Mount Blanc LDS chapel in ruins (AP)

In September 2025, tragedy struck members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when a shooting and fire disrupted a Sunday service. What could have been remembered only as a moment of violence has instead become a powerful testimony of faith, forgiveness, and the presence of miracles. Survivors, leaders, and members of the community have shared stories of blessings and lessons that emerged in the aftermath—reminders that even in darkness, light can break through.

Forgiveness in the Moment

One survivor, who saw her father being shot, described an extraordinary moment as she looked directly into the eyes of the man who killed him.

“I forgave him, I forgave him right there … I saw into his soul. I never took my eyes off his eyes … He let me live.” (CBS News)
Her ability to extend forgiveness, even as she faced life-threatening danger, has been described by many as nothing short of miraculous.

14-year-old Boy Saves Brothers

A 14-year-old boy named Jasper is being called a hero after saving his younger brothers during the tragic Grand Blanc Township, Michigan church shooting. Jasper had been serving as an usher at his congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when, unexpectedly, “he felt the need to leave his post and go to the restroom to get a tissue” (Tait, 2025). Moments later, the gunman, Thomas Jacob Sanford, crashed his truck through the same chapel doors where Jasper had been standing. “Had he not needed to blow his nose, Jasper would have been the first person the shooter saw,” explained his aunt, Amber Rosen (Tait, 2025).

As the congregation fled in panic, Jasper “grabbed his 8- and 10-year-old brothers,” leading them toward a back exit (Tait, 2025). When the door jammed and his brothers were pressed against the glass by other people trying to escape, Jasper “took his elbow and hit the glass window a few times and the whole thing shattered with no cuts to him” (Tait, 2025). He guided his family to safety, flagged down a car to protect his brothers, and later helped his mother reunite with his sister, Josie, who had been found hiding in the woods “clutching a Latter-day Saint hymnbook” (Tait, 2025). His aunt described his courage and faith, saying, “I believe that angels were with them” (Tait, 2025).

Leaders Witness Miracles

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Michigan shortly after the tragedy. He said he saw “the mighty and many miracles that occurred during this episode.” He praised members’ capacity to remain “firm and steadfast,” noting that their resilience was both a blessing and an act of divine strength.

Compassion Beyond Expectations

Acts of compassion also stood out. David Butler, a fellow church member, raised over $300,000 to support the family of the gunman. When asked why, he explained simply, “It was actually pretty simple … Jesus tells us that we should do this.” His choice to serve the shooter’s family embodied forgiveness and Christlike love in action.

Strength in Community

Bishop Jeffrey Schaub, who leads the local ward, emphasized how deeply he felt the prayers and support from others:

“It is the most significant time in my life where I have felt the love and prayer of other people … It was very humbling to see how much good there is in the world today … above all, we are all children of the same Father in heaven.”
His words reflected the healing power of unity and shared faith.

Conclusion

The Michigan tragedy could have left only scars of grief. Instead, it is remembered by many as a moment when miracles, compassion, and the Savior’s love were evident. From forgiveness in the moment of pain to leaders bearing witness of blessings, these stories remind us that even in suffering, God’s hand can bring healing and hope.

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Keywords: forgiveness, faith, miracles, healing, compassion

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#FaithInAction #PowerOfForgiveness #MiraclesInMichigan #HealingThroughCompassion #StrongerTogether #MichiganChurch #LDSChurchShooting

Labels: Compassion, faith, forgiveness, healing, LDS Church shooting, miracles

// posted by John Fisher @ October 03, 2025 0 Comments

https://julierogersart.com/the-protecting-hand-of-the-lord/

A Pioneer’s Legacy of Faith, Sacrifice, and Compassion

Labels: faith, handcart company, LDS Church, pioneer, resilience

// posted by John Fisher @ June 22, 2025 0 Comments

 

Image:history.lds.org

The Ultimate Rescue: 

How the Atonement of Jesus Christ Saves Us

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

In his April 2025 General Conference address, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered a powerful message titled “The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue.” Drawing from pioneer history, sacred temple experiences, and personal reflections, Elder Cook reminded listeners that amidst life’s storms and sorrows, Jesus Christ offers the only true and eternal rescue—through His Atonement.

Summary

Elder Cook centered his message on the incomparable saving power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Using the dedication of the Casper Wyoming Temple as a backdrop, he reflected on pioneer stories, especially the heroic rescue of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. Their suffering and eventual salvation mirrored our own spiritual journey—riddled with adversity but redeemable through Christ. Elder Cook reminded us that while mortal life contains pain, loss, and unfairness, the Savior’s Atonement offers healing, hope, and joy. He issued three calls to action: help rescue others spiritually and physically, accept the Savior’s Atonement with gratitude and optimism, and make time to reflect on His sacrifice—especially through temple and sacrament attendance.

Five Quotes from the Talk

1. “As we turn to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, He rescues us from the storms of life through His Atonement.”

2. “All must pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong.” – President James E. Faust

3. “We must never forget the sacrifices and examples of prior generations, but our adulation, appreciation, and worship should be centered on the Savior of the world and His atoning sacrifice.”

4. “The Atonement provides hope and light at a time that for many seems dark and dreary.”

5. “The key to the Father’s plan of happiness is the Atonement wrought by our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Conclusion

Elder Cook’s message is both timeless and timely. It invites us to trust in Jesus Christ as the source of true rescue—not only from sin and death but from daily discouragement and sorrow. Just as rescuers saved pioneers stranded in harsh winters, the Savior stands ready to lift us from spiritual and emotional storms. His Atonement isn’t a distant theological concept; it’s a deeply personal act of love. By embracing that love, we find purpose, strength, and peace.

Suggestions for Follow-up

1. Reflect weekly on the Atonement of Jesus Christ during sacrament meetings or in personal study.

2. Visit the temple regularly if possible, and consider ways to extend the blessings of the Atonement to deceased ancestors.

3. Study pioneer stories to draw strength from the faith and endurance of early Saints.

4. Perform acts of rescue by ministering to those in need—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

5. Keep a gratitude journal focused on ways the Savior has rescued you personally.

Reference (APA style):

Cook, Q. L. (2025, April). The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate rescue. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/16cook?lang=eng

Keywords:

Atonement, Rescue, Faith, Pioneers, Temple, Martin and Willie Handcart Companies

Hashtags:

#JesusChrist #Atonement #SpiritualRescue #LDSConference #TempleBlessings

Labels: atonement, faith, Martin and Willie Handcart Companies, Pioneers, Rescue, Temple

// posted by John Fisher @ June 19, 2025 0 Comments

“Thou Art the Christ”: 

Teaching Our Children to Believe, Belong, and Become

They brought their little children - by Walter Rane

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Introduction:

In a world filled with distraction, doubt, and digital noise, Sister Amy A. Wright’s April 2025 General Conference message, “Thou Art the Christ,” reminds us that nothing matters more than teaching children to know, follow, and become like Jesus Christ. As First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, Sister Wright offers powerful insights on how belief, belonging, and becoming form the foundation of lifelong discipleship—and how we can help children walk that path with purpose and joy.

Summary of the Talk:

Sister Wright begins with a touching story about her son Eli, whose passion for law—and for the Lawgiver, Jesus Christ—grew from a young age. His courageous testimony of Christ in a secular law school interview, and the unexpected outcome, set the stage for the talk’s central message: children must be taught to believe in Jesus, belong to His Church, and become like Him.

1. Believe – Children need more than just stories about Christ; they need to see, hear, and feel His presence in their daily lives. Testimonies, sacred images, and experiences with the Holy Ghost help children truly know Jesus Christ.

"I invite you to ponder what this can look like in the life of young children. Do they hear testimonies of Jesus Christ and His gospel? Do they see reverential, worshipful images of His ministry and godhood? Do they feel and recognize the Holy Ghost testifying of His reality and divinity? Do they know of His message and mission?"

2. Belong – Through covenantal belonging, such as baptism and Church membership, children are strengthened by sacred promises and community support. Parents and leaders play a vital role in preparing them for that path.

"How can we help children make and keep sacred covenants? In the Come, Follow Me manual, in appendix A and B, we find conversation starters and lessons that will empower families and support teachers and leaders in their sacred responsibility to prepare children for a lifetime on God’s covenant path."

3. Become – Children are not passive disciples. They are invited to act, to lead, to testify, and to grow into the likeness of Christ. We must guide them with love and give them opportunities to serve and shine.

"When we tell our children we love them, are we also telling them that their Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ love them? Our love may comfort and inspire, but Their love can sanctify, exalt, and heal."

Five Inspiring Quotes from the Talk:

1. “The archetype of morality I strive to pattern my life from is that of Jesus Christ.”

2. “We want our children to believe in Jesus Christ, belong to Jesus Christ and His Church through covenant, and strive to become like Jesus Christ.”

3. “As Jesus Christ becomes the focus of our lives, what we desire, and how we desire it, is forever altered.”

4. “Without Jesus Christ there is no power to change, no purpose to aspire to, and no reconciliation of the travails of life.”

5. “This Jesus … [is] a glorified, omnipotent, resurrected, exalted, worshipful, powerful Only Begotten Son of God, who is mighty to save.”

Conclusion and Suggestions for Follow-up:

Sister Wright’s message is a clarion call to parents, teachers, and leaders: start now. Don’t wait to help children develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. Begin with small but meaningful actions:

• Share your personal testimony of the Savior regularly.

• Display reverent images of Jesus in your home.

• Read from the scriptures as a family, focusing on His words and works.

• Use the Come, Follow Me manual (Appendices A and B) to create simple, Christ-centered lessons.

• Give children meaningful roles in family home evenings, sacrament talks, and service opportunities.

Let us teach our children not only about Christ but to truly know Him. In doing so, we fulfill our divine responsibility and give them the greatest gift possible: the Light of the World.

Keywords:

Jesus Christ, children, discipleship, covenant, faith

Hashtags:

#ThouArtTheChrist #ComeFollowMe #FaithInJesus #PrimaryPurpose #ChristCenteredHome

Reference:

Wright, A. A. (2025, April). Thou Art the Christ. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/32wright?lang=eng 

Labels: children, covenant, discipleship, faith, Jesus Christ

// posted by John Fisher @ June 07, 2025 0 Comments

The Power of Spiritual Momentum: A Call to Strengthen Faith and End Conflict

Moses and the burning bush. Image created by chatGPT.

Summarized by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

In his address The Power of Spiritual Momentum, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers five specific actions to help individuals build and sustain positive spiritual momentum. His message emphasizes faith, personal growth, and the importance of ending conflict in our lives. Through powerful stories, scriptural insights, and heartfelt invitations, he encourages listeners to strengthen their relationship with God and experience the blessings of spiritual progress.

Summary

President Nelson begins by acknowledging the challenges of life, including personal trials and global conflicts. He speaks of the suffering caused by war and emphasizes that, while we cannot control world events, we can control our own actions. He urges listeners to seek peace in their hearts, homes, and communities.

Using the analogy of momentum in sports, President Nelson illustrates how small actions can create lasting spiritual progress. He outlines five key actions to build and maintain positive spiritual momentum:

1. Get on the covenant path and stay there.

President Nelson emphasizes that walking the covenant path is the surest way to gain spiritual strength. The covenant path begins with baptism, where individuals make their first promise to follow Christ. Through additional sacred ordinances performed in temples, individuals deepen their commitment to God and receive divine power. Staying on the covenant path requires faithfulness to commandments, regular participation in the sacrament, and continual spiritual growth. He reassures those who may have strayed that it is never too late to return. The covenant path is the road to exaltation and eternal life, providing strength and guidance in an increasingly turbulent world.

2. Discover the joy of daily repentance.

Repentance is often misunderstood as something to be feared or delayed, but President Nelson reframes it as a joyful process of growth and renewal. He explains that repentance is not a sign of failure but an essential part of spiritual momentum. As individuals recognize their shortcomings and seek to improve daily, they draw closer to Christ, who lovingly provides healing and strength. He warns that delaying repentance allows the adversary to increase misery in our lives, whereas sincere repentance brings peace, freedom, and relief. President Nelson urges all to embrace repentance as a daily opportunity to align their lives more fully with God’s will and to experience His love in greater abundance.

3. Learn about God and how He works.

Understanding God’s character and His ways is crucial for spiritual progress. President Nelson warns that the world is filled with counterfeit philosophies and misleading messages, making it essential to seek truth directly from God through scripture study, prayer, and worship. He highlights the example of Moses, who recognized and rejected Satan’s deception because he had experienced God’s presence. The ability to discern truth comes from regular spiritual nourishment—reading the scriptures, attending church, and seeking inspiration through prayer. President Nelson urges individuals to prioritize their relationship with God, ensuring that faith is built on a firm foundation rather than worldly distractions.

4. Seek and expect miracles.

Miracles are not just events of the past; they continue today for those who exercise faith. President Nelson assures that God has not ceased to be a God of miracles, and He stands ready to bless those who believe. He recounts biblical and scriptural examples of divine intervention, from the parting of the Red Sea to Nephi retrieving the brass plates. While miracles may not always come in the way or timeframe we expect, they do happen for those who diligently seek them. He invites listeners to pray for miracles in their own lives and to trust in God’s timing. Recognizing and acknowledging God’s hand in our lives fuels spiritual momentum, reinforcing faith and trust in Him.

5. End conflict in your personal life.

One of the most powerful aspects of President Nelson’s message is his urgent plea to end personal conflicts. He calls on individuals to let go of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Whether in families, friendships, or communities, unresolved conflict can be a major obstacle to spiritual growth. Christ commanded His followers to forgive and love their enemies, even when it feels difficult or unjustified. President Nelson reminds that forgiveness is not about condoning wrongdoing but about freeing oneself from the burdens of anger and pain. As Easter approaches, he invites everyone to seek reconciliation, viewing it as a meaningful way to honor the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Letting go of conflict allows for increased peace, unity, and personal spiritual progress.

Five Quotes from the Speech

1. “We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying.”

2. “If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true.”

3. “Few things will accelerate your spiritual momentum more than realizing the Lord is helping you to move a mountain in your life.”

4. “I invite you to seek an end to a personal conflict that has weighed you down. Could there be a more fitting act of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His Atonement?”

5. “God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us.”

Conclusion

President Nelson’s message is a profound call to action for all who seek spiritual growth. By embracing repentance, strengthening faith, and striving for peace, individuals can harness the power of spiritual momentum. His promise is clear: those who follow these principles will gain increased resilience, greater unity, and a stronger relationship with God. As Easter approaches, he encourages everyone to take steps toward reconciliation and faith, ensuring that they move forward with spiritual strength and purpose.

Hashtags: #SpiritualMomentum #FaithInChrist #PowerOfForgiveness #SeekMiracles #EndConflict

Reference 

Nelson, R. M. (2022, April). The power of spiritual momentum. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/47nelson?lang=eng

Labels: faith, forgiveness, miracles, repentance, spiritual momentum

// posted by John Fisher @ February 14, 2025 0 Comments

Overcoming the World: Finding Rest Through Covenants with God

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

President Russell M. Nelson’s talk, Overcome the World and Find Rest, delivered at the October 2022 General Conference, provides profound spiritual counsel on overcoming the challenges of a troubled world through faith and covenantal relationships with God. President Nelson emphasizes that through the Savior’s Atonement and our own covenant-keeping, we can experience divine rest, strength, and peace. His message inspires hope, encourages self-reflection, and outlines practical steps for spiritual empowerment.

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Summary

In this talk, President Nelson addresses the challenges of living in a "most complicated time" and offers the Savior’s invitation to overcome the world. He explains that overcoming the world means prioritizing God over worldly distractions, trusting divine truths, and growing in faith and obedience. President Nelson underscores that making and keeping covenants provides access to heavenly power, which strengthens us amid life’s trials. He urges listeners to focus on Christ, nurture their testimonies, and embrace the transformative power of the temple. Through faith in Christ and intentional covenant living, we can find true rest, peace, and joy even amidst life’s trials.

President Ezra Taft Benson

President Nelson draws on the wisdom of past Church leaders to emphasize the transformative power of yielding our lives to God. He reaffirms a profound teaching from President Ezra Taft Benson: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, … lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.” This statement encapsulates the blessings available to those who faithfully commit to following the Lord. President Nelson explains that such divine guidance allows individuals to experience unparalleled joy and peace, even amidst the challenges of a complex and chaotic world. By prioritizing God, covenant-keepers invite His power into their lives, enabling them to achieve greater things than they could on their own.

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Five Quotes from the Talk

1. “Making and keeping covenants actually makes life easier! Each person who makes covenants…has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ.”
2. “Because Jesus Christ overcame this fallen world, and because He atoned for each of us, you too can overcome this sin-saturated, self-centered, and often exhausting world.”
3. “Overcoming the world does not mean becoming perfect in this life…But overcoming the world does mean that your resistance to sin will increase.”
4. “When you yoke yourself to Jesus Christ and do the spiritual work required to overcome the world, He, and He alone, does have the power to lift you above the pull of this world.”
5. “Cherish and honor your covenants above all other commitments. As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest.”

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Conclusion

President Nelson concludes his message with an invitation to rise above worldly distractions and embrace the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ through covenant-keeping. He promises peace, confidence, and joy to those who faithfully strive to overcome the world. By aligning our lives with Christ and His teachings, we can prepare to meet the Savior and experience divine rest.

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Reference

Nelson, R. M. (2022, October). Overcome the world and find rest. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/47nelson?lang=eng

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Hashtags

#OvercomeTheWorld #Covenants #FaithInChrist #FindingRest #GeneralConference

Labels: covenants, faith, Jesus Christ, overcoming, peace, rest

// posted by John Fisher @ January 17, 2025 0 Comments

Accra Ghana temple - lds.org

Think Celestial: Embracing Eternal Perspectives

By John Fisher

Summary
In his address, President Nelson urged listeners to adopt an eternal perspective by “thinking celestial.” He taught that our choices in mortality determine our eternal destiny, including where we will live, the type of body we will be resurrected with, and with whom we will spend eternity. Drawing on personal experiences, including recent physical challenges, he testified of the Savior’s Atonement as the key to God’s “fabulous plan” for His children. By prioritizing faith, obedience, and moral purity, and through temple worship, individuals can align their lives with eternal principles and receive divine blessings.

• “Your choices will determine where you will live throughout eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.”
• “Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded. To be spiritually minded is life eternal.”
• “Because of Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement, our Heavenly Father’s plan is a perfect plan!”
• “Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.”
• “When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial!”
• “The very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity the best it can be!”
• “Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import.”
• “The ordinances and covenants of the temple are of eternal significance.”
• “The power to create life is the one privilege of godhood that Heavenly Father allows His mortal children to exercise.”
• “The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life.”

Conclusion
President Nelson’s call to “think celestial” serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal truths in a temporal world. Through faith in Jesus Christ, adherence to divine laws, and engagement in sacred temple covenants, individuals can find peace, guidance, and eternal joy. This mindset not only prepares us for challenges but transforms trials into opportunities for spiritual growth. President Nelson’s words inspire us to see beyond today and focus on our ultimate celestial goals.

Reference

Nelson, R. M. (2023, October). Think Celestial. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/51nelson?lang=eng

Hashtags: #ThinkCelestial #FaithInChrist #EternalPerspective #TempleBlessings #MoralCourage

Labels: celestial kingdom, eternal perspective, faith, obedience, temple worship

// posted by John Fisher @ December 11, 2024 0 Comments

Picture of Mustard seed - "For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

Heather Daniels talks  about building faith in Jesus Christ.

Labels: Alma 32, faith, Jesus Christ, Russell M. Nelson

// posted by John Fisher @ May 31, 2021 0 Comments