“The world has really gone mobile in terms of apps, and I think if the Lord is hastening His work, we’ve got to be where technology meets up with people — and that’s clearly in mobile,” said Elder Michael A. Dunn, who serves on the Church’s Communication Executive Council. “The Church will continue to be committed to developing the very best apps that are going to get people the information they need, and central to that is the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Three apps that have seen important updates in recent months are the Book of Mormon app, the Member Tools app, and the “Friend” magazine skill for Amazon smart speakers.

Downloadable B-roll and SOTs

The video below is a full cut of what will be included in the April 2023 edition of the World Report, which will be published on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon app has been around for a decade. It is now in 111 languages and has a “Discover” tab with additional content and tools, a “Watch” tab with the full library of available “Book of Mormon Videos” and a “Share” tab with a quick response code that makes the app easily available. (Download the app.)

“With so many people providing internet in places that have never had it before, it’s incumbent upon us as a Church to continue to figure out how we connect with people using electronic means,” said Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi of the Seventy. “I think about places where we’re barely scratching the surface … [and] sending over messages of love and of hope and of the Savior and who He is on these devices via the Book of Mormon app — [it’s] just magnificent.”

“The prophecy long foretold is that the Book of Mormon will flood the earth,” Elder Dunn added. “You could print copies of the Book of Mormon forever. But isn’t it an absolute miracle that we have the technology — especially for digital natives who speak that language — they can get the Book of Mormon instantly, everywhere, in every language, and in every situation? There’s really no excuse for not having the Book of Mormon given to someone in a way that they can understand it, process it, and add just great utility and happiness to their lives.”

Member Tools

The Member Tools app helps Latter-day Saints contact ward and stake members, see event calendars and find Church meetinghouses and temples. Leaders can also access additional membership information and reports.

The app was updated in January to allow teachers to view and message class members in their congregation.

“Originally this app was only a directory of the members,” said Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé. “That was very helpful to all the members, and it still is. But we’ve added over time more features and with the intent of simplifying the work of local leaders and giving them access and easy access to the information that is important for them.”

This year the Member Tools app is undergoing a redesign to improve the user experience. App developers plan to implement a home screen with customizable widgets similar to the Gospel Library app “Home” screen.

The “Friend” Magazine Skill on Amazon Smart Speakers

For families who use Amazon smart speakers, the “Friend” magazine skill released earlier this year helps children come closer to Christ. Now children can easily use their household’s Amazon Alexa smart speakers to enjoy content from “Friend,” a Christ-centered magazine for children, in English and in Spanish.

In 2020, the Church launched Gospel Voice, an Amazon smart speaker skill that lets you listen to scriptures, music, general conference talks, and more. The “Friend” magazine skill is a simplified version of Gospel Voice designed especially for children.

“In our current world today, often mom and dad are working, people are busy,” said Primary General President Susan H. Porter. “Children might be alone more than they would want to be, or they feel may be alone at school since they have different beliefs than others. When you think of the ‘Friend’ as audio, it’s like they can turn on their friend. It’s trusted. They can trust the stories, the music, the messages, to bring them peace and bring them closer to the Savior.”

That laser-like focus on Jesus Christ, Elder Dunn reiterated, is the purpose of His Church.

“This is one work,” he said, “and we are going to continue to find those technical edges, those digital applications that are going to bring people closer to Christ in everything the Church does.”