How Prophets Point Children to Christ: Friend to Friend May 2026

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will debut a new episode of its “Friend to Friend” program on May 24, 2026, featuring Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The episode, titled “Friend to Friend: Prophets Guide Us to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ,” is designed to educate children about the role of prophets in guiding individuals toward spiritual connection with God and Jesus Christ. The broadcast, available for streaming, combines music, messages, and interactive activities to engage young audiences.

The event marks the latest installment in the Church’s ongoing “Friend to Friend” initiative, which has historically provided religious instruction and moral guidance to children through multimedia content. This year’s episode centers on answering questions such as “What is a prophet?” “What do prophets do?” and “Why are prophets important today?” According to a Church News release, the program aims to deepen children’s understanding of prophetic teachings and their relevance to modern life. The episode will be hosted by the Primary general presidency, a leadership body responsible for overseeing the Church’s programs for children.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will serve as the featured speaker. His wife, Sister Susan Gong, will also appear in the broadcast, alongside familiar “Friend to Friend” characters. The Church described the episode as a collaborative effort to “help children better understand how following the prophet can strengthen their faith and help them feel closer to Jesus Christ.” The program is part of the Church’s broader strategy to use digital platforms to reach younger audiences, with the May 24 broadcast available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese.

The “Friend to Friend” series has a long history of addressing spiritual and moral themes through storytelling and interactive content. Past episodes have covered topics such as faith, family, and personal worthiness, often incorporating animated segments and live-action scenes. This year’s focus on prophets aligns with the Church’s emphasis on scripture and modern revelation, reflecting its educational mission to instill core religious values in youth. The program’s release coincides with the Church’s annual Primary conference, a gathering of leaders and teachers responsible for children’s education within the faith community.

While the episode is primarily targeted at Latter-day Saint children, the Church has not specified whether it will be accessible to a broader audience. The broadcast will be available on the Church’s official website and other digital platforms, ensuring wide distribution. A Church News article noted that the episode’s themes are intended to resonate with families seeking spiritual guidance, emphasizing the importance of prophets as “guides to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.” The program’s release also underscores the Church’s commitment to leveraging media as a tool for religious instruction, particularly in an era of increasing digital engagement.

The May 24 broadcast follows a recent trend of the Church expanding its digital presence, including the launch of new video content and interactive resources for members. The “Friend to Friend” series has historically been a cornerstone of the Church’s outreach to children, with past episodes frequently cited as valuable teaching tools by parents and educators. This year’s episode is expected to continue that tradition, offering a structured yet engaging format for discussing complex spiritual concepts in an age-appropriate manner.

For the Church, the “Friend to Friend” program represents more than just entertainment—it is a vital component of its educational and missionary efforts. By addressing questions about prophets and their role in religious life, the episode seeks to strengthen the faith of young members while reinforcing the Church’s doctrinal teachings. The May 24 broadcast will be a focal point of the Church’s efforts to connect with families, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about the role of religion in contemporary society.