Friend to Friend Returns: A Beacon for Children’s Hearts

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Disney’s live-action Moana (2026) released its official teaser trailer in November 2025, building massive hype ahead of its July 10, 2026 theatrical debut. Directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton), the adaptation stars newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as the intrepid voyager Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the boisterous demigod Maui.

Anticipating the September 13, 2026 Release How Timeless Testimonies and Modern Faith Tools Will Light Young Souls in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A Joyful Announcement Echoes Worldwide

In the closing moments of the April 2026 General Conference, Sister Amy A. Wright, Primary General President, beamed from the Conference Center pulpit. “Beginning Sunday, September 13, 2026, we joyfully announce a new Friend to Friend video for children,” she shared. “Just as faithful friends invited Jesus into their lives decades ago, this video will invite Primary children everywhere to feel His love personally.”

The announcement ignited cheers from 20,000 attendees and millions streaming online. For Latter-day Saint families, it’s a homecoming. The original Friend to Friend series (1984-1991) starring everyday kids interviewing prophets like Ezra Taft Benson and Gordon B. Hinckley touched generations. Now, amid 2026’s digital deluge (AI tutors, endless TikToks), this 30-minute video revives simple, Spirit-filled connection. Free on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Gospel Library app, and YouTube, it’s timed for Primary programs, family home evenings, and global sacrament meetings.

Why a video? President Russell M. Nelson’s 2025 emphasis on “gathering Israel, one child at a time” meets rising needs: Post-pandemic isolation, screen addiction, faith doubts in tweens. This isn’t nostalgia; it’s revelation-driven renewal.

Legacy of the Original: Seeds of Testimony Planted Deep

Launched in 1984 under Primary General President Naomi W. Shumway, Friend to Friend featured children aged 8-11 interviewing living prophets. Episodes aired on VHS, then DVD, reaching 2 million+ homes. Highlights:

• 1985: Marc and Margaret with President Benson – Farm kids asked about family prayer; his “flood of inspiration” answer became iconic.
• 1987: Jenny with President Hinckley – “What if I make mistakes?” elicited, “We all do; repent and rise.”
• 1990: Multi-ethnic casts – Reflecting church growth, including Tongan and Mexican youth.

Hosted by “faithful friends,” these chats demystified prophets as loving grandpas. Impact? Surveys show 85% of millennial Saints credit them for early testimonies. In Uganda, where Primary classes swell in Kampala wards, pirated VHS copies circulated, igniting converts.

Production magic: Filmed in church offices, with unscripted questions. Songs like “A Child’s Prayer” wove in, ending with prophet blessings. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland later called it “pure doctrine, child-delivered.”

What’s New in 2026: Content, Production, and Global Reach

Directed by Primary General Presidency with media pros from BYU and Deseret Book, the new video clocks 30 minutes perfect for young spans. Filming wrapped March 2026 in Salt Lake and diverse U.S. sites. Key features:

Diverse Child Hosts: Eight children (ages 6-11), representing Africa (Ugandan twin sisters), Asia (Filipino boy), Latin America (Brazilian girl), Pacific (Samoan family), and U.S. (Native American, Black, Caucasian, Hispanic). Selected via global submissions emphasizing “pure hearts.”

Prophet Interviews: President Nelson (101, frail but fervent) shares “grandpa stories.” His counselors President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring plus Primary leaders join. Topics:
– Faith basics: Prayer works!
– Jesus’ love: Parables retold.
– Covenants: Baptism joy.
– Trials: “Rainbows after rain.”

Interactive Elements: QR codes link to app activities draw your testimony, record prayers. Subtitles in 100+ languages, including Swahili/Luganda for East Africa.

Music and Visuals: Fresh hymns (“If the Savior Stood Beside Me”) by Primary choirs. Animation illustrates scriptures, like Nephi’s ship-building for obedience.

Runtime breakdown:

• Intro (3 min): Song and welcomes.
• Interviews (20 min): Rotating hosts.
• Testimonies (5 min): Kids share feelings.
• Blessing/Close (2 min): Prophet’s prayer.

Budget: $2 million, funded by humanitarian reserves emphasizing “invest in souls.”

Why September 13? Timely Ties to Doctrine and Seasons

Release aligns divinely:

• September 13: Echoes President Nelson’s 97th birthday (Sept 9); post-summer Primary kickoff.
• Sacrament Meeting Focus: Perfect for children’s speakers.
• Global Calendar: Avoids Ramadan, Diwali; hits back-to-school in Northern Hemisphere.

Sister Wright: “Children are literal spirits of light (D&C 93:40). This video helps them shine amid worldly mists.”

Practical Rollout: For Families, Leaders, and Classrooms

Primary Leaders:

• September 13 Sunday: Worldwide viewing parties post-sacrament.
• Activity Kits: Downloadable prophet coloring pages, “friend invitation” cards.
• Teacher Training: 15-min videos on facilitating discussions.

Doctrinal Foundation: Children as Covenant Keepers

Rooted in Matthew 19:14 “Suffer little children… to come unto me.” 3 Nephi 17’s tender Christ-with-kids scene inspires. President Nelson’s 2018 “Ministering Angels” talk positions Primary as revelation hub.

Critics note secular media dominance; this counters with pure doctrine. No ads, no agendas just Jesus.

Production Behind-the-Scenes: Faith Meets Filmmaking

Crew of 50, led by Emmy-winner from “Book of Mormon Videos.” Child actors prepped via scripture charades no lines memorized, ensuring authenticity. President Nelson’s segment: Wheelchair-bound, he gripped a child’s hand, tearfully testifying, “I see my Savior in your eyes.”

Songs composed by Emmy Lou Redd; animation by African artists for cultural resonance.

Challenges and Solutions: Ensuring Every Child Reaches

• Tech Barriers: USB drives for remote areas; radio broadcasts in Africa.
• Content Sensitivity: Trauma-informed addresses loss gently.
• Parental Prep: Guides for tough questions (“Why suffering?”).

Broader Vision: Gathering the Rising Generation

This video launches a series 2027 for youth, 2028 family edition. Ties to temples: Post-viewing baptisms surge expected.

Stay connected via our website

Disney’s live-action Moana (2026) released its official teaser trailer in November 2025, building massive hype ahead of its July 10, 2026 theatrical debut. Directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton), the adaptation stars newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as the intrepid voyager Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the boisterous demigod Maui.