80 Putting on the Armor <strong>of</strong> God “True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric <strong>of</strong> spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil,” Elder M. Russell Ballard points out as he discusses how we can protect ourselves with the armor <strong>of</strong> God. See “Be Strong in the Lord,” page 8. Protecting Your Child Are you concerned about the friends your children spend time with? Find tips for steering them away from gangs and for helping them select good friends in “Protecting Your Child from Gang Influence,” page 16. Unity— with Dessert on the Side Have you ever been asked to bring cookies or a cake to a ward dinner? Maybe you’ve served on the MAKING THE MOST OF THIS ISSUE J U L Y 2 0 0 4 activities committee and know the challenge behind planning an event to bring the ward together. Find out how enjoyable activities can help bring individuals and families to <strong>Christ</strong> in “Parties, Picnics, and Potlucks,” page 29. Milestone in Mexico Mexico will reach a historic one-million-member milestone this year. Read about how the <strong>Church</strong> is changing lives there in “One Million in Mexico,” page 34. Power to Resist What can a woman do if she finds herself attracted to a man who is married to someone else? See “How Could This Happen to Me?” page 43. Celebrating 75 Years Did you know that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has been broadcasting weekly performances for 75 years? Music and the Spoken Word is the longest continuously running network broadcast in the world. See how it has been done in “From the Crossroads <strong>of</strong> the West,” page 68. Home Teachers, Visiting Teachers Find your monthly messages on pages 2 and 61. Book <strong>of</strong> Mormon Stories If you’re preparing for a Sun<strong>day</strong> School lesson, studying individually, or reading the Book <strong>of</strong> Mormon with your family, you’ll find this final section <strong>of</strong> a Book <strong>of</strong> Mormon historical chart is filled with helpful information putting the stories in context. Read <strong>of</strong> dates, key events, teachings about the Savior, and gospel principles. See “Book <strong>of</strong> Mormon Times at a Glance, Chart 2,” page 22. Don’t Miss the Feast Quick! When does your subscription to the <strong>Ensign</strong> run out? Do you know whether you’ll receive the next conference issue? You say you’ve been meaning to subscribe or to give someone a gift subscription, but you don’t know how to do it? You could renew, subscribe, or buy a gift subscription right now and be done in 10 minutes if you live in the United States or Canada. Just go to www.lds.org on the Internet and click on “Order <strong>Church</strong> materials,” then “Magazine Subscriptions.” (Hint: If you want to know whether it’s time to renew your subscription, the expiration date is printed on the mailing label on your magazine.) You can also call 1-800-537-5971 to subscribe or renew. If you live in other areas, you can easily subscribe to or renew the <strong>Ensign</strong> through your nearest distribution center. And if you do it now, you will still be able to enjoy the spiritual feast in that next conference issue. GOSPEL TOPICS Activation, 56 Activities, 29, 66, 67 Afflictions, 2 Agency, 19, 43 Atonement, 52 Bishops, 46 Book <strong>of</strong> Mormon, 22 Charity, 63 <strong>Church</strong> Growth, 34 <strong>Church</strong> History, 46 Faith, 2 Faith in God Award, 67 Family, 66, 67 Family Home Evening, 67 Fellowshipping, 29 Friends, 18 Gangs, 16 Healing, 2 Heavenly Father, 65 Holy Spirit, 65 Hope, 19 Inspiration, 62, 64 <strong>Jesus</strong> <strong>Christ</strong>, 65 Media, 68 Mexico, 34 Missionary Work, 62 Morality, 19, 43 Mormon Tabernacle Choir, 68 Music, 65, 68 Obedience, 8, 52 Prayer, 8, 61, 64 Repentance, 43 Reverence, 8 Sabbath, 67 Sacrifice, 63 Scripture Study, 8, 22 Strength <strong>of</strong> Youth, 18 Strengthening Families, 16 Young Single Adults, 56
COURTESY OF WALT AND KATIE GASSER, MAY NOT BE COPIED Crossing the Sweetwater, by David Koch In 1856 J. D. T. McAllister wrote a happy tune for the handcart pioneers: “For some must push and some must pull, / As we go marching up the hill; / So merrily on our way we go / Until we reach the Valleyo” (Children’s Songbook, 220). Here pioneers cross the Sweetwater River.
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