Elder Renlund Highlights ‘Saints’ Volume 3 During Worldwide Devotional

This story was updated on September 12, 2022

“Our history is inspiring,” Elder Dale G. Renlund said to young adults in a worldwide devotional aired September 11, 2022, and available for on-demand viewing on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

During the hourlong broadcast, Elder Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Ruth L. Renlund, highlighted stories found in the third volume of “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days.”

“I invite you to read ‘Saints’ to learn and understand the history of the Church and learn from the example of its members. ‘Saints’ is extraordinarily well researched and reliable,” said Elder Renlund.

“This volume chronicles the history of the Church between the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple in 1893 and the dedication of the Bern Switzerland Temple in 1955,” said Sister Renlund. “Volume 3 of ‘Saints’ helps us understand our own history, the people who lived it, and our Savior.”

Downloadable SOTs and B-roll

Volume 3, “Boldly, Nobly, and Independent,” shares the narrative history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1893 to 1955. While the two previous volumes primarily cover the early restoration of the Church in the United States, Volume 3 illustrates the Church’s growth abroad. More than half of the book takes place outside the United States, with stories set in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania.

“Why do we spend so much time telling these stories? It’s because these stories give us real-life examples of the power of coming to know our Savior,” said Elder Renlund.

The devotional was recorded in late August in front of a live audience. The Tabernacle at Temple Square was filled with about 3,000 young adults. A large, animated screen displayed photographs and information about some of the historical figures featured by the Renlunds.

“Every single time I go to a devotional, I always ask a question, and one of [my] questions was, ‘How can I improve as a person?’” said Isaias Osorio, a young adult who attended the event.

Osorio’s greatest takeaway came from the story Elder and Sister Renlund shared about shipments of potatoes and service Dutch Latter-day Saints provided their German counterparts after the end of World War II.

“We find examples of Saints who demonstrated their discipleship under the most trying circumstances. Former enemies overcame animosity and became united as they relied on Jesus Christ,” said Sister Renlund.

“When [Elder Renlund and Sister Renlund] talked about forgiving the Germans, [they] talked about when we forgive, we radiate charity. I think that’s one thing that maybe was missing in my life,” said Osorio.

The Renlunds also shared personal stories about some of their ancestors. “I thought it was really cool how [Elder Renlund] tied his ancestry into it and how we can draw power from that,” said Kimberly Greenland, a young adult who attended the devotional.

All young adults ages 18–30 are invited to watch the broadcast.

For more information about the devotional and viewing details, please click here.

More About ‘Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days’

“Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days” is a four-volume project prepared by the Church History Department — the first multi-volume history published in 88 years. It shares stories of those who dedicated their lives to establishing the Church of Jesus Christ.

While historians include meticulous sourcing for the claims and information in each account, the volumes are written in a narrative format for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

“Saints” is available in multiple languages, reaching about 98% of Church members.

The three published volumes are presented as follows:

Volume 1, “The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846”

Volume 2, “No Unhallowed Hand, 1846–1893”

Volume 3, “Boldly, Nobly, and Independent, 1893–1955”

Volume 4, “Sounded in Every Ear, 1955–2010*”

*Volume 4 is planned for a future release.

For details on how you can watch the devotional, please click here.