These remarkable events were preceded by a special dedication of the land.
On a Sunday morning, April 27, 1975, I stood on an outcropping of rock situated between the cities of Dresden and Meissen, high above the Elbe River, and offered a prayer on the land and its people. That prayer noted the faith of the members. It emphasized the tender feelings of many hearts filled with an overwhelming desire to obtain temple blessings. A plea for peace was expressed. Divine help was requested. I spoke the words: โDear Father, let this be the beginning of a new day for the members of Thy Church in this land.โ
Suddenly, from far below in the valley, a bell in a church steeple began to chime and the shrill crow of a rooster broke the morning silence, each heralding the commencement of a new day. Though my eyes were closed, I felt a warmth from the sunโs rays reaching my face, my hands, my arms. How could this be? An incessant rain had been falling all morning.
At the conclusion of the prayer, I gazed heavenward. I noted a ray of sunshine which streamed from an opening in the heavy clouds, a ray which engulfed the spot where our small group stood. From that moment I knew divine help was at hand.
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Thanks Be to God
Summary: In April 1975, Elder Monson offered a dedicatory prayer over the land between Dresden and Meissen, pleading for peace and temple blessings. As he prayed, a bell chimed, a rooster crowed, and sunlight broke through a morning of incessant rain, warming him. He saw a single ray of sunshine engulf their spot and felt assured of divine help.
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
Faith
Miracles
Prayer
Temples
Reaching Down to Lift Another
Summary: Missionaries teach and baptize a Peruvian family that becomes active and pays tithing. Their teen later serves a mission, learns language skills with a North American companion, and returns to limited prospects. The Perpetual Education Fund offers a hopeful path toward needed skills and a better future.
Can you grasp the meaning of the tremendous work of this Church? Let me paint you a scenario. A pair of missionaries knock on the door of a little home somewhere in Peru. A woman answers. She does not quite understand what the missionaries want. But she invites them in. They arrange to come when her husband and other members of the family are there.
The missionaries teach them. Touched by the power of the Spirit, they respond to the message of eternal truth. They are baptized.
The family is active in the Church. They pay an honest but very meager tithing. They have a son or daughter in that family who is in his or her late teens. At the right time, the son or the daughter is called to serve a mission. The family does all it can to support him or her, and the remainder is made up from the missionary fund, which comes of the contributions of the Saints.
The son or daughter works with a companion from the United States or Canada. He or she learns English, while the companionโs Spanish is greatly improved. They work together with love and appreciation and respect, one for another, representatives of two great divergent cultures.
Upon completion of their missions, the North American returns home and goes back to school. The Peruvian returns home and is hopeful only of finding work of a menial nature. The pay is ever so small. The future is dismal. He or she does not have the needed skills to rise above such employment. And then comes this bright ray of hope. Well, brethren, you know the picture. I need not labor it further. The way before us is clear, the need is tremendous, and the Lord has pointed the way.
The missionaries teach them. Touched by the power of the Spirit, they respond to the message of eternal truth. They are baptized.
The family is active in the Church. They pay an honest but very meager tithing. They have a son or daughter in that family who is in his or her late teens. At the right time, the son or the daughter is called to serve a mission. The family does all it can to support him or her, and the remainder is made up from the missionary fund, which comes of the contributions of the Saints.
The son or daughter works with a companion from the United States or Canada. He or she learns English, while the companionโs Spanish is greatly improved. They work together with love and appreciation and respect, one for another, representatives of two great divergent cultures.
Upon completion of their missions, the North American returns home and goes back to school. The Peruvian returns home and is hopeful only of finding work of a menial nature. The pay is ever so small. The future is dismal. He or she does not have the needed skills to rise above such employment. And then comes this bright ray of hope. Well, brethren, you know the picture. I need not labor it further. The way before us is clear, the need is tremendous, and the Lord has pointed the way.
Read more โ
๐ค Missionaries
๐ค Parents
๐ค Youth
๐ค Church Members (General)
Baptism
Conversion
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Education
Employment
Family
Hope
Missionary Work
Self-Reliance
Tithing
Little Wind and the Buffalo(Part Two)
Summary: After mourning the old buffalo and being comforted by his fatherโs teachings about death and the Great Spirit, Little Wind sees Shoshone horse thieves raid the village. He helps drive them off and earns a first coup, but then learns his own pony has fled toward the mountains. Ignoring the gathering storm, he sets out alone to find it, leaving the story poised for the dangerous chase that follows.
Warmed by the medicine manโs healing fire inside the earthen lodge, Little Windโs all-day vigil is over. For the valiant heart of the old buffaloโinjured in a senseless and shameful slaughter two days beforeโis still beating.
Curled against the shaggy warmth of the great beast, the exhausted boy dreams of the sky people, then sleeps โฆ
The first long, frosted slivers of light pierced the night sky over the tablelands. Ten Days Walking stepped out of his tepee, pulled a buffalo robe around him, and headed toward the earthen lodge. He entered quietly and stood for a long moment in the little bit of night still hiding inside, his eyes upon Little Wind, his son, who lay asleep with his head pillowed against the old buffalo. The ancient beastโs sides no longer rose and fell with a steady cadence.
Ten Days Walking stepped closer and put his ear to the animalโs side, but there was no heartbeat.
Little Wind stirred, then awoke. The look on his fatherโs face told him all he feared to know. His dark eyes widened and studied the creature beside him, then his vision was blurred by a thin veil of tears. โHe only sleeps, Father.โ Little Wind whispered with wishful uncertainty.
โIt is the long sleep, my son,โ Ten Days Walking uttered with reverent matter-of-factness. โThe Great Spirit has called it home.โ
โBut I prayed so hard. It cannot be!โ Little Wind buried his face in the old creatureโs soft fur and wept.
Ten Days Walking sat down beside the boy and leaned back against the still warm bison. Gently and slowly he ran his large hand through Little Windโs long hair, then he spoke. โWas it not this great oneโs time, small warrior?โ he asked. โNo man or beast can remain on this earth place beyond his given time. This old four-legged had fathered countless of its kind and given much majesty and dignity to Mother Earth. Would it not perhaps be wrong now, maybe even selfish, to deny it its blessed rest?โ
Little Wind could notโeven in his painโdeny the simple wisdom of his fatherโs words. He nodded through his tears and snuggled himself against the big warrior who enclosed him in his great robe.
For a long while Little Wind watched the new light grow brighter in the lodge, spilling down through the hole in the center of the thatched roof and shedding its glow on the old buffalo. Then he muttered softly, โGrandfather says that life is like a blossom and that death is like the flower unfolding. What does he mean, Father?โ
Ten Days Walking smiled knowingly. โRed Owl Watching means that to become like the Great Spirit, we must first become like a little child, like a โฆ blossom โฆ that opens into its greater self in the brighter light of heaven.โ
Little Wind looked confused. Ten Days Walkingโs smile broadened and he went on. โWhat your grandfather means is that he is anxious to leave his earth lodge and enter the great lodge of your Father and mine and to share in the wondrous things that await every valiant warrior who has served his Creator well.โ
Little Wind didnโt know if he felt better because of his fatherโs strong arms around him or because of his wise counsel. Maybe it was both. Whatever it was, it was something to cling to every time his eyes returned to the old buffalo or to the lodge where his Grandfather, Red Owl Watching, lay in a long illness. โWill Grandfather die soon also?โ he wondered out loud.
Ten Days Walking held his smile. There was a sadness in his voice at the thought of the old manโs leaving, but also the sound of hope. โYes, it will very soon be his time. But as time rushes by like wind over a birdโs wing, my son, we will soon be together again. It is all part of a very wise plan.โ
It was Little Windโs unusual compassion and regard for the buffalo that caused his father to give the old four-legged special consideration. A great scaffold was prepared and its body carried on a litter to the sacred burial grounds that stood on the high jagged cliffs above the village. It was the first time such a thing had been done for any but a Sioux in the history of their people.
Little Wind climbed the steep trail in the icy November wind to the top of the butte to pay final tribute to the old buffalo. He watched as the mighty beast was hoisted up onto the scaffold, covered with furs, and secured with rope. Little Windโs mother and little sister, Night Fawn, along with a few other village women, heaped brambles at the base of the scaffold to keep away wild animals. Then Ten Days Walking and the others left Little Wind alone to express his mourning.
When the sun had made its journey across the heavens, Little Wind turned from the wind-lashed scaffold and descended the darkened mesa to the village below.
In the days and weeks that followed, driving prairie rains beat unmercifully upon the little Sioux lodges. Winds howled and thunder boomed like the white soldiersโ cannons. Little Wind sat huddled in his familyโs tepee, listening to the strange, wonderful stories spun by his grandfather from within the immense warm hides of his sickbed. The stories were of great battles fought and fine prizes won long, long ago.
Then one day came the great white silence. Little Wind pushed back the door flap and gazed upon it, wide-eyed. Winter had come in all its chilly white grandness.
The boy pulled his fur wrappings tightly about himself and stepped out, marveling at this shivering white Eden. Nothing stirred, and there was not a single footprint or track in sight. Mine will be the very first! he thought as he moved forward across the crusted snow.
The sun had just begun to rise above the huge white cliffs and had sprayed a silvery glow of near-blinding brightness over the valley mist. Suddenly his breathless wonderment was broken by the frightened whinnying of the village horses. He looked through the misty light toward the corral at the far end of the lodges. Vague, ghostly shapes moved stealthily among the ponies. They were the shapes of warriors warmly dressed against the weather โฆ but not of his tribe!
Little Wind dashed quickly and silently into the tepee and shook his father from his sleep. โFather!โ he cried in a loud whisper. โThere are strangers in our village!โ
Ten Days Walking sprang to his feet, grabbed a buffalo horn club and shield hanging next to his war medicine bundle, and bolted outside. He shouted an alarm to the other sleeping villagers.
Red Owl Watching strained up onto an elbow. โYoung Shoshones,โ he uttered in a raspy, unworried voice. โThey come to take our horses, not to take scalps.โ He arched his neck and gazed up at Little Wind, who stood tensely by the door. โIt is the way of things. It is honorable to take ponies from an enemy tribe and return triumphant to your village. It shows much courage and brings dignity to any young warrior.โ
Little Windโs mother looked harshly at the old warrior in the ermine blanket. โWe cannot let our horses be taken just so some young Shoshone brave can paint victory marks on his leggings, old man! Without our ponies we willโโ
Red Owl Watching chuckled and placed a quivery, reassuring hand on Laughing Waterโs arm, then beamed at Little Wind. โIt is also honorable for a young Sioux brave to disgrace a Shoshone brave.โ
โHow is this done, Grandfather?โ Little Wind questioned.
The ancient Indian broke into a toothless grin. โSimply by keeping him from stealing a Sioux pony.โ
โAnd how is that best done?โ Little Wind pressed eagerly.
โIt is best done quickly!โ was the reply.
Little Wind was gone in the shake of a ponyโs tail. Laughing Water argued with motherly concern, โHeโs still a boy, old man!โ
Again Red Owl Watching softly patted the womanโs arm. โYes. But do boys learn to become men just by listening to tales of valor, or must they at some point take part in those deeds that lift them beyond themselves to that high, noble place of manhood?โ
Laughing Water twisted her face. Can I never win an argument with this old one? she wondered. โMust you always be so wise?โ she asked aloud.
The toothless grin once again returned to the old face. โOld age does have its rewards, good mother.โ Then the two peered outside through the hide flap where the village was alive with warmly outfitted combatants. The warriors were dashing in and out in a ragged pattern, waving stone clubs and feathered lances. But as Red Owl Watching had testified, there was no noticeable desire to inflict grave injury upon each other. They were just taking coupโthe touching or striking of an armed enemy with a lance or any other object and getting away unscratched. It was a deed far more noble than taking a scalp or inflicting a fatal injury.
Ten Days Walking had jumped atop the corral fence and had leaped onto a mounted Shoshone, wrestling man and animal to the ground. The enemyโs horse whirled about wild-eyed, then crashed into and broke a section of fence. Eighteen of the tribeโs twenty-two fine ponies, spooked by all the excited hoots and frenzied activity, plunged through the opening in the crude fence and disappeared into the mist. And with the fading sound of exiting, pounding hooves filling his concerned ears, Ten Days Walking quickly whacked his foe with his shield and sent him sprawling among the four remaining ponies. One of them, the warrior chiefโs great buffalo runner, whirled by instinct toward the grounded Shoshone and nickered defiantly. The frightened Shoshone scrambled to his feet and ran off. Ten Days Walking hooted victoriously and gestured tribute to his war-horse. Then he plunged back into the fray.
At the same time, Little Wind darted in a low run through the tinseled fog, scooped up a broken lance, and leaped onto the back of an enemy brave who had pinned down a Sioux tribesman. Holding both ends of the lance in his hands, Little Wind quickly looped it over the Shoshoneโs head and pressed it tightly against his throat. The Indian abandoned his grip, yelled angrily, and toppled over backward onto Little Wind, his wolf headdress falling off in the process. Before the startled would-be horse thief could get a fair look at his boy attacker, Little Wind had vanished with his prize, the wolf headdress, into the frozen brushwood.
By now the whole village was swarming with armed Sioux men, and even some of the women were wielding bone clubs and whatever else they could come up with. And the small band of hapless Shoshones, seeing themselves hopelessly outnumbered, reluctantly mounted their ponies and fled in shame, rubbing their wounds and suffering the sting of injured pride.
Joyous shouts burst forth in splendid unison from every lodge in the little community. But there was still an important matter to be attended toโrecovering the tribeโs eighteen ponies. They would have to be found quickly before they were adopted by another tribe or before gathering clouds ushered in another storm.
Ten Days Walking sprang onto his buffalo runner and hastily instructed three braves nearby to get the three remaining horses and assist him in the hunt. Then he glanced at Little Wind with a flash of pride that seemed to lift the boy ten feet off the ground. After all, was it not he who first warned the village of the presence of an enemy tribe? And was not that a Shoshone headdress hanging from his belt?
The boy watched his fatherโs horse plunge away into the frigid whiteness. Then he started back toward his tepee, anxious to share the story of his first coup with his mother, grandfather, and little sister. But he had only gone a few steps when someone pulled at his arm. It was Yellow Fox, a village boy. โYour pony is gone too,โ he said excitedly. โI saw it run away when the Shoshones first came!โ
โMy father will find it, with the others,โ Little Wind responded confidently.
โHeโll not find your pony!โ Yellow Fox insisted. โI saw your horse go toward the high rock county. Your father and the others rode off in another direction. Theyโll not find your pony. But maybe a Shoshone will.โ
Little Wind gazed anxiously toward the great mountains veiled in glacial mist. His pony had been given to him as a gift by his father before the big hunt. It was priceless to him. He had to find it before the next storm or he might never see it again. If he hurried, he could be back before his mother even knew he was gone. If he waited for his father to return with the horses, it might be too late. Iโm well dressed against the weather in this big otter coat Mother made me, he assured himself. Besides, my pony probably hasnโt gone very far.
Little Wind pulled his wrappings snugly around him, gave a quick glance toward his tepee, and hurried off in the direction of the hoofprints in the snow.
What Little Wind did not know was that a new storm was gathering just beyond the mesas. Hidden behind the fog, it crouched like some huge, nameless beast ready to lunge across the sky and engulf anyone or anything careless enough to leave the fires of home.
Curled against the shaggy warmth of the great beast, the exhausted boy dreams of the sky people, then sleeps โฆ
The first long, frosted slivers of light pierced the night sky over the tablelands. Ten Days Walking stepped out of his tepee, pulled a buffalo robe around him, and headed toward the earthen lodge. He entered quietly and stood for a long moment in the little bit of night still hiding inside, his eyes upon Little Wind, his son, who lay asleep with his head pillowed against the old buffalo. The ancient beastโs sides no longer rose and fell with a steady cadence.
Ten Days Walking stepped closer and put his ear to the animalโs side, but there was no heartbeat.
Little Wind stirred, then awoke. The look on his fatherโs face told him all he feared to know. His dark eyes widened and studied the creature beside him, then his vision was blurred by a thin veil of tears. โHe only sleeps, Father.โ Little Wind whispered with wishful uncertainty.
โIt is the long sleep, my son,โ Ten Days Walking uttered with reverent matter-of-factness. โThe Great Spirit has called it home.โ
โBut I prayed so hard. It cannot be!โ Little Wind buried his face in the old creatureโs soft fur and wept.
Ten Days Walking sat down beside the boy and leaned back against the still warm bison. Gently and slowly he ran his large hand through Little Windโs long hair, then he spoke. โWas it not this great oneโs time, small warrior?โ he asked. โNo man or beast can remain on this earth place beyond his given time. This old four-legged had fathered countless of its kind and given much majesty and dignity to Mother Earth. Would it not perhaps be wrong now, maybe even selfish, to deny it its blessed rest?โ
Little Wind could notโeven in his painโdeny the simple wisdom of his fatherโs words. He nodded through his tears and snuggled himself against the big warrior who enclosed him in his great robe.
For a long while Little Wind watched the new light grow brighter in the lodge, spilling down through the hole in the center of the thatched roof and shedding its glow on the old buffalo. Then he muttered softly, โGrandfather says that life is like a blossom and that death is like the flower unfolding. What does he mean, Father?โ
Ten Days Walking smiled knowingly. โRed Owl Watching means that to become like the Great Spirit, we must first become like a little child, like a โฆ blossom โฆ that opens into its greater self in the brighter light of heaven.โ
Little Wind looked confused. Ten Days Walkingโs smile broadened and he went on. โWhat your grandfather means is that he is anxious to leave his earth lodge and enter the great lodge of your Father and mine and to share in the wondrous things that await every valiant warrior who has served his Creator well.โ
Little Wind didnโt know if he felt better because of his fatherโs strong arms around him or because of his wise counsel. Maybe it was both. Whatever it was, it was something to cling to every time his eyes returned to the old buffalo or to the lodge where his Grandfather, Red Owl Watching, lay in a long illness. โWill Grandfather die soon also?โ he wondered out loud.
Ten Days Walking held his smile. There was a sadness in his voice at the thought of the old manโs leaving, but also the sound of hope. โYes, it will very soon be his time. But as time rushes by like wind over a birdโs wing, my son, we will soon be together again. It is all part of a very wise plan.โ
It was Little Windโs unusual compassion and regard for the buffalo that caused his father to give the old four-legged special consideration. A great scaffold was prepared and its body carried on a litter to the sacred burial grounds that stood on the high jagged cliffs above the village. It was the first time such a thing had been done for any but a Sioux in the history of their people.
Little Wind climbed the steep trail in the icy November wind to the top of the butte to pay final tribute to the old buffalo. He watched as the mighty beast was hoisted up onto the scaffold, covered with furs, and secured with rope. Little Windโs mother and little sister, Night Fawn, along with a few other village women, heaped brambles at the base of the scaffold to keep away wild animals. Then Ten Days Walking and the others left Little Wind alone to express his mourning.
When the sun had made its journey across the heavens, Little Wind turned from the wind-lashed scaffold and descended the darkened mesa to the village below.
In the days and weeks that followed, driving prairie rains beat unmercifully upon the little Sioux lodges. Winds howled and thunder boomed like the white soldiersโ cannons. Little Wind sat huddled in his familyโs tepee, listening to the strange, wonderful stories spun by his grandfather from within the immense warm hides of his sickbed. The stories were of great battles fought and fine prizes won long, long ago.
Then one day came the great white silence. Little Wind pushed back the door flap and gazed upon it, wide-eyed. Winter had come in all its chilly white grandness.
The boy pulled his fur wrappings tightly about himself and stepped out, marveling at this shivering white Eden. Nothing stirred, and there was not a single footprint or track in sight. Mine will be the very first! he thought as he moved forward across the crusted snow.
The sun had just begun to rise above the huge white cliffs and had sprayed a silvery glow of near-blinding brightness over the valley mist. Suddenly his breathless wonderment was broken by the frightened whinnying of the village horses. He looked through the misty light toward the corral at the far end of the lodges. Vague, ghostly shapes moved stealthily among the ponies. They were the shapes of warriors warmly dressed against the weather โฆ but not of his tribe!
Little Wind dashed quickly and silently into the tepee and shook his father from his sleep. โFather!โ he cried in a loud whisper. โThere are strangers in our village!โ
Ten Days Walking sprang to his feet, grabbed a buffalo horn club and shield hanging next to his war medicine bundle, and bolted outside. He shouted an alarm to the other sleeping villagers.
Red Owl Watching strained up onto an elbow. โYoung Shoshones,โ he uttered in a raspy, unworried voice. โThey come to take our horses, not to take scalps.โ He arched his neck and gazed up at Little Wind, who stood tensely by the door. โIt is the way of things. It is honorable to take ponies from an enemy tribe and return triumphant to your village. It shows much courage and brings dignity to any young warrior.โ
Little Windโs mother looked harshly at the old warrior in the ermine blanket. โWe cannot let our horses be taken just so some young Shoshone brave can paint victory marks on his leggings, old man! Without our ponies we willโโ
Red Owl Watching chuckled and placed a quivery, reassuring hand on Laughing Waterโs arm, then beamed at Little Wind. โIt is also honorable for a young Sioux brave to disgrace a Shoshone brave.โ
โHow is this done, Grandfather?โ Little Wind questioned.
The ancient Indian broke into a toothless grin. โSimply by keeping him from stealing a Sioux pony.โ
โAnd how is that best done?โ Little Wind pressed eagerly.
โIt is best done quickly!โ was the reply.
Little Wind was gone in the shake of a ponyโs tail. Laughing Water argued with motherly concern, โHeโs still a boy, old man!โ
Again Red Owl Watching softly patted the womanโs arm. โYes. But do boys learn to become men just by listening to tales of valor, or must they at some point take part in those deeds that lift them beyond themselves to that high, noble place of manhood?โ
Laughing Water twisted her face. Can I never win an argument with this old one? she wondered. โMust you always be so wise?โ she asked aloud.
The toothless grin once again returned to the old face. โOld age does have its rewards, good mother.โ Then the two peered outside through the hide flap where the village was alive with warmly outfitted combatants. The warriors were dashing in and out in a ragged pattern, waving stone clubs and feathered lances. But as Red Owl Watching had testified, there was no noticeable desire to inflict grave injury upon each other. They were just taking coupโthe touching or striking of an armed enemy with a lance or any other object and getting away unscratched. It was a deed far more noble than taking a scalp or inflicting a fatal injury.
Ten Days Walking had jumped atop the corral fence and had leaped onto a mounted Shoshone, wrestling man and animal to the ground. The enemyโs horse whirled about wild-eyed, then crashed into and broke a section of fence. Eighteen of the tribeโs twenty-two fine ponies, spooked by all the excited hoots and frenzied activity, plunged through the opening in the crude fence and disappeared into the mist. And with the fading sound of exiting, pounding hooves filling his concerned ears, Ten Days Walking quickly whacked his foe with his shield and sent him sprawling among the four remaining ponies. One of them, the warrior chiefโs great buffalo runner, whirled by instinct toward the grounded Shoshone and nickered defiantly. The frightened Shoshone scrambled to his feet and ran off. Ten Days Walking hooted victoriously and gestured tribute to his war-horse. Then he plunged back into the fray.
At the same time, Little Wind darted in a low run through the tinseled fog, scooped up a broken lance, and leaped onto the back of an enemy brave who had pinned down a Sioux tribesman. Holding both ends of the lance in his hands, Little Wind quickly looped it over the Shoshoneโs head and pressed it tightly against his throat. The Indian abandoned his grip, yelled angrily, and toppled over backward onto Little Wind, his wolf headdress falling off in the process. Before the startled would-be horse thief could get a fair look at his boy attacker, Little Wind had vanished with his prize, the wolf headdress, into the frozen brushwood.
By now the whole village was swarming with armed Sioux men, and even some of the women were wielding bone clubs and whatever else they could come up with. And the small band of hapless Shoshones, seeing themselves hopelessly outnumbered, reluctantly mounted their ponies and fled in shame, rubbing their wounds and suffering the sting of injured pride.
Joyous shouts burst forth in splendid unison from every lodge in the little community. But there was still an important matter to be attended toโrecovering the tribeโs eighteen ponies. They would have to be found quickly before they were adopted by another tribe or before gathering clouds ushered in another storm.
Ten Days Walking sprang onto his buffalo runner and hastily instructed three braves nearby to get the three remaining horses and assist him in the hunt. Then he glanced at Little Wind with a flash of pride that seemed to lift the boy ten feet off the ground. After all, was it not he who first warned the village of the presence of an enemy tribe? And was not that a Shoshone headdress hanging from his belt?
The boy watched his fatherโs horse plunge away into the frigid whiteness. Then he started back toward his tepee, anxious to share the story of his first coup with his mother, grandfather, and little sister. But he had only gone a few steps when someone pulled at his arm. It was Yellow Fox, a village boy. โYour pony is gone too,โ he said excitedly. โI saw it run away when the Shoshones first came!โ
โMy father will find it, with the others,โ Little Wind responded confidently.
โHeโll not find your pony!โ Yellow Fox insisted. โI saw your horse go toward the high rock county. Your father and the others rode off in another direction. Theyโll not find your pony. But maybe a Shoshone will.โ
Little Wind gazed anxiously toward the great mountains veiled in glacial mist. His pony had been given to him as a gift by his father before the big hunt. It was priceless to him. He had to find it before the next storm or he might never see it again. If he hurried, he could be back before his mother even knew he was gone. If he waited for his father to return with the horses, it might be too late. Iโm well dressed against the weather in this big otter coat Mother made me, he assured himself. Besides, my pony probably hasnโt gone very far.
Little Wind pulled his wrappings snugly around him, gave a quick glance toward his tepee, and hurried off in the direction of the hoofprints in the snow.
What Little Wind did not know was that a new storm was gathering just beyond the mesas. Hidden behind the fog, it crouched like some huge, nameless beast ready to lunge across the sky and engulf anyone or anything careless enough to leave the fires of home.
Read more โ
๐ค Parents
๐ค Children
๐ค Other
Courage
Family
Parenting
War
Young Men
Sharing Joy in Kenya
Summary: In early 2024, Robert met an American humanitarian who introduced him to the Church. Amid financial hardship, Robert prayed and read the New Testament while receiving help with schooling from a Latter-day Saint sponsor who also shared the gospel. About six months later, Robert was baptized.
Robert, a member of the Bukuru Branch in the Kisumu Kenya District, was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in early 2024, when he met an American man doing humanitarian work in Kenya.
โI was not really expecting that my life would get better,โ Robert says. โMy parents did not have money; they could not send me to school.โ (In Kenya, even public school costs money.)
โBut I knew Heavenly Father would help me. I started praying and reading the New Testament. Then I met my sponsor.โ
His โsponsorโ was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who blessed Robertโs life in two ways: he helped him obtain his schooling and, more importantly, shared the gospel with him (as did another young man who had recently joined the Church). Robert was baptized about six months later.
โI was not really expecting that my life would get better,โ Robert says. โMy parents did not have money; they could not send me to school.โ (In Kenya, even public school costs money.)
โBut I knew Heavenly Father would help me. I started praying and reading the New Testament. Then I met my sponsor.โ
His โsponsorโ was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who blessed Robertโs life in two ways: he helped him obtain his schooling and, more importantly, shared the gospel with him (as did another young man who had recently joined the Church). Robert was baptized about six months later.
Read more โ
๐ค Youth
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Adversity
Baptism
Bible
Conversion
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Education
Faith
Missionary Work
Prayer
Service
Q&A:Questions and Answers
Summary: At a Young Womenโs conference, a sister led participants through two contrasting roomsโone messy with inappropriate pictures and one organized with uplifting images and sayings. The dramatic difference in feeling between the rooms showed how environment affects the Spirit's presence.
We had a Young Womenโs conference, and a sister talked about this very subject. She had us walk into a messy room with pictures that were not uplifting. Then she took us into another room that was organized and had uplifting pictures and sayings. The difference in atmosphere and feeling in each room was amazing. A clean, organized room can bring the Spirit of the Lord.
Heather Holmes, 15Milan, New Mexico
Heather Holmes, 15Milan, New Mexico
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๐ค Church Leaders (Local)
๐ค Youth
Holy Ghost
Reverence
Young Women
The Power of Your Example
Summary: Don, a friend of Ken on a sister minesweeper, planned to expose flaws in Church doctrine after Ken's baptism. He attended sacrament meeting in Charleston and studied diligently for months. Instead of finding loopholes, he chose to be baptized.
Don Dewey was a nonmember and one of Kenโs friends stationed aboard a sister minesweeper. He wanted to discover the loopholes in Church doctrine so he could point out to Ken the error of his decision to be baptized. So when the three men returned from sea, Don decided to join Willis and Ken at sacrament meeting in Charleston.
But Don never did find the loopholes. Instead, after months of intensive study, he also chose to become a member of the Church.
But Don never did find the loopholes. Instead, after months of intensive study, he also chose to become a member of the Church.
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๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Baptism
Conversion
Friendship
Missionary Work
Sacrament Meeting
The Joyful Burden of Discipleship
Summary: While visiting Oklahoma after the tornadoes, the speaker met the Sorrels family and shared fifth-grader Toriโs account of sheltering in her school restroom as the storm tore off the roof. She prayed for safety, the storm passed, and she survived along with family and friends, though some classmates perished. The speaker later gave Tori a priesthood blessing, affirming that angels had protected her.
While in Oklahoma, I had the opportunity to meet with a few of the families devastated by the mighty twisters. As I visited with the Sorrels family, I was particularly touched by the experience of their daughter, Tori, then a fifth grader at Plaza Towers Elementary School. She and her mother are here with us today.
Tori and a handful of her friends huddled in a restroom for shelter as the tornado roared through the school. Listen as I read, in Toriโs own words, the account of that day:
โI heard something hit the roof. I thought it was just hailing. The sound got louder and louder. I said a prayer that Heavenly Father would protect us all and keep us safe. All of a sudden we heard a loud vacuum sound, and the roof disappeared right above our heads. There was lots of wind and debris flying around and hitting every part of my body. It was darker outside and it looked like the sky was black, but it wasnโtโit was the inside of the tornado. I just closed my eyes, hoping and praying that it would be over soon.
โAll of a sudden it got quiet.
โWhen I opened my eyes, I saw a stop sign right in front of my eyes! It was almost touching my nose.โ6
Tori, her mother, three of her siblings, and numerous friends who were also in the school with her miraculously survived that tornado; seven of their schoolmates did not.
That weekend the priesthood brethren gave many blessings to members who had suffered in the storm. I was humbled to give Tori a blessing. As I laid my hands on her head, a favorite scripture came to mind: โI will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.โ7
I counseled Tori to remember the day when a servant of the Lord laid his hands on her head and pronounced that she had been protected by angels in the storm.
Tori and a handful of her friends huddled in a restroom for shelter as the tornado roared through the school. Listen as I read, in Toriโs own words, the account of that day:
โI heard something hit the roof. I thought it was just hailing. The sound got louder and louder. I said a prayer that Heavenly Father would protect us all and keep us safe. All of a sudden we heard a loud vacuum sound, and the roof disappeared right above our heads. There was lots of wind and debris flying around and hitting every part of my body. It was darker outside and it looked like the sky was black, but it wasnโtโit was the inside of the tornado. I just closed my eyes, hoping and praying that it would be over soon.
โAll of a sudden it got quiet.
โWhen I opened my eyes, I saw a stop sign right in front of my eyes! It was almost touching my nose.โ6
Tori, her mother, three of her siblings, and numerous friends who were also in the school with her miraculously survived that tornado; seven of their schoolmates did not.
That weekend the priesthood brethren gave many blessings to members who had suffered in the storm. I was humbled to give Tori a blessing. As I laid my hands on her head, a favorite scripture came to mind: โI will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.โ7
I counseled Tori to remember the day when a servant of the Lord laid his hands on her head and pronounced that she had been protected by angels in the storm.
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๐ค Children
๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
Adversity
Children
Death
Faith
Family
Miracles
Prayer
Priesthood
Priesthood Blessing
Establishing a Christ-Centered Home
Summary: The speaker shares a recent talk by his eight-year-old grandson, Will, who compares families to a rope made strong by multiple strands. Will explains that when each family member does what is right and helps others, the whole family becomes strong and happy. He gives examples of treating his sister kindly, helping his mom by playing with his little brother, and being a good example as the oldest child.
It is difficult to overstate the importance parents have in teaching their children celestial traditions through word and example. Children also play an important role in establishing a Christ-centered home. Let me share with you a short talk recently given by Will, my eight-year-old grandson, that illustrates this principle:
โI like to ride horses and go roping with my dad. A rope has different strands woven together to make it strong. If a rope had only one strand, it wouldnโt be able to get the job done. But because there are more strands that work together, we are able to use it in many different ways and it is strong.
โFamilies can be like ropes. When only one person is working hard and doing what is right, the family will not be as strong as when everyone is putting forth the effort to help each other.
โI know that when I do what is right, I am helping my family. When I am treating my sister, Isabelle, nicely, we both have fun and it makes my mom and dad happy. If my mom needs to do something, I can help her by playing with my little brother, Joey. I also can help my family by keeping my room clean and helping out whenever I can with a good attitude. Since I am the oldest child in my family, I know being a good example is important. I can try my best to choose the right and follow the commandments.
โI know that kids can help their families be strong like a strong rope. When everyone does their best and works together, families can be happy and strong.โ
โI like to ride horses and go roping with my dad. A rope has different strands woven together to make it strong. If a rope had only one strand, it wouldnโt be able to get the job done. But because there are more strands that work together, we are able to use it in many different ways and it is strong.
โFamilies can be like ropes. When only one person is working hard and doing what is right, the family will not be as strong as when everyone is putting forth the effort to help each other.
โI know that when I do what is right, I am helping my family. When I am treating my sister, Isabelle, nicely, we both have fun and it makes my mom and dad happy. If my mom needs to do something, I can help her by playing with my little brother, Joey. I also can help my family by keeping my room clean and helping out whenever I can with a good attitude. Since I am the oldest child in my family, I know being a good example is important. I can try my best to choose the right and follow the commandments.
โI know that kids can help their families be strong like a strong rope. When everyone does their best and works together, families can be happy and strong.โ
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๐ค Children
๐ค Parents
Children
Commandments
Family
Jesus Christ
Kindness
Obedience
Parenting
Unity
Christmas Every Day
Summary: Growing up in Germany without the gospel, the narrator often felt fear but cherished the family's Christmas traditions. Over four Sundays they prepared with an Advent wreath, and on Christmas Eve the children waited outside while the living room was readied. A bell signaled entry to a glowing tree with gifts, creating powerful feelings of holiness, joy, love, gratitude, and security.
When I was a child growing up and learning about life, I did not have the security of my father and mother telling me who I was, how I could find lasting happiness, and what would happen to me if I were to die. My parents did not have the gospel of Jesus Christ, so my childhood was very uncertain in many ways and I was often full of fear.
But in all the memories of my childhood, there is at least one of peace and joy. This memory is of Christmas. Christmastime was celebrated in the traditions and customs of my home country of Germany, and it was specifically for the children.
Four Sundays before Christmas Day, preparations for something holy and beautiful could be felt in our home. A little wreath with four candles on it was placed on the family table.
On the first Sunday, the first candle was lit. As a family we sat around the table, singing Christmas songs and preparing little gifts that each of us would give to each member of the family.
On the fourth Sunday, the last candle was lit, and expectations for the coming joyous events grew intense.
A Christmas tree did not appear in our home until 24 December. On that day, we children had to stay outside, go on errands, and play by ourselves. I still remember how time seemed not to pass at all.
We children were taught that the Christmas tree and all of its glory and beauty, along with presents and food and cookies, came from the little Christ child.
This lack of logic did not bother us children. We believed that there was a Christ-child person of a supernatural existence who cared for us in such a way that once a year He would come in person to fulfill all of our hopes and dreams.
In preparation, we cleaned the rooms where we slept. We put on our best clothes. We had our gifts ready to give. When the sun started to set on that special day, we were invited to get ready to enter the living room.
As was the custom, the doors to the living room had been locked because we children were not to go into that room. It became a place of great mystery. Once in a while we heard some rustling of papers, and once in a while the more courageous of us tried to peek in the keyholeโonly to learn that the key was in it from the inside and the door was locked.
When Mother finally decided that we were clean, orderly, dressed, our hair groomed, and had our rooms in order, we were asked to listen carefully. Suddenly we heard a little bell ringing, and our hearts beat close to explosion. This was it! This was the moment when the doors were unlocked and we were allowed to go into the living room. And there it wasโa Christmas tree standing from the floor to the ceiling! We became aware of its beautiful, fresh-cut smell and that it was glowing with candles. Our father, who happened to be already inside the room when we walked in, was watching it carefully so that nothing caught on fire.
The Christmas tree had many decorations that we as children would see only at Christmastime. In the center of the tree was a wax sculpture of a little Christ child surrounded by glowing angels of gold paper and silk.
Our family gathered around the tree and sang four or five Christmas songs. Then we children were invited to find our own corner of presents, which had been covered by a blanket.
This Christmas Eve tradition developed in us powerful feelings of holiness, joy, love, gratitude, and security. These feelings, radiating from the symbols of the little wax figure of the Christ child, which we saw only at Christmastime, had a great influence on all of us.
But in all the memories of my childhood, there is at least one of peace and joy. This memory is of Christmas. Christmastime was celebrated in the traditions and customs of my home country of Germany, and it was specifically for the children.
Four Sundays before Christmas Day, preparations for something holy and beautiful could be felt in our home. A little wreath with four candles on it was placed on the family table.
On the first Sunday, the first candle was lit. As a family we sat around the table, singing Christmas songs and preparing little gifts that each of us would give to each member of the family.
On the fourth Sunday, the last candle was lit, and expectations for the coming joyous events grew intense.
A Christmas tree did not appear in our home until 24 December. On that day, we children had to stay outside, go on errands, and play by ourselves. I still remember how time seemed not to pass at all.
We children were taught that the Christmas tree and all of its glory and beauty, along with presents and food and cookies, came from the little Christ child.
This lack of logic did not bother us children. We believed that there was a Christ-child person of a supernatural existence who cared for us in such a way that once a year He would come in person to fulfill all of our hopes and dreams.
In preparation, we cleaned the rooms where we slept. We put on our best clothes. We had our gifts ready to give. When the sun started to set on that special day, we were invited to get ready to enter the living room.
As was the custom, the doors to the living room had been locked because we children were not to go into that room. It became a place of great mystery. Once in a while we heard some rustling of papers, and once in a while the more courageous of us tried to peek in the keyholeโonly to learn that the key was in it from the inside and the door was locked.
When Mother finally decided that we were clean, orderly, dressed, our hair groomed, and had our rooms in order, we were asked to listen carefully. Suddenly we heard a little bell ringing, and our hearts beat close to explosion. This was it! This was the moment when the doors were unlocked and we were allowed to go into the living room. And there it wasโa Christmas tree standing from the floor to the ceiling! We became aware of its beautiful, fresh-cut smell and that it was glowing with candles. Our father, who happened to be already inside the room when we walked in, was watching it carefully so that nothing caught on fire.
The Christmas tree had many decorations that we as children would see only at Christmastime. In the center of the tree was a wax sculpture of a little Christ child surrounded by glowing angels of gold paper and silk.
Our family gathered around the tree and sang four or five Christmas songs. Then we children were invited to find our own corner of presents, which had been covered by a blanket.
This Christmas Eve tradition developed in us powerful feelings of holiness, joy, love, gratitude, and security. These feelings, radiating from the symbols of the little wax figure of the Christ child, which we saw only at Christmastime, had a great influence on all of us.
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๐ค Parents
๐ค Children
Adversity
Children
Christmas
Faith
Family
Gratitude
Happiness
Jesus Christ
Peace
Reverence
Teaching the Gospel
God Had Something Better for Us
Summary: A young man in rural Philippines grew up poor with parents who discouraged higher education. After missionaries taught his family and they joined the Church, he gained a sense of divine potential. The gospel led him to music, which earned him a university scholarship and degrees, and he now teaches and conducts choirs. He credits the gospel of Jesus Christ for his new life.
Photograph from author
I grew up in a small, rural village in the Philippines. My family was poor. In the Philippines, if you donโt have money, you canโt go to school. Despite that obstacle, I was an ambitious young man.
I told my parents I wanted to become a doctor or a teacher or some kind of a professional, but they always told me to stop dreaming. We didnโt have money for me to go to a university. My parents wanted me to be content and not disappointed with my life.
โBeing a professional is not for us,โ they said. They didnโt believe that anything better was in store for our family than what we already had.
But that was before we joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We lived far away from any cities, but the missionaries found us and kept coming back. They made many sacrifices to teach my family, but they changed our lives forever.
When we joined the Church, I learned I was a child of God with potential to grow and learn and become (see Moses 1:39; โThe Family: A Proclamation to the World,โ Gospel Library). With gospel knowledge, I knew it was time to elevate my familyโs station. We were no longer just poor people from a small villageโwe were worthy sons and daughters of God deserving of blessings He has promised to His faithful followers.
The missionaries brought the gospel into my life, the gospel brought music into my life, and music got me a scholarship to attend the university. I earned a bachelorโs degree in secondary education and then a degree in music, majoring in choral conducting. Now I teach music at Liceo de Cagayan University and conduct the Liceo U High School Glee Club. I also lead a choir of members of the Church. Our mission is to share Godโs truth through music.
Graduating from the university gave me a new life. I donโt know where I would be today without the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Everyone deserves the chance to learn, as I did, that they have a Heavenly Father and that He has blessed them with potential to grow and learn and become.
I grew up in a small, rural village in the Philippines. My family was poor. In the Philippines, if you donโt have money, you canโt go to school. Despite that obstacle, I was an ambitious young man.
I told my parents I wanted to become a doctor or a teacher or some kind of a professional, but they always told me to stop dreaming. We didnโt have money for me to go to a university. My parents wanted me to be content and not disappointed with my life.
โBeing a professional is not for us,โ they said. They didnโt believe that anything better was in store for our family than what we already had.
But that was before we joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We lived far away from any cities, but the missionaries found us and kept coming back. They made many sacrifices to teach my family, but they changed our lives forever.
When we joined the Church, I learned I was a child of God with potential to grow and learn and become (see Moses 1:39; โThe Family: A Proclamation to the World,โ Gospel Library). With gospel knowledge, I knew it was time to elevate my familyโs station. We were no longer just poor people from a small villageโwe were worthy sons and daughters of God deserving of blessings He has promised to His faithful followers.
The missionaries brought the gospel into my life, the gospel brought music into my life, and music got me a scholarship to attend the university. I earned a bachelorโs degree in secondary education and then a degree in music, majoring in choral conducting. Now I teach music at Liceo de Cagayan University and conduct the Liceo U High School Glee Club. I also lead a choir of members of the Church. Our mission is to share Godโs truth through music.
Graduating from the university gave me a new life. I donโt know where I would be today without the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Everyone deserves the chance to learn, as I did, that they have a Heavenly Father and that He has blessed them with potential to grow and learn and become.
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๐ค Missionaries
๐ค Parents
๐ค Church Members (General)
Adversity
Conversion
Education
Faith
Family
Missionary Work
Music
Sacrifice
Self-Reliance
Testimony
I Feel the Saviorโs Love When โฆ
Summary: Alan Ashton describes a period when school was difficult and he was verbally abused for being a Latter-day Saint. Depressed and having avoided scripture study out of spite, he unexpectedly felt a warm spiritual reassurance one night. He knew Christ loved him and, encouraged by that feeling, he tried harder thereafter.
Alan Ashton, 18Bountiful, Utah
โI felt the love of Christ when I was really depressed and the Spirit just came. School was a wreck. I was getting a lot of verbal abuse from kids about being a Mormon. One night I was really depressed. I hadnโt read my scriptures, almost out of spite, for a long time, and that night I just got a warm feeling. I knew Christ loved me. It was great. From then on, I tried harder.โ
โI felt the love of Christ when I was really depressed and the Spirit just came. School was a wreck. I was getting a lot of verbal abuse from kids about being a Mormon. One night I was really depressed. I hadnโt read my scriptures, almost out of spite, for a long time, and that night I just got a warm feeling. I knew Christ loved me. It was great. From then on, I tried harder.โ
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๐ค Jesus Christ
๐ค Youth
Adversity
Holy Ghost
Love
Mental Health
Scriptures
Do You Know How to Repent?
Summary: A General Authority interviewed a young man with a history of serious sins who claimed he had repented simply by stopping his behavior. The GA denied him a mission call, emphasizing that true repentance requires heartfelt change and understanding of Christ's suffering. Six months later, the young man returned humbled and transformed, saying he had spiritually been to Gethsemane and back.
Some years ago I worked in the Missionary Department of the Church. We were developing materials to help missionaries be better and do better. One of the General Authorities shared this experience about repentance:
โA little over a year ago, I had the privilege of interviewing a young man to go on a mission. Because he had committed a major transgression, it was necessary for him under then-existing policy to be interviewed by a General Authority. When the young man came in, I said, โApparently thereโs been a major transgression in your life, and that has necessitated this interview. Would you mind telling me what the problem was? What did you do?โ
โHe laughed and said, โWell, there isnโt anything I havenโt done.โ I said, โWell, letโs be more specific then. Have you โฆ ?โ And then I began to probe with some very specific questions. The young man laughed again and said, โI told you; Iโve done everything.โ
โI said, โHow many times have you โฆ ?โ He said very sarcastically, โDo you think I numbered them?โ I said, โI wish you could if you canโt.โ He said, again quite sarcastically, โWell, I canโt.โ
โI said, โHow about โฆ ?โ And then I probed in another direction. He said, โI told you. Iโve done everything.โ I said, โDrugs?โ He said, โYes,โ in a very haughty attitude. I said, โWhat makes you think youโre going on a mission then?โ He said, โI know Iโm going. My patriarchal blessing says Iโll go on a mission, and Iโve repented. I havenโt done any of those things for this past year. I have repented, and I know Iโm going on a mission.โ
โI said, โMy dear friend, Iโm sorry, but you are not going on a mission. Do you think we could send you out with those clean, wholesome young men who have never violated the code? Do you think we could have you go out and boast and brag about your past? You havenโt repented; you have just stopped doing something.
โโSometime in your life you need to visit Gethsemane; and when you have been there, youโll understand what repentance is. Only after you have suffered in some small degree as the Savior suffered in Gethsemane will you know what repentance is. The Savior has suffered in a way none of us understands for every transgression committed. How dare you laugh and jest and have a haughty attitude about your repentance? Iโm sorry; you are not going on a mission.โ
โHe started to cry, and he cried for several minutes. I didnโt say a word. Finally, he said, โI guess thatโs the first time I have cried since I was five years old.โ I said, โIf you had cried like that the first time you were tempted to violate the moral code, you possibly would be going on a mission.โ
โHe left the office, and I think he felt I was really cruel. I explained to the bishop and the stake president that the boy could not go on a mission.โ
About six months later the same General Authority returned to that city to speak in a lecture series held in the evening. When he finished, many young adults lined up to shake hands with him. As he shook hands one by one, he looked up and saw the young man that he had previously interviewed standing in the line about four back. The General Authority related the following:
โMy mind quickly flashed back to our interview. I recalled his laughing and haughty attitude. I remembered how sarcastic he was. Pretty soon he was right in front of me. I was on the stand bending over, and as I reached down to shake his hand, I noticed a great change had taken place. He had tears in his eyes. He had almost a holy glow about his countenance. He took my hand in his and said, โIโve been there; Iโve been to Gethsemane and back.โ I said, โI know. It shows in your face.โ
โWe can be forgiven for our transgressions, but we must understand that just to stop doing something is not repentance. If it had not been for the Savior and the miracle of forgiveness, this young man would have carried his transgressions throughout all eternity. We ought to love the Savior and serve Him for this reason and this reason aloneโ (adapted from Vaughn J. Featherstone, in Conference Report, Stockholm Sweden Area Conference 1974, 71โ73).
โA little over a year ago, I had the privilege of interviewing a young man to go on a mission. Because he had committed a major transgression, it was necessary for him under then-existing policy to be interviewed by a General Authority. When the young man came in, I said, โApparently thereโs been a major transgression in your life, and that has necessitated this interview. Would you mind telling me what the problem was? What did you do?โ
โHe laughed and said, โWell, there isnโt anything I havenโt done.โ I said, โWell, letโs be more specific then. Have you โฆ ?โ And then I began to probe with some very specific questions. The young man laughed again and said, โI told you; Iโve done everything.โ
โI said, โHow many times have you โฆ ?โ He said very sarcastically, โDo you think I numbered them?โ I said, โI wish you could if you canโt.โ He said, again quite sarcastically, โWell, I canโt.โ
โI said, โHow about โฆ ?โ And then I probed in another direction. He said, โI told you. Iโve done everything.โ I said, โDrugs?โ He said, โYes,โ in a very haughty attitude. I said, โWhat makes you think youโre going on a mission then?โ He said, โI know Iโm going. My patriarchal blessing says Iโll go on a mission, and Iโve repented. I havenโt done any of those things for this past year. I have repented, and I know Iโm going on a mission.โ
โI said, โMy dear friend, Iโm sorry, but you are not going on a mission. Do you think we could send you out with those clean, wholesome young men who have never violated the code? Do you think we could have you go out and boast and brag about your past? You havenโt repented; you have just stopped doing something.
โโSometime in your life you need to visit Gethsemane; and when you have been there, youโll understand what repentance is. Only after you have suffered in some small degree as the Savior suffered in Gethsemane will you know what repentance is. The Savior has suffered in a way none of us understands for every transgression committed. How dare you laugh and jest and have a haughty attitude about your repentance? Iโm sorry; you are not going on a mission.โ
โHe started to cry, and he cried for several minutes. I didnโt say a word. Finally, he said, โI guess thatโs the first time I have cried since I was five years old.โ I said, โIf you had cried like that the first time you were tempted to violate the moral code, you possibly would be going on a mission.โ
โHe left the office, and I think he felt I was really cruel. I explained to the bishop and the stake president that the boy could not go on a mission.โ
About six months later the same General Authority returned to that city to speak in a lecture series held in the evening. When he finished, many young adults lined up to shake hands with him. As he shook hands one by one, he looked up and saw the young man that he had previously interviewed standing in the line about four back. The General Authority related the following:
โMy mind quickly flashed back to our interview. I recalled his laughing and haughty attitude. I remembered how sarcastic he was. Pretty soon he was right in front of me. I was on the stand bending over, and as I reached down to shake his hand, I noticed a great change had taken place. He had tears in his eyes. He had almost a holy glow about his countenance. He took my hand in his and said, โIโve been there; Iโve been to Gethsemane and back.โ I said, โI know. It shows in your face.โ
โWe can be forgiven for our transgressions, but we must understand that just to stop doing something is not repentance. If it had not been for the Savior and the miracle of forgiveness, this young man would have carried his transgressions throughout all eternity. We ought to love the Savior and serve Him for this reason and this reason aloneโ (adapted from Vaughn J. Featherstone, in Conference Report, Stockholm Sweden Area Conference 1974, 71โ73).
Read more โ
๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Young Adults
๐ค Church Leaders (Local)
Atonement of Jesus Christ
Bishop
Forgiveness
Missionary Work
Patriarchal Blessings
Pride
Repentance
Sin
Temptation
Young Men
David O. McKay:
Summary: As a teenager, David sought a personal witness while hunting cattle and prayed earnestly under a serviceberry bush. No immediate manifestation came, and he acknowledged he felt the same as before. He later learned that testimony requires asking combined with service, sacrifice, and obedience.
David was taught well by his parents, but as a teenage farm boy he desired his own personal witness of the reality of God and His Work.
โOne day in my youth I was hunting cattle. While climbing a steep hill, I stopped to let my horse rest, and there, once again, an intense desire came over me to receive a manifestation of the truth of the Restored Gospel. I dismounted, threw my reins over my horseโs head, and there under a serviceberry bush I prayed that God would declare to me the truth of his revelation to Joseph Smith. I am sure that I prayed fervently and sincerely and with as much faith as a young boy could muster.
โAt the conclusion of the prayer, I arose from my knees, threw the reins over my faithful ponyโs head, and got into the saddle. As I started along the trail again, I remember saying to myself: โNo spiritual manifestation has come to me. If I am true to myself, I must say I am just the same โold boyโ that I was before I prayed.โโ
He had learned a great lesson. A young Latter-day Saint does not get conviction merely by asking the Lord, but by combining that asking with work, service, sacrifice, and obedience to Godโs commandments.
โOne day in my youth I was hunting cattle. While climbing a steep hill, I stopped to let my horse rest, and there, once again, an intense desire came over me to receive a manifestation of the truth of the Restored Gospel. I dismounted, threw my reins over my horseโs head, and there under a serviceberry bush I prayed that God would declare to me the truth of his revelation to Joseph Smith. I am sure that I prayed fervently and sincerely and with as much faith as a young boy could muster.
โAt the conclusion of the prayer, I arose from my knees, threw the reins over my faithful ponyโs head, and got into the saddle. As I started along the trail again, I remember saying to myself: โNo spiritual manifestation has come to me. If I am true to myself, I must say I am just the same โold boyโ that I was before I prayed.โโ
He had learned a great lesson. A young Latter-day Saint does not get conviction merely by asking the Lord, but by combining that asking with work, service, sacrifice, and obedience to Godโs commandments.
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Youth
Commandments
Faith
Joseph Smith
Obedience
Prayer
Revelation
Sacrifice
Service
Testimony
The Restoration
Personal Revelation and Testimony
Summary: As a college student without a TV, the speaker listened to general conference on the radio. While a General Authority bore testimony of the Savior, the Holy Spirit confirmed the truth to him, giving him personal revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Many years ago when I was a college student, I was listening to general conference on the radio since we did not have a TV in our small apartment. The conference speakers were marvelous, and I was enjoying an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
I remember well as one General Authority spoke about the Savior and His ministry and then bore a fervent testimony, the Holy Spirit confirmed to my soul that he had spoken the truth. At that moment I had no doubt that the Savior lives. I also had no doubt that I was experiencing personal revelation which confirmed to me โthat Jesus Christ is the Son of God.โ1
I remember well as one General Authority spoke about the Savior and His ministry and then bore a fervent testimony, the Holy Spirit confirmed to my soul that he had spoken the truth. At that moment I had no doubt that the Savior lives. I also had no doubt that I was experiencing personal revelation which confirmed to me โthat Jesus Christ is the Son of God.โ1
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๐ค Young Adults
๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Revelation
Testimony
โLord, Increase Our Faithโ
Summary: A Church leader and an Area President met a man in a nation with no known Latter-day Saints who had discovered the Church through an encyclopedia and literature. He had studied, prayed, and gained conviction of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and priesthood authority, and asked to be baptized despite the prospect of isolation. Trusting that God would teach and support him, the leaders baptized him and his wife and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood before parting in tears. The speaker was deeply moved by the man's faith.
Let me tell you of an experience I had with one of our Area Presidents. We were in a land where, to our knowledge, there was not a member of the Church among the millions of that nation.
There was a man who knew of the Church and desired baptism. He had been a longtime student of the Bible. He belonged to a Christian church but was not satisfied. The thought came into his mind that he should belong to a church that carried the name of the Savior. In an old encyclopedia in a public library, he found listed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with headquarters in Salt Lake City. He wrote a letter of inquiry and received a response with literature. Other literature followed as he requested it.
When we met him he had read the Book of Mormon again and again. He had read the Doctrine and Covenants and other Church writings. With enthusiasm he had told his friends of his treasured find. He asked to be baptized.
We questioned him. He knew of the priesthood, its orders and its offices. He knew of the various ordinances and the procedures of our meetings.
Did he believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God? Oh, yes, he knew it to be true. He had read it. He had prayed about it and pondered. He had no doubt of its truth.
Did he believe Joseph Smith to be a prophet of God? Most assuredly. Again, he had studied and prayed. He was convinced of the reality of that glorious vision when God the Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, the resurrected Lord, appeared to the boy Joseph to usher in a new and final dispensation of gospel truth.
The priesthood had been restored with all its gifts and powers. He knew that. Our friend asked for baptism and hoped for the priesthood that he might teach and act with proper authority.
โBut,โ we said, โif we baptize you and then leave, you will be left alone. While there are many Christians in your nation, and freedom of religion is guaranteed under its laws, there are severe restrictions concerning foreigners. There will be no one to teach you and help you. There will be no one on whom you can lean.โ
He responded, โGod will teach me and help me, and He will be my friend and support.โ
I looked into the eyes of that good man and saw the light of faith. We baptized him under the authority of the holy priesthood. We confirmed him a member of the Church and bestowed upon him the Holy Ghost. We baptized his wife. We conferred upon him the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained him to the office of priest so that under proper direction they might have the sacrament.
We held a sacrament and testimony meeting with them. We embraced them and said good-bye to one another, and tears were in our eyes. They left to return to their home, and we left for responsibilities in other nations.
I shall never forget him. He is poor in the things of the world. But he is educatedโa teacher by profession. I know little of his circumstances. But this I knowโwhen we talked with him, the fire of faith burned in his heart, and our own faith was quickened also.
As we traveled from that scene and there was time to meditate, I wished that faith of his kind was found more widely, both among us and among others. His example has provided a text for me. It is found in the fifth verse of the seventeenth chapter of Luke. Jesus had been teaching his disciples by precept and parable. โAnd the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faithโ (italics added).
There was a man who knew of the Church and desired baptism. He had been a longtime student of the Bible. He belonged to a Christian church but was not satisfied. The thought came into his mind that he should belong to a church that carried the name of the Savior. In an old encyclopedia in a public library, he found listed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with headquarters in Salt Lake City. He wrote a letter of inquiry and received a response with literature. Other literature followed as he requested it.
When we met him he had read the Book of Mormon again and again. He had read the Doctrine and Covenants and other Church writings. With enthusiasm he had told his friends of his treasured find. He asked to be baptized.
We questioned him. He knew of the priesthood, its orders and its offices. He knew of the various ordinances and the procedures of our meetings.
Did he believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God? Oh, yes, he knew it to be true. He had read it. He had prayed about it and pondered. He had no doubt of its truth.
Did he believe Joseph Smith to be a prophet of God? Most assuredly. Again, he had studied and prayed. He was convinced of the reality of that glorious vision when God the Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, the resurrected Lord, appeared to the boy Joseph to usher in a new and final dispensation of gospel truth.
The priesthood had been restored with all its gifts and powers. He knew that. Our friend asked for baptism and hoped for the priesthood that he might teach and act with proper authority.
โBut,โ we said, โif we baptize you and then leave, you will be left alone. While there are many Christians in your nation, and freedom of religion is guaranteed under its laws, there are severe restrictions concerning foreigners. There will be no one to teach you and help you. There will be no one on whom you can lean.โ
He responded, โGod will teach me and help me, and He will be my friend and support.โ
I looked into the eyes of that good man and saw the light of faith. We baptized him under the authority of the holy priesthood. We confirmed him a member of the Church and bestowed upon him the Holy Ghost. We baptized his wife. We conferred upon him the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained him to the office of priest so that under proper direction they might have the sacrament.
We held a sacrament and testimony meeting with them. We embraced them and said good-bye to one another, and tears were in our eyes. They left to return to their home, and we left for responsibilities in other nations.
I shall never forget him. He is poor in the things of the world. But he is educatedโa teacher by profession. I know little of his circumstances. But this I knowโwhen we talked with him, the fire of faith burned in his heart, and our own faith was quickened also.
As we traveled from that scene and there was time to meditate, I wished that faith of his kind was found more widely, both among us and among others. His example has provided a text for me. It is found in the fifth verse of the seventeenth chapter of Luke. Jesus had been teaching his disciples by precept and parable. โAnd the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faithโ (italics added).
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Church Members (General)
Baptism
Book of Mormon
Conversion
Faith
Holy Ghost
Missionary Work
Priesthood
Sacrament
Scriptures
Testimony
The Restoration
Strength Training
Summary: A missionary in Argentina faced discouraging conditions and remembered a motto about adversity making one strong. After praying, he and his companion felt to visit an old referral and met Anita, who initially accepted lessons but declined baptism. They invited her to pray, and she later received peace confirming she should be baptized. She was baptized ten days later and, a year after, made temple covenants and became a strong member referral source.
As a young man I came across a Mormonad that really struck me: โAdversity can make you strong.โ I never imagined I would later find in this phrase the strength to go forward during challenges of my mission.
The town in the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission where my companion and I were working was filled with people who viewed two boys in white shirts and ties with distrust. We knocked on many doors, with no result.
On one particularly hot and difficult day, when our tired bodies felt like they could go no further, it began to rain. Mud developed and stuck to our shoes, making tracting even more difficult.
We wanted to return home, but then I remembered the phrase from the magazine and told my companion, โCome on, Elder. All this adversity is going to make us strong.โ
We offered a prayer and felt we should look up an old referral we had never been able to find.
We arrived at the house, and again the woman was not there. But another woman, Anita, was. We gave her a Book of Mormon, and she promised to read it. We felt great happiness because we knew the Spirit had led us to her.
As we began to teach Anita, she accepted all the principles. However, when it was time for the fourth discussion, she told us she didnโt want to be baptized and asked us to leave. My companion and I were disappointed, but we were prepared for opposition. We invited Anita to ask Heavenly Father if she should be baptized, and trusted she would receive an answer.
When we went back the next day, Anita had indeed received an undeniable answer of peace in her heart. Ten days later, she was baptized.
I have since learned that one year later, Anita made covenants in the temple and became a source of referrals for the missionaries and a great example to the members of her community.
I value the opposition we had because that was how we found the strength to serve the Lord in the best way we could. Even now that Iโve returned home to Chile, I donโt become discouraged with problems because I now know how adversity can strengthen us.
The town in the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission where my companion and I were working was filled with people who viewed two boys in white shirts and ties with distrust. We knocked on many doors, with no result.
On one particularly hot and difficult day, when our tired bodies felt like they could go no further, it began to rain. Mud developed and stuck to our shoes, making tracting even more difficult.
We wanted to return home, but then I remembered the phrase from the magazine and told my companion, โCome on, Elder. All this adversity is going to make us strong.โ
We offered a prayer and felt we should look up an old referral we had never been able to find.
We arrived at the house, and again the woman was not there. But another woman, Anita, was. We gave her a Book of Mormon, and she promised to read it. We felt great happiness because we knew the Spirit had led us to her.
As we began to teach Anita, she accepted all the principles. However, when it was time for the fourth discussion, she told us she didnโt want to be baptized and asked us to leave. My companion and I were disappointed, but we were prepared for opposition. We invited Anita to ask Heavenly Father if she should be baptized, and trusted she would receive an answer.
When we went back the next day, Anita had indeed received an undeniable answer of peace in her heart. Ten days later, she was baptized.
I have since learned that one year later, Anita made covenants in the temple and became a source of referrals for the missionaries and a great example to the members of her community.
I value the opposition we had because that was how we found the strength to serve the Lord in the best way we could. Even now that Iโve returned home to Chile, I donโt become discouraged with problems because I now know how adversity can strengthen us.
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๐ค Missionaries
๐ค Church Members (General)
Adversity
Baptism
Book of Mormon
Conversion
Faith
Holy Ghost
Missionary Work
Prayer
Temples
Testimony
Weโve Got Mail
Summary: While hospitalized and fearful awaiting a diagnosis, a reader suffered headaches and boredom. A friend sent New Era magazines, and reading them eased pain and fear, bringing peace and reassurance. The reader expresses gratitude for the hope those messages provided.
I spent two weeks in the hospital. I was bored, had bad headaches every day, and was afraid while waiting for the diagnosis. But one good friend of mine sent me some New Eras, and when I was reading them, I forgot about the pain and fear, and I felt peace in my mind and knew that everything will be okay.
I want to give my thanks to all the people who prepare the New Era because itโs a good way to spend time and find peace and hope in all the wonderful stories and talks and answers we are looking for.Tereza R., Czech Republic
I want to give my thanks to all the people who prepare the New Era because itโs a good way to spend time and find peace and hope in all the wonderful stories and talks and answers we are looking for.Tereza R., Czech Republic
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๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Friends
Adversity
Friendship
Gratitude
Health
Hope
Peace
The Light and the Life
Summary: A Latter-day Saint took a devout Christian friend visiting Salt Lake City to see the Christus statue in the visitorsโ center on Temple Square. The friend was moved by the depiction of the risen Lord and their quiet moment of reverence. He then expressed new understanding about the Saints' faith in Jesus Christ, addressing doubts that they are Christians.
A friend who was making his first visit to Salt Lake City called on me in my office. He is a well-educated man and a devout and sincere Christian. Although we have not discussed this with each other, we both know that some leaders of his denomination have taught that members of our church are not Christians.
After a short discussion on a matter of common interest, I told my friend I had something I would like him to see. We walked over to Temple Square and into the north visitorsโ center. We viewed the pictures of Bible and Book of Mormon Apostles and prophets. Then we turned our steps up the inclined walkway to the second level. Here Thorvaldsenโs great statue of the risen Christ dominates a setting suggestive of the immensity of space and the grandeur of the creations of God.
As we emerged and beheld this majestic likeness of the Christus, arms outstretched and hands showing the wounds of his crucifixion, my friend drew a sharp breath. We stood quietly for a few minutes, enjoying a reverent communion of worshipful thoughts about our Savior. Then without further conversation, we made our way down to the street level. On the way we walked past the small diorama showing the Prophet Joseph Smith kneeling in the Sacred Grove.
As we left Temple Square and took our leave of one another, my friend took me by the hand. โThank you for showing me that,โ he said. โNow I understand something about your faith that I have never understood before.โ I hope that every person who has ever had doubts about whether we are Christians can achieve that same understanding.
After a short discussion on a matter of common interest, I told my friend I had something I would like him to see. We walked over to Temple Square and into the north visitorsโ center. We viewed the pictures of Bible and Book of Mormon Apostles and prophets. Then we turned our steps up the inclined walkway to the second level. Here Thorvaldsenโs great statue of the risen Christ dominates a setting suggestive of the immensity of space and the grandeur of the creations of God.
As we emerged and beheld this majestic likeness of the Christus, arms outstretched and hands showing the wounds of his crucifixion, my friend drew a sharp breath. We stood quietly for a few minutes, enjoying a reverent communion of worshipful thoughts about our Savior. Then without further conversation, we made our way down to the street level. On the way we walked past the small diorama showing the Prophet Joseph Smith kneeling in the Sacred Grove.
As we left Temple Square and took our leave of one another, my friend took me by the hand. โThank you for showing me that,โ he said. โNow I understand something about your faith that I have never understood before.โ I hope that every person who has ever had doubts about whether we are Christians can achieve that same understanding.
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๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Book of Mormon
Jesus Christ
Joseph Smith
Judging Others
Missionary Work
Ducks Are Different
Summary: An excommunicated man angrily left his Church court unrepentant. A high councilor then visited him three evenings a week for several years, and the man eventually softened, repented, and was reinstated in the Church.
Recently I heard of an excommunicated man who angrily walked out of his Church court bitter and unrepentant. Many of us, if we had participated in that court, might have said, โWell good, heโll have time to make his peaceโ; and others might even have thought, โGood thing that heโs gone.โ But one of the high councilors present spent three evenings a week for the next several years visiting this man until, mellowed, repentant, and renewed in the Spirit, he was reinstated in the Church.
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๐ค Church Leaders (Local)
๐ค Church Members (General)
Apostasy
Forgiveness
Judging Others
Ministering
Patience
Repentance
Friend to Friend
Summary: President J. Reuben Clark Jr. visited the author's grandmother, but due to health issues, he sat at the bottom of the stairs while she sat at the top, and they conversed. Meanwhile, the author and her brother repeatedly slid down the banister. They were never scolded and had a wonderful time, highlighting the patience of the adults.
Grandma was also incredibly patient. Many of the General Authorities were her friends and would visit her in our home. I remember when President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., would come to visit her. Because of health problems, he was not able to climb the stairs to visit Grandma, and she couldnโt come down. So she would sit in a chair at the top of the stairs while he sat at the bottom, and they would talk. While they were conversing, Rich and I would climb the stairs and slide down the banister. They never scolded us, and we had a great time.
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Children
๐ค Other
Apostle
Children
Family
Friendship
Health
Patience