And then — radio silence for five years.

The Molinaros didn’t hear anything from the other FamilySearch users until 2018, when the strangers sent them another note saying they had just returned from Italy and had some records to send the Molinaros. Melanie Molinaro said they happily accepted the offer, expecting information on three or four ancestors.

What happened next was the start of what the Molinaros now refer to as their “family history miracle.”

The other FamilySearch users sent them 21 pages of names, dates and locations — enough information to add 1,600 people to their family tree.

“We laughed, we cried, we were completely thrilled, we were totally overwhelmed,” said Melanie Molinaro. “It was staggering on every level. We were immensely grateful.”

‘The faith of a few’: Descendants of early Italian pioneers share lessons learned from their ancestors

She added that they also felt the responsibility of helping these 1,600 people make covenants in the temple, as the people who sent them the records are not members of the Church.

For the Molinaros, the last eight years have been a journey of taking those names to the house of the Lord to perform their ordinances by proxy.

“These ancestors are real,” Melanie Molinaro said. “They’re not just names on a page. They’re not just somebody in a book. They are real people who are invested completely in having their work done and assisting us in making it happen. And although I don’t remember meeting any of these people, I love them in a way that was not really possible to grasp before I started doing this work for them.”

200 ordinances in one night

Taking those 1,600 names to the temple has been a road full of tender mercies from God, according to Melanie Molinaro.

“Gathering Israel is Heavenly Father’s work, and He and Jesus Christ are intimately involved in making that happen,” she said. “They help us when we make any efforts at all.”

One such tender mercy was meeting a sealer at the Atlanta Georgia Temple — the Molinaros’ closest temple — who speaks Italian. In November 2025, he performed sealing ordinances in the Italian language for 200 of the Molinaros’ ancestors in one night.

Melanie Molinaro said hearing the ordinances performed in the deceased individuals’ native language was “indescribable.”

Ward members and friends attended the sealing session that night to help complete the 200 ordinances, and Molinaro said other family members around the country are helping complete even more ordinances.

“It’s been an amazing and humbling experience to have such an outpouring of support and love and faith from family, friends, ward members, youth groups, missionaries,” she said.

Tethered to God in His work

Molinaro said this unfolding experience has taught her about God’s goodness and love for His children and that she feels “tethered” to Him in this experience.

“I feel like I understand Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ on a deeper level — with miles to go of course,” she said.

She recalled a time when she wondered aloud how it was possible that they had received so many names. Michael Molinaro had replied, “Because [God] knew we would do it.”

Added Melanie Molinaro: “And so I feel like this definitely is a trust kind of thing. I want Him to know He can trust me to do what He needs me to do.”

Reaping ‘unfathomable’ blessings

Molinaro hopes that sharing her story will inspire others to dig into their own family history, though she admitted not everyone will get 1,600 names handed to them.

“Everybody’s blessings from doing family history is gonna look different,” she said. “And that’s good, because we’re all individual, and Heavenly Father knows what we can do, when we can do it and how He needs us to do it.”

She said the blessings waiting for those who get to know their ancestors are “unfathomable.”

“[Genealogy] is about the past, but it’s very vibrant and vital for living now. And I think that connection to these people brings us a depth to our life and to our family that helps us see God’s greater picture and plan for all His children.”

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Packard said she recognizes that her efforts to serve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her community look different from other people’s, but that has never dampened her enthusiasm.

“It’s a gift from Heavenly Father that He’s given me,” she said of her love of service.

The Church has been a place for Packard to utilize that gift as she served in the stake Relief Society presidency and now as a Primary substitute teacher. She has also been assigned to be a buddy during Primary for a child with ADHD and autism.

“It has been remarkable to see, even with her disability, she has a place where she can soar and be included and really impact other people. So I think the Church has been a great blessing for her,” said her mother, Alison Packard.

Angela Packard is one of many young adults with disabilities who use their unique talents to serve their communities, families and wards. Read their stories from the Western United States and Canada below.

Serving is a privilege

Elder Ashton Curtis is a nonverbal service missionary diagnosed with autism living in the Bear Canyon Ward of the Tucson Arizona East Stake. He was completely unable to communicate with others until two years ago, when he learned how to use a letter board.

His mother, Helen Curtis, said implementing letter boards “unlocked” Elder Curtis’ mind. She said his first request once he could communicate was to be baptized, and his second was to serve a mission. He has since received his temple endowment and now blesses and passes the sacrament with assistance.

“People can see limits in autistic individuals, but I proudly kiss those limits goodbye,” Elder Curtis said using his letter board. “Very many autistic individuals can become familiar with and receive blessings in the sacred temple, serve in their congregations and serve their community.”

As a service missionary, Elder Curtis serves at the local bishops’ storehouse, a community food bank and More Than a Bed, an organization that offers free supplies, clothing and furniture to foster children. He also serves on a speller’s advisory board, helping other nonspeakers in his community learn skills to communicate.

“I give people new hope that Heavenly Father knows all about their situation and will aid in achieving their righteous desires,” he said, acknowledging that he always wanted to serve a mission but didn’t know if it would be possible. “Serving a mission is a privilege and a blessing, and I highly recommend it. I am ever thankful that I can serve a mission.”

Using talents to serve

Dakotah Simmons uses her talents to bless her Sierra Ranch Ward in the North Las Vegas Nevada Stake, serving as the ward bulletin board specialist, where she decorates the chalkboard and bulletin board in the Relief Society room to include a welcome message and seasonal doodles.

Simmons said she’s been an artist since she was a child. This calling “allows me to kind of extend my hobby a bit,” she said.

Simmons also enjoys fulfilling her ministering assignment. Because she can’t drive, her ministering companion picks her up so they can visit their assigned sisters together.

“It just feels nice to be included in helping with serving others,” Simmons said. “It feels like I’m being a part of a community.”

Simmons’ mother, Heather Morris, said she’s appreciated seeing her daughter be “not just accepted but grow as a person in the ward.”

Blessing others with the gift of music

Elder Nathan Smith, a service missionary with spina bifida, is from the Nottingham Ward in the Sherwood Park Alberta Stake. He claims to have the best assignment ever: “I serve others by sharing my love for uplifting music with them.”

Elder Smith runs a music appreciation class at a retirement home with his mother, Cindy Smith, in addition to helping her with music time in Nursery and Primary.

“I’ve introduced the seniors to Just Dance, my favorite game, and since I’m in a wheelchair, I’ve shown them how they can still dance with their arms while staying seated. Some seniors struggle with standing and balance,” Elder Smith wrote to the Church News.

Cindy Smith recalled meeting with a physician so Elder Smith could have his preservice physical evaluation. She said the doctor was “visibly moved and told us how impressed he was with the service missionary program — that it would accommodate Nathan and allow him the opportunity to serve.”

“It is such a privilege to be Nathan’s parents and to navigate this life with him,” Smith said. “It would be easiest to keep him home, bubbled off and safe. However, we’ve had the distinct impression that Nathan is supposed to be out in his community, engaging with others.”

Elder Smith’s parents and two siblings living at home agree that he brings a special missionary spirit to their home, inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves.

“We have been reminded of just how meaningful service can be irrespective of someone’s limitations,” said Elder Smith’s father, Chris Smith. “God takes us as we are and can magnify our efforts for good, regardless of how small or imperfect they may seem to us.”

Advocating for young adults

Chase Ward participates in his Desert Wells Ward in the Queen Creek Arizona Central Stake by serving as the ward assistant technology specialist. His responsibilities include turning on the ward’s sacrament meeting broadcast each week so homebound members and others can view the services remotely.

His mother, Kim Ward, said members of their ward who hadn’t come to church in a long time recently started attending again. Those ward members said they returned to church largely thanks to the broadcast that Chase Ward turned on each week.

Kim Ward is currently a service missionary specifically assigned to support ward and stake disability specialists. She feels strongly that young adults with disabilities have a lot to offer.

“This voice for this age group I feel like is not heard as much,” she said. She often advocates for her son to do things like offer prayers or read scriptures during Sunday School. “As the ward is seeing him more and more do things, then they’re more prone to ask.”

How disability specialists can bless wards, stakes and families

For instance, Ward participated in his ward’s Christmas program by reading a portion of Luke 2. The music director asked him to read it over the pulpit because she had heard about his experience doing adapted plays.

Service beyond a mission

Ward met Noah Christensen, another YSA with a disability, when the two participated in adapted plays through the city of Mesa, Arizona.

Christensen was a service missionary from 2020 to 2022 and now serves in the Mesa Arizona Temple and in the Superstition Mountain YSA Ward of the Mesa Arizona YSA East Stake.

“Even though my mission is over, I still have my whole life to continue working in the temple and doing service for others,” he said.

Christensen serves on his ward activities committee, which he says is great for him because he loves being social and meeting new people.

“When I was called, I was so excited — I wanted to tell everybody about it,” he said.

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“I believe it is a great blessing from my ancestors that it has come to my hands without being burned or lost over these many years,” he said.

As he used the records for his own genealogical research, Elder Choi had the impression that he should donate the records to the National Library of Korea, where they could be permanently preserved and accessed by more people.

“I hope my small faith will become a spark, igniting the faith of many and making the world a warmer place,” he said. “I hope the gospel will spread widely and we will remember our ancestors and draw closer to the Lord.”

As of December 2025, Elder Choi was serving his third mission, reported the Church’s Korean Newsroom. His main assignment was serving at the Busan Korea Stake FamilySearch Center, where he helped both members and friends of the Church discover their ancestors.

Meet the senior service missionaries in Seoul, South Korea

“The joy I feel while working on family history is indescribable,” he said. “I believe the Lord shares that joy.”

He also spends several hours each day entering data on FamilySearch. He said his personal goal is to input the names of every deceased person from all published records in South Korea into FamilySearch. He estimates that, with help, that goal can be accomplished in roughly 10 years.

Other Church members around Asia are also getting involved with family history and spreading the joy of genealogy. Read their stories below.

Family history fairs in Japan and Mongolia

On Feb. 23, members in Kagoshima, Japan, held a family history fair to help community members discover their roots, reported the Church’s Japan Newsroom.

The fair — which was covered by two local television stations — aimed to make community members more aware of the Kagoshima Japan FamilySearch Center, which is one of 63 in Japan.

FamilySearch center coordinator Kazuyoshi Seza said, “We hope to continue to fulfill our role as a trusted and utilized base for family history research within the local community.”

Tsuyoshi Fujisaki offered a keynote address focused on taking advantage of the rapid digitization of records to do more genealogical research.

“Knowing where and how our ancestors lived, supported their families and progressed through the ages encourages us to think about how we should live our own lives,” he said.

In addition to the keynote address, the fair offered booths to help people connect to their ancestors, like one where visitors could colorize and animate black-and-white photos using the MyHeritage website.

“It was like being reunited across time,” one participant said.

To help members prepare for the Osaka Japan Temple, which was announced in the October 2023 general conference, the Kyoto Japan Stake also held a family history fair on Oct. 25, 2025, according to the Church’s Japan Newsroom.

Osaka Japan Temple rendering released

The 131 attendees visited an assortment of booths that taught individuals how to use the Family Tree and Memories apps, browse online record databases and read cursive records. The booths were complemented by a large paper model of the future Osaka temple.

Koji Iwase of the Kyoto Japan Stake said,: “I pray that the next event will be an opportunity to further deepen our understanding of temple and family history, to experience the excitement of exploring and developing it and to bring more gratitude and joy.”

Members in Mongolia celebrated the Lunar New Year with a family history event on Feb. 14, reported the Church’s Mongolia Newsroom.

Combining national tradition with family history, the celebration featured performances highlighting traditional Mongolian dress and art.

Site map, rendering released for Mongolia’s first house of the Lord

Family name card kiosks in Japan and South Korea

In an effort to encourage patrons to bring family names to the temple, family name card kiosks were installed at FamilySearch centers adjacent to temples in Japan and South Korea in November and December 2025.

According to both the Japan and Korea newsrooms, the kiosks are meant to eliminate barriers to printing one’s own family name cards, such as not having access to a printer.

Using Ordinances Ready, patrons can scan a QR code at one of these kiosks, which will print the ordinance cards on small slips of paper — eliminating the added step of cutting out family name cards.

A representative of the Family History Department said, “It is our sincere hope that by 2026, it will be established as a sacred custom for the younger generation to visit the temple and not only participate in ordinances using the names on the temple card provided to them but also bring with them the names of their ancestors that they have discovered themselves.”

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Young adults find community and faith at YSA conferences across Japan

She had been attending a Church branch out of curiosity and liked the spirit she felt there. She decided to attend the 2025 ASL young single adult conference, Aug. 14-18 in Riverside, California.

About four months after the conference, Morrison was baptized, which she said was the “best decision I’ve ever made.”

She attributed part of her conversion to the kindness of people she met at Church meetings and activities and said attending the ASL YSA conference played a big role in her decision to be baptized.

“I believe it’s really important to bring people together who don’t always get the chance to fully experience Christ, especially in the Deaf community, where that beauty isn’t always accessible,” said Morrison, whose first language is ASL. “Creating a space for that helps people come closer to Him, feel His love and grow together through connection and the gospel.”

This year, the ASL YSA conference is expanding from one to four conferences around the country, and Morrison said she is “thrilled to be a part of it again” and encouraged others to take advantage of this opportunity.

“Don’t hesitate to meet new people, reconnect with old friends and, most importantly, have fun. This is meant to be a joyful experience, a chance to come together and remember that we’re all children of God.”

From 2025: YSA who are deaf or hard of hearing invited to the Church’s first ASL YSA conference

What to expect at this year’s conferences

This year’s conferences will be held in four locations that event organizer Emmalee Christensen called “hot spots” for gathering:

• St. George, Utah, May 21-24
• San Diego, California, June 25-28
• Washington, D.C., Sept. 25-27
• Houston, Texas, Oct. 16-18

While last year’s conference in Riverside had nearly 100 attendees from around the country, Christensen said having four conferences this year will likely lead to smaller, more intimate groups at each one.

Christensen has worked as an ASL seminary and institute teacher for nearly 15 years and works with the ASL institute council, the group of young adults who are primarily responsible for planning these conferences.

“If you’re feeling alone, and if you’re feeling isolated, which often deaf individuals do, this conference is for you to connect — to not only find new friends but connect to Jesus Christ in ways you’ve never connected to Him before,” Christensen said. “Because when you gather with many in His name, the gospel of Jesus Christ comes alive in a new way that maybe you haven’t experienced before.”

The theme for this year’s conference is “Walk with me” (Moses 6:34), matching the 2026 youth theme.

Christensen said each conference will feature workshops focused on mental and spiritual well-being and activities specific to the city where it is held, such as visiting the beach and the Mormon Battalion Historic Site in San Diego.

Although activities will vary by conference, Christensen said, they will all point back to a threefold mission: “We’re missionary-minded, and we’re also focused on [YSA] strengthening and growing their testimony, and also developing lifelong friendships to help them stay on the covenant path.”

Each conference will also include a temple trip because, Christensen said, “we want to focus on that covenant path every time we gather together.” For the San Diego conference, the temple trip will be a visit to the San Diego California Temple open house.

Dallin Smuin, who serves as the president of the ASL institute council, has a hand in planning each of the conferences.

“This year, I’m looking forward to meeting new people, seeing their experiences growing and, most importantly, to feel the Savior and His love for us, knowing that we are walking with Him.”

Why gather as YSAs?

Mikayla Monnie is a hearing young adult who is fluent in ASL and attended last year’s conference, where the theme was “Look unto Christ.” She said a personal highlight was making deaf friends from all over the country and being in the temple with them.

“Many YSA struggle with similar issues, especially those of us who are older. We want to be with people our age who are dealing with the same challenges. We feel seen with these people.”

Smuin mentioned that having places set aside for Deaf gatherings is equally important.

“I feel like it is important for the Deaf and hard of hearing community to feel included and understood just the same as hearing cultures when they attend their YSA conference. When the deaf YSAs gather together, we all understand each other’s feelings, and we all have been through the same experience that hearing cultures won’t understand.”

Christensen said hearing young single adults are welcome to attend the conferences, but they are encouraged to bring a deaf friend.

To register for one of the conferences, visit https://bit.ly/ASLRegisterYSA2026.

More information about the ASL YSA conference and other ASL institute events can be found on the following pages:

• ASL institute website: aslseminaryandinstitute.com/institute/institute-events
• ASL institute Facebook: facebook.com/asl.institute/
• ASL institute Instagram: @asl_lds_institute

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]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/22/in-case-you-missed-it-first-presidency-invites-friends-and-families-to-join-a-palm-sunday-worship-service/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/22/in-case-you-missed-it-first-presidency-invites-friends-and-families-to-join-a-palm-sunday-worship-service/Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000During the week of March 15-21, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a video inviting Church members to bring friends and family members to a one-hour Palm Sunday worship service and to watch the April 2026 general conference.

The Church’s General Handbook was updated to include revised language and clear explanations of ordinances and covenants; more information about Valiant superactivities, Aaronic Priesthood camps and Young Women camps; accessing patriarchal blessings; and calling men or women to ward Sunday School presidencies.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, took part in a five-day ministry on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

The Church announced that millions of items were donated to those in need around the world during the 2025 Christmas season through the Giving Machine kiosks.

In a Church News video, Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testifies of the power of the temple while ministering in France.

The south tower crane and scaffolding have come down at the Salt Lake Temple and the temple open house dates and times have been announced in the latest renovation update.

Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman was the keynote speaker at the 2026 Utah Coalition Against Pornography Conference.

New resources released by the Church aim to help women in their efforts to serve and become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Brother Sean R. Dixon, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, encouraged students to be “everyday disciples” during a devotional at Brigham Young University.

On the week’s episode of the Church News podcast, Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, and Yaw Danso, an associate administrator for seminaries and institutes, discuss the record growth of the Institutes of Religion program.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. First Presidency extends twofold Easter invitation, testifies of Christ’s love in new video



The First Presidency of the Church extended a twofold Easter invitation. Church members are invited to bring friends and family members to a one-hour Palm Sunday worship, and to also watch the April 2026 General Conference.

Each member of the First Presidency shared a brief testimony of Jesus Christ and His love.

Also, the First Presidency welcomed the ambassador of Thailand to the United States to Temple Square.

Read more about the First Presidency’s Easter invitation here.

Read more about the First Presidency’s meeting with the Thai ambassador.

First Presidency announces 1-hour sacrament meeting to commemorate Palm Sunday in 2026

See the April 2026 general conference schedule

2. General Handbook update emphasizes ordinances and covenants, adjusts ward Sunday School presidencies



An update to the Church’s General Handbook was released with revised language and clear expectations of ordinances and covenants. It also includes more information on Valiant superactivities and youth camps, accessing patriarchal blessings, and calling men or women to ward Sunday School presidencies. Sunday School presidencies in wards can now be composed entirely of women or of men.

Significant content updates can be found listed in the Summary of Recent Updates at the beginning of the handbook when they are fully released.

Read more about the General Handbook update here.

December 2025 update to General Handbook includes guidance on use of artificial intelligence

Update to General Handbook outlines more flexibility in Bible usage at home and church

3. Live lives of courage and faith, President Uchtdorf says in Hawaii



In his first ministry as acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Uchtdorf, spent five days on the island of Oahu testifying of Jesus Christ, listening to students on the campus of BYU-Hawaii and speaking with missionaries on the grounds of the Laie Hawaii Temple.

Each day, he shared messages of hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Read more about Elder Uchtdorf’s ministry here.

President Uchtdorf invites dedication to the cause of Christ

President Uchtdorf named as acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

4. Millions of items donated at Giving Machine kiosks during 2025 Christmas season



In a news release, the Church announced 4.7 million items were donated to those in need from visitors at the Giving Machine kiosks around the world. Light the World Giving Machine kiosks were in more cities than ever before.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and chair of the Missionary Executive Council said: “I can think of no better gift we can give the Savior than to love one another as He did. The Giving Machine initiative is a beautiful way to do just that.”

Learn more about the Giving Machine donations here.

From stigma to strength: Giving Machine initiative supporting girls, women in Nepal

Video: Giving Machine initiative ‘reflects the light and love of Jesus Christ’

5. Video: Elder Caussé testifies of the strength of temples in communities



Elder Caussé speaks about the power of the temple, while ministering in his native country — France — in a Church News video.

In February, Elder Caussé and his wife, Sister Valérie Caussé, spent several days in the greater Paris area during a multiday ministry.

Watch Elder Caussé’s video here.

Elder Gérald Caussé returns to France to minister as an Apostle

Elder Gérald Caussé testifies of the Savior in first interview as an Apostle

6. Temple Square renovation: South tower crane and scaffolding down, art-glass windows up



The south tower crane and scaffolding at the Salt Lake Temple have been removed. Art-glass windows depicting scenes from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ are now on display.

The public is invited to view Easter displays across the temple grounds. Dates and times have also been announced for the Salt Lake Temple open house.

Read more about the Temple Square renovations update here.

Conference Center to close from late March 2026 to March 2027, except for major scheduled events

‘A Firm Foundation’: New Church History Museum exhibit invites children, families to learn from story of Salt Lake Temple

7. Create personalized ‘armor of God’ in fight against pornography, President Freeman teaches



President Freeman invited audience members of the Utah Coalition Against Pornography Conference to create personalized armor of God to fight against pornography. As the closing keynote speaker of the conference, she testified of Jesus Christ’s grace, healing power and ability to strengthen individuals in their struggles.

Read more about President Freeman at the Utah Coalition Against Pornography Conference here.

Elder Kearon on the ‘beautifully optimistic trio’ of hope, help and healing when overcoming pornography

Elder Renlund combines spiritual and professional knowledge during anti-pornography conference

8. New resources support Relief Society in efforts to serve



This month, in conjunction with the Relief Society worldwide devotional and the 184th anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released several brief discussion videos for women. Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said the videos each last two to four minutes and cover important topics designed to assist local Relief Society leaders in supporting and uplifting sisters they serve.

Additionally, a new section in the Gospel Library outlines “Experiences Supported by Relief Society.” These experiences, such as preparing to make covenants and ministering like the Savior, aim to help women become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, President Johnson explained.

Read more about the new Relief Society discussion videos here.

Read more about the experiences supported by Relief Society here.

Relief Society worldwide devotional emphasizes covenantal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

International Women’s Day messages thank and honor women

9. Brother Dixon invites BYU students to be ‘everyday disciples’ of Jesus Christ in ‘simple, daily decisions’



Brother Dixon invited BYU students to be “everyday disciples” of Jesus Christ in ‘simple, daily decisions’

In a devotional at BYU on March 17, Brother Dixon spoke about becoming an “everyday disciple” through daily decisions.

“Discipleship is not an activity to be crammed into a busy schedule; it is who we are at the core,” said the second counselor in the Young Men general presidency.

Read more about Brother Dixon’s devotional here.

Jesus Christ heals broken hearts, Brother Sean R. Dixon testifies to young adults

Young Men general presidency welcomes new deacons, teachers and priests

10. Church News podcast, episode 285: Young adults ‘part of something historic’ as institute celebrates 100 years



This year marks the 100th anniversary of Institutes of Religion. On this week’s podcast episode, Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, and Yaw Danso, an associate administrator for seminaries and institutes, discuss the record growth the program has seen in recent years.

Listen to the podcast here.

As institute celebrates 100 years, President Oaks issues special invitation to young adults across the world

See more episodes of the Church News podcast

See the Church News week in review each Sunday

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/03/15/first-presidency-extends-twofold-easter-invitation-testifies-christs-love-new-video/https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/03/15/first-presidency-extends-twofold-easter-invitation-testifies-christs-love-new-video/Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:11:17 +0000As Easter approaches, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a video on March 15 inviting Church members to, first, bring friends and family members to a one-hour Palm Sunday worship service and, second, watch the April 2026 general conference.

Each member of the First Presidency also shared a brief testimony of Jesus Christ and His love.

“This Easter season, we testify that Jesus Christ is risen. He lives. He is the Way,” President Dallin H. Oaks said in the video. “Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice and Resurrection are the ultimate evidence of God’s love.”

President Oaks was joined in the video by his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson.

“Jesus Christ broke the bands of death,” President Eyring said in the video. “As a result, every one of Heavenly Father’s children will rise again in a perfected, resurrected body that will never die. This sure promise can turn the sorrow of losing a loved one into hope, filling our hearts with happy anticipation of reunion.”

President Christofferson also testified: “Our Heavenly Father loves us perfectly. Because of this love, He ‘gave his only begotten Son, that … [we might] have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). As we focus during this Easter season on the life, ministry and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us remember that He is our perfect Advocate and Redeemer.”



The First Presidency previously announced that on Palm Sunday this year — March 29 — local congregations will hold a one-hour sacrament meeting rather than the usual two-hour meeting block.

The First Presidency also invited all to participate in the upcoming general conference April 4-5 in a letter dated March 5. This conference will also include a solemn assembly.

See the April 2026 general conference schedule

First Presidency announces 1-hour sacrament meeting to commemorate Palm Sunday in 2026

What is Palm Sunday and why does it matter to Latter-day Saints?

A talk a day: Preparing for April 2026 general conference

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/25/more-than-thrift-store-deseret-industries-helps-achieve-self-reliance-overcome-employment-barriers/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/25/more-than-thrift-store-deseret-industries-helps-achieve-self-reliance-overcome-employment-barriers/Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:59:52 +0000While some people see Deseret Industries thrift stores and donation centers as regular secondhand stores, Houston store manager Dale Kerr knows they are much more than that.

Deseret Industries serves as training facilities for those facing employment barriers. Employees — called associates — all participate in a program called “Ready for Work” throughout their employment. This job training program prepares associates for future employment opportunities and is part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ efforts to help individuals achieve self-reliance.

“It’s what Christ would do if He were here on the earth,” said Kerr. “He would help people better their situations and better who they are.”



What is Ready for Work?

Ready for Work is a 13-week program where Deseret Industries associates receive workplace training and development counseling to help them overcome barriers to employment.

“I tell people it’s like a stepping stone in their career path,” said Kerr.

Throughout the program, associates meet one-on-one with operations supervisors to learn about workplace behaviors that fall into one of five categories: dependability, productivity, professionalism, teachability and teamwork. Associates rate themselves on how well they currently exemplify each skill and set goals for improvement.



Additionally, professional counselors help associates identify and pursue opportunities for vocational training, such as receiving CNA, automotive repair, phlebotomy or welding certifications. GED assistance can also be provided.

Kerr said people from all walks of life participate in the Ready for Work program.

“Some, it might be their first job, and some, they might be returning back to work after several years of not working, and some, it may be a career change,” he said. “So we facilitate and help people on their path. We meet them wherever they’re at.”

According to the Church’s Caring for Those in Need 2025 Summary, the 46 Deseret Industries stores in the United States helped 10,653 individuals complete the Ready for Work program in 2025. The program has been translated into Spanish, Swahili, French and Arabic.



An emphasis on self-reliance

Deseret Industries is one of several programs headed by the Church in an effort to help individuals become self-reliant. Other programs include employment services — where individuals can receive hands-on help with resumes and interview skills — and transitional services, which helps individuals facing significant life challenges such as incarceration, homelessness or displacement rebuild their lives and regain stability.

“The Lord is very heavily invested in our lives and genuinely cares about our path to self-reliance,” said Deseret Industries program manager Mark Thornton. “Our Father in Heaven wants His children to be taken care of temporally and spiritually. To the Lord, they’re one and the same.”

Self-reliance workshops grow in popularity from Colombia to Korea



Kerr said that when individuals are self-reliant, new opportunities for growth arise.

“You can’t grow spiritually unless your temporal needs are met. And so we help meet those needs for the people that are employed here in our training program,” he said. “As we help there, then it just opens the door for the Spirit to touch their lives.”

A living witness

Thornton called himself a “living witness” of the Ready for Work model.

Thornton began working with Deseret Industries in 2008 after losing his job as an accountant during the Great Recession. His bishop initially suggested that he apply to be a job coach at Deseret Industries — now called an operations supervisor — but when there were no openings available, Thornton was hired as an associate.



Although Ready for Work hadn’t been developed when Thornton was an associate, he said the same principles of encouragement and hope for the future were exemplified by his supervisors, which he said “changed my life dramatically.”

He worked as an associate for a year and a half before being hired as a job coach, eventually being promoted to assistant store manager, project manager and now program manager.



Thornton was working as an assistant store manager when Ready for Work was developed about eight years ago. A self-proclaimed analytical thinker, Thornton said he had been very focused on the business side of Deseret Industries. That changed when the job training program was implemented.

“I would say it made me start thinking correctly about the program, from less of a managerial or cost-accounting perspective to more of a people-person or Christlike leadership perspective.”

Building confidence

Kerr said it’s amazing to watch people’s confidence grow as they meet with their operations supervisors and develop new skills.

“I love coming to work every single day,” he said. “To see people make even small steps, and the joy that brings them and the happiness, and it’s just like, ‘Wow, I’ve done something. I’ve accomplished something.’ That makes it all worth it every single day to come to work.”



Kerr recalled a man he worked with several years ago who thought he was completely unemployable.

“As he worked through the Ready for Work program, it really opened up his eyes. He started to realize that he had skills and abilities that he didn’t recognize.”

This man — who once thought he would never have a job — got his commercial driver’s license through Ready for Work and now works as a truck driver. Kerr says that man stops by and says thank you whenever he’s in town.



Why working at Deseret Industries helped a former stake president heal from depression

From 2023: A look at what’s changed — and what hasn’t — as Deseret Industries turns 85

From 2021: The first Deseret Industries east of the Rocky Mountains just opened

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2025/08/13/new-ward-resources-for-members-to-love-share-invite/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2025/08/13/new-ward-resources-for-members-to-love-share-invite/Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:45:00 +0000Recently implemented public-facing ward websites and Activity Sharing resources are helping members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints love, share and invite in new and simple ways.

“We are excited about this new resource and pray that it will be one more way for each of us to share our lives, open our homes and include friends, family, returning members and the community to come and see,” said Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who introduced Activity Sharing resources during the Thursday leadership session of October 2024 general conference.

A recent news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org described the new resources. Using the Church calendar, ward leaders can create and publish activities on new ward websites. Church members can then share links to the activities with friends and on social media, and published activities can appear in online searches. This allows people searching for local Sunday worship meetings, cultural activities, service events and other social activities to find them and RSVP.



Ward leaders can see who has indicated plans to attend an event through a report in Leader and Clerk Resources and the Church calendar, so leaders can be aware of and welcome visitors. In the future, ward leaders will be automatically alerted when someone clicks to RSVP.



Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Missionary Department, and David N. Weidman, managing director of the Missionary Department, shared on a Church News podcast episode the story of a ward in Texas that saw the benefits of this new resource firsthand.

Episode 217: Elder W. Mark Bassett and David N. Weidman of the Church’s Missionary Department on the expanding role of missionary work

When ward leaders posted the ward trunk-or-treat Halloween activity on their ward page, eight families who were not members of the Church attended the activity after searching online for local Halloween activities for children. Several of these families attended church that week.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized the importance of planning and inviting friends to ward activities in his October 2023 general conference talk.

“Social and service activities can build new and enduring gospel bonds,” he said, adding, “Enjoyable gospel activities also invite neighbors and friends.”



The Church’s Missionary Department, which helped develop the Activity Sharing resources, encouraged Church members to describe ward activities in ways those unfamiliar with Church terminology can understand (such as “Sunday worship services” instead of “sacrament meeting”). Describing the activities as “Christ-centered” is also encouraged.

To check if a ward’s web page and Activity Sharing resources are available, visit the Church Meetinghouse Locator and type in the name of the ward in the search box. Click the name of the ward, then click the Activity Sharing link to access the ward web page.



If that link is not available, ward leaders can request Activity Sharing through their stake president or by emailing ActivitySharing@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

While stakes do not have their own websites, they can schedule events on the calendar, which will publish the activity to every ward page in the stake.



Activity Sharing is currently available in Mexico, Brazil, Pacific islands, the United States, Canada and most Spanish-speaking areas. It is offered in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Those interested can find more information, such as commonly asked questions and training resources, on the Church’s Activity Sharing page or the Share Ward Activities page in Gospel Library.

Video: Simple ways to ‘Love, Share and Invite’

Youth, young adults share #LoveShareInvite experiences on social media

11-question online quiz asks, ‘What’s Your Sharing Style?’

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/17/mini-mtc-ecuador-guayaquil-inspires-primary-children-prepare-missionaries/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/17/mini-mtc-ecuador-guayaquil-inspires-primary-children-prepare-missionaries/Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:41:54 +0000Primary children of the Samborondón Ecuador Stake got a taste of missionary life during a recent mini missionary training center activity in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

“The idea arose from a desire to help children have a firsthand experience of missionary life, with the purpose of planting in their hearts the desire to serve missions when they are old enough,” said Cristina Elizabeth Guaminga, first counselor in the stake Primary presidency.



Heavy rains that Feb. 21 morning threatened to flood the local meetinghouse and made roads difficult to travel. Samborondón Ecuador Stake President Edward Zambrano said he arrived at 6:30 a.m. to begin sweeping water out of the building. More Latter-day Saints arrived around 7:30 a.m. to help unclog gutters and drains.

As the time neared for Primary children to arrive, President Zambrano turned to the Lord for help. He called his counselors and asked them to pray for the rains to ease up enough for the children to travel to the mini MTC.

“I know He heard me,” President Zambrano said, “not because of who I am, but because of who they are — they are His little ones.”



To the surprise and delight of the stake Primary presidency, more than 100 children braved the weather to attend the activity, reported the Church’s Spanish-language Newsroom.

“We saw on their faces the desire, even at such a young age, to already be missionaries,” said Guaminga.

‘Already a missionary’

A week before the mini MTC activity, children in the stake received “mission calls” from the stake Primary presidency, assigning them to “serve” in either Bolivia, Peru or Colombia. When they arrived at the chapel on the day of the activity, they received “future missionary” name tags and boarded a mock airplane.



“I was so happy when they put my name tag on me because I felt like I was representing Jesus Christ,” said Rebecka Gonzales, age 9.

As the group took a short ride on the mock airplane, they heard a message from the captain of the plane, explaining that they can all be missionaries now in their homes and schools.

“I feel blessed because I understood that even as children, we can be part of the wonderful missionary work,” said Jorge Mena, 10. “My testimony of the gospel can reach the hearts of many people, even though I am so small.”



The children were taken to different rooms representing the three countries where they had been assigned to serve. Returned and current missionaries taught them about the customs of each country as well as what missionary life is like.

“I learned about the local foods and that we can always be with God on our missions,” Rebecka said.

Ecuador Guayaquil East Mission President Bryan J Peterson and his wife, Sister Dixie Peterson, also attended the activity and taught the children what it means to be a missionary.



Lia Guiracocha Mendoza, 10, said she learned that everyone on earth has three important labels: a child of God, a child of the covenant and a disciple of Christ.

“That’s why I will be a missionary,” she said, “so that more people know this.”

For Yohana Salvatierra, the stake Primary president, an impactful moment was hearing the children sing “We’ll Bring the World His Truth.”



“I saw the faces of future brave young people who are already part of the battalion,” she said. “I saw the desire to serve and the sparkle in the children’s eyes.”

Salvatierra said the activity got entire families excited about missionary work, as parents gathered with signs at the meeetinghouse to welcome their children home from their missions.

Rebecka said she was sad to see the activity come to an end as she realized it will be several more years before she attends a real MTC. Lia said she will prepare now to be a missionary. And Jorge said he feels he is “already a missionary.”



Missionaries use Primary songs to teach people the gospel

Primary children plan, prepare and participate in weekly family history summer camp

Tuning in to faith: Weekly radio show brings gospel to Ecuador

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/15/in-case-you-missed-it-first-presidency-invites-all-april-2026-general-conference/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/15/in-case-you-missed-it-first-presidency-invites-all-april-2026-general-conference/Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:51:58 +0000During the week of March 8 to 14, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited all to participate in the April 2026 general conference, which will include a solemn assembly. The First Presidency also invited all to participate in a fast of gratitude for religious liberty.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and members of the Relief Society general presidency spoke about becoming more like the Savior and accessing His relief during a Relief Society worldwide devotional.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson testified of the Savior’s love while ministering in the Church’s Mexico Area, and Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center about establishing divine patterns for a lifetime of discipleship.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expended $1.58 billion in 196 countries and territories in efforts to care for those in need in 2025, according to the Church’s Caring for Those in Need 2025 Summary. Also, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson ministered to Latter-day Saints in three Eurasian countries.

The Lindon Utah Temple has opened its doors to the public for tours during its open house. Additionally, a dedication date has been announced by the First Presidency for the Cleveland Ohio Temple, and ground has been broken for the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple.

Elder James R. Rasband, a General Authority Seventy, was named the new commissioner of Church education. Plus, in this week’s episode of the Church News Podcast, Parker Van Dyke shares how he sees his identity as a disciple of Christ first and basketball player second.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. First Presidency invites all to participate in April 2026 general conference and religious liberty gratitude fast



The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited all to participate in the April 2026 general conference. This general conference will include a solemn assembly to sustain a new Prophet and First Presidency following the death of President Russell M. Nelson in September 2025.

The First Presidency also invited all to participate in a July 5 fast of gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Read more about the First Presidency’s invitation to general conference here.

See the schedule for April 2026 general conference here.

Read more about the fast of gratitude for religious liberty here.

A talk a day: Preparing for April 2026 general conference

How President Oaks has defended religious freedom throughout his apostolic ministry

2. Relief Society worldwide devotional emphasizes covenantal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ



As part of celebrating the 184th anniversary this month of the organization of the Relief Society, women are invited to gather with their wards and stakes to view a worldwide devotional with remarks from Elder Cook and members of the Relief Society general presidency: President Camille N. Johnson and her counselors, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Kristin M. Yee.

“By providing and receiving relief, both temporal and spiritual, we draw closer to Jesus Christ and become more like Him,” President Johnson testified in her opening remarks.

Read more about the worldwide devotional here.

From 2025: Global sisterhood and covenant community celebrated at Relief Society worldwide devotional

What women today can learn from the Nauvoo Relief Society

3. Elder Gary E. Stevenson ministers to Latter-day Saints, missionaries in Mexico



Elder Stevenson offered several messages reflecting the Savior’s love as he met with local leaders, members and missionaries during a ministry visit in the Church’s Mexico Area Feb. 15-22. The visit included a meeting with the State of Mexico’s governor and devotionals for women and youth.

Read more about Elder Stevenson’s ministry here.

Mexico Area presidency invites members to fast and pray for peace and harmony

See the history, status of Mexico’s 27 temples

4. Establish ‘divine patterns’ for a lifetime of discipleship, Elder Soares teaches missionaries



In a devotional at the Provo MTC on March 10, Elder Soares encouraged missionaries to learn and adopt divine patterns by studying the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

“When we align our service with the patterns the Savior Himself lived, our service gains spiritual consistency, our efforts are magnified, and our hearts are changed,” he said.

Read more about Elder Soares’ devotional here.

Elder Soares meets with vice president of Brazil

‘Connect’ to the Holy Ghost, Elder Soares invites missionaries and new mission leaders

5. Church spent $1.58 billion — exceeding previous year’s record — in caring for those in need in 2025



The Church’s Caring for Those in Need 2025 Summary was released March 10, detailing the Church’s efforts to care for those in need both as an organization and through efforts of individual members. The Church expended $1.58 billion in 196 countries and saw 7.4 million hours of volunteer work.

Following the release of the 2025 summary, Presiding Bishop W. Christopher Waddell said the Church and members of the Church are doing “what the Savior did and what He would do if He were here.”

See an overview of the Church’s Caring for Those in Need 2025 Summary here.

Read Church leaders’ thoughts on the summary here.

Watch Church leaders and charitable organizations discuss the summary here.

A year of caring for those in need around the world

Church spends $1.45 billion to care for those in need during 2024, annual summary outlines

6. President Johnson sees ‘tenacious faithfulness’ of Latter-day Saints in Eurasia



In an eight-day ministry in Eurasia, President Johnson met with new and pioneer members of the Church. She witnessed the impact of Church humanitarian efforts in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Georgia.

Read more about President Johnson’s ministry in Eurasia here.

Latter-day Saints ‘share the Savior’s love’ in Kazakhstan

Blankets, beehives and puppet shows a part of the Church’s humanitarian efforts in Europe

7. Lindon Utah Temple open house begins; Cleveland Ohio Temple dedication date announced; ground broken for the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple



The Church invites the public to tour the Lindon Utah Temple during its open house. The open house will run from Thursday, March 12, through Saturday, April 11.

The dedication date for the Cleveland Ohio Temple is set for Aug. 16. The Cleveland temple will be the second operating temple in Ohio.

Ground was broken for the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple. This marks the fifth house of the Lord in Guatemala.

Read more about the Lindon Utah Temple open house here.

Read more about the Cleveland Ohio Temple here.

Read more about the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple here.

Planning a visit to Historic Kirtland? The Church has created a new website to help

See more Church News coverage of temples

8. Elder James R. Rasband named new commissioner of Church education



Elder Rasband, a General Authority Seventy, has replaced Elder Clark G. Gilbert as the commissioner of Church education. Elder Gilbert was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in February, and Elder Rasband will step into the role April 1.

Read more about the new commissioner of Church Education here.

See what Elder Rasband taught in April 2025 general conference

Elder James R. Rasband: ‘Ensuring a Righteous Judgment’

9. Podcast Episode 284: Parker Van Dyke on why being a disciple of Jesus Christ comes before basketball



This week’s episode of the Church News podcast features former University of Utah player and current NBA G Leaguer Parker Van Dyke as he shares how his identity as a disciple of Christ comes before basketball and encourages listeners to “be builders.”

Listen to the podcast here.

Elder Rasband meets with NBA and former BYU basketball player Egor Dëmin

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

See the Church News week in review each Sunday

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/06/brazilian-soccer-star-coach-zico-rootstech-2026-virtual-keynote/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/06/brazilian-soccer-star-coach-zico-rootstech-2026-virtual-keynote/Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000Arthur Antunes Coimbra, universally known as Zico, spent decades as a professional soccer player and coach, representing Brazil in three FIFA World Cups and leading Japan to victory in the 2004 Asian Cup. His road to success started in his childhood home in Brazil, he explained in his 2026 RootsTech virtual keynote address.

“What did it for me was the upbringing I received at home,” he said in Portuguese.

Zico reflected on hours of practicing and perfecting different soccer drills on his own, inspired by his father, who was a tailor, and his mother, who worked in their home taking care of six children.



“That perfectionism came from my dad. The dedication was from my mother.”

Of the six children in Zico’s family, four became professional soccer players. Zico described playing soccer in the streets of Brazil with his siblings and other neighborhood children, claiming that their childhood played a “huge part” in their development.

“I think that my parents were able to give us the freedom and instill in us the kind of personality that allows you to make your own decisions,” he said.

Now with three children of his own, Zico tried to re-create the kind of upbringing he experienced, telling his now-grown children: “You have all the freedom to choose what you want. Now that you made your choice, dedicate yourself to it.”



Zico recalled his own experience sticking to his choices after one of his worst soccer seasons.

In a moment of grief, Zico determined that he would quit soccer. It was two of his brothers — also professional soccer players — who helped him change his perspective and decide to stick with his dream.

“When you choose soccer, there is no other way,” he said.

Zico’s keynote address can be viewed online, along with other RootsTech 2026 speeches and classes.



Mexican American astronaut attributes his resilience to immigrant parents at RootsTech

Steve Young, Marlee Matlin and more announced as keynote speakers for RootsTech 2026

How to attend the 2026 RootsTech Conference

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/05/mexican-american-astronaut-attributes-resilience-immigrant-parents-rootstech-jose-hernandez/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/05/mexican-american-astronaut-attributes-resilience-immigrant-parents-rootstech-jose-hernandez/Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:27:22 +0000José Hernández was rejected by NASA’s astronaut training program 11 times before being accepted in May 2004. After completing rigorous training and waiting another five years, Hernández joined the STS-128 Discovery mission and fulfilled his childhood dream of traveling to space.

During his RootsTech 2026 keynote address, delivered virtually, Hernández attributed his resilience to his family — his wife, parents and three siblings.

“All the sacrifices that we went through as a family and my culture and my upbringing helped me,” he said. “I think they gave me the tenacity.”



Hernández — who didn’t learn English until he was 12 years old — spent most of his childhood migrating between Mexico and the United States. For nine months out of the year, the family worked in California fields to earn money.

“This is what helped me develop my work ethic. It’s good, old, farm-working chores that I had to do as a kid,” said Hernández.

During his address, Hernández recalled when he started to realize the importance of family.



In high school, he was involved with student council, and the group needed a truck and flatbed to build a float for an upcoming parade. Hernández knew his father had equipment the students could use, but the high schooler was embarrassed to bring his friends to his house, which he said was in the worst part of town.

As the date of the parade neared, Hernández relented and volunteered his dad’s truck.

When Hernández’s friends came to his home, his mother brought out food, his dad turned on music, and his siblings helped build the float.



“It becomes a party, a festive atmosphere,” Hernández recalled.

Hernández said one of his buddies who drove a new car and lived on the nice side of town said he was jealous of Hernández. When Hernández responded with confusion, his friend pointed to the Hernández family and said, “I want that.”

“That’s when I realized that family is more important than material things,” Hernández said. “It’s OK to have humble beginnings. … I think what’s more important is the atmosphere and the setting of the family in a household.”

Hernández’s virtual keynote address is available to view online in 12 languages including Spanish, Portuguese and American Sign Language.



From 2022: Read about Don Lind, Latter-day Saint astronaut, scientist

Steve Young, Marlee Matlin and more announced as keynote speakers for RootsTech 2026

Episode 283: Behind the scenes of RootsTech 2026 — Bringing families ‘Together’

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/05/rootstech-2026-organizer-jonathan-wing-global-family-history-event-why/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/05/rootstech-2026-organizer-jonathan-wing-global-family-history-event-why/Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:54:22 +0000For FamilySearch International director of events Jonathan Wing, RootsTech is about more than inspiring keynote addresses, innovative technology and even the giant ball pit.

“Our Father in Heaven wants to bless all of His children. And He does that — and the way He would love to do that — is through families and eternal families,” Wing said on a recent episode of the Church News podcast. “And that promise of us being united together for all eternity is one of the greatest motivators that I have.”

Shortly after last year’s RootsTech event, Wing and his wife experienced a miscarriage, which he described as “gut-wrenching.” The couple went to the temple to find solace.



“We went, and we performed sealings and had the most exquisite, beautiful, spiritual experience and confirmation of the reality of eternal families. And it brought joy in a time of exquisite pain.”

Wing said that experience has remained in the back of his mind while he planned this year’s event as “a more powerful clarion call to the ‘why’” of RootsTech.

“I’ve seen how the Lord is hastening this work so that more people can have access to that blessing,” Wing said. “I could not be more humbled and more honored to be a part of the Lord’s work at this time. It is a thrilling opportunity to see the Lord work His miracles in these last days.”



Inspiring a global audience

RootsTech 2026 — a three-day global family history event — is expected to be even bigger than in previous years, with a worldwide audience online as well as an in-person experience in Salt Lake City March 5-7.

RootsTech serves a broad audience, with participants in 230 countries and territories. Additionally, viewers come from a variety of faith traditions, with 90% of attendees not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“There is an innate desire — worldwide, universally — for people to connect with those who came before, to understand more about their story, more about their identity, more about who they are and why they are the way that they are,” Wing said.



Wing sees RootsTech’s growing reach as part of the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6, which prophesies of children’s hearts turning to their fathers and fathers’ hearts turning to their children.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from; where your culture, heritage and traditions tie back to; or what your religious beliefs may be, because everybody has a family, and everybody has a family history that intrigues them, that pulls on them, and they desire to know more about it.”

What to expect at RootsTech 2026

While on the podcast, Wing gave listeners a behind-the-scenes look at RootsTech 2026.

Wing said many factors went into choosing a theme for this year — the planning committee wanted something that would resonate with a global audience and inspire the genealogy industry. Ultimately, the theme “Together” was chosen.



“The message of ‘together’ is so powerful because of our ability to really tap into this understanding that we’re a lot more connected than we realize,” Wing said. “Especially in a time where we feel so divided or we’re told that we’re divided, this idea that we are a part of something bigger and that we’re much more connected is a beautiful message to be sharing.”

This year’s event will feature seven keynote speakers, three in person and four virtual. Wing said the purpose of the keynote addresses is to “inspire individuals to make discoveries in their family history.”

“Every year, I’ve been amazed, and I’ve been in awe at how the right people always end up on the RootsTech stage. And of course, of course they would, with the Lord in charge of this work,” he said.



Wing also teased plans for Family Discovery Day, a day of free activities focused specifically on families, including breakout classes especially for youth, held Saturday, March 7.

He said that excerpts of the British Pageant will be performed during Family Discovery Day to honor the family ties between the early British Saints and Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, who were previously announced as Family Discovery Day speakers.

Participants can also visit the expo hall for free all three days of the event. There, companies showcase innovations meant to help people connect with their families. Wing said over 200 exhibitors will be at RootsTech this year, up from 128 last year.



Steve Young, Marlee Matlin and more announced as keynote speakers for RootsTech 2026

How to attend the 2026 RootsTech Conference

RootsTech 2026 organizers unveil new theme and lineup of global emcees

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/08/in-case-you-missed-it-first-presidency-invites-all-watch-april-2026-general-conference/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/08/in-case-you-missed-it-first-presidency-invites-all-watch-april-2026-general-conference/Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000During the week of March 1-7, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed Estonia’s ambassador to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City.

A new official portrait of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was released to include Elder Clark G. Gilbert. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke at a devotional at BYU–Hawaii, while Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed students and faculty at BYU in Provo, Utah, later in the week.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed attendees of Family Discovery Day during the 2026 RootsTech event. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Harare Zimbabwe Temple, that nation’s first house of the Lord, and Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with the vice president of Brazil and other government leaders while in Brazil with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared three principles for helping people feel more connected to their ancestors during the 2026 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction. In his first international ministry since his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Gérald Caussé returned to his native country of France.

A rededication date for the San Diego California Temple has been announced by the First Presidency, in addition to a dedication date for the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple.

FamilySearch International director of events and RootsTech organizer Jonathan Wing joined the week’s Church News podcast episode to preview RootsTech 2026 and discuss how family history can help individuals and families draw closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ. At RootsTech 2026, Marlee Matlin, Tara Roberts and Steve Young offered keynote addresses, with several others giving virtual speeches.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. First Presidency welcomes Estonian ambassador



The First Presidency welcomed Estonia’s ambassador to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City. While in Utah, Ambassador Kristjan Prikk spoke at BYU and toured Welfare Square.

Read about the Estonian ambassador’s visit to Church headquarters here.

Mongolian ambassador to U.S. meets with First Presidency at Church headquarters

Hindu spiritual leader visits with the First Presidency in Salt Lake City

2. New official photo of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released



A new official photo of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was released to now include Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who was called to the Quorum of the Twelve on Feb. 11, filling the vacancy created by the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland in December 2025. The photos were first published by the Church on Friday, March 6.

Read more about the current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles here.

Elder Gilbert says ‘Christ is always pointing you to something better’ as he accepts apostolic call

Church releases official portrait of new First Presidency, President Oaks

3. Apostles speak at Church universities



President Uchtdorf encouraged individuals to lift where they stand and not procrastinate doing good in a devotional given at BYU–Hawaii on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Elder Cook spoke later in the week at BYU in Provo, encouraging listeners to “choose truth when deception is easy” in a world shaped by evolving technologies.

Read more about President Uchtdorf’s address here.

Read more about Elder Cook’s devotional here.

President Oaks offers the way to overcome any doubt: Draw closer to the Savior

President Uchtdorf at MTC: ‘Be messengers and examples of faith and hope’

4. Elder Rasband at Family Discovery Day



Elder Rasband and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, shared their own ancestral stories and spoke about the importance of temple covenants during their Family Discovery Day keynote presentation on the third and final day of RootsTech 2026.

Read more about Elder and Sister Rasband’s address here.

‘A remarkable time to serve’: At MTC, Elder Rasband testifies the Lord is hastening His work

Read more Church News coverage of RootsTech

5. Elder Gong dedicates first house of the Lord in Zimbabwe



On Sunday, March 1, Elder Gong dedicated the first house of the Lord in Zimbabwe. The Harare Zimbabwe Temple is the Church’s 214th temple worldwide.

Learn more about the Harare temple dedication here.

Read the Harare temple dedicatory prayer here.

Elder Dube anticipates upcoming Harare Zimbabwe Temple dedication

Ahead of Harare temple dedication, Sean Donnelly reflects on 4 decades of Church’s growth in Zimbabwe

6. Elder Soares meets with vice president of Brazil



While in Brazil with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for their “Songs of Hope” tour, Elder Soares met the country’s vice president and received an award on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo.

Read more about this story here.

Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra perform 1st ‘Songs of Hope’ concert in Brazil

Elder Soares meets with Peru president, religious leaders during ministry

7. Keep Christ at the center of family history, Elder Patrick Kearon teaches



Elder Kearon addressed listeners during the Church’s 2026 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction — an annual, 30-minute recorded training released March 5 for Latter-day Saints in stake and ward councils and others with callings supporting temple and family history efforts. Elder Kearon was joined by Elder Mark A. Bragg — a General Authority Seventy, executive director of the Church’s Family History Department and chairman of FamilySearch International. The two identified three principles to help individuals feel more connected to their ancestors.

Read about the 2026 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction here.

RootsTech organizer shares personal ‘why’ behind the global family history event

‘Sing with redeeming love,’ Elder and Sister Kearon tell young adults in worldwide devotional

8. Elder Gérald Caussé returns to France to minister as an Apostle



Elder Caussé and his wife, Sister Valérie Caussé, spent several days in the greater Paris area during a multiday ministry. This is the new Apostle’s first international ministry since being called.

Read more about Elder Caussé’s ministry here.

Elder Gérald Caussé testifies of the Savior in first interview as an Apostle

‘A sacred duty’: Elder Gérald Caussé speaks on stewardship over God’s creations

9. San Diego temple rededication, Cambodia temple dedication announced



A late-August rededication date was announced for the San Diego California Temple, which has been undergoing renovations since 2023.

The Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple will be dedicated the same month. Open houses are scheduled for both temples.

Read more about the San Diego temple rededication and Phnom Penh temple dedication here.

Yorba Linda California Temple dedication, open house announced

See more Church News coverage of temples

10. Behind the scenes of RootsTech 2026 — Bringing families ‘Together’



Jonathan Wing, FamilySearch International director of events, shared his testimony of eternal families and a rundown on what to expect from RootsTech 2026 on the week’s episode of the Church News podcast.

RootsTech 2026 featured a lineup of both in-person and virtual keynote addresses, with actress Marlee Matlin speaking to attendees on Thursday, March 5; National Geographic explorer in residence Tara Roberts on Friday, March 6; and football Hall of Famer Steve Young on Saturday, March 7. Four virtual keynote addresses were given by journalist Jessica Soho, soccer star Zico, dancers the Gardiner brothers and astronaut José Hernández.

Listen to the podcast here.

Read more about Marlee Matlin’s keynote address here.

Read more about Tara Roberts’ address here.

Read more about Steve Young’s address here.

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

See the Church News week in review each Sunday

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/01/in-case-you-missed-it-2026-first-presidency-easter-message-published/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/03/01/in-case-you-missed-it-2026-first-presidency-easter-message-published/Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000During the week of Feb. 22 to 28, the 2026 First Presidency Easter message was published.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spent 10 days ministering to missionaries and Church members in the Church’s Africa West Area, and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified at BYU–Idaho of President Dallin H. Oaks’ prophetic mantle. Also, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed Church members and others at a district conference and met with a representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church while visiting Bucharest, Romania.

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed the first of a series of concerts in Brazil on Feb. 25, with Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offering a welcome message. Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, spoke on the week’s Church News podcast episode about their family and testimonies.

The 2026 RootsTech Conference will begin in Salt Lake City later this week. Those wishing to attend the conference can attend either online or in person.

In temple news, ground was broken for the Fairview Texas Temple. Site maps and renderings of three temples in the Philippines were released, as well as a site map for the Rapid City South Dakota Temple. The Houston Texas South Temple was renamed, and a date was set for the groundbreaking of the Teresina Brazil Temple.

Twelve more songs were added to the “Hymns for Home and Church” hymnbook in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. 2026 First Presidency Easter message testifies of strengthened faith and testimony



The 2026 First Presidency Easter message testifies of Christ’s Resurrection and invites all to “seek this Jesus” (Ether 12:41).

Read the First Presidency Easter message here.

Read the 2025 First Presidency Easter message

Read the 2024 First Presidency Easter message

2. Elder Quentin L. Cook gives instruction and spiritual guidance in Africa West Area



Elder Cook spent 10 days in February in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and the Ivory Coast, where he provided spiritual guidance and training to local leaders and members; spoke at devotionals for missionaries, youth and young single adults; and bore witness of the Savior and His work.

Read more about Elder Cook’s ministry here.

During ministry in West Africa, Elder Quentin L. Cook meets president of Ghana

Focusing on the missionary purpose is leading to miracles in the Lord’s work, says Elder Cook

3. Elder Andersen testifies ‘God has a Prophet upon the earth’



In a BYU–Idaho campus devotional, Elder Andersen added his witness to President Oaks’ teachings, especially those from a recent BYU devotional.

The Apostle promised: “Listening to President Oaks can lift our souls, but taking deliberate steps to follow his counsel can change our lives.”

Read more about Elder Andersen’s devotional here.

President Oaks offers the way to overcome any doubt: Draw closer to the Savior

Elder Andersen teaches ‘specific eternal, timeless, never-changing truths from God about marriage and children’

4. Elder Renlund visits Romania: ‘I have great faith in the future of the Church here’



Elder Renlund spoke at a district conference in Bucharest, Romania, on Feb. 22, attended by Church members and representatives from government, faith and civic organizations. That afternoon, he met with a representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church to strengthen community and build trust.

Read more about Elder Renlund’s ministry here.

Elder Bednar shares how covenants will change the lives of the Romanian people

‘We are pioneers in Romania’: How 1 family is determined to help grow the Church in their native country

5. Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra perform first ‘Songs of Hope’ concert in Brazil



The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed their first concert in Brazil in 45 years during their sixth stop on their “Songs of Hope” tour. Elder Soares, a native of Brazil, welcomed the audience of nearly 1,500 people.

Read more about this story here.

Meet the Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra members from Brazil

‘We felt so blessed’: Looking back on Tabernacle Choir’s 1981 concert in Brazil

6. Podcast Episode 282: Elder and Sister Gilbert on answering the Lord’s call



Just days after being called as the newest Apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Gilbert joined the Church News podcast with his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert. The couple spoke about how they have seen the Lord’s hand in their lives.

Listen to the podcast here.

Elder Gilbert says ‘Christ is always pointing you to something better’ as he accepts apostolic call

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

7. How to attend the 2026 RootsTech Conference



The 2026 RootsTech Conference will begin in Salt Lake City later this week. The global family history event will feature speakers including Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, National Football League Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP Steve Young, and Academy Award-winning actress and author Marlee Matlin.

Individuals wishing to attend the event can join either online or in person at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.

Read more about RootsTech 2026 here.

RootsTech 2026 registration now open

Elder and Sister Rasband announced as RootsTech 2026 Family Discovery Day speakers

8. Ground broken for temple in north-central Texas



Ground was broken for the Fairview Texas Temple. The Fairview temple will be the third house of the Lord in Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area.

Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt, a General Authority Seventy and counselor in the Church’s United States Southwest Area presidency, presided over the ceremony and offered the dedicatory prayer on the site.

Read more about the Fairview Texas Temple groundbreaking ceremony here.

Ground broken for temple in Jacksonville, Florida, where the South’s first stake was created

In wake of Texas floods, local Latter-day Saints search for missing people, clear debris and more

9. Temple news: 4 temple site maps released, new name for Houston Texas South Temple, groundbreaking date set for Teresina Brazil Temple



Renderings and site maps were released for three Philippines temples.

A location has been announced for South Dakota’s first house of the Lord. The temple will be located in Rapid City.

The Houston Texas South Temple of the Church has been renamed the Fort Bend Texas Temple.

A groundbreaking date for the Teresina Brazil Temple has been set. On Saturday, April 18, ground will be broken for this house of the Lord, presided over by Elder Ciro Schmeil, a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Church’s Brazil Area presidency.

See the three Philippines temple renderings here.

See the Rapid City South Dakota Temple site here.

Read more about the new name of the Houston Texas South Temple here.

Read more about the groundbreaking date for the Teresina Brazil Temple here.

‘Heaven has come closer to home’ as members in metro Manila prepare for the Alabang Philippines Temple dedication

See more Church News coverage of temples

10. Latest release of new hymns includes several to help with Old Testament ‘Come, Follow Me’ study



Twelve more songs were added to “Hymns for Home and Church” in the English, French, Portuguese and Spanish languages. The songs include several that have lyrics and related scriptures founded in the Old Testament, which is the subject of this year’s “Come, Follow Me” study.

Read more about the new hymns here.

Podcast Episode 243: The Church’s Hymnbook Committee chair, Steve Schank, on new hymns and joyful singing

Teaching doctrine through Primary music during singing time

See the Church News week in review each Sunday

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/22/in-case-you-missed-it-president-oaks-featured-church-news-podcast/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/22/in-case-you-missed-it-president-oaks-featured-church-news-podcast/Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000During the week of Feb. 15-21, the weekly episode of the Church News podcast featured recent invitations from Church President Dallin H. Oaks. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center in a devotional about the power of faith and hope.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with the president of the Republic of Ghana, and Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and others recalled their experiences from the Tabernacle Choir’s 1981 concerts in Brazil.

In preparation for the Salt Lake Temple’s six-month open house next year, the Conference Center on Temple Square will be closed for 11 months, except for major scheduled events.

Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela of the Presidency of the Seventy testified to Ensign College students at their weekly devotional that the Lord’s plan is a plan of happiness. Also, Israel and Sariah Garcia relied on faith in God’s miracles when Israel Garcia was sent into a coma after being crushed by 900 pounds of steel months before their wedding.

A three-part series on BYUtv called “People of Faith” highlights pioneering members of the Church from Brazil, Hawaii and the Philippines. In a Church News video, Michael Hicks, composer of the “FSY Medley,” describes seeing God’s hand as he created the musical piece.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. Podcast Episode 281: President Dallin H. Oaks and his recent invitations to ‘be optimistic’ and ‘stay on the covenant path’



The week’s episode of the Church News podcast features recorded excerpts from President Oaks’ interview prior to the Jan. 11 dedication of the Burley Idaho Temple and his Feb. 10 devotional at Brigham Young University.

Listen to the podcast here.

President Oaks says he feels the responsibility of the prophetic mantle, which is ‘very holy’

President Oaks offers the way to overcome any doubt: Draw closer to the Savior

2. President Uchtdorf: ‘Be messengers and examples of faith and hope’



In a devotional at the Provo MTC on Tuesday, Feb. 17, President Uchtdorf underscored the importance of two key Christlike attributes — faith and hope — and the spiritual power that emanates from them.

His wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, also spoke, and their messages were shared with MTCs worldwide.

Read more about President Uchtdorf’s address here.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf named as acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Make effort to obtain ‘infusions of light every day,’ Sister Dennis tells missionaries

3. During ministry in West Africa, Elder Quentin L. Cook meets president of Ghana



Elder Cook met Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama while on a ministry assignment in the Church’s Africa West Area. The two spoke about shared values and priorities surrounding religious liberty, educational initiatives and humanitarian work.

Read more about Elder Cook’s meeting with the president here.

Church donations in Ghana part of global initiative for women and children

New documentary follows young adults during Latter-day Saint and NAACP fellowship to Ghana

4. ‘We felt so blessed’: Looking back on Tabernacle Choir’s 1981 concert in Brazil



As The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square prepare to visit São Paulo, Brazil, as the sixth stop on their “Songs of Hope” tour, Elder Soares and others recalled the Tabernacle Choir’s visit to Brazil in 1981.

Learn more about this story here.

Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra to perform at Hollywood Bowl in June 2026

Ground broken for João Pessoa Brazil Temple

5. Conference Center to close from late March 2026 to March 2027, except for major scheduled events



The Conference Center on Temple Square will be closed for 11 months in preparation for the Salt Lake Temple’s six-month open house next year. It will be open, however, for general conference and other major scheduled events.

Read more about this story here.

Salt Lake Temple scaffolding is being removed

25 years in the Conference Center

6. Elder Valenzuela offers insights into how to ‘live in the manner of happiness’ as taught in the Book of Mormon



Using the Book of Mormon, Elder Valenzuela taught Ensign College students in their weekly devotional a pattern for living happier lives.

“The Lord prepared everything for us to be happy,” he assured.

Read more about Elder Valenzuela’s devotional here.

Stay on the path to a better future, Elder Valenzuela tells BYU–Pathway students

President and Sister Kusch testify to Ensign College students of the Prophet’s teachings regarding dating, marriage

7. Faith and umbrellas: A BYU–Idaho student’s journey from brain injury to temple marriage



Israel and Sariah Garcia had their faith tested and saw miracles after Israel Garcia was crushed by 900 pounds of steel and sent into a coma just four months before their wedding.

“Any opportunity we’re given, we testify that God is a god of miracles, 100%,” Sariah Garcia said.

Read more about the Garcias’ story here.

Mary Richards: Seeing a miracle in how God works one by one

Brother J. Scott Nixon: Look for the miracles, even under difficult circumstances

8. People of faith: Pioneers in Brazil, Hawaii, Philippines



A three-part series on BYUtv called “People of Faith” highlights international pioneers of the Church, including a Church member in Brazil born without hands or feet, the first Samoan to graduate from Harvard University and a renowned singer from the Philippines.

Read about people of faith in Brazil here.

Read about people of faith in Hawaii here.

Read about people of faith in the Philippines here.

‘Harvest of Faith’ Part 1: A look at the Church’s welfare farms

Podcast Episode 181: BYU–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center: Teaching and sharing the ‘aloha spirit’ and love of Christ

9. Video: Seeing God’s hand in composing the ‘FSY Medley’



Michael Hicks shares in a Church News video how he saw God’s hand as he composed the “FSY Medley,” which is now sung worldwide.

Watch the video here.

Build skills and make a difference by working at FSY this summer

‘Festival: A Youth Concert’ helps youth joyfully worship, connect with Jesus Christ

See the Church News week in review each Sunday

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/20/song-anytime-anywhere-teaches-bite-sized-truths-prayer-young-gospel-learners/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/20/song-anytime-anywhere-teaches-bite-sized-truths-prayer-young-gospel-learners/Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000In 2017, Angie Killian wrote the children’s song “My Own Sacred Grove,” which has since been published in the January 2025 issue of The Friend magazine and garnered 2.7 million views on Killian’s YouTube channel. So when Killian received an email in 2023 saying one of her songs had been chosen for the new hymnbook, she was certain “My Own Sacred Grove” was the one selected.

She was surprised to learn it was actually “Anytime, Anywhere” — which she dubbed the “Nursery version” of “My Own Sacred Grove.”



Inside the Church’s new hymnbook project, one year later

Killian said she was shocked that the Church’s music committee had chosen that song because it was the shortest one she had ever written, with only 10 lines. She wrote “Anytime, Anywhere” specifically for her children, who were ages 2, 4 and 6 when “My Own Sacred Grove” was published. She felt they needed something simpler.

“[‘Anytime, Anywhere’] teaches the most important parts of ‘My Own Sacred Grove,’ but in the tiniest little bite-sized way that little kids can really understand and internalize,” she said.

Although she didn’t initially understand why the simple song was chosen over thousands of other pieces for “Hymns for Home and Church,” Killian came to believe that the song’s simplicity is exactly why it’s right for the collection.

“I feel like songs like that are so needed. They say so much with so few words.”



‘Anytime, Anywhere’

1. I can pray to my Heav’nly Father
Anytime, anywhere.
For He always cares,
And He hears my prayers —
Anytime, anywhere.
2. I can listen for heav’nly guidance
Anytime, anywhere.
The Spirit will guide
As I seek His light —
Anytime, anywhere.

Take time to listen

Among other truths, “Anytime, Anywhere” teaches that praying to Heavenly Father is about two-way communication.

The first verse states, “I can pray to my Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere,” and the second verse, “I can listen for heavenly guidance anytime, anywhere.”

“If we only ever push ‘send’ and never read the replies, that’s not communication, right?” said Killian. “And so it’s really important that we pray, but then we also take time to listen after.”



Killian recalled a time in her own life when she was grateful she took time to listen after a prayer.

While getting ready to film the music video for her song “The Liahona,” Killian was searching for a private beach near San Diego, California, to film at. She had already recorded the song and booked hotels for the children in the video. But without finding a beach, the video shoot wouldn’t happen.

As she was frantically calling state parks and hotels, asking about beaches, she had a thought to “pause and pray.” Killian said she knelt down and asked for a miracle.

As she paused after her prayer, she received the impression to email the children’s parents, asking if any of them had connections to a private beach.

“And I was like: ‘That is the last thing I want to do right now. Email the children and tell them that we might not be even able to do this,’” Killian said. “I think God was just smiling, just like, ‘Just trust me on this one.’”



Killian relented and sent an email that she now thinks probably sounded a little depressing.

Within minutes of sending the email, she received a call from one of the children’s parents, who said he had a friend living in a gated community in San Diego with a private beach where they could film.

“It was a huge miracle,” she said. “If I just had sent that prayer and didn’t listen after, I don’t know what would have happened, but it wouldn’t have happened the way it did.”



Finding light through music

Killian said that for her, writing music has always been about her children.

It started in 2016, shortly after her daughter, Janey, was born. Killian said her daughter had trouble sleeping, so they were both often awake in the middle of the night.

One night, Killian heard a melody she didn’t recognize playing in her head. She put some words to the tune and sang it to her daughter.

“The song itself isn’t important,” she said, “but the way it made me feel inside was awesome.
It just felt like pure light.”



Killian had been experiencing postpartum depression and craved the way coming up with that song made her feel.

“So I decided in the coming days that I was going to write music for my children to teach them about Jesus and the scriptures and His gospel,” she said.

Online miracles

Now, thanks to technology, Killian gets to share her music — and testimony — with children all over the world through her website and YouTube channel.

Killian said she sees many miracles through her work, but her favorites are when her music brings people to the Savior. She recalled one such time.

When Killian first posted the music video for “My Own Sacred Grove” on YouTube in 2020, a teenage girl from Finland named Anna Varonen commented, “I feel some sort of a peace as I’m listening to this, even though I’m not a member of the LDS Church.”



Killian said she and others began ministering to Varonen in the comment section, though Varonen’s replies to comments petered out after several months. Killian didn’t hear from her for five years.

Several months ago, however, Killian said Varonen commented on the video again.

“My story did not end all those years ago when I posted this comment. I rediscovered this song yesterday, and I’m in awe of all that has happened since,” the new comment read. “Through miracles big and small, I quickly gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon and was baptized on Sept. 23, 2023, at 19 years old.”

Varonen shared that she is currently serving in the Alpine German-Speaking Mission. She reached out directly to Killian to share the impact of Killian’s music.



“I’m a firm believer that music changes lives because it invites the Spirit of Him who can change everything,” Varonen wrote.

Killian pointed to Alma 26, verses 3 and 12, which say, in part: “And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work. ... I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God.”

“I just am always amazed what God can do with imperfect servants,” Killian said. “It is such a blessing to be able to serve God. And really, He makes it all possible.”

New song ‘How Did the Savior Minister?’ helps children learn about ministering

Learn about the new hymns from other Christian traditions, part 1

Primary general presidency: The power of Primary music at church and home

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/19/indonesian-youth-find-spiritual-home-bangkok-thailand-temple/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/19/indonesian-youth-find-spiritual-home-bangkok-thailand-temple/Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000Michael Florencio Imanuello, a young man in the Jakarta Indonesia Stake, said he always thought he would have to wait until his mission to attend the temple for the first time.

So when two stakes, a district and two branches in Indonesia announced they would be taking a combined youth trip to the Bangkok Thailand Temple in December 2025, “it felt like an early Christmas present,” Michael said.

Although a temple for Jakarta was announced at the April 2023 general conference, Church members in Indonesia currently belong to the Bangkok Thailand Temple district, as construction on the Jakarta Indonesia Temple has yet to begin.

Rendering released for Indonesia’s first house of the Lord



Like Michael, many youth were excited about the chance to attend a temple.

“This opportunity felt very precious, knowing that the temple in Indonesia was still in the building process,” said Joshua Addson Kurniawan. “The announcement encouraged me to truly prepare myself spiritually so I could join the temple trip with respect and with a heart that was ready.”

On Dec. 16, 55 youth and three chaperone couples traveled nearly 1,450 miles from Jakarta to Bangkok to spend three days at the temple site.

A whirlwind of preparations

Besides spiritual preparation, there was much to be done logistically before the trip could happen.

Leaders arranging the temple trip had only five weeks to book flights and hotels, collect permission from parents of youth and ensure youth had current passports and temple recommends.



Those five weeks were a flurry of preparations, but everything fell into place through various miracles, said Elder Juswan Tandiman, an Area Seventy in the Church’s Asia Area.

Elder Tandiman said this experience taught him that “the rising generation’s future is truly important to [Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ].”

Participating in sacred ordinances

The group spent three days at the temple site — mainly in the temple annex building — enjoying gospel study classes, a tour of the Bangkok Missionary Training Center, family history workshops and a devotional from Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai, a General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s Asia Area.



The purpose of the trip was to give youth a chance to perform proxy baptisms, Elder Tandiman said. The group was able to the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 17.

After spending time in the temple, youth described the house of the Lord as a “spiritual home” and a “sacred spiritual shelter.”

“Being in the temple gave a deep feeling of peace and serenity,” Joshua said. “The holy environment helped me to focus my mind and heart to Jesus Christ as a Savior and main example in life.”

Participating in temple ordinances also helped Saretta Putri Asyani gain a fuller understanding of Christ’s role as the Savior.



“Seeing how the ordinances bridge the gap between this life and the next showed me how Christ’s grace is truly universal,” she said. “I realized that He provides a way for every soul to be redeemed, showing how personal and merciful His love really is.”

The group had too many individuals for the temple baptistry to accommodate at once, so the youth performed baptisms in three groups. While waiting for their turns, youth recorded their testimonies and added photos and stories to the FamilySearch Memories app.

Saretta said the temple trip strengthened her connection to family history.

“Especially when I entered the baptistry, I felt as if my ancestors were standing beside the font, smiling at me, showing their pride and joy that their names were being brought there,” she said. “I no longer see names on a piece of paper as just data, but as real people who are waiting for me.”



Returning home changed

Youth on the temple trip said they will be different going forward from this experience.

For Michael, filling out his mission papers was the No. 1 thing on his mind once he returned home.

Saretta said, “It has made me more mindful of my daily actions because I want to remain worthy to return there.”



YSA from 30 nations gather in Thailand to be ‘Rooted and Rising’ in Christ

‘Cradled in the arms of prophets, apostles’: Elder Rasband dedicates Bangkok Thailand Temple, the first on the Southeast Asia peninsula

From 2019: President Nelson says the Church will grow in Indonesia — one faithful family at a time

]]>https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/14/what-this-historian-learned-writing-president-hollands-biography-matt-grow/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/14/what-this-historian-learned-writing-president-hollands-biography-matt-grow/Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000Church historian Matt Grow was used to writing the histories of people who had been dead for years, such as Joseph Smith and Parley P. Pratt.

He was presented with an entirely new challenge when President Jeffrey R. Holland, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and later president of the quorum, asked after his 2023 health crisis if Grow would write his biography.

“I mean, an amazing opportunity, but how do you capture the life of someone like him?” Grow said on a recent episode of the Church News podcast. He was joined on the episode by guest host and fellow Church leader biographer Sheri Dew, executive vice president of the Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency.



Grow said his main burden in writing Elder Holland’s biography was to honestly and fairly portray President Holland’s “amazing life” in a way that paid tribute to the late Apostle.

“But he wouldn’t want tribute paid to him,” Grow said. “He would want people to know through his life the Lord Jesus Christ. He would want people to understand the miracles of his life. He would want people to understand what faith did for him.”



The gift of candor

Instead of sifting through old documents for information like other projects he’s worked on, Grow got to write this biography by interviewing the living subject. For the last two and half years of President Holland’s life, the Apostle met with Grow most Friday mornings for interviews.

“It was just amazing to sit with him, because he was always candid, he was always open, he was vulnerable,” said Grow. “He wanted to share the highlights, the lowlights, the learnings, the life as it was lived.”

Grow believes President Holland’s vulnerability about mental health was particularly meaningful to many people.



In the podcast episode, Grow referenced President Holland’s October 2013 general conference talk, “Like a Broken Vessel,” where the Apostle shared his own experience with depression.

“I think the power that that story had for Church members all across the globe, to understand that in this age where so many people struggle with depression or anxiety, there’s this man who I really admire who’s willing to say in a culture where we haven’t often, we haven’t always been willing to say that,” Grow said.

Hope in Jesus Christ

Along with being open about life’s hardships, President Holland also often talked about hope, said Grow.

“And it’s of course hope in the good things that will come in our lives, but a hope centered in Jesus Christ,” Grow said. “That hope in Jesus Christ, I would hope, would be one of the main things that people would know about President Holland.”



Grow emphasized President Holland’s hope and resilience by referencing a story the Apostle shared in his October 1999 general conference talk, “An High Priest of Good Things to Come.”

When President Holland was a young husband and father, he and his wife packed up their children and belongings to move across the country. Only 34 miles into their journey, their car broke down. After what President Holland describes as a painstakingly slow car repair, the family embarked on their cross-country trek once more, only to break down in the exact same spot.

When President Holland revisited that spot on the freeway 30 years later, he wanted to shout to his past self, “Don’t give up, boy. Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead — a lot of it — 30 years of it now, and still counting. You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”



Grow said that was the message of President Holland’s ministry.

“We’re all going to experience those challenges,” Grow said, paraphrasing President Holland. “With the faith in good things to come, this is a gospel of happy endings.”

A legacy of connection

Grow said President Holland, who held a Ph.D. from Yale University, was blessed with a “remarkable intellect.” According to Grow, part of that intellect was the ability to remember people’s names and details about their lives.

Grow talked to nearly 60 people besides President Holland in writing the biography.

“A common theme was people saying, ‘I felt like I was his best friend,’” Grow said. “He made people feel that way. And that’s a gift.”



One of President Holland’s most cherished relationships was with his wife, Sister Patricia T. Holland, according to Grow.

The historian said that while President Holland served as the president of Brigham Young University, he and Sister Holland were renowned for giving joint devotionals, which eventually became known as “The Jeff and Pat Show.”

Once again, this choice came back to President Holland’s openness, said Grow.

“He wanted everyone to see this married couple at the stand, being candid about sometimes they could irritate each other, but they have this kind of fun back-and-forth that they do, but at the core of it this love for each other and this love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”



Episode 273: President Jeffrey R. Holland, 1940-2025: Witnessing of the Savior

Episode 225: Church historian Matt Grow encourages peacemaking amid historical misrepresentation

See photos from the life of President Jeffrey R. Holland, 1940-2025

Video: President Jeffrey R. Holland — ‘A man of faith’

]]>Jeffrey D. Allredhttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/15/in-case-you-missed-it-president-oaks-speaks-byu-elder-gilbert-called-newest-apostle/https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/02/15/in-case-you-missed-it-president-oaks-speaks-byu-elder-gilbert-called-newest-apostle/Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000During the week of Feb. 8 to 14, President Dallin H. Oaks shared four ways to draw closer to Jesus Christ in his first devotional address as Prophet, and Elder Clark G. Gilbert was called as the newest Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The rendering and future location of the Norfolk Virginia Temple was released, and in a live social media video, members of the Young Women general presidency invited young women to learn how the Holy Ghost speaks to them individually. Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, spoke to missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center about developing righteous daily habits.

In this week’s episode of the Church News podcast, Matt Grow discussed how working on the late President Jeffrey R. Holland’s biography strengthened his testimony of the Savior.

The Treasure Valley Ward (Swahili) was organized as the first Swahili-speaking ward in the United States. Also, more than 200 youth, families and missionaries participated in a milelong walk to the Mississippi River to commemorate the 180th anniversary of early Church members leaving Nauvoo to head west. Plus, donations, self-reliance initiatives and service have blessed families and communities across the United States.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. President Oaks offers the way to overcome any doubt: Draw closer to the Savior



President Oaks delivered his first devotional address as Prophet at Brigham Young University on Tuesday, Feb. 10. He shared four ways to draw closer to Jesus Christ, which is the answer to overcoming any doubt, he said.

While on BYU campus, President Oaks also attended a plaque unveiling at the Carillon Bell Tower.

Read more about President Oaks’ devotional here.

Watch a video about the devotional here.

Learn more about the Carillon Tower plaque unveiling here.

As institute celebrates 100 years, President Oaks issues special invitation to young adults across the world

President Oaks says he feels the responsibility of the prophetic mantle, which is ‘very holy’

2. Elder Clark G. Gilbert called as Church’s newest Apostle



Elder Gilbert — who previously served as the president of BYU–Idaho and is currently the commissioner of Church education — was announced as the Church’s newest Apostle on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Read more about Elder Gilbert’s call here.

Learn more about Elder Gilbert here.

Church News podcast, Episode 176: Elder Clark G. Gilbert on the expansive Church Educational System and the power of involving the Lord in learning

2025: Elder Gilbert, Sister Gilbert share 3 ways to find Christ in ‘The Family Proclamation’

3. Site, rendering released for Norfolk Virginia Temple



The site of the future Norfolk Virginia Temple was announced, along with a rendering of the house of the Lord. The Norfolk temple is one of four Latter-day Saint temples of various stages in Virginia.

See the location and rendering of the Norfolk Virginia Temple here.

2023: President Dallin H. Oaks dedicates the Richmond Virginia Temple, saying ‘Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone’

2025: Ground broken for second temple in Virginia

4. Learn how the Holy Ghost speaks, Young Women general presidency members invite



In a live video on the Young Women Worldwide Instagram and Facebook accounts, Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, her second counselor, continued the presidency’s ongoing discussion of chapters in the “For the Strength of Youth” guide along with the most recent words of the Prophet from his devotional at BYU. They shared why and how Church members can seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Read more about the live video here.

‘Jesus Christ is your strength,’ teaches Young Women general presidency

‘Do your best’ when working to make inspired choices, says Young Women general presidency

5. Make effort to obtain ‘infusions of light every day,’ Sister Dennis tells missionaries



Sister Dennis spoke to missionaries at the Provo MTC about staying close to Heavenly Father long after their missions are over.

“You need infusions of light every day. You need repentance every day,” she said.

Read more about Sister Dennis’ devotional here.

6 highlights of Latter-day Saint missionary work in 2025

Church announces the addition of 55 new missions in 2026

6. Church News podcast, Episode 280: Historian Matt Grow and Sheri Dew discuss lessons of hope from President Holland’s life and teachings



Church historian Matt Grow shared what he has learned from writing President Holland’s biography on this week’s episode of the Church News podcast.

“He would want people to know through his life the Lord Jesus Christ. He would want people to understand the miracles of his life. He would want people to understand what faith did for him,” Grow said of the late apostle.

Listen to the podcast here.

During funeral, President Jeffrey R. Holland’s children pay tribute to his life and legacy

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

7. A historic Sunday: Idaho congregation becomes first Swahili ward in the United States



The first Swahili-speaking ward in the U.S., the Treasure Valley Ward (Swahili), was formed in the Boise Idaho Stake earlier this month, with 177 ward members and 21 current and countless former missionaries who had served the group present.

Read more about this story here.

2023: Swahili-speaking members feel ‘stronger than ever’ after Salt Lake City visit

2009: Parleys Creek (Swahili) Branch created

8. Walk to Mississippi River commemorates 180th anniversary of Latter-day Saints leaving Nauvoo, Illinois

More than 200 visitors and missionaries gathered in Historic Nauvoo, Illinois, last weekend to commemorate the 180th anniversary of when the first wagons of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left the city on Feb. 4, 1846, as they headed west.

Read more about the Nauvoo 180th Anniversary Commemoration here.

2025: Remembering the power of temple covenants for Nauvoo pioneers during reenactment walk to Mississippi River

2025: Church announces plans to publish Nauvoo journal of William Clayton

9. What the Church does to help thousands in the United States each year



Throughout the U.S., millions of people have been fed, sheltered and cared for thanks to donations of time and resources from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

See a summary of the Church’s welfare projects in the U.S. in the past few years.

2025: Efforts to help the hungry are inspired by the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ, says Bishop Caussé

‘A mighty army of caring people’: Church’s donation in 2025 to Tennessee medical facility

See the Church News week in review each week

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