LDS News/Around the Church

The 2010 Liahona: New Approach, Same Goal

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

In January 2010, readers will say tot ziens (Dutch), au revoir (French), and tofa (Samoan)---good-bye---to the old Liahona and welcome to the new.

President Uchtdorf Visits Fiji and Tonga

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met with Fijian Church members in Suva last week. His visit was part of a tour of five Pacific nations—American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Tahiti.

Polynesian Cultural Center's "Ha: Breath of Life" a Collection of Many Stories

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

A play within a play, the story behind the show—what an audience sees on the stage of live theater has long been acknowledged as only a sampling of many stories that had to converge before the house lights dimmed and the spots lit up. The night show at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii is no exception, and it is likely the collecting point for scenarios not found at most live theaters.

Army of Mormon Volunteers Cleans Up Island

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

More than 200 BYU-Hawaii students donned standard beach garb—T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops—on October 24 while undertaking a large-scale service activity. Despite the casual attire, there was nothing nonchalant about the service rendered by students. The small army of volunteers spread over 13 separate service sites ranging from a cemetery to the grounds of the Laie Hawaii Temple.

BYU-Idaho's Musical Performance: "God's Everlasting Love"

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Audience members were uplifted and edified as they listened to BYU-Idaho's music groups perform original compositions in the Tabernacle on Temple Square November 14. The BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra, Collegiate Singers, Men's Choir, and Women's Choir traveled icy roads Saturday morning from Rexburg, Idaho, to perform to a full audience in the historic building.

Apostle's Wife Felt Comfort Despite Attack

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

The wife of Elder Russell M. Nelson said she felt a comforting peace that helped her remain calm during an attack by armed robbers last spring. Sister Wendy Watson Nelson described the experience Friday during a speech to 3,300 women at the Time Out for Women event in Salt Lake City. The robbery occurred in May at a mission home in Mozambique.

Fund Educates Thousands, Inspires Millions

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

To many Mormons, President Gordon B. Hinckley's March 2001 announcement of the Perpetual Education Fund carried the weight of divine revelation. Members who had served missions in Third World countries cheered the proposal of a program to help needy Mormons secure an education. But to Elder John Carmack, a soon-to-be-emeritus General Authority, President Hinckley's revolutionary announcement brought a blend of excitement and anxiety.

New Temple Presidents Begin Service

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

The following new temple presidents and their wives began serving on November 1, 2009, as assigned by the First Presidency.

Docents Give of Time and Self at Church History Museum

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

The faces of the Church History Museum are its 270 volunteer docents. Each of the docents is a Church-service missionary. They emphasize the Restoration as part of a larger Temple Square experience. Their modus operandi isn't to present art to visitors as typical docents would at any other museum; rather, they strive to express the faith of Latter-day Saints through artifacts and exhibits.

Chess Champ: State's Top Player Is an 11-Year-Old Mormon Boy

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Kayden Troff might look like an average 11-year-old, but he's not. Kayden, a member of the Welby 2nd Ward, West Jordan Utah Welby Stake, is a prodigy chess player. Before turning 11, he was listed number 1 in the nation for all 10-year-olds, and is still number 1 in the nation on his quick chess rating for all kids ages 13 and under.

Pacific Islanders Feel Spiritual Uplift

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf arrived in the Samoas November 7 to deliver messages of encouragement and hope and promise to multitudes of resilient members who will forever feel the pain exacted by a recent deadly earthquake and tsunami.

Brigham Young University-Idaho Devotional: A Firm Foundation

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

A firm foundation is necessary to withstand spiritual landslides in life, Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy told BYU-Idaho students during the weekly devotional held in the Hart Auditorium on November 10.

Church Receives Community Service Award

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

In April 2009, for their Annual Day of Service project, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with 30 organizations and businesses in efforts to clear debris from Attucks High School to prepare it for future renovation and preservation of the historic building. The Church was recently awarded the Community Service award for its volunteer service.

"Mormon Mustang" Pilot Valiant in War, Faithful in Church

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Years after his last flight piloting his "Mormon Mustang," 90-year-old retired Brigadier General Roland R. Wright headed for the clouds and an aerial view of the farm hills and temple in Rexburg, Idaho. Brother Wright, who has flown P-51 Mustang planes in three separate wars, gladly accepted the invitation for another chance to fly in the restored plane.

Georgia Teen Keeps Busy with Soccer, Football, Seminary

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

When Lori Barnes walked into the weight room where football players were busy working out, they thought she was there with a message for the coach. They were wrong. She was there because she was going to be a placekicker for the Richmond Hill High School Wildcats.

Wondrous History

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

"You mean he's not going to Moscow? He came to see us in Nizhniy?" a tearful member said. She was one of the 169 people, including more than 20 investigators, who listened as Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve addressed them in Nizhniy Novogorod, Russia.

Elder Huntsman Tells BYU Students to Focus on Integrity, Hard Work

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

"God did not put us here to fail," Elder Jon M. Huntsman Sr., an Area Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told BYU students during the university's weekly devotional Tuesday. "I would say to you, have faith in yourself, believe in what you are doing, and, most importantly, be a person of integrity," said Elder Huntsman.

Mormon Youth Serve Military for Veterans Day

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

For the second year, about 100 teenagers and children from the Fayetteville North Carolina Stake, bleary-eyed and bundled up, gathered on a chilly Saturday morning at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery just outside Fort Bragg. They came to honor fallen heroes by placing flags on every grave for Veterans Day, a way to honor the living as well as the dead.

Church Supports Nondiscrimination Ordinances

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has declared its support of nondiscrimination regulations that would extend protection in matters of housing and employment in Salt Lake City to those with same-sex attraction.

Elder Nelson Visits Russia

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve was welcomed to Samara, Russia, on October 23 with the traditional bread and salt ceremony presented by a group of members dressed in native costume while singing folk songs.

Good Will among Nauvoo Faiths

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

On the bluff above historic Nauvoo stand two tall steeples. One has a statue of the angel Moroni. On the other is a cross. The first is the steeple of the Nauvoo Temple; the second, just a couple hundred yards north, is Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Some may see irony in this juxtaposition, but in Nauvoo the closeness has become symbolic of a fine friendship between people who love Jesus Christ and seek to follow His teachings.

Mongolian Stake President and Wife Help Fulfill President McKay's Prophecy

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

In an October address at BYU-Idaho, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hailed the bravery of Oyun Altangerel, a Mongolian woman who paved the way to religious freedom in her country. Her son, Odgerel Ochirjav, is also a pioneer of sorts. He was called to be the first stake president in Mongolia on June 7, 2009.

Mobility Is Key to a Productive Life

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Imagine a world without personal mobility. Riqui did when he contracted polio at a young age. Mayerlinth did when she was hit by a car. Ana Raquel did when her leg was broken in a motorcycle accident. The Dominican Republic is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. But the people are resilient, hopeful, and thankful for aid that literally gets them back in action.

Perpetual Education Fund a New Era of Church History

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

President Gordon B. Hinckley called Elder John K. Carmack on the phone about a "bold new initiative." It was February 2001, and Elder Carmack was serving as president of the Europe Central Area in Frankfurt, Germany. Elder Carmack was about to play a role in what he called a new era of Church history. A few months after the phone call, President Hinckley announced the formation of the Perpetual Education Fund.

Mary N. Cook Teaches the Need for Personal Integrity

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Relationships are a very important part of our mortal life," taught Mary N. Cook, the first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, at a BYU-Hawaii devotional on November 3. Sister Cook focused on four relationship questions based on weaving our personal tapestries into the lives of others. She spoke specifically of integrity and the need to remain "the same 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Reaching Out Around the World

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Latter-day Saints believe that giving service to others is a lifestyle based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who "went about doing good." The desire to serve others crosses cultural boundaries and has been manifested in recent months with stories featured on international Church Web sites.

Missionaries Focus on Helping Others

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Mission Victoria is what they call it, and their title, elder, is a bit deceiving for the youthful group of 20-something-year-old missionaries in town. "People think we get paid to do this," said Elder Colton Tidwell, 20, who's been in Victoria for a little more than a month. "They don't realize that we pay to do this."

Perpetual Education Fund Benefits Returned Missionaries in Zambia

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Perpetual Education Fund was taken to young adults of the Church's Lusaka Zambia District for the first time with a recent visit by Elder James C. Von Stetten and Sister Aleta Maureen Von Stetten, area missionaries for the PEF in the Africa Southeast Area.

Church Members Are Joyful over News of Temple in Sapporo, Japan

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Members on Kyushu were blessed when the Fukuoka Japan Temple was dedicated in June 2000. It is about 650 miles south of Tokyo. And now, members on the third major Japanese island—Hokkaido, to the north—are thrilled that President Thomas S. Monson announced in October general conference that a temple will be built in Sapporo, about 500 miles north of Tokyo.

BYU Devotional: A Brave Generation

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

It is time to be a brave generation, Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the Presidency of the Seventy said during a devotional held in the Marriott Center on the Brigham Young University campus November 3. "You are in a wonderful time of your life and are learning so much," he told members of the assembly. "You are at a point where you are making decisions that require you to be brave and to be bold."

Hawaii's Labor Missionaries Made Great Contributions

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Percy TeHira is a wiry, upbeat New Zealander who came to Hawaii in 1960, a missionary called to build the kingdom, literally, by laboring on construction projects. TeHira was already an experienced labor missionary in his own country, called in 1956 to help build the Church College of New Zealand and the New Zealand Temple.

Elder Ballard Counsels Mormon Singles during LDS Education Conference

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Elder M. Russell Ballard advised more than 600 single adults to consistently feed the spiritual side through simple daily tasks like prayer and scripture study. He spoke at an LDS Education Conference for Mormon single adults in Boston, Massachusetts, over the weekend of October 31.

"I Know My Savior Lives" Is 2010 Primary Theme

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

In an effort to help Primary presidencies and music leaders worldwide prepare lessons and teach children, the Church has released a "new and improved" outline for sharing time in 2010. The booklet—titled "I Know My Savior Lives"—is a "resource to help leaders and parents know what to teach the children and how to teach the children in order to increase their faith and testimony in their Savior Jesus Christ," said Sister Cheryl C. Lant, Primary general president.

New Institute Building Dedicated in Florida

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Institute is the glue essential to keeping the rising generation together socially, emotionally, and spiritually, according to Elder John S. Anderson, an Area Seventy. He spoke at the November 1 dedication of a new institute of religion building in Jacksonville, Florida.

Faith Conquers "Impossible Trek"

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

It was 130 years ago, in October 1879, when early Mormon settlers in southern Utah left their base camp in Dance Hall Rock to embark on one of the most arduous treks in Church history. They had been called by President John Taylor to leave their comfortable settings in the Parowan, Utah, area to colonize the opposite corner of the state in southeastern Utah.

Scouting Anchored by Timeless Values

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Want to be the best youth or Scout leader possible? Start by following the example of President Thomas S. Monson. David L. Beck, Young Men general president, said President Monson embodies three characteristics that are vital to working successfully with young men: first, a positive attitude; second, a commitment to duty; and third, a desire to build relationships with others.

Latter-day Saints Make Salvation Army Donation

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently delivered a shipment of bedding, clothing, household items, and assorted shoes to the Salvation Army in Athens, Georgia, to help the local charity restock after a fire in July.

Think Swan, Not Ugly Duckling, President Uchtdorf Says

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

Like the ugly duckling in the Hans Christian Andersen story, young adults should become aware of who they really are, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf told them during a Church Educational System fireside Sunday evening.

Trust in the Lord and Serve Faithfully

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, spoke to members in 77 stakes October 25 during a stake conference satellite broadcast emanating from Logan, Utah. He advised members to put the kingdom of God first in their lives and trust in the Lord for the rest, and that if they do so they will have the Lord's help while confronting life's inevitable difficulties.

Church Announces Site of Brigham City Temple

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

It will be temple and tabernacle, face-to-face across Main Street in Brigham City. The recently announced Brigham City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be built on the property directly west of and across the street from the Church's Brigham City Tabernacle.

President Uchtdorf to Speak at CES Fireside

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

A CES fireside for young adults will be transmitted over the Church satellite system on Sunday, November 1, 2009, with subsequent rebroadcasts to many areas of the world. The speaker will be President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. The broadcast will originate from the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah.

BYU-Idaho Devotional: Rely on Christ

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Christ will heal our feelings of fear, distrust, anger, self-doubt, sorrow, discouragement, and inadequacy. He will help us get through difficult days and trying times, if we but come unto Him in faith and humility and with repentant hearts. That counsel came from Carolyn Rasmus, a member of the Sunday School General Board, during a devotional at BYU-Idaho on Tuesday, October 27.

Hundreds Look to Sharpen Job-Seeking Skills in California

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

More than 300 people attended the free Performance Breakthrough Conference to receive advice on finding a job or starting a business on October 22. The conference was hosted by the Rancho Santa Margarita Management Society and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and was open to the community.

Kids Flock to Collect Coats

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

A long line of families was waiting for at least an hour outside of the Chief Moses Middle School cafeteria for free jackets for children. The Rotary Club of Moses Lake members worked hard to prepare to provide the coats. There were also 600 hand-knitted hats available for children. The hats are a part of a project put on by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lost Book of Commandments Witnesses Found

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Joseph Smith needed someone to step up and testify of his revelations. Eleven men had testified earlier of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. But in November of 1831 there was a new need for boldness. Who would stand up and let the world know that they knew that a collection of Joseph's revelations, the Book of Commandments, was true?

Centennial Observed for Northcutt Cove Chapel

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

More than 100 people braved the cold weather permeating the beautiful hilltops of Tennessee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Northcutt Cove Chapel on Saturday, October 17. The little wooden-frame building with its bell tower and spire stands as a monument to Southern pioneers of the Church.

Hurricane Couple Called to Be Directors at Willie's 6th Crossing Handcart Site

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Gerald R. and Shirley Buckner have been called to be the new directors for the Willie's 6th Crossing Handcart Site, which is part of the Mormon Historic Martin Handcart Site in Wyoming. The Buckners, who have been serving a six-month mission for the second time at the site, will have their mission extended for another year through September 2010.

Leading with Integrity in All Areas of Life

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Recognized for his dedication to excellence and commitment to the highest principles, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, received the Pioneer in Leadership Award from the BYU Management Society on October 16.

Sun Sets on Trek through History

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Allee and Alan Hamilton and their eldest son, Troy, joined two dozen other family members to retrace the steps of ancestors who blazed a trail through southeastern Utah in 1879. Their kinfolk covered some of the West's most rugged and treacherous terrain in covered wagons, afoot, or on horseback. The modern-day contingent used five four-wheel drive vehicles and a couple of motorcycles.

Elder Ladd Was a Constant Example of Living the Gospel

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Elder W. Don Ladd, former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, passed away peacefully in his home in Snellville, Georgia, on October 6, 2009. He was 76. At his funeral in the Lilburn Georgia Stake Center, family members and friends remembered him as a great leader in Church callings, work, and home.

Members in Kentucky Join with Other Groups to Clean Up after Louisville Flooding

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

Members of the Louisville Kentucky Stake joined in relief efforts during two Saturdays in October to clean up homes damaged by floodwaters during the summer. Widespread flooding damaged more than 200 homes in the western and southern portions of the city, rendering many uninhabitable and others susceptible to dry rot, dangerous black mold, and structural dangers.