Returning to the location where he dedicated Mozambique for the preaching of the gospel 11 years ago — on Oct. 19, 1999 — Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve on Jan. 19 stood at the base of a 200-year-old tree overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Joining him in all activities were Elder F. Michael Watson of the Seventy and first counselor in the Africa Southeast Area, his wife, Sister Jolene Watson, and Mozambique Maputo Mission President Loren Spendlove and his wife, Sister Tina Spendlove.
Elder Scott mentioned that much had changed in Maputo since his last visit and it was nice to see that the city had built such a wonderful park at the dedication site.
During Elder Scott's visit in 1999 the Church had only 40 members in Mozambique. Today there are more than 5,000 members in two districts, 19 branches and three groups meeting throughout Mozambique. Elder Scott was thrilled with the growth of the Church in such a very short time.
He provided counsel in zone conferences with the full-time missionaries and spoke to recently baptized members, young adults and the general membership in both the Maputo and Beira areas. All were warm in their expressions of appreciation for Elder Scott speaking to them in Portuguese. The Maputo District Conference was held in a local auditorium with 732 members in attendance.
Elder Scott told the members that one of the secrets to being happy is simply to smile. He encouraged the husbands to express gratitude and love to their wives and to take them in their arms and give them a hug. "It is important for them to know that you love them," he said.
He then counseled the members to read, ponder and understand the scriptures and told of how President Spencer W. Kimball loved the scriptures and read them daily all of his life.
During his travels, Elder Scott met with missionaries and members throughout the area. Some gatherings included more than 900 members with some traveling two days to attend the meeting with an apostle. Elder Scott greeted the members with a big smile and told them how much he loved them.
"You are some of the most precious children on earth and God loves you," he said as he encouraged them to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Elder Scott told the members, "Always remember and never forget that one of the apostles of Jesus Christ declared in your presence that Jesus Christ lives."
He encouraged the members to do everything possible to prepare to be worthy to go to the temple. He promised them that Heavenly Father would help them find a way if they would only do their very best.
Elder Scott also met with doctors in the area working with local doctors, nurses and midwives to teach them the latest techniques on neonatal resuscitation training. He expressed appreciation for the humanitarian work the group was doing. He concluded his visit on Jan. 23.
