Serving the Lord by Cleaning the Church
By Izekor Isoken
- Ekpoma Nigeria Stake Communication Director
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
Second-Hand Account
Sister Olivia Eson, despite her busy school schedule, consistently serves by cleaning the chapel after Sunday services. She finds joy in maintaining the cleanliness of the Lord's house, demonstrating her dedication to serving her Heavenly Father.
Olivia Eson, a sister in my ward (Ekpoma First Ward), hardly has the chance to come to chapel cleaning every Saturday morning because of her tight class schedule at school. But unfailingly, she serves every Sunday immediately after the sacrament meeting by tidying the chapel, which becomes messy after Sunday services. She also goes to get soap, water, and other cleaning materials to keep the toilets clean.
Sister Olivia says, â??I find joy in serving my Heavenly Father by keeping the Lordâ??s ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
Simple Ways to BecomeMore Christlikein Our Ministering
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Latin America
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
During an elders quorum presidency meeting, Francisco felt prompted to visit an inactive member. Despite initial hesitation, he followed the prompting and visited the member, who shared his struggles. Francisco invited him to church, and the member accepted, finding support and friendship.
By Francisco Lázaro Campos de Sousa, Brazil
During an elders quorum presidency meeting, I felt a desire to meet a quorum member who wasnâ??t active, someone I hadnâ??t met. One day after shopping I felt an urge to go to his home. I hesitated, but the feelings to meet him intensified. I introduced myself and said things that came to mind. I told him that the Lord needed him, and he needed the Lord.
He shared his pain of loneliness and other difficulties. â??Youâ??ll find friends in the quo ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
Simple Ways to BecomeMore Christlikein Our Ministering
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Europe
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Ana and her companion felt prompted to visit a sister in their ward. They prepared paper hearts with loving messages, and upon arrival, they found the sister in need of comfort. Their visit and messages uplifted her during a difficult time.
By Ana Rodriguez Ramirez, Spain
One day on my mission, my companion and I were prompted to visit a sister in the ward. We cut out paper hearts and wrote loving messages on them to remind her of her worth.
We arrived at her house, thinking she wouldnâ??t be home. As we were setting up the paper hearts, her car pulled right up to the house. My companion and I tried to hide to keep up the friendly surprise, but to no avail. She saw us.
The sister got out of her car with tears on her face. She hugg ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
Simple Ways to BecomeMore Christlikein Our Ministering
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Europe
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
During the early days of COVID-19, Moroni was asked to give a priesthood blessing to Mario, who was suffering from the virus. After praying with his wife for assurance, Moroni courageously gave the blessing, bringing joy and comfort to Mario.
By Talia RodrÃguez, Switzerland
Prayer is an integral part of ministering like the Savior. Prayer can begin our search to know whom to bless. It can help us come to understand heavenâ??s will regarding how to bless. Prayer is also a key step in learning how to perform our duty.
My husband, Mario, suffered from COVID in the early days of the disease before vaccinations. The bishop asked an elder in our ward, Moroni, to give him a priesthood blessing.
Because he didnâ??t want to contract the ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
Simple Ways to BecomeMore Christlikein Our Ministering
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Latin America
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Geiziane ministered to a sister who stopped attending church. Despite initial discouragement, she persisted in visiting and inviting the family to church. Eventually, the family returned, strengthened their faith, and invited Geiziane to their temple sealing.
By Geiziane Morais Freitas Duarte, Brazil
I once ministered to a sister who had stopped attending church. When I visited her, I would share how much the Savior loved her and her family. I would always invite them to come to church the following Sunday. This practice went on for a long time, but they never came. I felt discouraged. The temptation to give up was strong. But every time my companion and I visited their home, we had a glimpse of heaven. We would always picture them in the temple, dre ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
Soothed to Sleep by the Lord
Chantele Sedgwick, Utah, USA
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
When Caden was 10 months old, he experienced a seizure while under his grandparents' care. Despite the doctors' inability to determine the cause, his parents were devastated. Two years later, a neurologist suggested an EEG test, and after a priesthood blessing, Caden miraculously fell asleep for the test. He hasn't had a seizure since, and the experience strengthened his mother's faith.
When our first child, Caden, was 10 months old, my husband, David, and I left him in the care of my parents for the first time. We went out for dinner and then went to a movie theater. Once we got our popcorn and sat down, my mother called.
Our baby wasnâ??t breathing, and an ambulance was on the way!
We drove home in a panic and ran inside to see Caden in my motherâ??s arms, smiling at the paramedics. He was fine, but he had experienced a seizure.
Doctors couldnâ??t determine the cause of th ... (continued)
👤 Parents
👤 Children
Sowing the Sounds of Music
Robert Dil, Auckland, New Zealand
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
A Church member in New Zealand, who plays the clarinet, shares his journey of serving through music despite not being able to join the Orchestra at Temple Square. He has directed musical productions, played piano in Primary, and performed with his family, using music to stay connected to the Church during personal struggles.
I have always wanted to play in the Orchestra at Temple Square, the orchestra of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I play the clarinet and have a degree in music, but itâ??s unlikely I will ever get the opportunity. After all, I live in New Zealand. The Holy Ghost reminds me, however, that I can â??be contentâ? (Alma 29:3) as a musical pioneer for the Church in New Zealand and other areas. My first calling at age 18 was as music leader in the nursery. Since then, I have been ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Parents
👤 Children
Surrounded by Rubble, Strengthened by Faith
Jane Massing
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Jane, a returned missionary, was trapped under rubble during a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu. Despite the chaos, she felt calm and reassured by a still, small voice. After 27 hours, she was rescued without injury, feeling grateful for the presence of God in her life.
December 17, 2024, began like any other day in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The city was alive with holiday preparations, and I was at work in a popular clothing store, helping customers and wrapping gifts. Then, without warning, the ground beneath us shook violently. As a 26-year-old returned missionary, currently serving in the stake Primary, I had faced many faith-strengthening trials beforeâ??but nothing could have prepared me for this. Yet, in that moment of sudden chaos, I wasnâ??t afraid. I dist ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
Surrounded by Rubble, Strengthened by Faith
Jane Massing
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
Jane, a returned missionary, was trapped under rubble during an earthquake in Vanuatu. Despite the chaos, she felt peace and guidance through prayer and a still, small voice. After 27 hours, she was rescued unharmed, feeling grateful for God's presence and protection.
December 17, 2024, began like any other day in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The city was alive with holiday preparations, and I was at work in a popular clothing store, helping customers and wrapping gifts. Then, without warning, the ground beneath us shook violently. As a 26-year-old returned missionary, currently serving in the stake Primary, I had faced many faith-strengthening trials beforeâ??but nothing could have prepared me for this. Yet, in that moment of sudden chaos, I wasnâ??t afraid. I dist ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
Tasmania Trek Tests Teenagers
From Newsroom
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
A group of over 80 teenagers in Tasmania participated in a trek to experience the challenges faced by early pioneers. The youth worked together, overcoming difficult terrain and conditions, and learned about unity, service, and faith. The trek was organized by local Church leaders, and participants expressed a deeper appreciation for their faith and the strength of youth.
Dressed in 19th century clothing, pushing and pulling handcarts, leaving home comforts and technology behind, a group of teenagers in Tasmania recently took part in a trek.
The purpose of the activityâ??organised by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsâ??was to help each young person feelâ??even in small measureâ??what the early pioneers of their faith experienced when they travelled across the plains of North America.
A trek reminds members of the sacrifices and lessons learned b ... (continued)
👤 Youth
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
Tasmania Trek Tests Teenagers
From Newsroom
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
A group of over 80 teenagers in Tasmania participated in a four-day trek to experience what early pioneers went through. They faced challenges like walking over varied terrain and working together in unity. The trek helped them appreciate the strength of youth and the power of unity and faith.
Dressed in 19th century clothing, pushing and pulling handcarts, leaving home comforts and technology behind, a group of teenagers in Tasmania recently took part in a trek. The purpose of the activity—organised by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—was to help each young person feel—even in small measure—what the early pioneers of their faith experienced when they travelled across the plains of North America. A trek reminds members of the sacrifices and lessons learned by th ... (continued)
👤 Youth
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
Temple Square Statues Focus on Jesus Christ and Church History
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Early Church (1800-1900)
📍 Location:
United States/Canada
📝 Story Type:
Historical Account
The First Vision statue depicts Joseph Smith as a 14-year-old boy praying in a grove of trees. In response to his prayer, God the Father and Jesus Christ appear to him, marking a pivotal moment in Church history.
The first statue, installed in December 2024, depicts Joseph Smith as a truth-seeking 14-year-old boy kneeling in a grove of trees on his familyâ??s farm near Rochester, New York. The sculpture shows God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, above Joseph in response to his prayer. Artist Michael Hall, who designed the sculpture, likened it to a visual testimony. â??Because of this young 14-year-old boy, Joseph Smith, we can know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do care about us,â? he s ... (continued)
👤 Joseph Smith
👤 Jesus Christ
Temples:A Refuge for Zion
By Melanie Riwai-Couch
- Area Church History Manager, New Zealand
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
20th Century (1900-1999)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
Second-Hand Account
Vaha'i and Sela Tonga from Tonga planned to attend the dedication of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple despite financial challenges. Their determination led them to be the first couple sealed in the temple.
For example, when Vahaâ??i and Sela Tonga of the country of Tonga heard that a temple would be built in New Zealand, they made plans to attend the dedication. Despite financial hurdles to travel, Vahaâ??i and Sela were the first couple to be sealed in the Hamilton Temple.
👤 Church Members (General)
Temples:A Refuge for Zion
By Melanie Riwai-Couch
- Area Church History Manager, New Zealand
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
After a devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, a family faced the challenge of finding safety. They experienced several miracles, such as receiving fuel and mechanical help for their van without charge. They found refuge and healing at the Hamilton New Zealand Temple.
At 12:51 p.m. on February 22, 2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake caused severe damage in Christchurch, New Zealand. One hundred eighty-five people were killed, and several thousand were injured. The fear and chaos in the city were palpable. It took me several hours of driving through rubble to collect my children from their schools and find my husband, who had been in the part of the city where the most damage occurred. Once back at our home, we needed to decide what to do. It wasnâ??t safe to ... (continued)
👤 Parents
👤 Children
👤 Friends
Temples:A Refuge for Zion
By Melanie Riwai-Couch
- Area Church History Manager, New Zealand
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
20th Century (1900-1999)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
Historical Account
The Hamilton New Zealand Temple was announced in 1954, and local Saints responded with dedication to its construction. Many participated as labor missionaries or supported the effort in other ways. The temple was dedicated in 1958, becoming a spiritual refuge for Saints in the region.
The Hamilton Temple was announced in 1954, followed by a call for assistance with the construction. The New Zealand Saints responded immediately. Some young men, young women, and married couples were formally called as labor missionaries. Others were recruited by family and friends. Some simply felt inspired to come and serve those who were involved in the construction by providing food or financial support. After the temple was dedicated in 1958, many Saints gathered to the temple from across N ... (continued)
👤 Church Members (General)
Temples:A Refuge for Zion
By Melanie Riwai-Couch
- Area Church History Manager, New Zealand
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Pacific/Oceania
📝 Story Type:
Historical Account
During civil unrest in Fiji, the Suva Fiji Temple was dedicated in 2000, providing a place of peace for local Saints. After Cyclone Winston in 2016, the temple was rededicated by President Henry B. Eyring, offering blessings of protection and peace.
The Suva Fiji Temple has also provided refuge for Saints in the Pacific who have gathered there. The temple was dedicated on June 18, 2000, during a time of civil unrest. In the dedicatory prayer, President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910â??2008) prayed: â??Thou hast favored us with a temple in this island nation. No longer will we have to travel far across the seas to do that work which Thou hast established as sacred and necessary for Thy Saints in this latter-day dispensation. Thou hast heard ... (continued)
👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Church Members (General)
The Faith of Sister Muñoz
Gary M. Johnson, Texas, USA
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
20th Century (1900-1999)
📍 Location:
Latin America
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
In 1967, missionaries in Colombia met the Muñoz family through a man named Raúl. Sister Muñoz had faith that the missionaries could heal her blind daughter, Margarita, through the priesthood. After a priesthood blessing, Margarita regained her sight, and the family became faithful Church members.
In 1967, Elder William Danner and I became two of the first 20 missionaries to serve in Colombia. We had little success until a man named Raúl, being taught by other missionaries, introduced us to the Muñoz family. The Spirit was strong as we taught the family, testifying of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration. â??I know that these young men are telling the truth,â? Raúl said. â??They have the same priesthood Jesus Christ had. They could go upstairs right now and heal your ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
The Impact of Words
Lauren Topp
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Unspecified Location
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
The speaker received a priesthood blessing from her father to calm her nerves before a job interview. During the interview, she felt the Lord's presence and was able to perform well, ultimately securing the job.
I remember on one occasion fairly recently, receiving a blessing to calm my nerves before an interview for a job. In the blessing I was promised that I would feel the Lord’s hand holding my own as I walked through that door to be interviewed… and I did. An immediate calmness came over me and I was able to give a good account of myself and later actually got the job.
👤 Parents
The Philippines Area Priorities
Elder Tomasito S. Zapanta
- Area Seventy
📅 6 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Asia
📝 Story Type:
Second-Hand Account
During a tour of the Cabanatuan Philippines Mission, Elder and Sister Wong encouraged stake and district presidents to collaborate with missionaries using a special ministering method. Members shared names of families with missionaries and prepared food gifts, which missionaries delivered to invite non-participating members back to church. This effort led to strengthened testimonies and returning members.
During one of the recent tours of Elder and Sister Wong at the Cabanatuan Philippines Mission, stake and district presidents were challenged to work with the missionaries on a special ministering method. Members and leaders who had the resources but lacked the time to visit their assigned families were asked to share the names of the families with the full-time missionaries. The members prepared food items as gifts to express their love for the non-participating members, and the missionaries del ... (continued)
👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Members (General)
The Prompting That Had Me Fasting for Pumpkins
Holly Olde
📅 7 2025
📖 General Conference
⏰ Time Period:
Modern Era (2000-present)
📍 Location:
Australia
📝 Story Type:
First-Hand Personal Experience
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a missionary in Japan learned that his father, who had bought a farm, was struggling with his pumpkin crop. Despite initial doubts, the missionary fasted for the pumpkins and his family. Upon returning home, he found that the pumpkins had grown miraculously large, demonstrating Heavenly Father's awareness and love.
For a long time, my dad was an assistant farm manager. He worked so hard and always dreamed of one day buying his own farm. His work ethic inspired me, especially after I left to serve a mission in Japan. I found strength and motivation when I thought about his example. So on one preparation day, when my dad told me he had finally bought his own farmland, I was so excited for him. He invested a lot of money into growing pumpkins and told me they were going to grow large within six weeks. He foun ... (continued)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Parents