“Contents,” Ensign, July 2012, 1–3 Contents July 2012 Volume 42 • Number 7 Messages First Presidency Message 4 Always in the Middle President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Visiting Teaching Message 7 Demonstrating Our Discipleship through Love and Service Features 10 Never Give Up Al and Eva Fry Thirty-five years. Countless prayers. One major miracle. 15 Facing the Future with Hope Elder José A. Teixeira How can we be positive about the present and the future? 18 Take Your Tents and Flee Kevin Hinckley Despite the growing wickedness in the world, we can find safety in the gospel. 21 Waiting on the Lord, Renewing Our Strength Christy Nielson A verse in Isaiah taught me that “waiting on the Lord” is different from “just waiting.” 22 Understanding Our Covenants with God An overview of our most important promises. 26 When Good Plans Don’t Work Out Stephanie J. Burns Four young adults share how they found happiness in following their “plan B.” 36 The Strength of Our Heritage Elder L. Tom Perry Pioneer faith is needed as much in the world today as in any period of time. 40 Joseph and Emma: Moments in Their Lives Art and artifacts associated with five events in the lives of Joseph and Emma Smith. 45 Poem: Pioneer Farewell Don L. Searle A pioneer lament on leaving Nauvoo intertwined with modern-day rejoicing at Nauvoo’s rebirth. 46 Public Affairs: Linking Church and Community Philip M. Volmar Reaching out to the community helps build up the kingdom of God. 52 Abish: A Common Servant, a True Testimony Heather B. Moore When Abish finally was able to act on her testimony, hundreds of lives were changed. 56 The Life of Martin Harris: Patterns of Humility and Repentance Larry E. Morris The life of Martin Harris illustrates that humility allows the Spirit to be with us and that repentance is the key to remaining humble. 62 When He Stopped Believing Name withheld After I learned that my husband no longer believed in the Church, I found spiritual healing through the Spirit. 66 In the Aftermath of the Tornado Melissa Merrill How members of the Church in Joplin, Missouri, responded to the May 2011 tornado that struck their community. Departments 8 April Conference Notebook Serving in the Church 30 The Lesson Is inside the Learner Russell T. Osguthorpe Four principles of effective learning and teaching. We Talk of Christ 34 A River of Peace Lanise Heaton Despite my grief, I moved forward with my head held up in faith and hope in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 65 Family Home Evening Ideas 70 Latter-day Saint Voices 74 News of the Church 79 In Other Church Magazines Until We Meet Again 80 Unspotted from the World Julie Thompson I wondered why I was at the temple to clean when nothing was dirty. But I soon realized that cleaning wasn’t really the point. On the cover Front: Photo illustration by Christina Smith. Back: Photograph by Robert Casey.