3 Things That Have Brought Me Joy as a Young Adult
Daniel Sseremba
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Africa
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Daniel Sseremba walked four hours to Kampala to obtain his passport during the COVID-19 pandemic, so he could serve a mission. Despite the physical exhaustion, he felt it was worth it as it allowed him to share the gospel and experience joy.
I was preparing to serve a mission while many things were shut down due to COVID-19. I needed to travel to the capital city of Uganda—Kampala—to get my passport but couldn’t take a taxi because of the pandemic. I knew I needed my passport to go on my mission, so I decided to walk four hours into the city. When I finally got my passport, I was exhausted and my feet were swollen, but I knew it would be worth it. And I was right! The Lord promises that when we bring others to Him, we will exp ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
4 Things to Remember If Youâ??re Experiencing Relationship Anxiety
By Lucy Stevenson Ewell
- Church Magazines
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
The author experienced severe anxiety while engaged, questioning if her fiancé was the right choice. Through prayer, the support of her fiancé, family, a wise bishop, and professional help, she learned to distinguish between anxiety and spiritual promptings. She ultimately chose to marry her fiancé, continuing to manage her anxiety with faith and support.
This was not what I thought being engaged would feel like. My fiancé was righteous, worthy, and kind. We’d prayerfully considered the decision to get married. But no matter what I did, I couldn’t shake a horribly anxious feeling. “What if he’s the wrong person for me?” I wondered. “What if I mess up Heavenly Father’s plan for me by making the wrong choice?” Some days the anxiety felt like a crushing boulder I couldn’t get out from under. If marrying my fiancé was right, why d ... (continued)
👤 Parents
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Friends
A Journey of Grief
Paul Culbert
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
The narrator shares his journey of grief after the passing of his wife, Ethel, in 2021. Despite support from family, friends, and the Church community, he struggled with intense sorrow and feelings of incompleteness. He sought counseling, joined social groups, and found strength in temple attendance and bereavement support. Over time, he learned to open up, accept setbacks, and move forward while cherishing memories of Ethel.
Some things in life have useful parallels. Losing a mobile phone might help us empathise with someone who loses their laptop but rarely are our experiences exactly the same, and there is always a uniqueness to our emotions, coloured by our attachment to what is lost. When it comes to the death of a spouse, no previous life experience, including the loss of other loved ones, quite prepared me for the overwhelming effects of such an event. But this is my story â?? a brief overview of how grief af ... (continued)
👤 Parents
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Friends
A Journey of Redemption and Divine Grace
Zac Puah
- Hyde Park Stake, London
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
After being laid off from a banking job, the narrator suffered a heart attack. During the event, they experienced a spiritual encounter with an angelic paramedic who guided them towards repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. This experience led to a profound transformation and commitment to living according to God's commandments.
In February 2024, my world shattered when I was laid off amid a wave of redundancies in the banking industry. I felt worthless, as if my identity and purpose had been stripped away. Spiraling into despair, I sought solace in the very habits that were destroying me. My health deteriorated and in March 2024 I suffered a heart attackâ??a moment that would change my life forever.
I will never forget the events of that day. The symptoms came suddenly: cold sweats, a racing heartbeat and, eventually, ... (continued)
👤 Other
A Lesson Learned from Eric
Douglas Murray
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
Second-Hand Account
Eric was called to be a Prison Visitor, a calling he initially felt unsure about. On his way to the prison, he heard a voice reminding him of Christ's sacrifice, which changed his perspective. He served as a Prison Visitor for 34 years, learning about love and service.
On one occasion I spent a few moments with two elderly patrons who were quietly relaxing before engaging in an endowment session. As we spoke, I asked one of these men what he was called to in the Church. His name is Eric and this is his story. â??I was called to a meeting with the Stake President. In my heart I knew that I was to be interviewed for a new call to serve. I had no inspiration as to the nature of the call and attended the meeting without any apprehension. â??When I left the Stake ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
A Letter to Those Struggling to Forgive
From: Name withheld
- To: Those struggling to forgive
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
The narrator was hurt by someone at church and carried feelings of anger for years. After a prompting to forgive, they struggled but eventually prayed for strength. At church, they asked the person for forgiveness, who reciprocated, leading to mutual forgiveness and relief.
Many years ago, I was hurt by someone at church. I was angry and upset, and I wanted that person to apologize, but they never did. I tried to forget what had happened, thinking that the pain and anger I felt would just go away. But I carried those feelings of anger with me for several years. The resentment I felt toward this person refused to go away. One day I was talking to a friend about this situation. A thought came into my heart: Forgive. The Spirit was prompting me to forgive this person ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Friends
A Life-Changing Discovery
By Jolene Rogers
- Former senior missionary, Barbados Bridgetown Mission, in collaboration with Anita Richardson, Philipsburg Branch, Guadeloupe District, St. Martin
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Caribbean
📝 Story Type:
Second-Hand Account
Anita Richardson, from St. Martin, planned a vacation to grow closer to Christ. She was guided by a voice to meet missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Initially skeptical, she read the Book of Mormon and felt it contained truths she had been seeking, leading to her baptism.
Sister Anita Richardson, now 80 years old, is a devoted and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean Sea. She joined the Church in 1989. Her story of discovering the Church is remarkable, full of faith, and a powerful example of listening to the Spirit. Before Anita was a member, she worked at a hotel for 23 years. As a dedicated employee, she earned a month-long vacation every five years. One year she decided to dedicate h ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
A Mission Call â?? The Power of Intention
Martin Perkins
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
20th Century (1900-1999)
📍 Location:
Europe
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Martin, feeling unsettled in his life, went on a long walk to pray and ask God for truth. During his prayer, he heard a voice telling him to serve a mission. This revelation gave him direction and led him to serve a mission in London.
I left school at the age of 18 with poor A-level results. If I had to sum up my life it would be football, music, best mates and girlfriends. I managed to pass an aptitude test with British Gas and committed myself to a commercial traineeship for the next 3 years. I was to get paid for studying. A ‘win-win’ if ever I had encountered one! However, this was a time in my young life when my years growing up in the Church clashed with “the world” and after a few years of living one face to my ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
A Sure Witness of Godâ??s Marvellous Plan of Happiness
By Elder Jared V. Ormsby
- Area Seventy
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
During the Auckland New Zealand Temple open house, visitors expressed feelings of peace and connection to God after entering sacred rooms. The Holy Ghost testified to them that the temple was the Lord's house.
Recently, I had the blessing of hosting visitors at the Auckland New Zealand Temple open house. Often, I would ask these visitors how they felt after they entered sacred rooms in the temple. Many spoke of the peace and connection to God that they felt. The Holy Ghost was testifying to these visitors that the temple was the Lord’s house.
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
A Sure Witness of Godâ??s Marvellous Plan of Happiness
By Elder Jared V. Ormsby
- Area Seventy
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
20th Century (1900-1999)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
As a young man attending a religious school, Jared faced challenges to his faith when his class focused on why 'Mormonism' was wrong. This prompted him to study the gospel deeply and read the Book of Mormon, leading to a personal testimony of its truth. A bishop later helped him prepare for the temple and his mission.
As a young man, I attended a private religious school with a Christian faith tradition. It was a wonderful school, and I saw many examples of Christlike service during my time there. Every week at the school we were required to attend a religious instruction class. In my final year of high school, the whole first term of that religious instruction class was spent on the topic of “Mormonism” (as termed by the minister who conducted the class). More particularly, the class focussed on why “M ... (continued)
👤 Youth
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
A Sure Witness of Godâ??s Marvellous Plan of Happiness
By Elder Jared V. Ormsby
- Area Seventy
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
20th Century (1900-1999)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Jared, a young man attending a religious school, faced challenges when his class focused on why 'Mormonism' was wrong. This prompted him to seek a personal testimony of the gospel. Through studying the Book of Mormon and with the help of a loving bishop, he gained a deeper knowledge and prepared for the temple and his mission.
As a young man, I attended a private religious school with a Christian faith tradition. It was a wonderful school, and I saw many examples of Christlike service during my time there. Every week at the school we were required to attend a religious instruction class. In my final year of high school, the whole first term of that religious instruction class was spent on the topic of â??Mormonismâ? (as termed by the minister who conducted the class). More particularly, the class focussed on why � ... (continued)
👤 Youth
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
A Sure Witness of Godâ??s Marvellous Plan of Happiness
By Elder Jared V. Ormsby
- Area Seventy
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
The speaker hosted visitors at the Auckland New Zealand Temple open house. Many visitors expressed feelings of peace and connection to God after entering the sacred rooms, as the Holy Ghost testified to them that the temple was the Lord's house.
Recently, I had the blessing of hosting visitors at the Auckland New Zealand Temple open house. Often, I would ask these visitors how they felt after they entered sacred rooms in the temple. Many spoke of the peace and connection to God that they felt. The Holy Ghost was testifying to these visitors that the temple was the Lordâ??s house.
👤 Church Members (General)
After a Difficult Childhood, Christ Guided Me to Hope, Healing, and Forgiveness
Andrea Campbell
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
United States/Canada
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Jen Tolman shares her experience of growing up with a controlling mother and finding solace in church activities. Despite her mother's challenges, Jen's faith was tested but ultimately strengthened. As an adult, she sought counseling to mend her relationship with her mother, realizing she could forgive her while setting boundaries. Her relationship with Christ was pivotal in her healing process.
When I was 10, my mother moved us from New York to Utah, away from my father and the rest of our extended family. What was meant to be the two of us quickly became just me, as I rarely saw my mom due to her extensive work hours. I grew accustomed to being alone. Although I was sometimes lonely, I often preferred solitude to my mom’s company. Behind closed doors, she was very controlling, and her emotions were unstable due to mental illness. I did my best to avoid upsetting her. She often had s ... (continued)
👤 Parents
👤 Youth
👤 Young Adults
Award-Winning Composers Unite
Pauline Smith
- Kettering Ward, Northampton Stake
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
United Kingdom
📝 Story Type:
Second-Hand Account
Sam Petchey and Abby Twigger, both accomplished musicians from different stakes in the UK, collaborated to create a new piece titled 'Awake My Soul' for a concert at Bridgewater Hall. Their partnership began after Abby resumed writing music post-childbirth and learned of Sam's musical background. They have since produced a CD of original Christmas songs and arranged music for charity events.
Two acclaimed British composers whose recent composition reached Classic FMâ??s top five selections have been commissioned to write the finale for the highly anticipated â??Lamb of Godâ?? concert at Manchesterâ??s renowned Bridgewater Hall. The collaboration brings together Sam Petchey, from the Staines Stake, a distinguished military musician whose service included performing at Buckingham Palace, and Abby Twigger, from the Aberdeen Stake, a talented composer and vocalist, whose combined ar ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
Because of Jesus Christ, I Found New Life
Rachel Tobon
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
After receiving her patriarchal blessing, the narrator felt inspired to search for her ancestors. She discovered a 3,000-year family history, including a Tang Dynasty emperor. She regularly took their names to the temple for sacred ordinances.
Three months later, I received my patriarchal blessing. I began to change as I followed Godâ??s guidance. I felt inspired to search for my ancestors and pray for ways to help them. That same day, I discovered a 3,000-year family history, including an emperor from the Tang Dynasty. Weekly, I took their names to the temple to complete sacred ordinances by proxy.
👤 Church Members (General)
Because of Jesus Christ, I Found New Life
Rachel Tobon
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
After a failed marriage and business, the narrator found a Bible verse in a fortune cookie that led her to explore Christianity. Invited by a friend, she attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where a missionary welcomed her. She struggled initially but was moved by teachings on faith. Through prayer and study, she felt God's love, leading to her baptism.
Ten years ago, my marriage ended. My ex-husbandâ??s priorities did not include our family and, for more than nine years, my daughter and I struggled to live a normal family life. After the divorce, I worked hard to build a business, but it failed. I felt lost and unsure of my purpose in life.
In 2018, everything began to change. One day, I opened a fortune cookie that contained a verse fromPsalms 18:1: â??I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.â? I had never read the Bible before; I grew up ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Friends
Because of Jesus Christ, I Found New Life
Rachel Tobon
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the narrator dedicated her time to the Lord by serving as a missionary and temple worker. She prayed for her daughter's desire to study in Canada and received inspiration in the temple. Her ex-husband agreed to pay the school fees, and a missionary helped them find housing in Canada.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my work as an immigration consultant, I sought to dedicate my time to the Lord. I applied to serve as a service missionary and temple worker. During this time, I also prayed for my daughter, who wanted to study in Canada. In the celestial room of the temple, I received the clear inspiration: â??Everything is ready; go with faith.â?
God provided miracles. My ex-husband agreed to pay my daughterâ??s school fees, and a missionary helped us find a place to l ... (continued)
👤 Parents
👤 Missionaries
Because of Jesus Christ, I Found New Life
Rachel Tobon
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Multiple Locations
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
After several failed relationships, the narrator learned to see herself as a daughter of God. She met her husband through a dating app and felt guided by the Holy Ghost. They moved to Scotland, faced challenges, but with faith and help from church members, they found joy and stability.
Later, I longed for an eternal marriage and prepared myself spiritually. After several failed relationships, I learned to see myself as a precious daughter of God. I eventually met my husband on a dating app and, through the Holy Ghostâ??s guidance, I knew he was the one.
In 2023, my husband and I moved to Scotland, where we faced many challenges. Yet God never abandoned us. Church members helped us find shelter and, through faith and prayer, we found joy in adversity. I obtained a visa just be ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
By Small and Simple Things â?? The Long-Awaited Blessings of Missionary Service
Rosalie West
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Early Church (1800-1900)
📍 Location:
United States/Canada
📝 Story Type:
Historical Account
Samuel Smith, Joseph Smith's brother, embarked on the first missionary journey for the Church in 1830. Despite initial failures in selling the Book of Mormon, one copy he gave away eventually reached Brigham Young, leading to significant conversions.
In June 1830 the prophet Joseph Smithâ??s brother, Samuel, set out on the first missionary journey for the Church. He took with him several copies of the Book of Mormon, but was unsuccessful in his attempts to sell them. He returned home disappointed and discouraged, feeling that his work had proved to be fruitless. Samuel Smith felt he had been a failure, but the one Book of Mormon he managed to give away made its way into the hands of Brigham Young, who passed it to Heber C Kimball. We too ca ... (continued)
👤 Joseph Smith
👤 Missionaries
👤 Other
By Small and Simple Things â?? The Long-Awaited Blessings of Missionary Service
Rosalie West
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
20th Century (1900-1999)
📍 Location:
Europe
📝 Story Type:
Second-Hand Account
Ross Pooley felt his mission in Scotland was unsuccessful as he didn't baptize anyone. However, years later, he discovered that families he taught eventually joined the Church, and individuals he reactivated went on to have significant Church involvement.
Ross Pooley of the Bridlington Ward felt so as he came to the end of his two-year mission to Scotland. Speaking to his Mission President he said, â??I was very emotional and expressed my love for my mission, but also some feeling of regret in failing to baptise during my two years of service.â? Fast forward forty years and the picture looks very different. Thinking about a family he taught while on his mission, but who never committed to baptism, he decided to look them up. Deeply religious ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)