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Jessica Lawrence
Jessica Lawrence

Jessica Anne Lawrence is a writing intern with the Church News. She previously worked as a writing/editing intern with the Liahona magazine and editor-in-chief for a leadership journal at Utah Valley University. Jessica is from Twin Falls, Idaho, and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in psychology. She is currently working on a second degree in English and creative writing from Utah Valley University. Jessica served a mission in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission from 2013 to 2014 and spends her free time hanging out with her cute dachshund and watching the Kentucky Derby.


From a concert and a dance to a devotional given by an Apostle, young single adults in Utah had plenty to enjoy throughout the month of August.

From new classrooms with desks and tables to washrooms from Zambia to Peru, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped improve learning environments in schools in several countries in Africa and South America.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong told a story of his ancestors and other Church leaders shared messages about the Joseph Smith Papers conference, repentance, and welcoming others.

“There is a great connection between a willingness to be obedient and opening the windows of heaven in your behalf,” said Sister Alynda Kusch with President Bruce C. Kusch at the first Ensign College devotional for 2023 fall semester.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared an experience on social media about a missionary who taught his wife, and other leaders post on the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ.

“The theme of Jesus Christ needs to dominate our teaching,” says President Dallin H. Oaks.

“How you cope determines what comes next,” said Scott Braithwaite during his BYU Education Week presentation.

“It’s an incredible responsibility,” says school’s athletic director.

President Ballard talks about what to do when members worry about whether or not they are on the “right path.”

“Should people fear AI or shun it?” asked professor Aaron D. Franklin during a BYU Education Week class.

Gaylamarie G. Rosenberg walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain. At BYU Education Week, she shared how lessons from the experience — including accepting God’s help, focus and strength — can help overcome self-doubt.

“There are too many ‘pink’ Saints who don’t think they can be as white as snow,” said BYU religion professor Anthony Sweat.

How the Gather Together Conference of the Utah Area YSA Conference taught Saints a thing or two about history.

Events at the Gather Together Conference of the Utah Area YSA Conference that strengthened faith of Latter-day Saints.

Young single adults at Gather Together Conference on Aug. 19 connected with each other and their own family history in the conference’s Family History series of events.

The 30-minute TED Talk-style messages were given by a variety of Latter-day Saints such as Sister Kristin M. Yee and former Utah congresswoman Mia Love.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared on social about ministering in central Africa and visiting the site of the Nairobi Kenya Temple, and President Camille N. Johnson expressed concern for victims of the Hawaii wildfires.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have partnered with local organizations in six countries — Singapore, Ecuador, Peru, Belize, Honduras and Costa Rica — for a variety of food donations.

Serving is one way youth can stand out from the world, said a Latter-day Saint teen from Idaho Falls.

Church leaders this week share messages about the importance of reaching out to others and loving those that are different.

More than 13,500 Latter-day Saint young single adults attended a concert with OneRepublic, Jordin Sparks and other artists to kick off the Church’s monthlong Utah Area YSA conference.

New Young Women general presidency debuted a new social media initiative and “differences of opinion are part of life,” said President Russell M. Nelson.

President Camille N. Johnson shares gratitude for women who provide relief, President Bonnie H. Cordon talked about the blessings of callings, while Sister Tracy Y. Browning wrote about God’s love and light.

See photos of Days of ‘47 parade floats created by members throughout Utah celebrating their pioneer ancestry.

In social posts this week, President Henry B. Eyring, President Camille N. Johnson and Elder David A. Bednar encourage members to seek out spiritual revelation.

“Never sell yourself short,” says Sayge Madsen, a Latter-day Saint and an ambassador of the new Utah Cowgirl Collective program.

Latter-day Saints in Canada unite with those of other faiths and backgrounds to strengthen relationships and communities.

After participating in the Election Day Battle at Gallatin, John Lowe Butler joined the Nauvoo Legion and was appointed as a bodyguard to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

In a video on social media, Elder David A. Bednar answers a question he frequently gets on what it means to have an ongoing Restoration. Plus, Young Men and Young Women leaders share tips on prayer.

See how the Church is strengthening families, communities and youth in Australia, Costa Rica, Ghana, Italy and Spain.