Week in Recap: President Eyring Turns 90 plus 8 more articles

During the week of May 28 to June 4, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote an essay for the Church News describing the maturity and judgment of Church President Russel M. Nelson and his counselors. in the First Presidency, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor. President Eyring turned 90 on May 31, 2023 and shared life lessons about service, modern prophets, and his testimony of Jesus Christ on the latest episode of Church News Podcast.

Elder Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ministered to the Saints throughout Australia, including the city of Alice Springs, a remote town in the Australian outback. Some of the Joseph Smith Papers staff explained what the epic project meant to them, as the final volume will be released in June. A historian identified rare copies of the first edition of the Hawaiian-language Book of Mormon.

Three families shared their experiences using the JustServe app and how the service brings them closer to Jesus Christ. Iam Tongi, an 18-year-old Latter-day Saint from Hawaii and recent winner of “American Idol” season 21, spoke about his faith to the Church News.

The Church updated its ‘Political Neutrality’ topic page, adding ‘Participation’ and additional material. The Church continued to grow, as shown by graphs and charts of the number of Church members, temples dedicated, wards and branches, and stakes from 1830 to 2022.

Read summaries and find links to these nine articles below.

1. Elder Holland explains the ‘irreplaceable’ qualities of the First Presidency, which, together with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, are now the sixth-longest-serving Presiding Council in Church history.

President Russell M. Nelson, center, and his counselors President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, attend a meeting of the First Presidency at the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City

Elder Holland wrote an essay for the Church News describing the maturity and judgment of Church Presidents Nelson, Oaks, and Eyring. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are now the sixth-longest-serving Presiding Council in Church history and, for the first time, the Church has 4 nonagenarian Apostles, including the entire First Presidency.

2. In honor of his 90th birthday, President Eyring shares life lessons on service, modern prophets, and his testimony of Jesus Christ.

A man in a black suit and red tie smiling.

President Eyring joined the Church News podcast to discuss his life experiences over nine decades. “Find out what the Lord wants, try to do it, trust Him and be kind, be kind. And then things will work out,” President Eyring said on the podcast.

3. Elder Christofferson’s visit to the far interior shows how the Lord loves His children everywhere.

A man in a black suit and a woman in a pink blazer stand in front of a large sign that reads

Elder Christofferson recently visited cities across Australia, including the remote upcountry town of Alice Springs. During a devotional to the Saints in Alice Springs, Elder Christofferson spoke of the goodness he felt in those in attendance. “By following the example of the Savior, we can become a light to all around us,” he promised.

4. What the Joseph Smith Papers have meant to historians, scholars, and publishers as the epic project concludes

Robin Jensen holds a volume of the Joseph Smith Papers.

Some of the Joseph Smith Papers staff have contributed to the project for many years. Sharalyn Howcroft, the project’s principal archivist for 22 years, said: “I would do it again in a heartbeat. No regrets.”

5. Historian identifies rare copies of the first edition of the Hawaiian-language Book of Mormon

An old piece of parchment paper that says

In the mid-19th century, Elder George Q. Cannon translated the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian with the help of Native Hawaiians Jonathan Nāpela and JWH Kauwahi. But only a few hundred copies were bound before the remaining printed pages were destroyed in a fire. However, a BYU-Hawaii archivist wanted to know how many copies still existed.

6. How serving others together brings these 3 families closer to Jesus Christ

The Arkell family conducts a JustServe project at the Orem Cemetery

Three families: the Arkells of Lehi, Utah; the Martineaus of Honolulu; and the Tibbitts of North Salt Lake, shared how they use the JustServe app to find opportunities to serve and grow closer to Jesus Christ.

7. How faith and family influenced ‘American Idol’ winner Iam Tongi

Iam Tongi holds a microphone and stands on a stage while performing on “American Idol.”

Iam Tongi used to be afraid to share his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But not anymore. “I’m trying to make up for it now,” he said, “…and just tell people about the gospel when he can.”

8. The church updates its ‘Political Neutrality’ topic page, adding ‘Participation’ and additional material

Flags of numerous countries flutter in the wind on flag poles.

The Church updated its “Political Neutrality” topic page on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, with the June 1 update including an expansion of the title to “Political Neutrality and Participation.” The “Conclusion” subheading was also updated with an additional paragraph.

9. The charts show the continued growth of the Church over 192 years.

A crowd of people walking past the Salt Lake City Conference Center.

The Church continued to grow, as shown by graphs and charts of the number of Church members, temples dedicated, wards and branches, and stakes from 1830 to 2022.

Source