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    The Newsroom Blog
    13 May 2015 | POSTED BY Newsroom Staff

    Mormonism Online: In Your Own Words | 13 May 2015

    Elder David A. Bednar and Sister Susan Bednar Participate in Live Face to Face Event

    In Your Own Words is a regular sampling of online articles, blog posts and social media that represent some of the current conversations about Mormonism. The posts in this series do not necessarily represent the views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor are they meant to be a comprehensive summary of the online conversations about the Church. The intent is to highlight social media content from individuals that will help journalists and the public better understand Mormonism.

    Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Susan Bednar answered submitted questions from youth on Tuesday evening, May 12, 2015.

    Youth were invited to ask the couple questions in a live social event, which was headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and featured youth participation from at least 98 countries, including the Philippines and Guatemala.

    #LDSface2face #JóvenesCipo2 #Sud #Lds #Mutual ✌🏼️

    A photo posted by Lara Zuñiga (@larazuniga20) on

    What was the most spiritual moment in your life #LDSface2face

    A photo posted by gamer likes knives,friends (@dallanburr) on

    (Above) Elder David A. Bednar and Sister Susan Bednar wave to youth attending the live Face to Face event in the Guatemala on May 12, 2015.

    The Church has over 15 million members worldwide with approximately 9 million members living outside of the United States. With the help of some translation, Elder and Sister Bednar answered questions from around the world about living one’s faith and coming closer to God. They discussed looking for good influences and memorizing scripture verses.

    #LDSface2face Question- how do I know it's the Holy Ghost and Not my own thoughts speaking to me?

    A photo posted by Joseph Gibby (@gibblett14) on

    Almost 5,000 questions were sent via the Youth Activities site with thousands more submitted over other social channels. One of the popular questions leading up to the event was that of an apostle’s role and what it was like for Elder Bednar to serve. The question was asked in person by a Hindu foreign exchange student from India who was listening to the apostle from only a few feet away. 

    (Above) A young man from India asked Elder David A. Bednar what it was like being an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the live Face to Face event on May 12, 2015.


    With a smile on his face, Elder Bednar mentioned how some may know apostles from speaking at meetings and general conference (the semiannual gathering of Church members); however, the real role of an apostle is to serve individuals. Elder Bednar mentioned an experience shortly after he was called, saying that he went to speak to a congregation, but God’s real purpose was to have him counsel with one specific individual, which he did.

    A question out of Mexico also asked how youth can build their self-esteem, and another asked how youth can stay close to God and receive answers to life’s challenging questions.

    (Above) Sister Susan Bednar shares counsel during the live Face to Face event on May 12, 2015.

    Others noted that technology made it possible to hear directly from the senior Church leader and his wife.

    In a KSL story, Elder Bednar said it was thrilling to see how technology could bond youth from around the world. In what many called the largest youth activity, the event allowed young women and men to connect in their congregations and online.

    (Above) Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Susan Bednar answered submitted questions from youth on Tuesday evening, May 12, 2015.

    As the event ended, many shared their appreciation and hopes that another will take place.

    Others took to Facebook posts to have discussions surrounding those questions that were not answered due to time constraints, including depression and how to prepare for missionary service.

    "Our actions reflect our beauty more than physical appearance." - Sister Susan Bednar. What insights are you getting from tonight's #LDSFace2Face with Elder and Sister Bednar?

    Posted by LDS Youth on Tuesday, May 12, 2015

    To learn more about the event, visit MormonNewsroom.org or watch the event on LDS.org or the LDS Youth Facebook page.

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