Church News

<p>During the October 2021 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Primary General <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-06-11/president-camille-johnson-relief-society-primary-service-trusting-in-the-lord-has-shaped-the-life-256226">President Camille N. Johnson</a> spoke to members about <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/42johnson?lang=eng">pondering their own personal narrative and allowing Christ to direct their story</a>. Little did she know that six months later, her own narrative would shift as members worldwide sustained her as the Church’s new Relief Society general president, effective Aug. 1. In this episode of the Church News podcast, President Johnson talks about allowing the Savior to be the “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/42johnson?lang=eng">author and finisher</a>” of her story — and the individual stories of all.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>The work and purpose of Primary is to “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/primary-organization/work-and-purpose?lang=eng">help children feel their Heavenly Father’s love and learn about His plan of happiness</a>.” For <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-07-10/sister-susan-h-porter-new-primary-general-presidency-counselor-218229">President Susan H. Porter</a>, that purpose has meant more to her in the past year as she has served as the first counselor in the Primary general presidency. She was <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2022-04-07/new-relief-society-primary-general-presidencies-sustained-during-april-2022-general-conference-249749">sustained in April 2022 general conference</a> as the Church's new Primary general president, effective Aug. 1. In the recent Saturday evening session of general conference, President Porter <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/32porter?lang=eng">spoke about how even children can turn to the Savior for strength and healing</a>. She joins this episode of the Church News podcast to share how “out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 64:33</a>).</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>. </p>

<p>There has always been a declared need for recording keeping in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, as documented in <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/21?lang=eng&id=1#p1">Doctrine and Covenants section 21</a>, affirms: “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you.” Historical records continue to bless Latter-day Saints, helping members to understand <a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/saints?lang=eng">the robust history of the Church</a> and the challenges their forefathers overcame. The modern explosion of technology has made it possible for members to share the Church's history and Christ's doctrine with the world at large.</p> <p><a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-legrand-r-curtis-jr-#:~:text=Elder%20Curtis%20has%20served%20in,2001%2C%20and%20Area%20Seventy">Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr</a>., a General Authority Seventy serving as Church Historian and Recorder and executive director of the <a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/">Church History Department</a>, joins this episode of the Church News podcast to share what he has learned about the importance of these records and how understanding the past history can define the future. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>“<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v2/part-1/04-an-ensign-to-the-nations?lang=eng">This is the place</a>.” These four simple words, uttered by a prophet, confirmed visions, gave a people their home and have become synonymous with the valley that headquarters The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On <a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-pioneer-day?lang=eng">July 24, 1847</a>, <a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/landing/prophets-of-the-restoration/brigham-young?lang=eng">Brigham Young</a> spoke those words as a company of pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley where the Church finally settled — building a community and a temple. As the 175 anniversary of that event approaches this July, Latter-day Saints celebrate the pioneers who made that journey possible and their spirit and legacy. This episode of the Church News podcast features<a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/author/grow-matthew-j"> historian Matt Grow</a>, the managing director of the <a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">Church History Department</a>, to explore this pivotal point in Church history 175 years after the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>During rare times when circumstances shift, including the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals have an opportunity “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/shelter-in-place-spiritually-and-physically-elder-holland-says-as-isolation-orders-continue-around-the-world?lang=eng">to look into our soul and see if we like what we see there.</a>” Life for<a href="https://www.deseret.com/authors/lois-m-collins"> Deseret News reporter Lois Collins</a> was a constant invitation to see things differently. <a href="https://www.deseret.com/1997/5/11/19311614/no-mother-s-day-will-ever-mean-more-to">Raised by blind parents</a>, Collins had the opportunity to <a href="https://www.deseret.com/2017/8/17/20617902/is-the-right-of-way-the-right-to-die-what-you-think-you-know-about-crossing-the-street-might-kill-yo">learn how to “see” in every sense of the word</a>. Of her mother, Collins once wrote, “She taught me not to worry about the things you can't change, but never to walk away from those you can.” Now, after some four decades as a journalist writing about families and family policy, she joins the Church News podcast to talk about her parents, Frank and Mary Collins, and <a href="https://www.deseret.com/2017/5/8/20608902/two-utah-women-offer-two-different-road-maps-to-growing-old-in-an-aging-america">help listeners</a> look inside themselves — and others — and see if they like what they find there. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>An iconic Christian hymn encourages listeners who may be “tempest-tossed” or otherwise burdened to <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/hymns/count-your-blessings?lang=eng">“Count Your Blessings.”</a> <a href="https://moralpersonality.byu.edu/people">Jenae Nelson</a>, who has <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-11-24/indebtedness-grateful-to-god-deeper-richer-gratitude-thanksgiving-thankful-blessings-234050">conducted research on indebtedness</a> with Brigham Young University professors Dr. Sam Hardy and Dr. Dianne Tice, bolsters this claim. In a yearlong study, Nelson found that recognizing what God has done, and feeling an indebtedness toward Him, doesn’t create feelings of obligation, but rather leads to increased overall happiness, well-being and even prosocial behavior. Nelson received her doctorate from Brigham Young University and is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Baylor University and a research affiliate at Harvard University. She joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss her research and share<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier"> how cultivating gratitude and indebtedness can improve a person’s life</a> and deepen his or her connection to God.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>In July 2019, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced an extensive new<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/childrenandyouth?lang=eng"> Children and Youth</a> program to strengthen the rising generation’s faith in Christ. This effort includes expanding <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/childrenandyouth/fsy/about/youth?lang=eng">For the Strength of Youth conferences</a>, also known as FSY, in countries across the globe. These popular five-day events consist of a series of devotionals, classes and activities geared toward youth ages 14-18 years old. This June, after a pandemic delay,<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-06-04/first-of-212-summer-fsy-sessions-finishes-with-surprise-visit-from-elder-rasband-256391"> the first sessions in the United States and Canada have run at full strength</a>.  Young Men General<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2020-04-10/new-young-men-general-presidency-april-2020-180918"> President Steven J. Lund</a> and<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-07-18/the-heavens-did-not-open-why-this-leaders-experience-with-the-book-of-mormon-still-built-her-testimony-156235"> Sister Rebecca L. Craven</a>, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, join this episode of the Church News podcast — with guest host<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/rjensendeseretnews-com"> Ryan Jensen</a>, Church News director of audience and reach — to share what they have learned preparing for and launching<a href="http://fsy.churchofjesuschrist.org/"> For the Strength of Youth conferences</a> in the United States and Canada. They also discuss both how parents and leaders can help youth to prepare for and sustain spiritual momentum after attending FSY. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>The Washington D.C. Temple has been an iconic sight on the National Capital Beltway since its<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2010-03-16/washington-d-c-temple-65913"> dedication in 1974</a>. In 2018, the temple closed for needed renovations and updating. As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepares to wrap up<a href="https://dctemple.org/"> the open house</a> for the newly renovated Washington D.C. Temple this week, Church leaders and others of influence speak of<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/why-latter-day-saints-build-temples?lang=eng"> the importance of temples</a> on this episode of the Church News podcast. During the public open house, more than 250,000 people<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2022-04-22/washington-dc-temple-what-those-who-visit-are-saying-251597"> toured the historic temple</a>. Elder David A. Bednar, Elder Quentin L. Cook, Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Sister Sharon Eubank and Sister Reyna I. Aburto of the Relief Society general presidency; members of the local temple committee and others are featured in this episode of the Church News podcast — which highlights<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-05-01/washington-dc-temple-open-house-what-church-leaders-said-bednar-eubank-cook-christofferson-aburto-gong-252205"> much of what has been said</a> about the Washington D.C. Temple.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p>Being raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, women are taught that they are <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/young-women-theme/young-women-theme?lang=eng">beloved daughters of heavenly parents</a>. This truth has helped<a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/carol-f-mcconkie"> Sister Carol F. McConkie, a former member of the Young Women general presidency</a>, share the gospel around the world. Now <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-04-30/carol-mcconkie-vice-president-young-women-presidency-211946">as the vice president of the NGO Committee</a> on <a href="https://ngocsw-geneva.ch/">the Status of Women</a>, in Geneva, Switzerland, Sister McConkie is serving and empowering women and girls worldwide as she advocates for human rights, education and self-reliance. Sister McConkie joins this episode of the Church News podcast to speak about the NGO committee and her new calling to lead, with her husband Oscar W. McConkie III, the Church’s Salt Lake Inner City Service Mission. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/1994-06-25/elder-jeffrey-r-holland-apostle-1994-139568">Elder Jeffrey R. Holland</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, <a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/patricia-t-holland/">Sister Patricia T. Holland</a>, have dedicated their lives to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this final episode <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/church-news-podcast/elder-jeffrey-r-holland-and-sister-patricia-hollan">of a two-part series</a>, they continue their conversation with guest host Sister <a href="https://deseretbook.com/t/author/sheri-l-dew">Sheri Dew</a>. The interview was recorded just before the world celebrated Easter, prompting them to talk about what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ and remember the miracle of Easter every day. Elder Holland has served as a general authority since April 1989 and is a former president of BYU. Sister Holland served as a counselor in the Young Women general presidency. Sister Dew is a former member of the Relief Society general presidency and the executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. This interview offers a glimpse into the Hollands’ testimony, leadership and service — during the season Easter and every day of the year. </p> <p>with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/1994-06-25/elder-jeffrey-r-holland-apostle-1994-139568">Elder Jeffrey R. Holland</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, <a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/patricia-t-holland/">Sister Patricia T. Holland</a>, have dedicated their lives to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This special episode of the Church News podcast is the first in a two-part series featuring the Hollands sharing some of the lessons they have learned through their lives. Elder Holland has served as a general authority since April 1989 and is a former president of BYU. Sister Holland served as a counselor in the Young Women general presidency during the organization's formative years, when the Young Women theme and values were created. They are joined by guest host Sister <a href="https://deseretbook.com/t/author/sheri-l-dew">Sheri Dew</a>, a former member of the Relief Society general presidency and the executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. The three discuss their lives, leadership, service, testimonies and discipleship of the Savior Jesus Christ.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p><a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/official-statement/religious-freedom#:~:text=For%20nearly%20200%20years%20Latter,%2C%20or%20what%20they%20may.%E2%80%9D">Freedom of religion is a basic principle</a> of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as a fundamental human right. Readers frequently ask why <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/search?q=Religous+freedom">the Church News writes so much on this important topic</a>. This episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://www.deseret.com/authors/kelsey-dallas/rss">Deseret News reporter and editor Kelsey Dallas</a> sharing her expertise on <a href="https://www.deseret.com/search?q=religious+freedom#nt=navsearch">religious freedom</a>. Dallas received a master’s degree in religion from Yale Divinity School and covers religion, politics and the Supreme Court for the Deseret News. She also serves as associate editor of Deseret News National. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>For months prior to the <a href="https://www.dctemple.org/">open house of the Washington D.C. Temple</a>, Diana Brown led <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-04-16/reverse-open-house-series-inspired-by-d-c-temple-open-sacred-sites-interfaith-events-250744">a unique group of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends on a different kind of open house tour.</a> The group visited sacred sites of other faiths in an effort to learn and foster interreligious relationships.<a href="https://campusministry.georgetown.edu/ourstaff/chaplainsandstaff/"> Diana is the assistant director of interreligious engagement at Georgetown University</a> and a Latter-day Saint. She joins the Church News podcast to talk about this "Reverse Open House” and<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-04-16/washington-dc-reverse-open-house-plan-prepare-participate-interfaith-interactions-250742"> how Latter-day Saints can strengthen relationships with friends, neighbors and community members through interfaith interactions</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>During the <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2022-04-03/general-conference-april-2022-key-topics-session-summaries-new-leaders-249538">April 2022 general conference</a>, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints focused, among other things, on the importance of missionary work for every member. <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/11nelson?lang=eng">"Every person who has made covenants with God has promised to care about others and serve those in need," said President Russell M. Nelson</a>. <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/davis-smith">Davis and Asialene Smith</a>, founders of the outdoor gear company <a href="https://www.cotopaxi.com/">Cotopaxi</a>, join this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about sharing the message of the Church of Jesus Christ and being better member missionaries.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>The third volume of “<a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/saints?lang=eng">Saints</a><em>” </em>— the narrative <a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> — was <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-04-21/saints-volume-3-shares-hope-faith-through-pandemic-wars-and-challenges-251089">released</a> April 22, 2022. Titled <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v3?lang=eng">“Boldly, Nobly, and Independent,”</a> the narrative book chronicles the spread of the Church worldwide from 1893 to 1955. This episode of the Church News podcast features “Saints” general editor and lead <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/author/woodworth-jed">historian Jed Woodworth</a>, and general editor and lead <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/author/hales-scott">writer Scott Hales</a>. They dive into the compelling accounts of Church members and communities during a period of social change, global pandemic and two world wars. They explain how faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can help Latter-day Saints overcome trials — including the trials Church members face today.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global Church headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. While the <a href="https://utah.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng-ut">Utah Area</a> is small in terms of geography, it is the Church’s largest in terms of membership, activity and influence. This episode of the Church News podcast features<a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-kevin-w-pearson#:~:text=Elder%20Pearson%20currently%20serves%20as,Pearson%2DKevin%2DW%2D2019"> Elder Kevin W. Pearson</a>, a General Authority Seventy and president of the Utah Area, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of building the Church in this area of the world. Elder Pearson is joined by a special guest host, <a href="https://deseretbook.com/t/author/sheri-l-dew">Sheri L. Dew</a>, executive vice president and chief content officer of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>In <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-12-21/church-news-podcast-episode-62-justserve-service-christmas-heath-bradley-237343">a recent Church News podcast with JustServe Global Manager Heath Bradley</a>, he remarked on how the youth of the Church are using<a href="https://www.justserve.org/"> the JustServe website</a> to serve the community and share their faith. Bradley said, “Young people are in love with JustServe…because it’s a launchpad to find out: What are my interests in serving? What are the things that I like to do.” This episode of the Church News podcast features<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-06-03/president-nelson-invites-youth-to-enlist-in-the-lords-battalion-by-doing-5-specific-things-10988"> two young adults who have found joy through service</a> using JustServe. McKaylee Burton, 22, is a stake Relief Society president who has helped spearhead several service activities. Austin Bradley is a senior in high school and serves as student body president. Both join the podcast to talk about their JustServe experiences and <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/2?lang=eng">how they have seen that service bless their lives and others</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>Amid turbulent times, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared messages of hope, faith and <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2022-04-03/general-conference-april-2022-jesus-christ-peace-peacemakers-conflict-gospel-249211">peace</a> during <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-04-01/lds-general-conference-april-2022-talks-photos-summaries-248216">the 192nd Annual General Conference</a>. They counseled Church members to avoid contention, find and stay on the<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2022-04-02/president-bingham-april-2022-general-conference-covenants-with-god-248273"> covenant path</a> and <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-04-02/general-conference-april-2022-prophetic-call-young-man-to-serve-mission-young-sisters-nelson-ballard-248834">share the blessings of the restored gospel with others</a>. The five conference sessions originated from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 2-3, 2022, and signaled a return to a more traditional general conference than has been held in the past two years. This episode of the Church News podcast <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2022-04-04/general-conference-april-2022-download-pdf-talk-summaries-249365">features excerpts from </a>general conference addresses. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by <a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/">KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-06-14/inside-the-quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles-what-president-ballard-has-learned-in-over-40-years-of-service-159529">President M. Russell Ballard</a>, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has given dozens of conferences addresses since his call as a general authority in 1976. After 46 years in general Church leadership, he joins this episode of the Church News podcast to <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-03-27/president-ballard-remembers-general-conference-as-longest-serving-living-general-authority-247512">share his memories of general conference</a>. As members and friends of the Church prepare for the upcoming <a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/april-2022-general-conference">192nd Annual General Conference</a> the first weekend of April 2022, President Ballard offers insights into the event and what it is like to prepare a general conference talk. “I try to think through what the current needs and realities of what people are facing and try to say something that would be helpful to them, all focused on the anchor that everyone needs in their life, regardless of what’s happening, and that anchor is to stay close to the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>In recent years, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-02-27/president-nelson-california-devotional-invitations-seek-truth-make-and-keep-covenants-gather-israel-244077">smartphones, tablets and social media have allowed missionaries</a> and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to reach “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/58.64?lang=eng#p64">unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” (D&C 58:64)</a>. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ spans <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/37?lang=eng">“every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” (Alma 37:4</a>) This episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2009-05-02/elder-brent-h-nielson-general-authority-seventy-2009-71846">Elder Brent H. Nielson</a> of the Presidency of the Seventy. Beginning in 2014, Elder Nielson was assigned to assist with the Church's missionary efforts, serving as the executive director of the Missionary Department from 2015 to 2020. Elder Nielson recalls the miracles he has observed as the Church began to transition from traditional missionary efforts to using technology to reach millions more people.  Also featured in this podcast is <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/taylordeseretnews-com">Scott Taylor of the Church News</a> staff, the former president of the Arizona Phoenix mission, who implemented some of these early changes in that mission. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>On March 17, 2022, the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/relief-society-organization/?lang=eng">Relief Society</a> of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-03-06/relief-society-invitation-to-serve-180-anniversary-justserve-244760">celebrate its 180th anniversary</a>. This episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-09-11/sister-jean-b-bingham-a-builder-of-the-church-8645">Relief Society General President ​Jean B. Bingham</a> on the importance of the organization and the essential role of women in the Church. With the motto “Charity Never Faileth,” the Relief Society for 180 years has blessed millions worldwide in its efforts to strengthen women and families, increase faith and offer relief across the globe.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke in October 2013 general conference on acknowledging and confronting mental illness. “Though we may feel we are ‘<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng">like a broken vessel</a>, … we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter,’” said Elder Holland. This episode of the Church News podcast features a licensed psychologist and Latter-day Saint who has spent his career helping individuals struggling with anxiety and mental illness.<a href="http://www.ldspsychologist.com/"> David T. Morgan, a counselor, author and motivational speaker</a>, uses gospel insights and real-life applications to explore strategies — secular and spiritual — to<a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/enduring-the-refiner-s-fire?queryID=fdc9fb9889033b5e16e2154904873cd7&variant_id=198778-paperback"> forge emotional resilience</a>. </p> <p>This podcast continues the previous Church News podcast conversations about<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/families-and-individuals/lifes-challenges/hope-and-help?lang=eng"> mental health</a>, which include “<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-06-29/episode-37-podcast-sister-aburto-mental-emotional-health-savior-218018"><strong>Church News Podcast Episode 37</strong>: Sister Aburto on mental, emotional health and the power of turning to the Savior for comfort</a>,” and “<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-02-02/anxiety-life-help-resource-elder-aidukaitis-carol-costley-203173"><strong>Church News Podcast Episode 16:</strong> Anxiety and a Church resource for Life Help</a>.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p>After decades of business leadership and general Church service, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leader/keith-b-mcmullin?lang=eng">Bishop Keith B. McMullin</a> has learned many principles of successful leadership — skills that are needed now more than ever during this time defined by the pandemic, political tensions, social strife and war. As the <a href="https://www.deseret.com/2012/4/5/20405037/deseret-management-corporation-announces-the-retirement-of-ceo-mark-willes-appoints-keith-b-mcmullin#keith-b-mcmullin-is-interviewed-after-being-appointed-as-the-new-ceo-of-deseret-management-corporation-in-salt-lake-city-thursday-april-5-2012">chief executive officer of Deseret Management Corp.</a>, an emeritus general authority and former member of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and former managing director of the Church’s Welfare Services, he understands <a href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/speakers/keith-b-mcmullin?lang=eng">that following the example of the Savior</a> will strengthen Church, work and family leadership. Bishop McMullin joins this episode of the Church News podcast to share his experiences and observations on outstanding leadership.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>After attracting more than 1 million visitors from 240 countries and territories for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2021-02-27/rootstech-connect-virtual-global-event-one-million-participants-205560">last year’s online event</a>, <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/next/">RootsTech</a> will be<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2021-11-29/register-for-rootstech-2022-online-family-history-event-233899"> completely virtual again</a> in 2022. The three-day global family history event is happening March 3-5; registration is free. Participants will hear from <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-01-26/azumah-nelson-african-boxer-rootstech-keynote-speaker-241009">international keynote speakers</a> and have access to on-demand, livestream and interactive sessions where they can connect with one another, ask questions and learn from experts. This episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/jen-allen-the-woman-behind-the-rootstech-magic">Jen Allen, director of events at FamilySearch</a>, and <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/speakers/jonathan-wing/en">Jonathan H. Wing, RootsTech manager</a>, who offer a peek behind the scenes of RootsTech 2022 and talk about <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/rootstech-2022-registration">this year’s theme, “Choose Connection.”</a> They are joined by <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sydneywalkerdeseretnews-com">guest host and Church News reporter Sydney Walker</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>From its <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-10-03/president-nelson-video-salt-lake-temple-renovation-october-2021-general-conference-228264">granite foundation</a> to its heavenly spires, the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/salt-lake-temple?lang=eng">Salt Lake Temple</a> is a landmark and symbol for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Originally dedicated in 1893, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/templesquare/temple-square-construction-updates?lang=eng">the Salt Lake Temple closed for extensive renovation</a>s just over two years ago. Brent Roberts, managing director of the Church's Special Projects Department, and Andy Kirby, director of historic temple renovations, join this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about this expansive enterprise. They detail the work that has been done, the unexpected things they discovered along the way and what still has to be accomplished as work continues on the historic temple, Temple Square and the Church plaza. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2008-04-19/elder-d-todd-christofferson-apostle-2008-76971">Elder D. Todd Christofferson</a> addressed thousands gathered in San Diego, California, on Jan. 29, 2022, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-01-30/mormon-battalion-175-years-elder-christofferson-241385">in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the Mormon Battalion to the city</a>. In a Church News interview, taped on the streets of Old Town San Diego that day, he spoke of the battalion's historic 2,100-mile march and why learning about history matters. This episode of the Church News podcast features that interview with Elder Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also features an interview with <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/historic-sites/california/mormon-battalion-historic-site?lang=eng">Mormon Battalion Historic Site</a> leaders,<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2021-10-27/learn-about-the-new-leaders-of-these-5-church-historic-sites-230395"> President Brent L. Top and Sister Wendy C. Top</a>. Elder Christofferson and President and Sister Top emphasize drawing courage from the faith-infused actions of the past to face modern challenges.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-08-02/what-is-the-2022-youth-theme-221167">2022 youth theme</a> for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has great meaning during this year, defined by culture wars and the continued COVID-19 pandemic: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/3.5-6?lang=eng#3">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>). This episode of the Church News podcast features the Church’s<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2020-04-10/new-young-men-general-presidency-april-2020-180918"> Young Men general presidency</a> — President Steven J. Lund and his counselors, Brother Ahmad S. Corbitt and Brother Bradley R. Wilcox — discussing the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/childrenandyouth/fsy/about/youth?lang=eng">strength and testimonies of Latter-day Saint youth</a>. In this and other times of uncertainty, the voice of prophets can guide young people toward light, said President Lund. “It is our prayer, our constant prayer, that our youth will be able to see the power of the doctrines of the kingdom that are brought to us through the prophets, seers and revelators on the earth today.” </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p>Jan. 14, 2022, marked the <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-01-14/president-nelson-4-years-as-prophet-photo-gallery-238986">four-year anniversary</a> of <a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/leader-biographies/president-russell-m-nelson">President Russell M. Nelson's</a> leading The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Within that historic time frame, President Nelson has guided the Church’s almost 17 million members during the COVID-19 pandemic, issued powerful invitations, traveled extensively and built many bridges of understanding with community, government and religious leaders. This special episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-03-11/video-sister-wendy-nelson-shares-her-personal-witness-of-president-russell-m-nelsons-prophetic-ministry-155993">Sister Wendy W. Nelson</a>, the wife of President Nelson and a retired marriage and family therapist and professor. She shares her testimony, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-01-23/europe-devotional-russell-m-nelson-david-a-bednar-the-church-has-an-unparalleled-future-in-europe-latter-day-saints-from-48-european-countries-240600">how to seek for truth</a> in an age of overflowing information and<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-01-05/sister-wendy-nelson-sheri-dew-president-nelson-prophet-three-years-201007"> what she has learned</a> as an eyewitness to President Nelson's extraordinary ministry. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://byucougars.com/page/quick-facts">Brigham Young University sports</a> fans had plenty to cheer about in 2021. The women claimed second-place finishes in soccer and cross-country and a Sweet 16 appearance in volleyball. Fans also enjoyed national rankings in football and men's and women’s basketball, and individual national recognitions in cross country and track and field. BYU Athletic Director <a href="https://byucougars.com/staff/athletics/16939/tom-holmoe#:~:text=Tom%20Holmoe%20was%20named%20Director,and%20a%20190%2Dperson%20staff.">Tom Holmoe</a> and <a href="https://byucougars.com/staff/athletics/112716/liz-darger#:~:text=of%20the%20Church.-,Liz%20Darger%20is%20the%20senior%20associate%20athletic%20director%2Fsenior%20woman,and%20outdoor%20track%20and%20field.">Liz Darger</a>, BYU’s senior associate athletic director/senior woman administrator and a member of the <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-05-18/byu-devotional-liz-darger-home-court-advantage-213647">Young Women </a>general advisory council, join this episode of the Church News podcast. The episode also features guest host and avid BYU sports fan<a href="https://deseretbook.com/t/author/sheri-l-dew"> Sheri L. Dew</a>, executive vice president and chief content officer of Deseret Management Corporation and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency. They talk about BYU athletic programs and athletes and the role they play in the university and, by extension, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/ethiopia">Ethiopia’s</a> national capital and largest city,<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2020-01-09/see-the-complete-list-of-130-new-mission-leadership-assignments-for-2020-171488"> Addis Ababa, hosts a new mission</a> for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently opened in summer 2020. The first leaders of this mission, <a href="https://news-nz.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/australian-church-communication-director-called-to-lead-ethiopia-mission">President Robert Dudfield and Sister Darice Dudfield</a>, join this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about missionary work in Ethiopia and all that has impacted it — including the pandemic and the recent civil unrest that has caused <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-11-06/missionaries-transferred-from-ethiopia-to-kenya-due-to-civil-unrest-232248">President and Sister Dudfield, along with their missionaries, to temporarily relocate to the neighboring country of Kenya</a>. They are examples of serving the Lord <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/123?lang=eng">faithfully and flexibly</a>, as well as the blessings that come from serving in the Church and testifying of Jesus Christ.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>There has never been a time when media literacy is more important than in today’s media-saturated world. One way of being alert and vigilant is preparing and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4WKziIziWg&list=PLAYgY8SPtEWEIo_YeVUAsFYl_W1apkPfW&index=5">protecting homes and children from the aggressive assault of pornography</a> through establishing a pattern of open conversations. This episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://www.whiteribbonweek.org/work#:~:text=world%20of%20technology.-,Deanna%20Lambson,%2C%20fancy%20paper%2C%20and%20journaling">Deanna Lambson</a>, a Latter-day Saint educator and founder of <a href="http://whiteribbonweek.org/">WhiteRibbonWeek.org</a>. She discusses a gospel-centered approach to starting age-appropriate conversations about digital citizenship and internet safety and tackling less-comfortable subjects. Lambson also offers a road map for becoming trusted adults who facilitate conversations and listen with love and attention.</p> <p>This podcast continues the<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-03-23/episode-23-protection-from-pornography-5-action-points-for-parents-207613"> previous Church News podcast conversation with Dr. Jill Manning</a>, a licensed marriage and family therapist who offered 5 action points or characteristics for protecting families from pornography. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>With the continuing coronavirus pandemic and rising political tensions, 2021 has been a unique and challenging year during which many overcame contempt by connecting with those of different backgrounds, faiths and attitudes. <a href="https://www.deseret.com/">Deseret News</a> Executive Editor<a href="https://www.deseret.com/authors/doug-wilks"> Doug Wilks</a>, a journalist who <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2020-12-22/episode-10-deseret-news-editor-doug-wilks-journalism-hope-2020-200458">serves as a stake president</a> in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the important events of 2021 and how they impacted Latter-day Saints — as well as the nation and the world. As many struggle with <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-08-17/episode-44-podcast-historian-richard-turley-vaccinations-face-masks-222519">the rollout and acceptance of immunizations</a>, distrust of institutions and skepticism of social media, Wilks reminds listeners that true healing and light come through the gospel of Jesus Christ and affirms that as God’s children seek ways to help, serve and worship together, they will overcome trials with faith and hope for the year ahead. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>During the Christmas season — marked by celebrations of the birth and life of Jesus Christ — many turn their focus on serving others. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints connects people across the globe to service opportunities with an inspired initiative called <a href="https://www.justserve.org/">JustServe</a>. This episode of the Church News podcast features Heath Bradley, the global manager of JustServe, to talk about service this Christmas season and every day of the year.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/mrichardsdeseretnews-com">Mary Richards</a> spent nearly two decades working as a reporter for <a href="https://kslnewsradio.com/">KSL NewsRadio</a> in the heart of Salt Lake City. Working near the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mary had many opportunities to report on Latter-day Saint events and members. During her radio career, she produced numerous <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/conference-conversations">radio documentaries that aired between general conference sessions</a>. While working on these projects, from <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/conference-conversations/the-dawning-of-a-brighter-day-a-new-temple-comes-t">covering the temple dedication in Haiti</a> to exploring the<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/conference-conversations/the-impact-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision"> Sacred Grove for the bicentennial celebration of the First Vision</a>, she was able to see the good work of the Church roll forward. She joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss her recent move to the Church News staff where she is working to help create a “Living Record of the Restoration.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>In <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/opening-remarks?lang=eng">October 2018, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a new home-centered, Church-supported integrated gospel curriculum</a> known as “<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/come-follow-me?lang=eng">Come, Follow Me</a>.” He promised that the plan would “unleash the power of families.” This episode of the Church News podcast features the Church’s <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/sunday-school-general-presidency?lang=eng">Sunday School</a> general presidency: <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/mark-l-pace?lang=eng">President Mark L. Pace, Sunday School general president</a>; <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2019/05/news-of-the-church/milton-camargo?lang=eng">Brother Milton Camargo, first counselor</a>; and <a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/brother-jan-e-newman">Brother Jan E. Newman, second counselor</a>. Together, they reflect on the blessings of “Come, Follow Me” as Latter-day Saints begin a fourth year of the program, this time <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-old-testament-2022?lang=eng">featuring a study of the Old Testament</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>Christmas is a favorite time of year for many Christians across the globe as they cherish the opportunity to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Members of the Savior's Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, each have unique and special Christmas traditions that come from their families, countries and cultures. This episode of the Church News podcast explores one family's Christmas traditions and the beautiful way they share them with others.<a href="https://www.deseret.com/2008/10/18/20380254/a-knock-on-the-door-forever-changed-sister-uchtdorf"> Sister Harriet R. Uchtdorf</a> and Antje Uchtdorf Evans, the wife and daughter of<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/dieter-f-uchtdorf?lang=eng"> Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf</a> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, discuss how family<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2009-12-12/sister-harriet-r-uchtdorf-der-weinachtsbaum-151-memories-linger-of-small-tree-68146"> traditions from their German homeland</a> help them focus on the Savior during the holiday season. They also talk about how they are sharing some of these European traditions through their service with <a href="https://www.christkindlmarkt-slc.com/">The Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place Heritage Park</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>One year ago on Nov. 20, 2020, amid the throes of the coronavirus pandemic, <a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-gratitude-message">President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended a global invitation of hope, healing and unity</a>. He invited people everywhere, regardless of faith and circumstance, to share their gratitude on social media with the hashtag #GiveThanks. Within the first hour of the video release, it was viewed more than a million times; the #GiveThanks hashtag<a href="https://archive.twitter-trending.com/united-states/20-11-2020"> was trending on Twitter in the United States at </a>No. 1 and by the end of the <a href="https://archive.twitter-trending.com/worldwide/20-11-2020?w=%23givethanks">day was No. 2 worldwide</a>. This episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://twitter.com/stevikayg">Deseret News’ Director of Content Promotion Stevi Ginolfi</a>, who reviews the impact of the <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-11-19/president-nelson-give-thanks-invitation-one-year-later-233704">#GiveThanks</a> movement and shares how she accepted the Prophet's challenge to cultivate the healing power of gratitude.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>When Latter-day Saints think about conversion, they often think of individuals joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through baptism. <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1980/04/every-member-a-convert?lang=eng">But every member is a convert in his or her own right</a> by developing a personal testimony. And sadly, there are times when individuals choose to leave the gospel path. This episode of the Church News podcast features information about those who come back, who reengage in the gospel and build stronger <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/7.24-27?lang=eng#23">foundations</a> than before. These “reconversions” happen more often than one might think.<strong> </strong>Eric d’Evegnée and Sarah Hafen d’Evegnée<strong> </strong>are BYU-Idaho English professors. Together they are creating and analyzing a database of reconversion stories to learn lessons that might help those with questions of faith. These efforts began decades ago as Sarah d’Evegnée’s father, <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1996/05/news-of-the-church/elder-bruce-c-hafen-of-the-seventy?lang=eng">Elder Bruce C. Hafen</a>, an emeritus general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ, spoke on <a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-c-hafen/love-is-not-blind-thoughts-college-students-faith-ambiguity/">faith and ambiguity </a>at Ricks College. Their campaign grew with the publication of a book, “<a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/faith-is-not-blind">Faith Is Not Blind</a>,” by Elder Hafen and his wife, Sister Marie Hafen. Now they all continue the conversation with the <a href="https://www.faithisnotblind.org/">Faith Is Not Blind Project</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p>Three senior Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-09-01/life-president-m-russell-ballard-acting-president-quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles-anxiously-engaged-223770">President M. Russell Ballard</a>, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/1994-06-25/elder-holland-is-new-apostle-139568">Elder Jeffrey R. Holland</a> and <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2007-10-06/elder-quentin-l-cook-apostle-2007-2-79408">Elder Quentin L. Cook</a> — traveled to England and Scotland in October 2021 to address both Church members and missionaries. <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-10-26/spiritual-home-president-ballard-elder-holland-elder-cooke-british-isles-missionaries-230942">The trip marked a “coming home” for the trio of Church leaders as each had served missions in the British Isles</a>. President Ballard first arrived in Great Britain as a young missionary in 1948, just three years after the end of World War II. Elder Cook arrived in England in September 1960, followed by Elder Holland in October of the same year; they would serve together as companions in summer 1962. Sister Patricia Holland and Sister Mary Cook accompanied their husbands on the trip. This episode of the Church News podcast features highlights of this historic moment in time, shared by the leaders’ own words, reflecting on how the area, people and <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-10-30/president-ballard-elder-holland-cook-british-isles-missionaries-jesus-christ-231268">foundational spiritual experiences</a> shaped their lives of gospel service.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p dir="ltr">The New Testament’s<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/25?lang=eng&id=14-30#p14" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/25?lang%3Deng%26id%3D14-30%23p14&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNFlC5k9dQVsFEccVi94AFoS5Zcz1g"> parable of the talents</a> teaches us that God gives us everything we need to accomplish the work He has asked us to do, including the special skills and talents to grow and share our testimony with others. This episode of the Church News podcast features a member musician of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, <a href="http://www.wayneburton.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wayneburton.com/&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNGLAtW5XUAqRP4dMEGfNxr1CZeLIA">Dr. Wayne Burton</a>. The podcast also includes a small sampling of his music. The medical doctor has chosen to grow his musical talents by<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Tyler+Castleton+%26+Wayne+Burton&i=digital-music&search-type=ss&ref=ntt_srch_drd_B01AIOAPMK" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/s?k%3DTyler%2BCastleton%2B%2526%2BWayne%2BBurton%26i%3Ddigital-music%26search-type%3Dss%26ref%3Dntt_srch_drd_B01AIOAPMK&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNHaSw-20C5lP1auN5KqbYdXYVJcLg"> writing and producing Latter-day Saint music</a> as part of his discipleship. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Selections of Wayne Burton’s music are played within this podcast as follows:</em></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>“A Light to the World,”</strong> written by <a href="http://www.wayneburton.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wayneburton.com/&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNGLAtW5XUAqRP4dMEGfNxr1CZeLIA">Wayne Burton</a> and <a href="https://www.tylercastleton.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tylercastleton.com/&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNGe0iRVUYOYieEoI7bEhrne0R7fgA">Tyler Castleton</a>, performed by <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/he-will-never-change-featuring-claire-quigley?lang=eng" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/he-will-never-change-featuring-claire-quigley?lang%3Deng&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNEvXqUit-7kmI5OOcpIVilnu3ytpQ">Claire Quigley</a> on the album “<a href="http://wayneburton.com/product/hear-him-by-the-voice-of-my-servants-vol-2-cd-album/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://wayneburton.com/product/hear-him-by-the-voice-of-my-servants-vol-2-cd-album/&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNGwvbKQwtmufbrknH_ddGlcvEPyZw">Hear Him - By the Voice of My Servants, Vol. 2</a>.”</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>“In Heaven's Light,”</strong> written and performed by Wayne Burton. Currently released on <a href="https://youtu.be/YorqiAX0rTE" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/YorqiAX0rTE&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNFQzb1kC_XHVL8bYilu3hoNJwZg3w">YouTube</a> and to be featured on an upcoming album. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>“All I Need To Know,”</strong> written by Wayne Burton and Tyler Castleton. Performed by Wayne Burton on the album “<a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/cd-all-i-need-to-know?ref=Grid%20%7C%20Search-42&variant_id=171600-cd-album" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://deseretbook.com/p/cd-all-i-need-to-know?ref%3DGrid%2520%257C%2520Search-42%26variant_id%3D171600-cd-album&source=gmail&ust=1635895837619000&usg=AFQjCNEdj-tuuJPsaTN5SOrZbYrUJYAl0A">All I Need To Know</a>.”</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>“God of All,”</strong>  written by Wayne Burton, performed by <a href="https://www.hannaeyre.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.hannaeyre.com/&source=gmail&ust=1

<ul></ul> <p>Senior members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been contributing to the missionary efforts of the Church since the earliest days of the Restoration. Today the opportunities for senior missionaries are vast, and more missionaries are needed. Still, there are a lot of misconceptions about this important volunteer work. Today we are joined by the Church Missionary Department’s <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2016-05-05/elder-weatherford-t-clayton-general-authority-seventy-2016-26489">Elder Weatherford T. Clayton</a> and Arthur Johnson to discuss the need for <a href="https://seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org/srsite/">senior missionaries in the Church</a> and the variety of ways they can serve younger generations and the world. </p> <p>To learn more about senior Church service opportunities visit <a href="https://seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org/srsite/?lang=eng">SeniorMissionary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org</a>. Members and their priesthood leaders can also contact the Missionary Department directly at 801-240-0897, or via email at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>Construction of the original<a href="https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/historic-sites/illinois/nauvoo/nauvoo-temple?lang=eng"> Nauvoo Temple</a> began in the spring of 1841 on a hilltop overlooking the Mississippi River. Early Latter-day Saints labored to build the temple, completing the sacred building after the martyrdom of the Prophet <a href="https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/">Joseph Smith</a>. This episode of the Church News podcast explores the history and significance of the Nauvoo Temple. Joining the podcast is <a href="https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/articles/project-team#spencerMcBride">Spencer W. McBride</a>, an associate managing historian of the Joseph Smith Papers who earned a Ph.D. in history from Louisiana State University. The host of “<a href="https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/articles/the-nauvoo-temple-a-joseph-smith-papers-podcast">The Nauvoo Temple: A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast</a>,” he is uniquely poised to speak on Joseph Smith, the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the importance of the Nauvoo Temple for early Church pioneers and for all of us today.  </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>In March 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic intensified across the globe, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints turned their thoughts to<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-06-23/provo-missionary-training-center-mtc-new-missionaries-reopens-online-onsite-training-217342"> full-time missionaries facing increasing health risks</a> and nations about to close borders. They began returning missionaries to their home nations and reimagining the work. This episode of the Church News podcast explores all that has happened to missionary work during the past year and a half and looks forward to the future of missionary work in the Church of Jesus Christ. The episode features <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2006-05-06/elder-marcus-b-nash-general-authority-seventy-2006-86503">Elder Marcus B. Nash, a General Authority Seventy</a> and executive director of the Church's Missionary Department, and<a href="https://marriott.byu.edu/advisoryboard/directory/member/?id=2571"> David N. Weidman, managing director of the Church's Missionary Department</a> to talk about missionary work, with Church News managing editor and former Arizona Phoenix Mission president <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/taylordeseretnews-com">Scott Taylor</a> as guest host.  </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe participated in the Church’s <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-09-28/lds-general-conference-october-2021-talks-photos-226836">191st Semiannual General Conference</a> on Oct. 2-3. Standing at the Conference Center podium for the first time since the progression of the coronavirus pandemic, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2021-10-02/president-nelson-october-2021-general-conference-truth-doctrine-revelation-227145">President Russell M. Nelson declared, “There has never been a time in history when knowledge of the Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul.</a>” This episode of the Church News podcast summarizes the historic conference with quotes from the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and women leaders of the Church. The podcast summarizes conference themes of loving God, seeking faith amid adversity and building a stronger and more hopeful foundation in the gospel of Christ.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>Twentyseven people attended the first general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 9, 1830 — just months after <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20?lang=eng">the organization of the Church</a>. Now, with the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/events/october-2021-general-conference?lang=eng">upcoming 191st Semiannual General Conference in October 2021</a>, millions of Church members and others around the world have the opportunity to learn from modern prophets and Church leaders. Church employees and volunteers work an estimated 91,000 hours to prepare for, host, broadcast and record the two-day, five-session general conference — an event translated into 98 languages. This episode of the Church News podcast gives listeners a look at conference preparations as <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2018-05-18/secretary-to-the-first-presidency-called-as-a-general-authority-seventy-11344">Elder Brook P. Hales, a General Authority Seventy and secretary to the First Presidency,</a> shares insights into the production of the monumental event. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global faith with 16.5 million members who speak dozens of languages. This October marks 50 years since Church leaders began translating the faith’s semiannual general conference. In 1961 messages were shared in Dutch, German, Samoan and Spanish. Today — as a reflection of this growing global faith — general conference addresses will be translated into 97 languages. This episode of the Church News podcast features Church News translation coordinator <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/vfitzgibbondeseretnews-com">Vanessa Fitzgibbon</a>. She will talk about the miracle of translation that connects a global Church and about translating Church News content from English into <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/es/">Spanish</a> and <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/pt/">Portuguese</a>. Fitzgibbon, originally from Brazil, shares her conversion story, the process of translating Church News content and the necessity of seeking the Spirit during the process.   </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p>After months defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people across the globe are longing for social connection. This episode of the Church News podcast features <a href="https://julianneholtlunstad.byu.edu/julianne-holt-lunstad">Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University</a>, who addresses the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMbRWNiauNE">long-term health effects of social connection</a>. According to her research, isolation and loneliness are risk factors for early mortality. Dr. Holt-Lunstad has worked with government organizations aimed at addressing the issue. She has also provided expert testimony in a U.S. congressional hearing and expert recommendations to the U.S. surgeon general. She talks about how human connection is the key to fighting the current loneliness epidemic and shares tools to eliminate loneliness in ourselves and others. </p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<ul></ul> <p>During his time as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-01-16/getting-to-know-president-russell-m-nelson-of-the-first-presidency-14084">President Russell M. Nelson</a> has traveled 115,000 miles to 35 nations on six continents. He has met with members in large and small settings — often addressing them in their own languages — and with world leaders. During the past 18 months, President Nelson has led the Church through the COVID-19 pandemic. <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-09-06/president-nelson-prophet-birthday-96-years-ministry-192149">President Nelson will turn 97 </a>years old on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. Michael Colemere, managing director of Church Communications, and Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp., join this episode of the Church News podcast to share what they have learned from President Nelson.<strong> </strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p><a href="https://leavittpartners.com/speakers/michael-o-leavitt/">Former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt</a> has been <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-08-06/tabernacle-choir-temple-square-new-president-mike-leavitt-221504">called as the new president of the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square</a>. He will apply experience gained during decades of civil service to guide <a href="https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/">the Tabernacle Choir</a> into a more global future. Elected to three terms as governor of Utah, he served twice in the Cabinet of President George W. Bush — first as Environmental Protection Agency administrator, and later as the secretary of health and human services. This episode of the Church News podcast features President Leavitt talking about his new role, the strengths of his wife, Jacalyn — who will serve with him, and what the coming months look like for the choir amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>

<p>A powerful 7.2 magnitude <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-08-14/haiti-earthquake-missionaries-temple-faith-caribbean-gavarret-222317">earthquake rocked Haiti on Saturday, August 12, 2021</a>, claiming more than 2,100 lives, injuring more than 12,000 and leaving some 600,000 in need of assistance in the nation already affected by poverty and political unrest. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Sarah Jane Weaver is joined by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that has made it <a href="https://www.haitianroots.org/">her life's mission to assist the people of Haiti through education</a>. <a href="https://www.haitianroots.org/shannon-cox">Shannon Allred Cox</a> is the mother of six children, including two adopted sons from Haiti, and the founder of a nonprofit organization aimed to promote education in the nation. She discusses her membership in the Church, the power of personal revelation, the gift of motherhood and how serving others eases personal trials.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by<a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/"> KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>