Family Of Fallen Utah Couple Speaks Out After Westminster Attack
In celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, Kurt and Melissa Cochran decided to tour Europe. Their adventure ended in London, visiting Melissa’s parents who serve as Temple missionaries.
The Cochran’s ended up caught in the midst of the Westminster terror attack, injuring Melissa and killing Kurt. The family of the couple held their first press conference at New Scotland Yard in London.
When asked about the possible religious motives of the attacker, the family declined to comment, choosing instead to focus on their loved ones and the fantastic life of Kurt Cochran.
“For those of us who knew Kurt in life know that Kurt would not not bear ill feelings towards anyone, and we can draw strength as a family from that,” said Clint Payne, Melissa Cochran’s brother. “His whole life was an example of focusing on the positive. Not pretending that negative things don’t exist, but not living our life in the negative, and that’s what we choose to do also.”
Melissa Cochran’s mother, Sandra Payne, commented on the progress her daughter’s injuries: a cut on the forehead, a broken rib, and a severely injured leg.
“We’re just so pleased with the progress she has made in the past few days. Her attitude is great right now, and I know that’s because of all the love and the prayers that have come from all over the world,” she said.
While Melissa heals, the family continues to remember Kurt, his enthusiasm for life, and his ability to inspire creativity in others.
“He was just so passionate about creativity and he was so supportive of people who put themselves out there creatively,” McFarland said. “To me, he was a huge inspiration of how to lift other people up and help them be artistic and creative, and to help other people do what they love.”
Kurt Cochran was one of four killed in the terrorist attack, and the only American. Utah Senator and Latter-day Saint, Orrin Hatch, commented on the death in his address to President Trump, offering his apologies to the grieving family.
“Elaine and I offer our most sincere condolences to the Cochrans and stand ready to help them in any way we can. Our prayers are with the victims, their family, friends, and loved ones,” said Hatch.
Read more at Deseret News.
LDS Women’s Conference: Center On Christ
LDS leaders proclaimed a message of peace and urged for a return to Christ during the first session of the 187th Annual General Conference, held Saturday, March 25th.
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor, presided over the meeting as President Thomas S. Monson “sav[ed] his strength” for the coming conference gatherings.
“Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress,” shared Eyring during his address. “Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the savior. The Spirit not only comforts you, but he is also the agent by which the atonement works a change in your very nature. Then weak things become strong.”
Eyring emphasized the importance of gathering together in oneness with a spirit of “loving unity” and unite ourselves “with the pure love of Christ.”
“My message tonight is a simple one. We have felt peace tonight. All of us would like to feel such peace often within ourselves, in our families, and with the people around us,” he said.
Sister Carol F. McConkie, first counselor of the Young Women General Presidency, admonished the sisters on holiness. McConkie counseled that holiness can be found through maintaining sacred covenants, relying on the Holy Ghost, and using the gift of the Atonement.
Second counselor of the Primary General Presidency, Bonnie H. Cordon, testified to the importance of service and developing a relationship with God especially when the tumults of life bog us down.
Relief Society President, Linda K. Burton, identified strong women throughout the scriptures who demonstrated strength, confidence, firmness, and dependability. She advised that, in order to attain such qualities, latter-day women must release their worldly cares, and turn whole-heartedly towards the savior’s love.
“Sisters, when we have become distracted, doubtful, discouraged, sinful, sorrowful, or soul-stretched, may we accept the Lord’s invitation to drink of His living water as did the certain woman at the well,” said Sister Burton.
Conference sessions will be held Saturday April 1st and Sunday April 2nd and can be streamed live at churchofjesuschrist.org.
New LDS Scripture Coloring Books To Get You Through Conference
Sharpen your crayons, ladies and gentleman. The Church has blessed us with 12 brand new pages to the popular Book of Mormon coloring book — along with updated pictures and texts for the 32 existing pages.
But wait, there’s more.
The Church released an additional coloring book featuring stories from the Pearl of Great Price and pages dedicated to each of the Articles of Faith.
Both coloring books are free as downloadable PDF’s, or can be purchased as hard copies for $1.99 each.
Unfortunately, none of the 12 new pages features a colorable version of Ammon dis-arming thieves and robbers — but we’re holding out hope nonetheless.
Angel Moroni Placed Atop Rome Temple
13 feet tall, 450 pounds, and 150 feet above the ground, Rome’s newest resident stands gilded in gold-leaf glory as he peers over the sacred city.
Around 150 people gathered to watch as the iconic Angel Moroni was lifted atop the under-construction LDS temple in Rome. Among them, local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, construction supervisors and their families, and a handful of Rome and national media representatives.
The crowd posed for pictures with the statue and broke out into applause once it was lowered onto its new home over one-hundred feet off the ground.
“The eternal city is known for its history, its beauty and as a place of worship and faith. We are so pleased to add our sacred temple to this Christian tradition,” said Larry Wilson, executive director of the Temple Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Read more at Deseret News.
