#BecauseofHim: Church launches Easter Initiative Focused on Jesus Christ

“The fundamental principles of our religion are … concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”—Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A weeklong, Christ-focused social media initiative that includes memes and a prominently placed YouTube video begins today (Palm Sunday) and extends through Easter. In the effort (titled “Because of Him,” with an accompanying #BecauseofHim hashtag), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims its belief that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God who overcame sorrow and death for men and women everywhere.

“Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ rising from the dead on the third day—a truth not only at the core of our faith, but also at the heart of answers to the deepest questions of the soul,” says Greg Droubay, director of Mormon.org. “We’ve launched this Christ-focused initiative because we want to be a resource for those seeking second chances or wondering about death after losing a loved one.”

Daily memes are being posted on several of the Church’s official social media sites, with hopeful messages that describe the many good things Jesus Christ has done to benefit mankind. The memes, which are accompanied by depictions of Christ’s New Testament ministry, say such things as, “The grave has no victory,” “Death has no sting,” and “The world is filled with second chances.” Each message closes with the hashtag #BecauseofHim. The YouTube video and memes will be released in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with corresponding hashtags.

English: YouTube Video, Website, #BecauseofHim

Spanish: YouTube Video, Website, #GraciasaÉl

Portuguese: YouTube Video, Website, #GraçasaEle

On Easter Sunday (20 April), the Church will promote two 30-second versions of the above video (one in English, another in Spanish), on the front page of YouTube, where an estimated 109 million people visit daily. A prompt at the end of the video will direct viewers to learn more at the Mormon.org “Because of Him” page, which will feature the full video, the Easter story from the New Testament and teachings of Jesus Christ that focus on all that He makes possible for God’s children. In addition to this, video and banner advertisements will begin today, 13 April, and continue through Easter on hundreds of websites.

Learn more on Church News and Mormon.org/BecauseofHim.

After the launch of the initiative, Brother Hesbon Usi who was recently released as an Area Seventy remarked, "Because of Him I have seen the blessings of the Heavenly Kingdom come upon those who have accepted Him as their personal Saviour, as they look forward to the Second Coming that they may live in the presence of God, our Eternal Father."