February 21, 2025, 5:06 PM MST
Standing in the pulpit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, saw a meeting hall filled with young people and their parents, highlighting the immeasurable importance of missionary work. did.
“Missionary work is extremely important in this distribution,” he said in prayer. “This is how people know us. They know us by the sight of missionaries walking on the streets.”
As part of a recent ministry to Brazil, Elder Stevenson spoke with the young people on Thursday, February 13th. He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Letha Stephenson. Cook, the presidency of Elder Carl B. Cook, and his wife, Sister Lynette Cook; Elder Joni L. Koch, president, 70 years old, president of the Brazilian region and his wife, Sister Michel Koch. Elder Stevenson was in Brazil for two weekends in mid-February, and was the host of several leadership meetings.
In her message, sister Stephenson spotlighted four returned missionaries who served under the direction of the Stephensons when they were mission leaders of Japan’s Nagoya missions, with five in prayer I attended. “What a blessing to have them after these missions, and to see them now, and see the disciples of Christ,” she shone.
Following his wife, Elder Stephenson spoke about his own experiences as a young missionary. Elder Stevenson spoke about when he opened his call to serve as a missionary in Fukuoka, Japan.
“I remember the day this happened,” he said.
“I’ve always planned to serve the mission, but I remember the moment I started the application. It became very real. “Okay… Should I do this? “And I took a step forward. I was nervous, but I moved forward. I’m so glad that it happened to me. ”
Continuing, Elder Stevenson shared a photo of himself as a missionary at the Provo Missionary Training Center before heading to Japan.
When I told the young man about his missionary journey, he didn’t worry and encouraged him to start preparing now.
“There will be people who have every stage of the path for you,” he counseled.
Finally, Elder Stevenson shared a photo of his last day at Mission Field. At the time, he was serving in Japanese Sassbo.
“I remember this day very clearly. …I got on the train, sat in a chair, bowed my head and cried all the way to the mission platform,” he said with a smile.
Looking back at his experience, he said: “I am very grateful for the privilege I had to serve.”
“What can these future missionaries do to prepare for the mission?” Elder Stephenson said he felt inspired to talk about the path of the covenant and the values of his lifelong disciple.
“So when you think about ministry, think of being a disciple of Jesus Christ for your life,” he said.
How do you find the disciple of Jesus Christ? Elder Stephenson proposed five actions.
Develop testimony from the Book of Mormon. “You can all do this,” he gestured to the young man in the room. He invited more screen time with the Book of Mormon than with social media. Temple ordinances were implemented and temple recommendations were maintained. “I recommend it. It’s a beautiful blessing that allows you to perform ordinances in the temple,” taught Elder Stephenson. “Cherish your recommendations. Be spiritually prepared and spiritually prepared to receive patriarchal blessings. “Patriarchal blessings will guide you. It is It will help you make decisions in your life,” Elder Stephenson promised. “We have the opportunity to attend Saint Cra at the Sacrament meetings every week,” he said. “So, think about the blessings of the sacrament that come when you attend church weekly, ‘I have to attend the Conference of Our Lady of Saint Clayphiveremaing, I have to attend church weekly.’ “Youth” pamphlet. “Think of this as your protection,” he advised.
In closing his remarks, Elder Stephenson left his listeners with advice and promises. “You can promise that your service will bless many others. It will help you become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ,” he testified. “I will bless you for what you know, and you will know that missionaries will bless your life and the lives of others.”
