“Contents,” Ensign, July 2018 Contents July 2018 Volume 48 • Number 7 Young Adult Features Three Modern Pioneer Journeys By Sarah Keenan Just as it did for the early pioneers, joining the Church today involves courage and sacrifice. Feeling Disconnected? Try Slowing Down By Charlotte Larcabal I realized that my fast-paced, distracted way of living was distancing me from God. Am I Majoring in the Gospel? By Destiny Yarbro Despite being a busy college student, I found several ways to make the gospel a priority. Take Your Selfie to the Temple By Jessica Hansen and Tiffany Pontius What happens when you mix social media, taking selfies, and going to the temple? For our ward members it brought great blessings! Features Faith to Push Forward By Elder Ronald A. Rasband Our pioneer ancestors bore extreme hardships as they sought to gather in Zion. The Book of Mormon Changes Lives Converts share how the Book of Mormon helped them accept the gospel. Religious Freedom in a Secular Age By Elder Lance B. Wickman Preserving religious freedom requires focusing on core priorities and learning to engage effectively with our fellow citizens. How We Succeeded in Sharing the Gospel By Never Chikunguwo As we faithfully set goals to bring others unto Christ, we will be blessed with miracles. The Spiritual Foundations of Church Financial Self-Reliance By Bishop Gérald Caussé In its finance and investment policies, the Church practices the principles it teaches to its members. Keeping the Faith in Isolation By Ryan W. Saltzgiver Despite the absence of a church building or even a ward, these Saints worked hard to establish the Church in their homelands. Let Us Not Fail to Feel By Jorge F. Zeballos In a world where there is constant noise, we must listen for the still, small voice to know the Father’s will. Objects from the Scriptures: Hear the Sound of the Trumpet Scriptures referring to trumpets can teach us much about the role of prophets and how we should treat their words. Saints: The Story of the Church—Chapter 5: All Is Lost After beginning to translate the plates with the help of Martin Harris, Joseph faces consequences when he lets the manuscript out of his hands. Ministering to Members Who Are Divorced By Brian Duncan There is much we can do to help those who are experiencing the pain and challenges of divorce. Departments Portraits of Faith: Victor Barbinyagra—Kharkiv, Ukraine Ministering Principles: Reach Out in Compassion At the Pulpit: Knowing Who You Are—and Who You Have Always Been By Sheri L. Dew My Conference Notebook: April 2018 General Conference Friend Connection: Different Kinds of Families New Era Connection Latter-day Saint Voices Until We Meet Again: The Book of Mormon Brings Abundance By President Ezra Taft Benson