Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Saturday afternoon session of April 2026 general conference about ministering. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Stevenson’s talk summary
Far more sacred than checking a bag at an airport, “I wonder what it is like for a loving Heavenly Father to send His most precious belongings, His children, away from their heavenly home, knowing they must pass through challenges of mortality.”
His great comfort is knowing they don’t travel alone. “Blessed are those who care for and nurture others.”
Be thoughtful and “intentional handlers of His precious cargo, His children,” through ministering assignments and strengthening the rising generation.
First, “consider your ministering assignment as ‘Christlike caring’ of the Lord’s most treasured possessions.” Contemplate how to provide Christlike love and service, offer help and comfort, seek prayerfully the guidance of the Spirit and help prepare families to make and keep sacred covenants.
Second, nurture the rising generation “by motivating, teaching and encouraging our young people to receive the holy name of Jesus Christ in their hearts and minds.”
Each of God’s children is a precious soul who will “one day be redeemed by its holder.” Disciples of Jesus Christ rise with renewed determination to care for them.
“That we may fulfill that mission for ourselves and diligently care for others as they seek to return to His heavenly embrace is my prayer.”
Read the full text of Elder Stevenson’s talk: ‘Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls’
Notable quotes
“In a reverent way, I wonder what it is like for a loving Heavenly Father to send His most precious belongings, His children, away from their heavenly home, knowing they must pass through challenges of mortality. I suppose His great comfort is knowing that they do not travel alone.”
“I invite you to implement small acts of kindness and care into your ministering, becoming better ministers of Jesus Christ.”
“As disciples of Jesus Christ, we rise with renewed determination to succor and care for those with whom we come in contact.”
Who is Elder Stevenson?
- Elder Gary E. Stevenson was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 3, 2015. He had been serving as the presiding bishop since 2012.
- Elder Stevenson has lived more than nine years in Japan — first as a missionary serving in the Japan Fukuoka Mission, then as president of the Japan Nagoya Mission from 2004 to 2007, and as area president of the Church’s Asia North Area from 2008 to 2012. In 2016, he joined President Russell M. Nelson, who dedicated the Sapporo Japan Temple, and later accompanied President Henry B. Eyring as he rededicated the Tokyo Japan Temple in 2022.
- He met his wife, Sister Lesa Jean Higley Stevenson, at Utah State University. The couple married Aug. 20, 1979, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple and are the parents of four sons.
What has Elder Stevenson done recently?
- Elder Stevenson taught in the October 2025 general conference about being peacemakers.
- A week later, he dedicated the Elko Nevada Temple, on Oct. 12, 2025, as “a place of solace and sacred communion.”
- In a National League of Cities summit in Salt Lake City, Elder Stevenson invited representatives from around the country to become “architects of peace” through service, in November 2025.
- Elder Stevenson offered several messages reflecting the Savior’s love during a ministry in the Church’s Mexico Area in February, including meeting with the State of Mexico’s governor.
Read more of Elder Stevenson’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X/Twitter.
