On February 21, more than 600 women ages 18 and older gathered in Monterrey, Mexico, to hear the testimony of Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Stevenson expressed gratitude for the sisters and the many ways they bless the lives of others, testifying to the Savior’s love for them.
“You represent the beauty of Zion with your families and loved ones,” he said. “Receive our love and blessings for the righteous desires of your heart, for your families, and for those for whom you pray fervently.”
During a mission visit to the Mexico region of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from February 15 to 22, Elder Stevenson met with local leaders, members and missionaries and delivered several messages reflecting the Savior’s love, according to articles in the church’s Mexico Newsroom. The visit also included a meeting with the governor of Mexico.
Elder Stevenson was accompanied by his wife, Sister Letha Stevenson. Elder Marcus B. Nash and his wife, Sister Shelly Nash, of the Presidency of the Seventy. Members of the Church’s Mexico Area Presidency—President Elder Moises Villanueva and his wife, Sister Leticia Avalos Villanueva. First Counselor Elder Jose Luis Alonso and his wife Sister Rebecca Alonso. Second Counselor Elder Brick V. Eyre and his wife Sister Susan R. Eyre.
Message to young people
On February 15, Elder Stevenson spoke at a devotional attended by 500 youth from multiple stakes in northwest Mexico City, Mexico Newsroom reported.
He discussed the 2026 youth theme, “Walk with Me” (Moses 6:34), and encouraged youth to balance screen time by increasing scripture study and decreasing social media use.
“I think the Lord wants us to walk with Him every day, maybe spend a little less time on social media and a little more time reading the scriptures,” he said.
Elder Stevenson testified that young people are God’s chosen children.
“God knows everything about you, and as you walk with Him, you will walk a path that leads to peace and joy,” he said, adding, “May the Lord support you and strengthen you in your trials, giving you the strength to walk with Him, so that you can overcome temptation and build your faith around Him to overcome life’s challenges.”
Elder Stevenson addressed 1,000 young missionary candidates and their parents and leaders from Mérida and Campeche at another devotional on February 18, Mexico Newsroom reported.
He encouraged the youth to think about when to receive a patriarchal blessing, obtain a temple recommend, serve in the Lord’s house, and prepare for the ministry. He emphasized that the best preparation is to walk the covenant path and become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.
“It’s a wonderful time to be alive and to be part of the church,” he said. “We are witnessing the Lord speeding up His work.”
“I encourage you to be worthy of receiving a temple recommend. What a blessing and privilege it is to receive a temple recommend from the age of 11.”
Message to missionaries
On February 15, Elder Stevenson invited more than 700 missionaries to teach by the power of the Spirit in a devotional at the Mexican Missionary Training Center in Mexico City, Mexico.
On February 20 in Monterrey, Elder Stevenson met with 500 missionaries from the Mexico Mérida Mission, the Mexico Monterrey East Mission, and the Mexico Monterrey West Mission.
Elder Stevenson spoke about the deep love that missionaries develop for the places and people they serve, the divine calling and commission of missionaries, the principles of the plan of salvation found in Preach My Gospel, and the power of the Book of Mormon. He emphasized the importance of lifelong discipleship and bore his testimony of living prophets and missionary work.
“Sharing the gospel is critical to the work of the Lord,” Elder Stevenson testified. “True success comes from our desire and dedication.”
governor of mexico
On February 17, Elder Stevenson met with Mexican Governor Delfina Gómez at the State Government Palace in Toluca, Mexico, Mexico Newsroom reported.
During the meeting, Elder Stevenson discussed the Church’s contributions to individuals and families in the area. The group also considered potential areas for cooperation to support government efforts to promote social development, community well-being, and increased opportunities for Mexicans.
The Church’s presence in the region has continued to grow since the late President Russell M. Nelson announced in October 2022 that the Toluca Mexico Temple would be built southwest of Mexico City.
