Independence Visitors' Center

01/22/2025

“When I moved to attend the University of Michigan for aerospace engineering, it was harder than I expected. I left behind the friends I’d made over the summer, and when school started, I found myself surrounded by strangers. My responsibilities grew, and I struggled to keep up with my studies and my spiritual life. What had once been a steady routine—church, institute, scripture study—slipped away as the days got busier. The long walks to church became a challenge, and I felt disconnected from what mattered most.

“I knew I needed to make a change. I started by adapting my routine by listening to general conference talks and scriptures during my walks to class and praying more often. These small adjustments helped me stay spiritually grounded even in a busy new environment.

“This shift also helped me live my faith more confidently, especially in a place where my beliefs were not shared by many. When people noticed I didn’t drink coffee or go out on Sundays, I had the opportunity to explain my faith. Surprisingly, I found that many respected me more for it. While there’s a stigma around being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’ve learned to embrace the blessings that come with following Christ.

“Through this experience, I’ve grown closer to Jesus Christ. By praying more, trusting Him, and renewing my commitment to follow Him, I’ve learned that faith and humility allow Him to turn my weaknesses into strengths. This journey isn’t just about keeping up with the world—it’s about staying true to the path that leads me back to Him.” — Abbi

01/19/2025

This week’s study of “The Living Christ” reminds us of the miracle that Jesus Christ lives today, as testified by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who described seeing the Savior: “For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:23).

Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, one day we will too. What does the Resurrection mean for you?

Artwork: “Perfect Love,” by Kelsy and Jesse Lightweave.

01/18/2025

“Knowing that all of these things—all of the pain, all of the heartache, all of the struggle—He really knows. Because He knows, He can give us comfort during those really hard times.” — Emilee

01/15/2025

“Birth complications and infertility are more common than you think. You don’t really understand it until it’s something you go through. After years of trying, and after countless fertility treatments that didn’t work, I moved on from trying. I was surprised when several months later I was pregnant.

“My baby came six weeks early. The first nine months of her life were spent in the NICU. She was born with birth defects, and we left the hospital with a bunch of medical accessories—a G tube, Trach, and a vent. Her name is Day and she’s a miracle.

“Those months in the hospital taught me so much, but most importantly it taught me empathy. I learned that being with others in their suffering means everything. And I’ve learned that we don’t wait for life to happen to us. We take control. We move forward with what we know.

“It’s funny—my life doesn’t look at all like I imagined it would. I look at my life now, and I wouldn’t change it. Of course, I’d take away the pain, but I have to remind myself the important part is that we made it, together, with Jesus Christ by our side, and that’s the miracle. The Lord also puts people in your life that you need, exactly when you need them. I had nurses who saw me at my lowest and loved me through it. Great and hard things can coexist, and I know that because of the Savior.

“We can’t expect to be disciples of Christ without carrying our own crosses. It’s not just an idea. It’s real. The Savior knows that hard path, and He has walked it with me. I’ve looked at my life from a distance, and there’s no way I could have learned what I have without Him. Whatever small effort I make, He tips the scales in my favor.

“Although I’ve been through things I wish hadn’t happened, I haven’t had a single experience where the Lord let me down or forgot about me even when it took some time.

“In the end, I know this: the Savior is my advocate. If He’s with us, we’re going to be OK. The Atonement of Jesus Christ isn’t just about redemption. It’s about growing and changing in ways we didn’t know we could. Without Him, I wouldn’t be as happy and content in my life as I am now.” —Alex

01/13/2025

As you continue studying “The Living Christ” this week, you will learn that Jesus Christ taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come. His life, central to all human history, “neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary.”

, we understand there is more to life than this mortal existence. How does knowing these truths strengthen your testimony?

Artwork: “After The Storm,” by Kelsy and Jesse Lightweave.

01/09/2025

Those who believe in, humbly worship, and testify of Jesus Christ have always experienced trials, tribulation, and adversities (see John 16:33). It has never been easy for His followers.

But the scriptures are clear: peaceable followers of Christ who are righteous, follow the Savior, and keep His commandments will be blessed.

01/08/2025

“I grew up going to a nondenominational church with my mom, and my grandfather even started a church here in DC. But as life changed, I kept having to start over, searching for a place to worship. When I went to college, I had to find a new church. Then I moved to Paris, and once again, I was seeking a religious community. When I returned to DC for law school, I found myself in the same position—trying to find a place that felt like home. It was exhausting and left me feeling lost.

“In my search, I bought a journal and wrote down everything I wanted—a community of people my age, where service was part of everyday life and where the gospel was woven into my daily routine—not just something I turned to on Sundays. I visited countless churches, and while each held truth, none felt complete. They offered fragments of what I was searching for, but I still felt like something was missing.

“Then one Sunday, I attended the Church of Jesus Christ. The warmth and kindness of the congregation resonated with me. For the first time, I felt I had found what I was searching for. I promised myself that if I felt this sense of belonging again, I would keep going. And I did. Week after week I returned and eventually, I reached out to the missionaries, and soon after, I was baptized.

“My journey wasn’t easy. My friends thought it was just a phase, and my family was confused. But deep down, I knew the Church was true, even if they didn’t understand. Over time, my family began to see my happiness and the light of Christ in me, bringing us closer despite our differences. They may not share my faith, but they are part of my story of faith.

“My conversion is ongoing. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to keep growing. I am just like the laws I work with as a lawyer—living and evolving. God’s love has become my foundation, and my congregation is my family. Reflecting on where I started—lost and searching—and seeing where I am now, surrounded by love, feels like a true gift. My life, the family of Christ I’ve found, and the relationships I’ve built are all part of a journey that continues to unfold. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” — Idrienne

01/06/2025

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” this year, we have a special opportunity to focus on the life and attributes of Jesus Christ.

He is our Savior, the Creator, and our perfect example. “None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.”

Each week in January we will share a section of this declaration and invite you to deepen your study of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Take time each day to reflect on His teachings, miracles, Atonement, and Resurrection and draw closer to Him as the living Christ.

Artwork: “Fear Not,” by Kelsy and Jesse Lightweave

01/01/2025

The light of Christ is not bound by a season. His love is constant, and His invitation remains the same: “Follow me.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.” In this new year, read it and study it to deepen your testimony of the resurrected Savior. As you study His life and follow Him, you can keep His light with you always.

12/26/2024

As President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approached his 100th birthday earlier this year, he invited everyone to give a gift of love to someone in need. The prophet’s invitation yielded important fruit and encapsulated the spirit of Christ in any age — including the work of the Church of Jesus Christ today.

Latter-day Saints seek to pattern their life after Christ’s, care for people in need, invite the world to receive Christ’s teachings and unite families for eternity.

Take a look back at how the Church of Jesus Christ continued to do this in 2024.

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-of-jesus-christ-2024-year-in-review

12/25/2024

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).

The angel’s good tidings proclaimed two millennia ago still ring true today. Jesus Christ was born, and He still lives! He changed the world forever, and if we let Him, He can change our lives.

12/24/2024

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

Of all the gifts today, Jesus Christ's humble birth is the most precious. His loving life and selfless sacrifice remind us that we are precious to Him.

May we feel His love on this special day.

12/23/2024

We all know how it feels to be treated with the pure love of Christ—from a friend, a loved one, or even a complete stranger. God is aware of us and our needs. He puts people in our lives to lift and strengthen us when we stumble. We can choose to see it as a “right place, right time” coincidence or as the hand of God. Angels are all around us if we look for them. We loved seeing your responses to this question. Keep sharing below in the comments!

12/22/2024

12/21/2024

“With Christmas, our hearts turn naturally towards our family, towards our loved ones, and towards our Savior.

“There are children that don’t have a mom and a dad, who don’t have a family, and so it’s a very special time to be able to turn our hearts towards them.” - The Murray Family

12/18/2024

Now it’s your turn to go be an angel and serve others like Jesus Christ did. Don’t know where to get started? Check out the Kindness Randomizer at LightTheWorld.org to generate unique service ideas just for you.

12/17/2024

“In 2019 I found myself moving to New York City to pursue music. Being alone in a new city was very scary and stressful. There were a lot of times when I felt isolated and alone. However, during those difficult moments, I was able to reach out to God and seek guidance and deliverance from those challenges.

“I’ve always felt that God has communicated with me through music. Music has gotten me through so many low points because I feel that God reaches out to me through that medium. I can also express myself through music and share my challenges and feelings with God. I feel really grateful that God gave me the passion and desire to put energy into music because it’s given me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Music has become a beacon of excitement and hope in my life.

“I’ve had experiences that have helped me to understand the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but living the gospel is not always an easy experience. Being a follower of Christ is not something that’s celebrated by the world. Followers of Christ can face much opposition, but because I’ve made covenants, or promises, to follow Him, I’ve seen the blessings from keeping those covenants. I’m not always perfect, but I feel so grateful for the strength that comes from the promises I’ve made with God.” —Tal

12/16/2024

Friendship reflects the love of Jesus Christ. In moments of need, the Savior works through the angels around us to bring us comfort and care. This Christmas, go be an angel—notice a friend who might need your kindness and serve them with His love.

10/11/2024

Do you know when the temple lot in Independence was dedicated?

John Whitmer recorded that on August 3, 1831, “Sidney Rigdon dedicated the ground where the city is to stand, and Joseph Smith Jr. laid a stone at the northeast corner of the contemplated temple in the name of the Lord Jesus of Nazareth. After all present had rendered thanks to the great ruler of the universe, Sidney Rigdon pronounced this spot of ground wholly dedicated unto the Lord forever.”

Read more about the temple lot here: https://history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/content/historic-sites/missouri/questions-and-answers-about-the-temple-lot-in-independence-missouri?lang=eng

07/29/2024

In 1832, at a small print shop in Independence, Missouri, the Book of Commandments started to become a reality. This book, which was the precursor to the Doctrine and Covenants, was the first attempt to print and distribute Joseph Smith’s revelations. Before the Book of Commandments, Latter-day Saints simply passed around handwritten copies of these revelations. Unfortunately, the Book of Commandments was never fully completed due to a mob attack at the printing office, but some printed pages were saved which proved invaluable for the Saints.

Read more about the Book of Commandments here: https://www.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/history/topics/book-of-commandments?lang=eng