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Cientos de personas visitan Templo de Tegucigalpa

2013-02-19T10:56:00.002-08:00

TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS —

Más de 1,500 vecinos, contratistas y obreros que trabajaron durante la construcción del templo de Tegucigalpa visitaron el Templo de Tegucigalpa el primer día de casa abierta que se realizó el martes 5 de febrero. El día siguiente los medios de comunicación fueron invitados a un recorrido especial para ellos, precedido de una reunión informativa en la que se les entregó toda la información que les ha servido para informar a la población.

A partir de ese momento los principales diarios impresos dieron cobertura a esta noticia. Estaciones de radio y televisión entrevistaron a los líderes de la Iglesia quienes extendieron a toda la población una invitación para visitar el templo durante la casa abierta.

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Entre los invitados especiales que han visitado ya el templo se cuentan El Presidente Porfirio Lobo Sosa y la Primera Dama Rosa Elena de Lobo quienes llegaron el viernes por la tarde en compañía de diez de sus ministros de estado. Representantes del cuerpo diplomático, empresarios, líderes comunitarios, académicos y líderes de otras religiones también se dieron cita para conocer en un recorrido guiado el interior del Templo. Los miembros de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días consideran este edificio "La Casa del Señor".

El templo estará abierto al público del sábado 9 de febrero al sábado 2 de marzo de lunes a sábado de 8 de la mañana hasta las 8 de la noche excepto el lunes que cierra con un recorrido que inicia a las 5 de la tarde. Los domingos también estará cerrado para dar paso a las reuniones dominicales de la Iglesia en cada centro de reuniones. Para hacer el recorrido no se requiere invitación

Neue Zweigpräsidentschaft in der Gemeinde Bad Säckingen, Pfahl Zürich

2013-02-19T10:53:00.001-08:00

Bad Säckingen, Pfahl Zürich(DW) Am 19. August 2012 wurde während eines feierlichen Gottesdienstes ein Führungswechsel in der Bad Säckinger Gemeinde der Kirche Jesu Christi der Heiligen der Letzten Tage vorgenommen. Der bisherige Gemeindepräsident, Olaf Wendt aus Laufenburg, der die Gemeinde mit viel Einfühlungsvermögen und persönlichem Engagement neben seinen familiären Aufgaben als Ehemann und Vater von drei Kindern und zusätzlich zur beruflichen Belastung seit über acht Jahren geleitet hatte, wurde aus dieser verantwortungsvollen Tätigkeit entlassen. Auch seine beiden Ratgeber Sven Meier aus Waldshut-Tiengen und Peter Kamm aus Rheinfelden wurden entlassen. Auf sehr persönliche und bewegende Weise dankten die anwesenden Mitglieder ihrer scheidenden Gemeindeführung für ihren langjährigen Dienst.

Präsident Christian Bolt, Pfahlpräsident des Pfahles Zürich brachte seinen Dank zum Ausdruck und würdigte die Leistungen von Olaf Wendt und seinen Ratgebern als demütige Diener im wahren Geiste von Jesus Christus, die stets und unermüdlich um das geistige Wohl jedes einzelnen „Schafes der Gemeindeherde“ auf vorbildliche Weise besorgt waren.

Neuer Gemeindepräsident wurde Thorsten Hadzik, Diplomkaufmannn aus Waldshut-Tiengen. Er arbeitet bei einem namhaften Schweizer Unterbekleidungshersteller im Finanzwesen und ist verheiratet mit Janine Hadzik. Das Ehepaar hat zusammen vier Kinder; drei Mädchen und einen Jungen. Präsident Hadzik erwählte sich folgende Männer zu seinen Ratgebern: Peter Kamm, aus Rheinfelden als ersten Ratgeber und Dan Wächtler aus Wehr als zweiten Ratgeber.

In seiner ersten Ansprache an die Gemeinde bedankte sich Präsident Hadzik für das zum Ausdruck gebrachte Vertrauen. Er bat die Geschwister um ihre wohlwollende Unterstützung.

Die erste Amtshandlung des neuen Gemeindepräsidenten bestand jedoch zur Überraschung aller Anwesenden darin, dass er den Ehefrauen der scheidenden Gemeindepräsidentschaft einen Blumenstrauss überreichte und ihnen für die Unterstützung ihrer Ehemänner dankte.

Mormons and Education: An Overview

2013-02-19T10:44:00.002-08:00

From time to time, Mormon Newsroom showcases relevant and informative content that has been previously published. The following article is also found in the Topics and Background section.

Education lies close to the hearts of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and resonates with many of the other values they hold dear. Mormons love learning and are dedicated to the acquisition of knowledge. Their commitment to education, both as a principle and as a practice, is evident in their beliefs, teachings and everyday activities. They affirm that education is a broad, lifelong pursuit with a variety of vital purposes. They have a unique understanding of what education is — a principle that recognizes the human soul as well as the intellect. Moreover, Mormons have a tradition of education that is rich and longstanding, something they cherish and continue to maintain. Because they believe that education deserves their best efforts, Latter-day Saints afford it significant resources and energy.

I. Mormons’ Understanding of Education

The Purposes of Education

The principle of education is woven into the most fundamental beliefs Mormons hold about God, about life and about themselves. Latter-day Saints affirm, for instance, that God is all-knowing, and are taught that “the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.”[1] They also believe that as children of God, the objective of all people is to continuously strive to become like Him, and they see education as a vital part of this striving. Hence life, for Latter-day Saints, is not only a time of testing but also a school to develop understanding through both study and experience.[2] Education is one of life’s preeminent purposes and has enduring eternal value that transcends death.[3] The development of a refined, enlightened, and godly character is its ultimate end.[4]

Latter-day Saints believe that because of its immense and lasting value, God has made education a divine commandment for which His children are responsible.[5] Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon echo this commandment with invitations to seek, “knock,” and ask for knowledge; modern revelations and prophets give explicit instruction to learn, and clarify that learning is essential for salvation. Church founder Joseph Smith taught that “no man is saved faster than he gets knowledge,” and that “no man can be saved in ignorance.”[6] Mormons also affirm that God is actively involved in the education of His children. He enlightens the mind; He promises that efforts to learn will be recognized and met with His wise dispensations of knowledge.[7]

Behind the Latter-day Saint approach to education is a distinctive understanding of learning and knowledge. Mormons distinctly emphasize that education is for the whole person; it involves and benefits both the mind and the spirit. Education is not exclusively intellectual; rather, Latter-day Saints seek learning “by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). In part, this means that Mormons recognize a kind of learning that incorporates both intellect and spiritual insight.[8] They also acknowledge that these are not unrelated: spiritual understanding, for instance, is necessary to give rational inquiry its ultimate purpose.[9] Moreover, Latter-day Saints affirm that faith and reason are not fundamentally hostile to each other.[10] Thus the pursuit of truth is unbounded, although Latter-day Saints especially prize understanding that brings seekers nearer to God and helps fulfill life’s essential purposes.[11]

While education plays a vital role in the theology of Mormonism, it also has other personal value. Latter-day Saints believe that education ought to relate to and enhance life experience. Brigham Young explained that “education is the power to think clearly, to act well in the world’s work, and to appreciate life.”[12] Mormons value the life of the mind and the richness that education adds to life experience. They are encouraged to love learning and teaching, and they recognize that knowledge is personally empowering.[13]

Latter-day Saints also believe that learning ought to have practical value; it should improve one’s ability to make social contributions, to be financially self-reliant, and generally to “act well in the world’s work.”[14] Latter-day Saints recognize that education is crucial for moral and practical reasons that range from the support and upbringing of their families to participation in broader society. Education is a serious charge for parents who are responsible to provide the necessities of life for their children. Church President Thomas S. Monson has encouraged both men and women to pursue education in order to participate as needed in a competitive economic world.[15] Education also enables those who pursue it to make a greater impact for good in their communities. It enhances their ability to serve the human family.

Of course, Mormons affirm that education is crucial in the immediate family as well. As the Saints understand the family to be the most fundamental unit of human society, they regard the home as the seat of human learning. Parents are divinely commissioned to rear their children “in light and truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:40). They have primary responsibility to bring their children to intellectual, social and spiritual maturity through precept and example. The raising of children is considered a collaboration with God, and parents and other educators are responsible to guide children in ways that benefit them immediately and eternally.[16]

The Scope of Education

The Mormon understanding of education is inclusive, not only of different kinds of learning, but in other ways as well. Church teachings outline a vast field of valuable knowledge, incorporating an unlimited array of secular and religious subjects. Geography, culture, history, science and innumerable other subjects fall within these wide parameters, which extend well beyond the conventional scope of religious knowledge.[17] Indeed, at one level, Mormons do not distinguish between “secular” and “religious” knowledge. They regard all forms of truth as relevant and sacred.

Although “education” often suggests formal schooling, Latter-day Saints recognize that it should involve far more than that. They are encouraged to regard education as an individual responsibility,[18] and they are taught that each person ought to pursue education independently in the context of their own lives, learning in the ways and to the extent that their circumstances allow.[19]While they view formal educational programs as indispensible, Mormons also value individual reading, study, thought and observation of many kinds. They affirm that a wealth of knowledge is available to all those who will engage it.

Finally, to Latter-day Saints, education is a principle that spans eternity. Mormon scripture teaches that “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life” will follow us in the hereafter (Doctrine and Covenants 130:18). Latter-day Saints also see in education a perpetual enterprise; they anticipate and hope for a long course of learning that extends indefinitely into the future.

II. The Mormon Tradition of Education

The tradition of education [20] surrounding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is robust and long-standing — indeed, a hallmark of its people.[21] For nearly 200 years, Mormons have developed educational initiatives and maintained a culture in which education has been a paramount concern. This tradition can be traced to the earliest days of the Church.

In addition to the Bible and the Book of Mormon, Latter-day Saints have looked to divine revelations received by the Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, for a framework and a sense of purpose for their learning.[22] Among other things, this modern scripture encourages the Saints to prize and perpetually seek wisdom of all kinds and to teach one another diligently, so that that they might be “instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, [and] in the law of the gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:78). Such teachings have spurred educational efforts of various kinds throughout the course of Mormon history.

These teachings extended early Latter-day Saints’ commitment to the education of their children and deepened their personal devotion to self-improvement and educational growth. Like many contemporary families, Latter-day Saints attended to education in the home, but they also pursued it more formally. During a 19th-century era when education was often the privilege of a few, Mormons in Kirtland, Ohio, organized their own schools. Some of these provided ministerial and religious instruction, and others instructed members of the community — including women and youth — in the study of languages, arithmetic, grammar and other elements of a traditional curriculum.

Mormons also pioneered education on the untamed, 19th-century American frontier in Missouri, establishing the first school in present-day Kansas City in 1831. A few years later, in their newly-built city of Nauvoo, Illinois, they maintained a mature society encompassing both high culture and higher education. Church leaders had explained that one of the major purposes for Latter-day Saints to gather together was so that they might enjoy the benefits of education, and in Nauvoo many of these benefits were realized.[23] Common schools, clubs, theaters, museums, lyceums and literary and other societies were envisioned and organized. The Saints established a university, the University of the City of Nauvoo, which administered the city’s educational system. Visitors to Nauvoo found a people committed both to their religious principles and to the improvement of their minds.[24]

Even in the second half of the 19th century, when Mormons spread out to colonize the western United States, education remained a priority. In an effort to sustain learning, Church leaders Brigham Young, John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff directed the formation of stake schools and “academies,” which channeled the Latter-day Saints’ often meager resources into an organized educational program. Many of these stake schools and academies have since become the region’s modern high schools, colleges and universities. As alternatives became available, the Church discontinued much of its effort to provide nonreligious education. It began instead to develop systems of supplementary religious education for students of all ages.

III. Church Educational Initiatives

True to tradition, education has continued to occupy a prominent place in Latter-day Saint life and belief.

In addition to the emphasis on learning in Sunday worship, temple worship, and other settings, the Church has an array of formal initiatives to assist members in their pursuit of education.

Continuing support of its colleges and universities reflects the Church’s recognition of the need for excellent, broad education. The Church owns and operates three universities (Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii and Brigham Young University-Idaho) and one college (LDS Business College). At these institutions, secular education is combined with the ideals and religious principles of the Church. The Church also maintains a number of elementary and secondary schools in Mexico, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Kiribati.

Church seminaries and institutes comprise the Church Educational System. These institutions emphasize the importance of developing a comprehensive education that incorporates religious knowledge and faith.

Seminary is a four-year religious education program available to high school students of all faiths. A different book of Latter-day Saint scripture is studied each year — the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants. Seminary classes are taught by both full-time instructors and volunteers, often in Church facilities.There are approximately 350,000 seminary students worldwide.

Institutes of Religion provide religious education to young people between the ages of 18 and 30 at more than 2,500 locations around the world, many of whom are college or university students. Institute classes include the study of scriptures, Church history, doctrine and how to prepare for marriage and Church missions. There are currently about 350,000 students enrolled in institute.

The Perpetual Education Fund, established by the Church in 2001, provides eligible young adults of the Church in developing areas of the world with the opportunity to obtain the education necessary to improve their economic opportunities. Church members make contributions to the fund, and fund recipients are expected to repay the loan at a low rate of interest. Since its establishment, the Perpetual Education Fund has grown into an extensive effort that has helped tens of thousands of individuals.

Big changes announced for Brigham Young University campus

2013-02-07T09:53:00.004-08:00

PROVO — BYU’s campus is getting a major facelift.

The university will permanently close the section of East Campus Drive between the Wilkinson Student Center and the law building and turn it into a pedestrian plaza.

Other features of the major renovations include the installations of roundabouts near the new pedestrian plaza and the administration building. Additional parking also will be created near the Museum of Art and the Harris Fine Arts Building.

“There were three primary reasons (for this project)," BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said. "To help unify our campus, to connect the academic buildings with the other academic buildings and our residence halls with our campus, and … to create a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment."

Phase one will begin May 1 with the permanent closure of East Campus Drive between the Wilkinson Center and the J. Reuben Clark Law Building. The creation of the pedestrian plaza between those buildings includes removal of two iconic campus features.

The first, the underused pedestrian bridge between the buildings will come down. The second, the busy crosswalk outside the covered Wilkinson Center drive-thru and the law building parking lot will be replaced by a roundabout.

The mall will provide a large green space and connect previously separate parts of campus.

“What we are creating is for those who are coming onto campus … a safe experience for those coming in vehicles and those walking on campus,” Jenkins said.

The second phase of the project, beginning in the summer of 2014, includes construction of a new drop-off in front of the Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center. The work also will shift 450 East and add a sidewalk on the south side of 1230 North.

During phase three, which will begin in the summer of 2015, construction will include new parking areas near the Museum of Art and a roundabout and new entry north of the Administration Building. These changes will make walking to school safer for students who live on campus.

BYU is working with city planners to smooth the transition, especially with the expected increase in traffic on 900 East as drivers go around the east side of campus.

More than 80 Olympus High School graduates open Mormon mission calls in new YouTube video (+video)

2013-02-07T09:51:00.003-08:00

Titan Missionaries from Olympus Class of 2012

When President Thomas S. Monson announced that youths could serve LDS missions at a younger age, young men at 18 and young women at 19, many young people contacted their bishops within minutes to begin their paperwork.

Now, four months after the announcement, thousands of youths across the world have their mission calls and are ready to serve. Danielle Chard, a 19-year-old from Salt Lake City, recently entered the Missionary Training Center, where she will prepare to teach the people of Frankfurt, Germany.

Before she left, Chard uploaded a video on YouTube of more than 80 Olympus High School graduates from the class of 2012 opening their mission calls. The video has more than 12,000 views and more than 30 comments.

"This is truly amazing. Congratulations to everyone who has accepted the call to serve. Thank you, Sister Chard, for putting this together. It brought tears to my eyes," commenter MartinAPChem said.

The songs featured in the video inlcude "Armies of Helaman" performed by Michael Ethington and "Come, Come Ye Saints" performed by Steven Sharp Nelson

Convert endures trial, shares happiness through social media (+video)

2013-02-07T09:49:00.004-08:00

As a 20-year-old college graduate living on her own in Rochester, N.Y., Al Fox figured she had reached the peak of her life’s happiness.

She worked a full-time job using her graphic design degree. She had great friends and an address a few blocks away from her best friend in the world — her dad.

What she didn’t have, however, was religion.

That began to change when she met a missionary companionship who asked her if she wanted to learn more about Christ.

“I saw them on the street and they came around the corner riding bikes, and I remember thinking, ‘Who wears helmets still?’" Fox said.

She reluctantly met with the missionaries. When given aBook of Mormon, she promised she would never read it. She also doubted the story of the Restoration.

But a visit to the Sacred Grove, which was a 30-minute drive away from where she lived, and a powerful experience there with prayer changed her perspective.

“I found out against my will that prayers are answered,” Fox said. “Since that prayer, I started to care. I started to want to know, and I started to try.”

Fox was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Aug. 22, 2009.

“Going into baptism, I was really embarrassed, so I didn’t invite my family or friends,” Fox said. “When I got confirmed, that contrast was huge that it really was a physical difference. When I got the gift of the Holy Ghost, me being embarrassed and ashamed completely disappeared because of how I felt. I wanted to scream to all of New York, all of my friends and especially my family, that happiness is real.”

Before her baptism, Fox enjoyed expressing her artsy style by getting several tattoos. However, once she entered the waters of baptism, she knew it was important not to get any more.

Fox was not raised in a religious household, so telling her family she had become a member of the LDS Church was not easy.

“I saw my dad every single day and I’d make him lunch and we’d talk. We were just the closest you could ever imagine,” Fox said. “After I told him I was baptized, he said, ‘Al, I don’t want you as a daughter anymore. I don’t want to talk to you if this is what you’re going to be a part of.’ He made me pick either the gospel, which I’d only known about for a few weeks, or my family.”

Although she didn’t want to hurt her dad, Fox had made the decision at baptism who she was going to follow.

“It was an easy decision in a difficult situation,” Fox said. “I had just found out that this happiness that I didn’t know existed was real, and it only comes from the gospel.”

Her father kept his word. She didn’t hear from him for more than three years.

It didn’t take long for Fox’s mom to come around. Although she didn’t agree with the teachings of the church, she could see the happiness it created in her daughter, and they maintain a close relationship.

“There is still a lot of confusion about the church, but this is the closest I’ve ever been with my mom,” Fox said.

There was only one person Fox called to invite to her baptism, her sister's boyfriend, Scott.

“At the time I had no idea who Scott was so it was really awkward to call him up,” Fox said. “He asked if he could come, and he brought my sister.”

Utah, other large LDS populations highest in marriage but lowest in life insurance

2013-02-07T09:48:00.001-08:00

Marriage ranks high in Utah, but life insurance hasn’t become a priority yet.

With 57 percent of the residents married, Utah has the highest marriage percentage in the nation. But nationally, it is the seventh lowest in life insurance, according to a release by Bankrate.

Of the more than 2 million people over age 15 who are married in Utah, only 38.5 percent are covered by life insurance. Considering the high rate of marriage, this ranks the state low in those covered.

Idaho is second in marriage rate with 56.5 percent married. It is the ninth lowest in life insurance with 43 percent covered. Wyoming has a 55.4 percent marriage rate with 50 percent covered by life insurance.

Bankrate said these states have a high marriage rate because of the large concentration of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LDS Church emphasizes strong families.

"The (LDS) Church has long emphasized the importance of life insurance in (its) teachings and encouragement of provident living and self-reliance," Steve Miller, owner of the Steve Miller Agency, an insurance and financial services agency in Provo, Utah, told Bankrate. He said he was surprised by the findings.

But there could be a reason for this trend. Idaho and Utah have the youngest median marriage age. The median marriage age for women in Idaho is 23.3, in Utah 23.3 and in Wyoming 24.2, according to the Population Reference Bureau. The low age could affect the low life insurance.

"Life insurance is not going to be a big priority while you're young and tight on resources," Julie Hanks, an author and the owner of Wasatch Family Therapy in Salt Lake City, told Bankrate. "Those are things like rent, food and tuition."

A way to show love is through life insurance, said Stephen Rothschild, chairman of the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education. He said it would be a great Valentines present.

"The only reason to purchase life insurance is because you love someone," Rothschild said to Bankrate. "It seems a lot less superfluous and much more lasting than a box of chocolates or a dozen roses."

Kenyan Man Enjoying Life as a Member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2013-02-07T09:46:00.002-08:00

Amran Musungu is one of the first Africans to become a member of the world-famousMormon Tabernacle Choir. He began singing in the choir in the mid-2000s after the choir’s music director invited Musungu to audition. And, as they say, the rest is history.He was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints more than 20 years ago in Nairobi and later served a Church mission in Africa.

Musungu says since joining the Church his life has been “miraculous.”

Read his story on the Kenya Mormon Newsroom website.

Líder da Igreja Participou Hoje do Programa Mulheres na TV Gazeta

2013-01-31T12:35:00.001-08:00

O Presidente Ricardo Leite (Estaca Taboão Brasil) esteve ao vivo na TV Gazeta.

Começou o Fórum Religioso do Mulheres na TV Gazeta. Um líder da Igreja vai fazer perguntas ao Padre Juarez.

Mais Informações sobre este assunto iram ser postadas!

Novo Centro de Treinamento Missionário vai abrir no México

2013-01-31T12:22:00.003-08:00

CIDADE DO MÉXICO -

A Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos Dias anunciou que irá fechar sua Benemérito de las Américas alta escola na Cidade do México nesta primavera e reabri-lo como um centro de treinamento missionário (MTC) neste verão. Élder Daniel L. Johnson, presidente da Área Igreja México, anunciou a mudança em uma reunião terça-feira no estabelecimento na Cidade do México. Élder Russell M. Nelson presidiu a reunião e foi acompanhado pelo Élder Jeffrey R. Holland e outros líderes da Igreja. "O futuro está diante de nós", disse o Élder Nelson. "Agora, em vez de centenas sendo formados em Benemérito, milhares serão educados aqui no CTM. . Muitos deles virão de outras nações " Em relação ao anúncio, a Igreja deu a seguinte declaração para a imprensa na terça-feira:

Os líderes da Igreja anunciou hoje que a propriedade da Igreja, escola Benemérito de las Américas perto da Cidade do México vai se tornar um centro de treinamento para missionários que servem no México e do Norte, Central e América do Sul.

Os líderes da Igreja tomou a decisão depois de considerar todas as alternativas imediatas que poderia aliviar a demanda na Igreja outros centros de treinamento missionário em todo o mundo, incluindo o CTM de Provo, Utah.

A mudança irá ocorrer após o final do ano letivo, em junho. Os primeiros missionários entrará no início MTC novo em julho. O momento da mudança vai permitir uma transição suave e ajudar a acomodar um número crescente de missionários, devido à recente mudança de requisitos de idade. Élder Nelson reconhecido agradecimento a cooperação de líderes e membros da Igreja no México. "Nós estendemos louvor e gratidão a alunos, funcionários, professores, famílias e diplomados. Você fez deste lugar um local sagrado e especial ", disse o Élder Nelson. líderes da Igreja reconheceram a história da instalação ao olhar para a frente a seu futuro importante. "Esta terra sagrada onde estamos hoje vai se tornar mais sagrado a cada ano", disse o Élder Nelson. ". Melhor, propósitos mais altos e mais santos será servido no futuro do que jamais conhecido antes" Veja também: Deseret News : aumento Missionário da Igreja SUD pede para abrir nova MTC no México

Da esquerda para a direita: Anciãos David F. Evans, Benjamin De Hoyos, Daniel L. Johnson e José L. Alonso (todos dos Setenta); Anciãos Jeffrey R. Holland e Russell M. Nelson (do Quórum dos Doze Apóstolos) , Paul V. Johnson (setenta); Bispo Gérald Caussé (do Bispado Presidente), e Abraão Martinez (Setenta de Área) ficar na frente da Igreja de propriedade de alta escola Benemérito de las Américas perto da Cidade do México em Terça, 30 Janeiro de 2013. A Igreja anunciou que a escola se torne um centro de treinamento para missionários que servem no México e do Norte, Central e América do Sul. © 2013 por Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

Temples

2013-01-30T12:16:00.003-08:00

Temples are not regular places of Sunday worship for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are quite different from the thousands of regular chapels or meetinghouses all over the world that are used for Sunday services.

Anyone, regardless of religion, may enter a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse and attend services. However, because of the sacredness of temples as “houses of the Lord,” only members of the Church, who are in good standing are allowed to enter the temples. A member must be observing the basic principles of the faith and attest to that fact to his or her local leaders once every two years in order to enter a temple.

The sacredness of the temple anciently can be seen in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Moses had the children of Israel carry with them the Tabernacle (a large, portable temple) as they wandered in the wilderness. King Solomon built and dedicated the great temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. It was rebuilt and later substantially expanded, but again destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. The great Western Wall can still be seen in Jerusalem today, and even after millennia, remains a sacred site for Jews. The New Testament gives an account of Jesus Christ clearing the temples when its sacredness was violated by people using its courts as a common market.

Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God, a place of holiness and peace separate from the preoccupations of the world. They provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God. They are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — themarriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.

Temples serve as the only place where ceremonies such as baptism and eternal marriage can be performed in behalf of those who have died — a practice that Latter-day Saints believe was followed in New Testament times but that later was lost.

Temples point Latter-day Saints to Jesus Christ and their eventual life with Him, their Heavenly Father and their family members on the condition of faithfulness to Christ’s teachings.

In a modern-day revelation, Joseph Smith received direction to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio (dedicated in 1836). Later he was instructed to build a temple in Nauvoo, Illinois (1846). So important were temples to early Church members that within days after arriving in Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young selected the site of the Salt Lake Temple.

There are 166 temples throughout the world either in operation, under construction or announced. (See temple list.)

On most temples there is a golden statue of a man in flowing robes, with a long horn pressed to his lips. The statue depicts the angel Moroni, an ancient prophet and a central figure in the Book of Mormon. The statue is symbolic of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

Respect for Diversity of Faiths

2013-01-30T12:03:00.001-08:00

A respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths is one of the hallmarks of Mormonism. From the earliest days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith elevated the principle of religious liberty and tolerance: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).

In that same spirit, Church President Thomas S. Monson made a plea during general conference, a semiannual worldwide meeting, for more religious understanding: “I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.” Latter-day Saints accept all sincere believers as equals in the pursuit of faith and in the great work of serving humanity.

Emphasizing God’s love for all people, not just those of one religion, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency, the highest governing body of the Church, declared: “We honor and respect sincere souls from all religions, no matter where or when they lived, who have loved God, even without having the fullness of the gospel. We lift our voices in gratitude for their selflessness and courage. We embrace them as brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father. … He hears the prayers of the humble and sincere of every nation, tongue, and people. He grants light to those who seek and honor Him and are willing to obey His commandments.”

The late Krister Stendahl, emeritus Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm and professor emeritus of Harvard Divinity School, established three rules for religious understanding: (1) When you are trying to understand another religion, you should ask the adherents of that religion and not its enemies; (2) don't compare your best to their worst; and (3) leave room for "holy envy" by finding elements in other faiths to emulate. These principles foster relationships between religions that build trust and lay the groundwork for charitable efforts.

The spiritual and physical needs of the world require goodwill and cooperation among different faiths. Each of them makes a valuable contribution to the larger community of believers. In the words of early Church apostle Orson F. Whitney, “God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.” Thus, members of the Church do not view fellow believers around the world as adversaries or competitors, but as partners in the many causes for good in the world. For example, the Church has joined forces with Catholic Relief Services in a "collaboration of caring" that aids victims of famine and natural disaster. Furthermore, the Church worked with Islamic Relief Worldwide and the Islamic Society of Great Salt Lake to provide immediate humanitarian assistance in December 2004 to the tsunami-hit areas of Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

It is important to note that interfaith cooperation does not require doctrinal compromise. Though the Church asserts its ecclesiastical independence and recognizes its doctrinal differences, this does not prevent it from partnering with other faiths in charitable projects. These efforts are based on universal values. A different interpretation of the atonement of Christ, for example, need not diminish themandate of Christ to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a separation between charitable efforts and doctrinal tenets, while at the same time sharing mutual concern for those in need. People of good faith do not need to have the exact same beliefs in order to accomplish great things in the service of their fellow human beings.

San Salvador El Salvador Temple

2013-01-25T05:50:00.002-08:00

Familia

2013-01-25T05:42:00.001-08:00

El concepto de una familia unida que vive y progresa eternamente yace en el centro mismo de la doctrina de los Santos de los Últimos Días. Con familias guiadas por un padre y una madre, los hijos desarrollan virtudes tales como el amor, la confianza, la lealtad, la cooperación y el servicio.
Según la doctrina de la Iglesia, un matrimonio efectuado en uno de los templos de la Iglesia no se disuelve con la muerte, siempre y cuando la pareja permanezca fiel a sus convenios del templo. Así, la relación de familia perdura más allá de la tumba, y los miembros de la familia pueden progresar por la eternidad de forma individual.
En 1995, la Primera Presidencia y el Quórum de los Doce Apóstoles —los dos máximos cuerpos gobernantes de la Iglesia— emitieron una proclamación en la que explican la naturaleza divina de la familia y cómo deben tratarse y nutrirse las relaciones familiares. (Lea “La Familia: Una Proclamación para el Mundo”.)
En 1915, los líderes de la Iglesia establecieron un programa que insta a los padres a reunir a su familia una vez a la semana para dedicarle una noche exclusivamente a la familia. La Noche de Hogar constituye una ocasión en la que los padres pueden enseñar a sus hijos los principios del Evangelio. Una Noche de Hogar típica consiste en una oración, una canción, una lección breve, una actividad y un refrigerio. Las lecciones las enseñan los padres y a veces los hijos.

Entregan premios a los Valores Familiares

2013-01-25T05:39:00.000-08:00

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Galardonados a los Premios Valores Familiares, Costa Rica 2012. Jesús Rosales, Director del Centro Iberoamericano de Estudios para la Familia y Sharon Campbell, Embajadora de Gran Bretaña en Costa Rica.© 2013 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Todos los derechos reservados

Luego de palabras de cada uno de los premiados, el Élder Duncan se dirigió a los presentes y expresó su testimonio sobre la importancia de conservar y fortalecer los valores familiares. Posteriormente, se disfrutó de una cena acompañada por música instrumental.

La actividad, que se realiza por tercera vez en Costa Rica, tiene como objetivo premiar a personas del ámbito público que defienden los valores familiares en la sociedad actual. En esta ocasión, a la cita asistieron personalidades costarricenses como el Lic. Pedro Beirute, del Bufete Pedro Beirute & Asociados, especializados en Derecho de Familia y Conflictos Matrimoniales, la Licda. Iris Arias, presidenta ejecutiva del Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI) y la Licda. Ericka Guzmán, Cónsul General de la Embajada de México en Costa Rica, así como personeros y representantes del Banco Nacional de Sangre y del Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE).

También estuvieron presentes líderes eclesiásticos de la Iglesia en Costa Rica con sus respectivas esposas, y el presidente de la Misión San José Costa Rica, Chad Wilkinson, y su esposa Allison.

Jabari Parker found a Mormon connection at Duke

2013-01-25T05:25:00.004-08:00

Our take: Andrew Beaton of the Duke Chronicle shares some interesting insights into how Jabari Parker and his family did their due diligence in regards to the LDSChurch presence at Duke University. We also learn that Parker is still considering the possibility of serving a 2-year mission.

More than a year ago, Ken Rogerson received an unusual phone call in his office at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy. He wasn’t answering as the director of undergraduate studies at Sanford, but rather as the faculty advisor for the Latter-day Saint Student Association.

On the other end was Lola Parker, the mother of highly touted basketball recruit Jabari Parker, who needed to know: What is it like to be a Mormon at Duke?

The call was not a surprise. One of the Blue Devil assistant coaches had been in touch with Rogerson to inform him that a prospect, which he did not name, might reach out to Rogerson.

Although Rogerson never heard back from the Parker family, Parker committed to Duke in December. At 6-foot-8, the Chicago native is praised mostly for his fluid jump shot and complete offensive repertoire. But the small forward is also a deeply committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so his mother — like any concerned mother of a prospective student might do — reached out to Rogerson.

“Mormons are not very visible on Duke’s campus. We are a very small contingent. We have 10 to 15 undergraduate students at any one time,” Rogerson said. “She wanted to know what we offer here.”

Recommended by Trent Toone, Deseret News

Bear River Massacre's unexpected aftermath includes forgiveness and hope

2013-01-25T05:23:00.004-08:00

By Trent Toone, Deseret News

It’s difficult to fathom what the Shoshone chief had already endured.

Sagwitch had witnessed the near annihilation of the Northwestern Shoshone, including members of his own family, and was wounded at the hands of U.S. troops at the Bear River Massacre in 1863. He watched as their lands were stolen and his people were cheated and treated as an inferior race. They suffered destitution and were often days from starvation.

Yet in 1873, when a compelling dream instructed the tribal leaders to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and drastically change their lifestyle, Sagwitch peacefully, humbly and courageously led his band in a new direction.

They not only survived, but in time, they thrived.

“Because he continually fought for a peaceable solution, he and his tribe ended up having a future,” said Scott R. Christensen, a historian and author.

Tuesday, Jan. 29, marks the 150th anniversary of the Bear River Massacre. On that day, tribal descendants, family, friends and community members will gather at the massacre site for a commemoration ceremony at 11 a.m. As that event approaches, Darren B. Parry, vice chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation and a direct descendant of Sagwitch, continues to marvel at his ancestor’s valiant faith, a series of significant events that resulted in blessings and how the gospel of Jesus Christ helped his people find hope and the ability to forgive in the aftermath of the massacre.

“Accepting the gospel saved us … ,” Parry said.

The massacre

In response to friction between American Indians and white travelers, Col. Patrick Edward Connor and about 200 California volunteers attacked the winter camp of the Northwestern Shoshone near today’s Preston, Idaho, before dawn on a bitterly cold Jan. 29, 1863. With inferior weapons and large numbers of mothers, children and aged adults, the Shoshone were overmatched.

“A lopsided battle became a wholesale slaughter,” Christensen wrote in his book, “Sagwitch: Shoshone Chieftain, Mormon Elder, 1822-1887.”

What unfolded that day was horrific. The soldiers brutally killed children, defiled women, burned the Indians’ homes, stole their supplies and walked away with their horses, according to historians. When it was over, more than 300 had perished, making the Bear River Massacre the single greatest loss of Indian lives in American history.

Connor lost 17 men, although many more were wounded or had frostbite. Connor was promoted to brigadier general as a result of his victory.

Sagwitch was one of the survivors. He was shot twice in the hand before he hid in the Bear River among the brush and frozen chunks of ice. Three of his sons also survived, including 2-year-old Beshup Timbimboo, who was wounded several times by troops. The little boy wandered the battlefield, still clutching a bowl of frozen pine nut gravy, until family members found him.

A dream, a missionary and many baptisms

For the next 10 years, the Northwestern Shoshone struggled to survive amid poverty and a tug-of-war with government officials over their lands and resources.

In early 1873, one of Sagwitch’s fellow chiefs had a vision in which three men visited him. One of the three messengers told him “that the Mormon’s God was the true God … that he and the Indian’s Father were one; that he must go to the Mormons and they would tell him what to do; that he must be baptized, with all his Indians; and that the time was at hand for the Indians to gather, stop Indian life, and learn to cultivate the earth and build houses,” according to Christensen’s biography of Sagwitch.

Jóvenes mormones podrán salir a la misión con menos edad

2013-01-23T15:19:00.001-08:00

QUITO —

Líderes mundiales de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos DÍas anunciaron que a partir de la fecha los jóvenes y señoritas podràn servir una misión de tiempo completo a los 18 y 19 años respectivamente en lugar de los 19 y 21 años hasta hoy vigente.

Con esto la Iglesia abre la oportunidad a miles de jóvenes en el mundo de unirse a los más de 53,000 misioneros que actualmente sirven en más de 147 países y en más de 90 idiomas.

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El anuncio fue hecho por el presidente de la Iglesia Thomas S. Monson y ampliado en la Conferencia de Prensa por Elder Russell M. Nelson y el Elder Holland del Quórum de los Doce (uno de los consejos gobernantes más altos de la Iglesia).

Esta noticia ha sido bien recibida por los líderes locales quienes estan en contacto permanente con los jóvenes y saben que muchos de ellos terminan la escuela secundaria a esa edad y están listos -sin demora- a iniciar su servicio misional.

En la primera etapa, luego de este anuncio, se espera un significativo número de jóvenes que aprovecharán esta oportunidad.

Los misioneros son jóvenes y señoritas que consagran dos años y 18 meses respectivamente para servir al prójimo prendicando el Evangelio de Jesucristo y cumpliendo así el mandato que El dió a sus apòstoles de "ir y predicar a todo el mundo".

2012년은 한국 선교부 조직 50주년 기념의 해

2013-01-23T15:17:00.002-08:00

서울 —

한국 전역에서 봉사 프로젝트, 특별 노변의 모임, 종무실장에게 설명회를 열어 이 행사를 기념하다

데이비드 에이 펙

한국 공보 선교사

한국, 서울

1962년 7월 1일, “조용한 아침의 나라”에 예수 그리스도 후기 성도 교회 한국 선교부가 세워졌다. 1950년대 초 6.25전쟁 중에 후기 성도 군인이 한국에 복음을 처음으로 소개했다. 1955년에 조셉 필딩 스미스 장로가 복음 전파를 위해 한국 땅을 헌납했으며,

1956년에 일본 도쿄에 본부를 둔 북극동 선교부에서 파견된 첫 번째 선교사들이 한국에 도착하였다. 선교사들은 모두 10명으로 수는 적었지만, 많은 영혼을 그리스도에게로 인도하는 데 큰 성공을 거두기 시작하였다. 한국에서 봉사하는 동안 한 번은 이 초기 선교사들이 거의 모두 간염에 걸리게 되었다. 폴 앤드루스 선교부 회장은 한국에서 선교활동을 중지하고 선교사들을 모두 일본으로 되돌려 보내고자 장로들을 만났다. 모임 중에 모든 선교사들이 차례로 한국 성도들에 대한 깊은 사랑을 표하였다. 한 장로는 다음과 같이 말했다. “회장님, 회장님께서 저를 한국에서 봉사하도록 부르셨을 때 제가 이곳에서 해야 할 일이 있다고 말씀하셨습니다. 저는 떠나지 않겠습니다. 설령 죽는다 하더라도 이 곳에 있겠습니다.” 앤드루스 회장은 더 이상 반대를 할 수 없었으며 선교사들이 머무는 데 동의했으나 추후 병에 걸렸다는 보고를 또 받게되면 이 지역을 폐쇄할 것이라고 말했다. 선교사들은 모두 완쾌 되었다.

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1962년, 한국 선교부가 당시 32세였던 게일 이 카 회장 하에 조직되었다. 선교부가 조직되었던 당시 대략 1,000명 정도의 회원이 있었다. 50년이 흐른 지금 한국에는 83,000명이 넘는 회원이 있으며, 3개의 선교부가 조직되어 있다.

50주년을 기념하기 위해 교회의 각 스테이크와 지방부에서는 봉사 프로젝트를 하라는 요청을 받았다. 이 요청으로 현재 봉사중인 선교사들의 헌혈, 가난한 사람들에게 나누어줄 김치(김치는 한국인의 식단에서 중요함)를 제공하기 위해 서울 푸드 뱅크 및 정부 복지실과 협력하여 김치 담기겨울철 난방을 위해 도움이 필요한 사람들에게 연탄(석탄 제품)을 구매하여 전달하기환경 미화와 같은 프로젝트가 진행되었다. 1,250명이 넘는 교회 회원들이 참여하여 이 프로젝트들을 수행하였다..

2012년 11월 12일, 마이클 티 링우드 북아시아 지역 회장은 한국 문화 체육 관광부 종무실의 강봉석 종무실장 및 강태서 종무2담당관을 만나 설명회를 가졌다. 링우드 장로는 한국 선교부가 조직된 이래로 50년 이상 한국에서 이루어진 교회 활동에 관해 설명하였고, 교회에 대한 한국 정부의 따뜻한 유대에 대해 감사를 표했다. 그런 다음 강 종무실장에게 작은 가족상을 증정하였다. 한국인과 교회 문화에서 가족은 큰 가치를 지닌다.

2012년 11월 18일, 한국 서울에서 400명이 넘는 교회 회원과 종교계 인사들이 참석한 특별 노변의 모임이 열렸다. 한국 가톨릭 교회의 고위 성직자인 김용해 신부, 한국 종교 연합회 박남수 대표가 자리를 함께 하였다.

이 날 저녁 모임에는 프로 수준의 기악과성악 연주도 포함되었다. 현악기와 플루트, 피아노로 “어린이의 기도”가 아름답게연주되었을 때는 청중들이 감동의눈물을 흘렸다. 연사로는브랜트 크리스텐슨 서울선교부회장, 데이비드에이펙 공보선교사, 전 선교부 회장과 교회 지도자로서 한인상 형제, 홍무광 형제, 이동환 형제가 말씀했다. 또한 김용해 신부도 짧은 축하 말씀을 전했다.

한국에서 교회는 점진적으로 발전해왔으며, 다음 50년이 지난 후에는 더 많은 훌륭한 한국 성도들이 그리스도에게로 나아오라는 초대를 받아들일 것으로 기대한다.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: 'Invest yourself in this'

2013-01-23T15:13:00.003-08:00

PROVO, UTAH

There might have been a more exciting time to be a missionary in the Church, "but I do not know when that would be," Elder Jeffrey R. Holland declared to the missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center in a devotional address Jan. 15.

Photo by R. Scott Lloyd

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland holds up an index card containing quote from Joseph Smith that he read during his talk to missionaries in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, on Jan. 15.

"There is an enthusiasm, an excitement, a zeal right now that is unlike anything I know of in recent years," Elder Holland said. He referred to the dramatic increase in interest since President Monson announced in October general conference the lowering of the age of eligibility for missionary service to 18 for men and 19 for women.

Elder Holland read a quote from the Prophet Joseph Smith that he said has taken on new meaning for him though it was equally true when Joseph made the statement in the early days of the Church when there were only a few hundred members. The Prophet said: "The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations, they have sung and written and prophesied of this, our day; ... we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the latter-day glory" (History of the Church 4:609-10).

"I am 'fired with heavenly and joyful anticipation,'" Elder Holland said, "and if I could sing, I would sing!"

Elder Holland said he has a feeling regarding earlier apostles, prophets, priests and kings — earlier missionaries — "that although they knew they would not succeed in their day, they were able to continue to labor because they knew we would succeed. In that sense they could sing and prophesy and take heart, not of their day, but of our day."

He added, "This is the generation when the work will not fail. This is the dispensation that will receive the Son of God as the Lamb of God, and we will hand to Him the Church of the Lamb."

He said missionaries often ask him when that Second Coming of Christ will occur. He responds that he does not know. "But I am quick to say that process has already begun," he said, explaining that it began with the appearance of the Father and the Son to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820 and will culminate with the coming of Christ to reign personally upon the earth, of which culmination "no man knoweth the day or the hour."

Because of the significance of the latter days, "you have to be the best missionaries we've ever had, because no task has ever been put before a missionary like the one we're putting before you," Elder Holland said. "We expect you to be mature, powerful, bold, spiritual missionaries. And you have to have an abiding conviction of this work in your heart."

Photo by R. Scott Lloyd

Missionaries at the Provo MTC listen to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

He said "missionaries are under obligation to come home having had at least one convert, you! There is no excuse in time or eternity for you not to have that one precious conversion."

Speaking of his own missionary experience, Elder Holland said, "Everything I cherish in this world I have because of this Church, and everything I have because of this Church seems to have begun with the blessing of my mission."

He said that because of the greatness of his own mission experience, "I cannot bear for you not to have that same experience."

"So you've got to invest yourself in this for your sake, for the Church's sake, and for heaven's sake. The angels are smiling down on this dispensation and expect so much of you in order that the Lord can triumphantly come. There's a lot riding on your shoulders.

"We know that. We know you're young, but we don't apologize for that. God has chosen young people to do His work from the beginning of time, and He has chosen you."

The idea behind the current missionary guide, Preach My Gospel, is "to convert you, then help you to convert the [individual] investigators," he said.

He added that the title of the missionary guide is taken from section 50 of the Doctrine and Covenants and added that the personal pronoun "my" pertains to the Savior Himself.

"The point is you have to understand that this is the Savior's gospel. When you know that ... then you will know why you have to preach it His way." For that reason, missionaries are counseled to be obedient to mission rules, he explained, adding that by so doing, they can teach with power and great authority because they will be endowed with the Spirit.

Elder Holland gave the missionaries this formula by which they can know they are measuring up to the Lord's expectations: "Seek to be personally converted, obey the rules of the mission, strive to have the Spirit of the Lord in your life, and work hard. These are things every missionary can do.

"If you do those things, I promise you in the name of the Lord and with the authority of my office, you are a success in His eyes regardless of how many other convert baptisms you are able to have in your particular corner of the vineyard."

By R. Scott Lloyd

Church News staff writer

About this ad BYU football: An updated overview of the 2013 signing class

2013-01-23T15:08:00.003-08:00

By Brandon Gurney, Deseret News

Published: Tuesday, Jan. 22 2013 4:20 p.m. MST

PROVO — BYU head football coach Bronco Mendenhall often makes the point with his recruiting that he doesn’t care a whit about star rankings, national and local from the media, or even the amount or quality of offers assigned to high school and junior college prospects. As if to drive that point home, he assembled the 2013 signing class.

BYU has 28 players committed to sign this February with two players (Trent Trammel and Billy Green) already signed and enrolled. The majority of prospects pledged were wrapped up over the summer and before they could capture notice from other programs.

The current recruiting class includes no four- or five-star recruits and just nine three-star recruits as evaluated by scout.com and eight as evaluated by rivals.com. It’s a stat that Mendenhall couldn’t care less about and will likely express as much when the class is announced Feb. 6.

So how should fans regard this year’s class that includes so little hype and national attention?

It’s always hard to know exactly how a recruiting class will shape up at any program, but that is especially true at BYU given its relatively small recruiting pool. Given the program’s stringent academic and Honor Code standards, Mendenhall and his staff must be very selective in who they recruit and sign. For this reason the BYU coaching staff holds on to its own evaluations and consider little else when deciding whom to offer scholarships.

It’s a process that has worked well for Mendenhall since arriving at BYU. His recruits have provided winning seasons, bowl wins and, most importantly, have largely avoided running afoul with the Honor Code while representing the program and its unique mission well.

When reviewing the class of 2013 there is little doubt that these players will work to continue BYU’s tradition of winning seasons while also representing the program well off the field. The question is if these are the type of players who will help BYU reach the next level of BCS bowls and even a national championship, which are the stated goals of the program. That question is certainly tougher to answer and easier to cast doubt upon given its lack of highly-ranked prospects.

So who does BYU have committed and what’s in store for recruiting from now until national letter of intent day on Feb. 6? We break it down position-by-position to give fans the best overview of the 2013 class.

Missionaries got talent: Elders and sisters share musical humor, inspiration on YouTube

2013-01-23T14:55:00.001-08:00

Screen shot www.youtube.com

From early morning companion scripture study to afternoons of constant door-knocking, missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints work hard all day.

According to a new infographic from the Mormon Newsroom, missionaries dedicate more than 12 million hours of service to help the community each year and pay an average of $10,000 to fund their full-time service.

Some may think these elders and sisters don't have any fun, but these videos demonstrate the talented, creative and even goofy sides of these young men and women who have dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel.

Here are 10 of our favorite musical missionary YouTube videos.

Singing Elders

President Uchtdorf speaks at fireside, urges listeners to learn to recognize the truth

2013-01-16T12:38:00.004-08:00

PROVO — Individuals have a personal obligation to search for and find truth, said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during a Church Educational System devotional address in the Marriott Center at BYU on Sunday night.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf: In English >>>>>>

"It seems to be part of our nature as human beings to make assumptions about people, politics and piety based on our incomplete and often misleading experience. ... So often the 'truths' we tell ourselves are merely fragments of the truth and sometimes, they're not really the truth at all," he said.

President Uchtdorf asked the young adults three questions: "What is truth?" "Is it really possible to know the truth?" and "How should we react to things that contradict truths we have learned previously?"

"Now, never in the history of the world have we had easier access to more information — some of it true, some of it false, and much of it partially true," he said. "Consequently, never in the history of the world has it been more important to learn how to correctly discern between truth and error."

What is truth?

Part of the problem in the quest for truth is that human wisdom has often disappointed people, providing many examples of things that mankind once knew to be true, but has since been proven false, President Uchtdorf explained.

One example he used was that in spite of one-time overwhelming consensus, the earth isn't flat.

"In some ways we are all susceptible to such strange thinking," he said. "The truths we cling to shape the quality of our societies as well as our individual characters. All too often these truths are based on incomplete and inaccurate evidence, and at times they serve very selfish motives."

Part of the reason for poor judgment comes from the tendency of mankind to blur the line between belief and truth, he said.

"We too often confuse belief with truth, thinking that because something makes sense or is convenient, it must be true," he said. "Conversely, we sometimes don't believe truth or reject it — because it would require us to change or admit that we were wrong. Often truth is rejected because it doesn't appear to be consistent with previous experiences."

When the opinions or "truths" of others contradict what an individual already knows, instead of considering the possibility that there could be information that might be helpful and would augment or complement knowledge, individuals often jump to conclusions or make assumptions that the other person is misinformed or trying to deceive, he said.

"The thing about truth is that it exists beyond belief," President Uchtdorf said. "It is true even if nobody believes it."

How does one find truth?

Over the centuries many wise men and women — through logic, reason, scientific inquiry and inspiration — have discovered truth, President Uchtdorf said. These discoveries have enriched mankind, improved lives and inspired many. Even so, things that were once known as truths are continually being enhanced, modified or even contradicted by enterprising scholars seeking understanding. Because Satan is the great deceiver, he has many cunning strategies for keeping individuals from the truth. He does this by offering the belief that truth is relative; appealing to a sense of tolerance and fairness, keeping the real truth hidden by claiming that one person's "truth" is as valid as any other.

"Soon he entices to believe that there is an absolute truth out there somewhere, but that it is impossible for anyone to know it," President Uchtdorf observed. "For those who already embrace the truth, his primary strategy is to spread the seeds of doubt."

Photos >>>>>

Home Teachers I Will Always Remember

2013-01-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

"I looked up to see my home teachers, one of whom had a big smile on his face. I remember them speaking to me, though I don’t recall what was said... They placed their hands on my head and as they did so I closed my eyes.

Image days> Las Vegas - Nevada Temple

2013-01-12T15:51:00.003-08:00

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Missionaries got talent: Elders and sisters share musical humor, inspiration on YouTube

Singing Elders

President Uchtdorf speaks at fireside, urges listeners to learn to recognize the truth

Home Teachers I Will Always Remember

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Image days> Las Vegas - Nevada Temple