March 26th, 2025, 7am MDT
Uris Suarez taught the importance of spiritual foundations while in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in March 2025, during his quorum squeal of the 12 apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
According to a news release from the Church’s Australian Newsroom, he said at a stake conference held in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday, March 16th, “nothing more important than strengthening our foundations regarding Jesus Christ and closing the gaps between faith and spiritual erosion in our lives.”
Elder Soares recalled President Nelson’s experiences by observing the effects of erosion, the gaps in the original stonework, and the various levels of stability in the foundations of the Salt Lake Temple. He then compared this to how we need to repair the gap in our faith in order to strengthen our spiritual foundations in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“We need to consistently strengthen our spiritual foundations to repair the gap between spiritual erosion and faith,” he said. “When we focus our lives on Jesus Christ, it is the most important way to repair our spiritual erosion and fill in gaps in our faith.”
Elder Soares also encouraged church members and friends to meet at the meeting and listen to President Russell M. Nelson. He promised to follow the teachings of the Prophets to help them overcome the challenges they face during their human journey.
A visit to Australia from Elder Soares followed heavy rains and heavy flooding in Queensland and northern New South Wales from Cyclone Alfred.
Elder Soares expressed his love and interest in those affected by the recent Cyclone, saying President Nelson also cared deeply about those affected.
“I am a witness to his love and through the love of President Nelson, I see the love of Jesus Christ, my Savior,” he said.
Elder Soares met with two local families affected by the flood. He listened to their experiences and invited them to turn their hearts to Jesus Christ.
“He will stretch his warm arms at the beginning of your day, always accepting you, supporting you, and ready to help you in any situation,” Elder Soares said. “Trust him. He understands your pain.
After meeting with Elder James Easthope of Brisbane, he said thinking of celestial bodies as President Nelson teaches helped his family have a better perspective on the current situation.
“We may lose something temporary, but the wider painting helps us to know that deeper, that’s our testimony,” East Hope said.
Melanie Singham Solitua and her husband, Tara Solitua, were other Latter-day Saints who met Elder Soares.
“Knowing that there are bigger plans, it helps us keep going even when times are tough,” Singsam-Solitua said.
Added Solitua: “If you follow the path of the Savior, you will see that you may overcome all of this with the help of your Heavenly Father.”
Papua New Guinea
According to a news release on the Church’s Pacific Region Newsroom, on Sunday, March 18, about 4,000 Latter-day Saints and friends attended a special prayer with Elder Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea on Sunday, March 18th.
Elder Soares told his members, “I will put everything aside in our lives that are incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
He also warned against being overly self-critical, pointing out the temple as a way to concentrate and find peace.
“Christ is aware of our sincere efforts, so through his grace we become worthy,” he said. “He wants to bless us and reveal his will.”
The groundbreaking landmark of the Lord’s House in Port Moresby was held on April 22, 2023. Latter-day Saints living in Papua New Guinea are currently attending Suva Fiji Temple.
Elder Peter F. Mels, 70 president of the Pacific Region, also spoke about the blessings of attending the temple during the meeting. He said the temple was evidence of the Lord’s love for the people of Papua New Guinea.
Elder Soares also testified as a living prophet in President Nelson’s mantle, saying that having a living prophet is evidence of God’s love for his child.
