For President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the past year has been perhaps the most challenging of his life. President Holland, 83, faced an extended illness; spoke at the funeral of his predecessor, President M. Russell Ballard; and dealt with the passing of his wife of 60 years, Sister Patricia Terry Holland.

Speaking during the April 2024 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Holland said he felt he had received “an admonition to return to my ministry with more urgency, more consecration, more focus on the Savior, more faith in His word.”

In this special episode of the Church News podcast, President Holland and guest host Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency, discuss how the gospel can help provide comfort in trials and bring joy in triumphs.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.