“Try Faith: A 30-Day Challenge:” 7 People Share How Each Grew Closer to Jesus Christ

At the beginning of 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a four-episode series illustrating how four young adults strengthened their faith in Jesus Christ during a 30-day challenge.

The second season of “Try Faith: A 30-Day Challenge,” beginning August 6, documents the growth of seven individuals as they apply recent teachings of living prophets, apostles and Church leaders. Viewers are invited to follow along with a 30-day goal of their own that will help them apply these teachings to grow closer to Jesus Christ, connect with others and live their faith.

The YouTube series will publish one episode a week, ending on September 17. Additional related content will post on Instagram and Facebook.

Meet the Participants

Anna: Giving God’s Love

Anna is a children’s librarian who has anxiety. Using the general conference talk “Remember What Matters Most” by President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, she challenged herself to feel God’s love by giving God’s love.

While talking about her experience, Anna said she found that “there aren’t that many people around you who don’t need some love.”

Hollis: Making Sincere Connections

Hollis, a recent college graduate, felt like he was good at talking with others but realized the connections he was making had become superficial. Using inspiration from “One in Christ” by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Hollis wanted to implement a new pattern as he met others: sincerely admire, thank, ask and listen.

“The more I can relate to others and connect with others in a higher and holier way,” Hollis said, “I understand just a little bit more about how God understands me and how He knows me.”

Amy: Praying for Strength

Amy is a busy mom. While dealing with two sons, she found she was often quick to anger. Following the talk by President Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” she sought to pray at the first sign of anger.

“I think there have been some days of this 30-day challenge where I haven’t been as Christ centered. … I’ve just kind of been trying to improve myself by myself and it really doesn’t work unless I am on my knees pleading for the Savior’s help. … He is the one that has the power ... to strengthen me,” Amy said.

Dax: Practicing Christlike Traits

Dax is a full-time college student. For the past few years, he has wanted to become more like Jesus Christ, but found that he was focusing too much on himself. Using the talk “Followers of the Prince of Peace” by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Dax decided to challenge himself to practice 30 Christlike traits for 30 days.

Dax said he found it best to not repress a generous thought. “The small things, they count, and they add up,” he said.

Wanda: Identifying How God Uses Her

Wanda, a podcaster, has struggled her whole life with feelings of self-doubt. She was inspired by “The Imperfect Harvest” by Vern P. Stanfill, a General Authority Seventy, to identify one way she noticed God was using her every day for 30 days.

“I know that we all belong to God with all of our imperfections because they are beautiful to Him and He loves us just how we are,” Wanda said.

CJ: Listening Without Contending

CJ, a doctoral student of music, said he has struggled to fully listen to and be curious about other people. Using the talk “Peacemakers Needed” by President Russell M. Nelson, he challenged himself to listen to others without contending.

Sharing the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Christ, CJ said, “[Christ] listened to Martha’s tears and wept with her, even though He knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. … It’s instructive that He wept with her and comforted her where she was at.”

Jared: Ministering to Others

Jared, an Army veteran, found that he was most happy when he was serving other people. Following the talk “The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Minister” by Elder Juan A. Uceda, a General Authority Seventy, Jared sought to seek daily targets of practical ministering.

During his challenge, Jared discovered that God uses our talents to send us to those who need help, “in ways that … we can’t immediately see.” We all can become someone’s ministering angel, he said.

Try the Challenge for Yourself

To find ways you can come closer to Jesus Christ, watch “Try Faith: A 30-day Challenge,” on YouTube and follow along with your own goal for 30 days.

To find inspiration for selecting your own challenge, see recent general conference messages by living prophets and apostles of Jesus Christ in the Library on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Select General Conference, then click on April 2023.