Mormon Messages: "The Value of a Full-time Mission"

Elliot has just ten days until he returns from his two-year mission to Oklahoma. We have seen him change and grow over the past two years, as the experiences he has had as a full-time missionary have helped to shape him into the man he is today.

Serving a mission is unquestionably a life-changing experience, as the young European men and women featured in this video will soon learn. They share their thoughts as they prepare for their own missions, and express the same excitement, nervousness and anxiety that all aspiring missionaries must feel. Enjoy the video.

Mormon Messages: "Young Church Service Missionaries: Elder Wyatt"

We posted a story some time ago about Church service missions, non-traditional missions designed for those who wish to serve but, for one reason or another, are not able to perform the duties of a traditional proselytizing mission or wish to serve in a different capacity. The Church recently posted a Mormon Messages video that tells of the experience of one such young man, Sterling Wyatt of Logan, Utah, whose physical limitations did not limit his desire to serve. It's a great story of family, service, and devotion. Enjoy the video.

Mormon Messages: "Jesus Christ is the Way"

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

"Remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved,

only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come." (Helaman 5:9)

Mormon Messages: "Finding Hope - 10th Anniversary of 9/11"

On this tenth anniversary of 9/11, take a few minutes for this video account of a survivor, a member of the church who describes the events of the day and the effect they had on his life.

Mormon Messages: "The Book of Mormon: A Book with a Promise"

We have featured stories about the Book of Mormon on Elliot's blog a couple of times (here and here).  Here is another video about the Book of Mormon from Mormon Messages, featuring an address by Elder Craig C. Christensen, "A Book with a Promise."  Enjoy the video, and read the excerpted portions of his address after the jump.

Mormon Messages: "The Blessing of Scripture"

In this year of the 400th anniversary of the King James version of the Bible, the Church recently produced a new Mormon Messages video.  The video, which is based on Elder D. Todd Christofferson's address at the April 2010 General Conference, tells the story of William Tyndale, who was instrumental in translating the Bible into English.  Tyndale is well known for speaking out in favor of sharing the Bible with all.  First, there is Tyndale's promise to a cleric who opposed making scripture available to the common man: “If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough, shall know more of the Scripture than thou dost!”  And his final words, spoken immediately prior to his execution, were a plea to heaven to soften the heart of the king: “Lord! open the king of England’s eyes."  From Elder Kristofferson's address:

Tyndale nevertheless undertook the challenging work of translation. In 1524 he traveled to Germany, under an assumed name, where he lived much of the time in hiding, under constant threat of arrest. With the help of committed friends, Tyndale was able to publish English translations of the New Testament and later the Old Testament. The Bibles were smuggled into England, where they were in great demand and much prized by those who could get them. They were shared widely but in secret. The authorities burned all the copies they could find. Nevertheless, within three years of Tyndale’s death, God did indeed open King Henry VIII’s eyes, and with publication of what was called the “Great Bible,” the scriptures in English began to be publicly available. Tyndale’s work became the foundation for almost all future English translations of the Bible, most notably the King James Version.

Enjoy this video on the life of William Tyndale.  For those who would like a free copy of the Bible, the Church makes them available here.

Mormon Messages: "Mormon Missionaries: An Introduction"

The Church recently posted a new Mormon Messages video all about missionaries.  It features several missionaries and provides a great introduction into the purpose and mission of these young men and women.  Enjoy the video.

Mormon Messages: "Book of Mormon: An Introduction"

We posted a few stories recently on the history of the Bible and a current exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (here, here, and here).  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and serves as a companion scripture to the Bible.  The Church recently released a video (below) to introduce the Book of Mormon to those who may be less familiar with its history, its provenance, and its relevance to our lives today.  Narrating the video is Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elliot's purpose as a missionary is to share the message of Jesus Christ, as contained in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  Preach My Gospel teaches:

The testimony of the Book of Mormon confirms the testimony of the Bible that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God and the Savior of the world. As you teach the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, you will testify often about the Savior and Redeemer of the world. By the power of the Holy Ghost, you will add your living witness of the truthfulness of this message.

Please enjoy the video.  And if you'd like to receive a free copy of the Book of Mormon, you can order one here.  You can also receive a free copy of the Bible here.

Mormon Messages for Youth: "Same Jersey"

As priesthood bearers, we must realize that all of God’s children wear the same jersey. Our team is the brotherhood of man. This mortal life is our playing field. Our goal is to learn to love God and to extend that same love toward our fellowman. We are here to live according to His law and establish the kingdom of God. We are here to build, uplift, treat fairly, and encourage all of Heavenly Father’s children.  (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Pride and the Priesthood," Ensign, November 2010.)

When Elder Uchtdorf spoke at the October 2010 General Conference, he likely had never heard of Brandon McEuen, starting quarterback for the Safford High School Bulldogs, or Teren Bingham, starting quarterback for the Thatcher High School Eagles.  But it's hard to imagine a better real-life example of the message Elder Uchtdorf sought to convey.  The video (below) tells a wonderful missionary story of Brandon and Teren, opponents on the field but teammates in the priesthood.  You can also read about them in the Church News.

(Brandon and Teren don't excel only in football.  Brandon was selected as Gila Valley basketball player of the year, and Teren was on the honorable mention team.)

Happy Mother's Day!

One of the rules missionaries for the Church live by is that their communication with family back home is limited to a weekly email or letter and two phone calls per year, one on Christmas and the other on Mother's Day.  Those phone calls are precious experiences for the families.  We look forward to them, savor them while they last, and hate to hang up when it's time to let our missionary go.

Since today is Mother's Day, we had one of our calls with Elliot.  It was so great to hear from him and to know that he is doing well and is happy.  He is such a positive person.  He enjoys the people and the culture of Oklahoma, and the entire experience of being a missionary.  Nothing seems to phase him -- not the heat, the humidity, the bugs, and the rest of the challenges he faces.  He sends his best to everyone and appreciates the letters and emails he receives.  We'll talk to him again in December!

And in the spirit of Mother's Day, enjoy a fun video after the jump.

Mormon Messages: "His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration"

"He is not here: for he is risen."  Matthew 28:6.

Please enjoy this wonderful Easter video, with a message from President Thomas S. Monson.

Mormon Messages: "An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ"

With Easter just a week ago, it seems appropriate to share the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland as he describes his thoughts on the Savior and His life and sacrifice for all of us.  His address, "None Were With Him," was given at the April 2009 General Conference.  Elder Holland's concluding challenge to each of us is powerful:

He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week—Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb—may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,” [Mosiah 18:9] for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone.

Enjoy the video after the jump.

Mormon Messages: "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration"

The Church has released a full-length movie on the internet about the life of Joseph Smith, the prophet of the restoration.  According to a news release from the Church:

The film will also help people better understand Latter-day Saint belief in modern prophets, the purpose of temples, and the eternal nature of family relationships. There is also additional context around historical events such as the First Vision — when God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith when he was 14 years old.

“Our hope is that people who aren’t familiar with the story will come away with an increased understanding of the role Joseph Smith played in restoring the Church of Jesus Christ,” John Garbett, who produced the new movie, said.

You can see the video here on Elliot's blog after the jump.  You can also find it on the Mormon Channel and YouTube.  It can also be seen in the Legacy Theater at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City and at some Church visitors' centers.  It's lengthy (just over an hour) but well worth your time.

Mormon Messages: "Mormon Temples: The Blessings of the Temple"

I have posted about temples several times on Elliot's blog (here, here, and here).  The Church has posted another great video about the blessings of the temple, narrated by Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  The video is based in part on Elder Nelson's address at the April 2001 General Conference, "Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings."  Elder Nelson explains:

The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple. Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families.

Enjoy the video after the jump.