth.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Friends ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Young Adults
Baptism Conversion Friendship Grace Holy Ghost Humility Jesus Christ Kindness Love Missionary Work Revelation Testimony

I Found It!

Summary: While visiting his motherโ€™s aunt in Argentina, Angel Daniel Gatica prayed for help with family history research and was allowed to search one suitcase. He discovered key documents, including his great-grandfatherโ€™s birth certificate, after feeling prompted to look again. As he was leaving, a dislodged basket revealed the final missing birth date, confirming to him the Spiritโ€™s guidance and enabling temple sealings for the family.
Angel Daniel Gatica of the Villa Elvira Ward, La Plata Argentina Villa Elvira Stake, tells of a time the Spirit guided him to find the records he needed:
โ€œWhile visiting my family in central Argentina, my wife and I decided to visit one of my motherโ€™s aunts. I knew that several of her now deceased brothers and sisters had lived in her home during the previous five years. I prayed that the Lord would prepare the way for me in my family history research.
โ€œWhen we arrived, everything seemed frozen in time. Not one trunk or suitcase had been removed from where her brothers and sisters had left them. All morning I tried to convince my aunt to permit me to go through them, but she was reluctant. After lunch she told me I could search through one. I prayed silently, seeking inspiration. I chose one. Then I opened it very carefully and began to take out one yellowed paper after another.
โ€œWithin a few minutes I found an old booklet with all the data of my great-uncle. I kept searching and found other papers with data about my auntโ€™s other siblings. It looked like the rest of the suitcase was filled with old magazines and newspaper clippings. I put everything back inside and closed it, but the Spirit prompted me to look again. Once again I opened the suitcase. I carefully turned it upside down and let the papers fall out in a stack.
โ€œThere, now on top of the pile of magazines and newspaper clippings, was an old but well-preserved document. I carefully opened it and read, โ€˜Birth certificate belonging to Guadalupe Sepรบlveda.โ€™ This was my maternal great-grandfather, who was born a century before my birth.
โ€œI ran to my aunt and showed it to her. Having never seen it before, she took it and caressed it tenderly.
โ€œโ€˜My father held this in his hands,โ€™ she whispered. Then she pressed it against her heart and wept. When she gave it back to me, she promised I could have it after she passed away.
โ€œNow all I lacked was the birth date of one of my great-uncles. I wondered if this large family would remain incomplete.
โ€œMy wife and I started to leave, thanking my aunt for her help. As we walked through the long hallway, I realized that I had forgotten something. I ran back and quickly opened the door. The force of the air that rushed in dislodged a small, old basket containing documents that were just as they had been left years ago. I paused to look. โ€˜What is this paper?โ€™ I wondered. Through the dust, I could see a date.
โ€œWith great care, I blew the dust off and unfolded the document. On this fragile and forgotten manuscript, there was, still legible, the birth date that I needed. At that moment, the Spirit penetrated so unmistakably into my heart that I could not contain my tears.
โ€œโ€˜Thanks, my son, for visiting me,โ€™ said my elderly aunt.
โ€œโ€˜Thank you, Aunt, for letting me come into your home,โ€™ I responded.
โ€œI kissed her good-bye. It was the last opportunity I had to kiss her in this life. Now thanks to my auntโ€™s help and the Lordโ€™s inspiration, all of my maternal great-grandfatherโ€™s family have been sealed for eternity.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Family Family History Holy Ghost Prayer Revelation Sealing

Born in Accra, Found the Church in Japan

Summary: After his baptism, Martin felt blessed and impressed by the Holy Ghost to return to boxing. Acting on that prompting, he trained and competed again. In 1997, he reclaimed the middleweight boxing championship in Japan.
Martin enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon and recognized the Spirit and direction it provided in his life. A few months later, after receiving a personal testimony, Martin Biney was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church. As a new member of the Church, Martin attended every week, but for many years, his wife and children stayed home. Brother Biney states, โ€œAfter I was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, I felt blessed. I had more confidence and felt impressed to go back to boxing.โ€
The Lord blessed Martin and, in 1997, at the age of 34, Martin Biney again became the middleweight boxing champion in Japan.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Baptism Book of Mormon Conversion Faith Holy Ghost Revelation Testimony

Jimmy Drew:Chimney Sweep

Summary: The narratorโ€™s father recounts a disaster at the Prince of Wales Colliery where an explosion and flood trapped many miners. As hope faded, a severely injured man climbed the cable to the surfaceโ€”Jimmy Drewโ€”who survived but was left nearly mute, his mind mercifully closed to the ordeal. The story explains Jimmyโ€™s condition and inspires compassion.
Then, in words of soberness, he told me this story. When he was quite a young man, the Prince of Wales Colliery was the pride of the valley. Almost every family in the village had someone who worked there. But one spring day an explosion occurred deep underground, and a fire broke out in the passages where the coal was mined. Rescue teams tried to reach the trapped men, but each time the tire drove them back. So, in a desperate attempt to save the mine, the owners ordered the canal that ran close-by to be turned into the mine.
One hundred and eighty-four men and boys were trapped in the bowels of the earth. Those who were not burned by the explosion were drowned by the water that came pouring in. Hundreds of the villagers gathered around the mine, waiting to see if any were rescued. But as the hours passed, hope turned to despair. The rescue team that went down returned with saddened faces.
โ€œNo oneโ€, they said, โ€œcould possibly have lived through those awful conditions.โ€
Still the villagers waited, for down below in the earth were their loved ones, and they did not wish to return home without them.
It was when the sun had touched the hilltop and the first shadows had settled on the village that it happened. Someone cried out, and a pair of hands could be seen climbing the cables that raised and lowered the cage. Eager hands assisted the man from those awful cables. The flesh was hanging in shreds from his hands, his clothing almost burned from his body. Tenderly they laid him down, and the doctor ministered to him as best he could. The man was near to death, but the courage that caused him to climb from the darkness of the mine to the day above would help him to live again. The man was Jimmy Drew.
The question on everyoneโ€™s lips was, โ€œHow could a man live through explosion, fire, and water and then climb those hundreds of feet on a steel cable and still live?โ€
That question was never answered, for God in his mercy had closed the mind of Jimmy Drew so that he would never tell of his terrible ordeal.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Adversity Courage Death Grief Hope Mercy Miracles

Everyday Example

Summary: As a high school junior, the narrator's best friend Joe moved into his familyโ€™s home. The narrator consistently read scriptures at night despite Joeโ€™s complaints, and later Joe chose to serve a mission. In his farewell talk, Joe credited the narratorโ€™s example as a major influence in his decision. Joe became the first missionary in his family, and later his younger brother also served, bringing blessings to their family.
When I was a junior in high school my parents invited my very best friend, Joe, to live with us. Joeโ€™s parents moved away when he was about to graduate. He did not want to leave, so my parents welcomed him into our home so that he could finish high school.
Joe came from a different background than I did. His family had their struggles, and the principles of the gospel were not emphasized as much as they were in our home.
Joe and I shared a room together in the basement of my parentsโ€™ house. Every night before I went to bed I would make it a point to read my scriptures. Joe, on the other hand, had not developed a habit of reading his scriptures every day. There were nights when it was late and we were tired. Joe would often complain and tell me to turn the light off and go to bed, but I persisted, knowing that the Lord would bless me if I read my scriptures as He had commanded. Eventually, Joe moved into the room next to mine, but he always knew when my light was still on.
Joe had told me that he wasnโ€™t sure if he wanted to go on a mission, but once he was 19, he surprised us all by announcing that he was going to serve. He turned in his mission papers and received a call to the Toronto Canada East Mission.
The Sunday came for him to give a talk in sacrament meeting. He said a few things that were a surprise to us all, particularly me. Joe said that one of the biggest influences in his decision to serve a full-time mission was the example that I had set for him in reading my scriptures every night. He said that although I might have not realized the impact it was making, he had thought about it a lot. My scripture reading had impressed him to turn his life around and serve a mission. He said that if it werenโ€™t for me and my family, he probably wouldnโ€™t be going. As I listened to him, I felt the power of the Holy Ghost flow through my body. I had no idea of the impact I had made on Joeโ€™s life.
Joe was the first in his family to serve a mission. Later, his younger brother also served. Joeโ€™s family has been greatly blessed ever since through active service in the Church. Great blessings come to those who keep the commandments of the Lord. We may never know how they will come, but they will come.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Friends ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Conversion Family Friendship Holy Ghost Missionary Work Sacrament Meeting Scriptures

The Futility of Fear

Summary: As a mission president in Scotland, the speaker responded to public derogatory comments by arranging a public meeting. He showed Meet the Mormons and explained Church beliefs. Nonmembers offered kind comments, and the work progressed positively.
While I was serving as mission president in Scotland from 1975 to 1978, the Church had much opposition and criticism. On one occasion three ministers made derogatory statements publicly in a particular city. I wrote an open letter to the local newspaper announcing that we would be holding a public meeting there to dispel some of the misunderstandings which were being voiced around. It was a wonderful meeting. We first showed the fine Church filmstrip Meet the Mormons, and then I spoke to the large group concerning our beliefs and way of life. When we opened the meeting for questions, a number of people who were not members of the Church stood and said kind things about the Church and the Latter-day Saints they knew. Positive results ensued, and the work moved forward.
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๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern) ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Adversity Courage Missionary Work Religious Freedom Teaching the Gospel

Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor

Summary: At age 16, Emily Jensen was severely injured in a car accident, endured a coma, and spent months in the hospital, then worked tirelessly to relearn basic abilities. Despite ongoing challenges, she boldly shared the gospel with medical staff, gifting marked copies of the Book of Mormon and encouraging an inactive technician to return to church. Her peers honored her as prom queen for her courage, and she continues therapy with her life defined by faith and kindness.
Let me tell you of one young woman who has demonstrated remarkable strength in the face of great tragedy. On April 17, 1999, a big van broadsided a car and severely injured 16-year-old Emily Jensen. Her skull was fractured, and she was in a coma for three months, and six months in the hospital. She has had to learn everything again as if from birth. It would have been easy to give up, but giving up is not in Emilyโ€™s vocabulary. She works so hard at recovery that she runs the equivalent of a 26-mile marathon every day. Her faith, courage, and perseverance have strengthened and motivated many other hospital patients.

Emily is still working very hard to regain her speech. Even so, she fearlessly asks nurses, technicians, and therapists, โ€œAre you a Mormon?โ€ If they reply no, she tells them in her muddled sentences, โ€œYou should be. Read the Book of Mormon.โ€

Emily dictated to her mother what she wanted written in five copies of the Book of Mormon that she gave to a doctor, three therapists, and a technician before she left the hospital.

Emily dearly loved one technician who had become totally inactive in the Church. They prayed together in Emilyโ€™s hospital room. In language that was difficult to understand, but with a spirit that was strong and clear, Emily told her that she needed to go back to church. That technician later wrote Emily: โ€œI want to thank you so much for the Book of Mormon you gave me. I cried when I read what you wrote. I know someday I will love this book as much as you do.โ€

Emilyโ€™s life was recently brightened at Skyline High School in Salt Lake City. The student body picked her as this yearโ€™s prom queen in recognition of her extraordinary courage. Her classmates stood and cheered as she struggled to the stage of the packed auditorium, supported on the arm of the student body president.

Though she continues to go each day for therapy, Emilyโ€™s life is still defined by her spiritual identity, her goodness, her kindness to others, and her strong testimony.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Adversity Book of Mormon Conversion Courage Disabilities Faith Kindness Missionary Work Prayer Testimony Young Women

When Parents Divorce

Summary: At 15, Steveโ€™s parents divorced and he became inactive, feeling betrayed and disillusioned. He later realized leaving the Church made things harder and returned to activity, eventually marrying in the temple and forming a happy family. He also chooses honest communication with both parents and refuses to be pulled into their conflicts.
Steve* was 15 when his parents divorced. When his family split up, Steve drifted into complete inactivity. Today, he recommends that teens lighten their burdens by staying close to the Lord. โ€œGetting out of the Church is not the way to find relief,โ€ he says. โ€œLife is a rocky road, and you need all the help you can get.โ€
Steve says that when his parents divorced, he felt betrayed. โ€œWe were Latter-day Saints, and divorce was not supposed to happen to us. But by leaving the Church, I made things a lot tougher on myself. You need the Holy Ghost with you.โ€ Steve eventually returned to activity, which led to his temple marriage and a happy family of his own.
Steve believes children of divorced parents can learn from their parentsโ€™ mistakes. โ€œI believe I have gained insight,โ€ he says. โ€œIโ€™m aware that everything needs hard work.โ€
Steve has always tried to be honest with both parents about his feelings and preferences. In addition, โ€œI just refuse to get in the middle of any disagreement or negativity. I have made that clear.โ€ If one parent talks negatively about the other, Steve asks that parent to stop, asking to be excused from the room if necessary.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Adversity Apostasy Divorce Family Holy Ghost Honesty Marriage Repentance Temples Young Men

Dustiโ€™s Plan

Summary: After learning from her missionary brother that Peruvian converts lacked church clothing, Dusti organized a clothing drive as a Value Project and took suitcases of clothing to Peru. On the same trip, she left her old wheelchair at the mission home for a woman who had suffered a stroke. Seeing the faith of humble members strengthened Dustiโ€™s own testimony of the Church and Jesus Christ.
Service is something Dusti, a member of the Riverton Utah First Ward, strongly believes in. When her brother was on his mission in Peru, he mentioned in one of his letters that some of the newly baptized members lacked appropriate clothing to wear to church. Dusti decided to help.
For one of her Value Projects, Dusti asked her friends to donate dresses that the Peruvian Saints could wear to church. When others found out what she was doing, clothing of all kinds began pouring in to the Billsโ€™s home. After collecting and sorting, Dusti filled several suitcases to take with her family when they traveled to Peru to pick up her brother. The bags were crammed with everything from white baptismal clothes to suits for potential missionaries.
Dustiโ€™s help didnโ€™t stop there. Her new wheelchair had arrived a few days before she left Utah, so Dusti was more than willing to leave her old chair at the mission home in Lima. It would go to a woman who recently had a stroke and was no longer able to walk.
โ€œI was just glad someone who needed it got to use it,โ€ Dusti says.
Along with finding grateful Saints who were thrilled with their new clothes, Dusti found a little bit of herself, too.
โ€œYou could tell that the members were humble and they really believed in the Church and Jesus Christ. That made me think, I do know that the Church is the right one,โ€ says Dusti. โ€œI believe that Jesus Christ has a plan for everybody.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Charity Disabilities Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Work Service Testimony Young Women

Exercising Compassion

Summary: Senior missionaries Don and Marian Summers were assigned to help the long-struggling Swindon Branch. Despite discouraging beginnings and advice not to teach tithing, they taught core principles, updated records, and showed personal care. When a young couple requested name removal and no visits, the ward sent flowers with a loving note. Attendance grew dramatically, and the couple returned, expressing gratitude for the wardโ€™s persistence.
A good example of compassion and service making a difference is the example of Don and Marian Summers. While serving in England, they were asked to serve the last six months of their mission in the Swindon Branch to teach and assist in activating members. For 80 years Swindon had been a branch with a faithful few and with many good members becoming less active.
Don and Marian wrote: โ€œOur first visit to Swindon Branch was a bit disheartening as we met with the Saints in a cold, rented hall. The congregation numbered 17, including President and Sister Hales and 4 missionaries. Still wearing our winter coats, we all huddled around a small, inadequate heater while we listened to a Sunday School lesson.โ€
The letter continued: โ€œA branch member approached me one day: โ€˜Elder Summers, can I give you a bit of advice? Never mention the word tithing to the Swindon members; they really donโ€™t believe in it, and all you will do is upset them.โ€™โ€
Brother Summers said: โ€œWe did teach tithing and all the other gospel principles. With example and the encouragement of a branch president, there was a change of heart, and faith and activity started to increase. The membership records were completely updated as we visited every memberโ€™s home. When the leaders started caring, the members began to respond, and a whole new spirit pervaded the branch. The members became excited again about the gospel and helping one another. โ€ฆ
โ€œOne young couple had a difficult adjustment to make as their customs, manners, and dress were different. They became offended at suggestions for changes. The couple twice wrote to the bishop [since by then it was a ward] and asked to have their names removed from the Church records. In the last letter they forbade any of the members to visit them, so [we] went to the florist and purchased a beautiful plant of chrysanthemums and had it delivered to the young couple. It was a simple note: โ€˜We love you; we miss you; we need you. Please come back.โ€™ Signed, Swindon Ward.
โ€œThe next Sunday was fast and testimony meeting and our last Sunday in Swindon. There were 103 members in attendance, compared to 17 six months before. The young couple was there, and in bearing his testimony, the husband thanked the Swindon Ward for not giving up on them.โ€
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Charity Conversion Ministering Missionary Work Service Tithing

Be Faithful, Not Faithless

Summary: President Boyd K. Packer shared an account of deer trapped by heavy snowfall. Well-meaning people provided hay, which the deer ate, but it did not nourish them. Many deer died with full stomachs because they lacked proper nourishment.
Years ago, President Boyd K. Packer told of a herd of deer that, because of heavy snowfall, was trapped outside its natural habitat and faced possible starvation. Some well-meaning people, in an effort to save the deer, dumped truckloads of hay around the areaโ€”it wasnโ€™t what deer would normally eat, but they hoped it would at least get the deer through the winter. Sadly, most of the deer were later found dead. They had eaten the hay, but it did not nourish them, and they starved to death with their stomachs full.
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Adversity Death Emergency Response Kindness Service

Treasure of Eternal Value

Summary: As a gifted teen violinist in Utah, Benjamin was invited to join a territorial orchestra with promising pay. His bishop asked him to serve a mission instead, and to fund it Benjamin sold his beloved violin. He left for his mission and decades later recorded that it was the greatest decision of his life.
A story written by Karen Nolen, which appeared in the New Era in 1974, tells of a Benjamin Landart who, in 1888, was 15 years old and an accomplished violinist. Living on a farm in northern Utah with his mother and seven brothers and sisters was sometimes a challenge to Benjamin, as he had less time than he would have liked to play his violin. Occasionally his mother would lock up the violin until he had his farm chores done, so great was the temptation for Benjamin to play it.
In late 1892 Benjamin was asked to travel to Salt Lake to audition for a place with the territorial orchestra. For him, this was a dream come true. After several weeks of practicing and prayers, he went to Salt Lake in March of 1893 for the much-anticipated audition. When he heard Benjamin play, the conductor, a Mr. Dean, said Benjamin was the most accomplished violinist he had heard west of Denver. Benjamin was told to report to Denver for rehearsals in the fall and learned that he would be earning enough to keep himself, with some left over to send home.
A week after Benjamin received this good news, however, his bishop called him into his office and asked if Benjamin couldnโ€™t put off playing with the orchestra for a couple of years. The bishop told Benjamin that before he started earning money, there was something he owed the Lord. The bishop then asked Benjamin to accept a mission call.
Benjamin felt that giving up his chance to play in the territorial orchestra would be almost more than he could bear, but he also knew what his decision should be. He promised the bishop that if there were any way to raise the money for him to serve, he would accept the call.
When Benjamin told his mother about the call, she was overjoyed. She told him that his father had always wanted to serve a mission but had been killed before that opportunity had come to him. However, when they discussed the financing of the mission, her face clouded over. Benjamin told her he would not allow her to sell any more of their land. She studied his face for a moment and then said, โ€œBen, there is a way we can raise the money. This family [has] one thing that is of great enough value to send you on your mission. You will have to sell your violin.โ€
Six days later, on March 23, 1893, Benjamin wrote in his journal: โ€œI awoke this morning and took my violin from its case. All day long I played the music I love. In the evening when the light grew dim and I could see to play no longer, I placed the instrument in its case. It will be enough. Tomorrow I leave [for my mission].โ€
Forty-five years later, on June 23, 1938, Benjamin wrote in his journal: โ€œThe greatest decision I ever made in my life was to give up something I dearly loved to the God I loved even more. He has never forgotten me for it.โ€
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Bishop Consecration Faith Family Missionary Work Music Obedience Prayer Sacrifice Young Men

Family Home Evening Visitor

Summary: Tired after school, Jimmy drops his books and jacket on the furniture. Noticing the picture of Jesus, he decides to clean up so his home would be ready if Jesus visited. He puts things away, enjoys a snack, and feels good knowing his mom will be pleased.
On Friday, Jimmy came home from school tired. He dumped his books on the floor and tossed his jacket onto the couch. But it seemed to him that the picture of Jesus was looking directly at his books on the floor. Jimmy knew that the picture couldnโ€™t really see anything, but he remembered how he had felt before they recognized Brother Park. If Jesus were to come into his home, he wouldnโ€™t want his books to be on the floor. So Jimmy put them away and hung his jacket in the closet. As he munched on an apple and relaxed, he was glad that his house looked neat and clean. He knew that his mom would be glad too.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Children
Children Jesus Christ Light of Christ Reverence

The Call for Courage

Summary: President Monson visited Mattie, a lonely widow whose distant son Dick had not visited for years. After Dick returned to Church activity and came to town, President Monson urged him to visit his mother first; Mattie tearfully called to say she had seen him coming through the window, a cherished moment later recalled at her funeral.
Brethren, as we learn our duty and magnify the callings which have come to us, the Lord will guide our efforts and touch the hearts of those whom we serve.

Many years ago, I would visit an older widow named Mattie, whom I had known for many years and whose bishop I had been. My heart grieved at her utter loneliness. A precious son of hers lived many miles away, and for years he had not visited his mother. Mattie spent long hours in a lonely vigil at her front window. Behind a frayed and frequently opened curtain, the disappointed mother would say to herself, โ€œDick will come; Dick will come.โ€

But Dick didnโ€™t come. The years passed by one after another. Then, like a ray of sunshine, Church activity came into the life of Dick, one of my former Aaronic Priesthood boys, who now lived in Houston, Texas, far away from his mother. He journeyed to Salt Lake to visit with me. He telephoned upon his arrival and, with excitement, reported the change in his life. He asked if I had time to see him if he were to come directly to my office. My response was one of gladness. However, I said, โ€œDick, first visit your mother, and then come to see me.โ€ He gladly complied with my request.

Before he could get to my office, there came a phone call from Mattie, his mother. From a joyful heart came words punctuated by tears: โ€œBishop, I knew Dick would come. I told you he would. I saw him coming through the window.โ€

Not many years later at Mattieโ€™s funeral, Dick and I spoke tenderly of that experience. We had witnessed a glimpse of Godโ€™s healing power through the window of a motherโ€™s faith in her son.
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Bishop Faith Family Ministering Miracles

My Miracle Blessing

Summary: Unsure how to find the Church in Thailand, the author prayed on a bus after arriving in Bangkok. Immediately after the prayer, he saw a Church sign. He attended the building the next day, received information from local members, and later attended a closer branch.
I had no idea how to find the Church in Thailand once I arrived. The internet was not yet developed, so I couldnโ€™t look up the location of buildings. We arrived at the Bangkok airport on a Saturday afternoon. In the bus, I prayed sincerely, โ€œHeavenly Father, tomorrow is Sunday. Please help me find the Church.โ€
I finished my prayer and looked outside. To my surprise, I saw a sign for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Thai and in English.
The following morning, I took an auto rickshaw to that building. Afterward, the members there gave me the address of a home closer to my rural work site where branch meetings were held. They also gave me the phone number of the full-time missionaries. The following Sunday, I attended that branch.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Faith Miracles Missionary Work Prayer Sabbath Day Sacrament Meeting