July 2, 2025, 11:00am MDT
Elder Jerit W. Gong, a quorum of the 12 Apostles, met with leaders and local members of Germany, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Switzerland during the 10-day ministries in July, promoted faith in Jesus Christ, inclusion and healthy communities.
Elder Gong shared his message about living the gospel of Jesus Christ and building a strong family, especially by raising young people.
Encourage inclusion in Germany and Switzerland
According to the church’s European newsroom, Elder Gong spoke at a regional conference held in Weesbaden, Germany on Sunday, June 8th.
Elder Gong’s message emphasized that the restored church of Jesus Christ is a place of faith and should belong to Jesus Christ.
“There’s space for everyone at the inn,” he said. “No one should sit alone. It’s not our chapel, not life, not emotional or spiritual.”
On Sunday, June 15th, Elder Gong returned to Germany at the end of his ministry for a stake meeting with Latter-day Saints in Munich, and the theme of inclusion in the House of Faith continued.
Elder Gong invited 1,000 participants like good Samaritans and made sure no one left alone.
A special prayer was also held at the meeting hall on the Bernswiss Temple site.
Strengthening communities in Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo
When the train stopped in Tirana, Albania on June 9th, Elder Gong spoke with Silda Sepe, the deputy minister of European foreign affairs in Albania, about religious freedom and civic responsibility.
On June 10th, Elder Gong visited the university clinic for the “St. Naum of Orid” surgical disease in Skopje, North Macedonia, where he praised the medical staff and called them “real heroes.”
During his visit, Elder Gong was joined by Elder Reuben V. Aljaud, president of Central Europe at the age of 70, and announced a donation from the church to double the capacity of the emergency room. Church donations have previously provided clinics with equipment such as defibrillators and stretchers.
Later that day, Elder Gong met with North Macedonian vice minister Zoran Dimitrovsky. Elder Gong shared his focus on working with the church and local institutions and encouraging responsible young people who adhere to the law.
Michael Aura, president of the Albanian Tyranna Mission, also attended the meeting and shared how young missionaries act as cultural ambassadors. Learn language, respect traditions, and build lasting connections.
Elder Gong also met the grand Mufti of Kosovo on June 11th of Sheikh Naim Ternaba, the spiritual leader of the country’s Muslim community.
Together they discussed ways religion could help young people navigate current challenges such as education, meaningful employment, addiction, and moral uncertainty.
On the same day, Elder Gong met with Kosovo Prime Minister Alvin Kurti to address concerns about how artificial intelligence and social change are affecting youth.
When they discussed the role that family identities play in building strong communities, President Erjon Teli, president of the Pristina chapter, demonstrated the FamilySearch app and introduced the role of maintaining family history and connection.
Elder Gong also prayed in Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo, where he testified about the Savior and encouraged his members to share the gospel.
