Faith. Truth. Joy.

CHALLENGE PROGRAMS

JULY MESSAGE: 

How Do You See Jesus Christ In Your Life?

One of the most meaningful questions we can ask ourselves is, "How do I see Jesus Christ in my life?" Sometimes we expect to recognize Him only through dramatic miracles, but more often His hand is found in quiet, everyday moments. We see Him in the strength to keep going when life is hard, in the peace that comes after sincere prayer, in the kindness of a friend, in the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and in the hope that replaces fear. As we intentionally look for Him, we begin to recognize that He has been walking beside us all along. The Savior promised, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (John 14:18). His presence is real, and He continues to guide, strengthen, and lift us each day.

The scriptures teach that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). Often, it is through these small and simple experiences that we come to know Jesus Christ more personally. As we pray, study the scriptures, serve others, partake of the sacrament, and keep our covenants, our eyes are opened to see His influence more clearly. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may not always recognize Him immediately, but as we reflect, our hearts begin to "burn within us" (Luke 24:32), and we realize He has been with us all along. As we look for Christ each day, our faith grows, our burdens become lighter, and our lives become a witness of His love.

JUNE MESSAGE

How Unit Brings Us Closer to Jesus Christ

This month, our ward focus is on our ward mission statement and the importance of being centered on Jesus Christ. A mission statement helps remind us who we are and what we are striving to become together. Just as individuals need purpose and direction in their lives, a ward family also needs a clear focus. Our mission statement points us toward what matters most: building our lives, our families, and our ward on the foundation of the Savior.

When we are centered on Jesus Christ, our efforts as a ward become unified. Our meetings, service, and relationships begin to reflect His teachings and His love. In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, focusing on Christ helps us remember why we gather each week and what we hope to accomplish as disciples. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is not simply to attend church, but to become more like the Savior and help others come unto Him.

In The Book of Mormon, the prophet Helaman taught the importance of building our lives on the Savior. He said that we must build our foundation upon Jesus Christ so that when the storms of life come, we cannot fall (see Helaman 5:12). This principle applies not only to individuals but also to our ward community. When Christ is at the center of what we do, He becomes the steady foundation that strengthens us through challenges and helps us grow in faith.

The Savior Himself declared in the New Testament, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Being centered on Christ means we look to Him as our guide in all things. We strive to follow His example, treat others with kindness and compassion, and rely on His grace as we learn and grow. It means making daily choices that bring us closer to Him through prayer, scripture study, service, and keeping our covenants.

As we reflect on our ward mission statement this month, we can each ask ourselves how we can place Jesus Christ more fully at the center of our lives. When we focus on Him, our ward becomes a place of faith, belonging, and spiritual strength. Together, we can build a community that helps one another grow as disciples and invites all who enter to feel the love of the Savior.

MAY MESSAGE

Why Being Centered On Jesus Christ Matters

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we strive to become one—one in purpose, one in love, and one in faith. Our Savior prayed that His followers would be united, just as He and the Father are one (John 17:21). When we choose kindness over contention, minister to one another, and keep Christ at the center of our relationships, we draw closer to Him and strengthen His kingdom.

This month, we invite every member of our ward to build unity through Christlike love, service, and understanding. As we look to Jesus Christ, let His light shine through us and among us (3 Nephi 18:24–25). Together, we can create the spirit of harmony and peace described in 4 Nephi, where the people were united because of their faith in Christ.