Look at 6 behind-the-scene photo galleries of recent devotionals with senior Brethren
President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center; is joined by Elder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, for a devotional with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsElder Ulisses Soares, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife Sister Rosana Soares, right, laugh during a devotional broadcast from the Church Office building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Rory Bigelow, Associate Administrator of Operations at Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, and his wife Tammy also participate. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talks with President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives a talk as part of the recording of a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prepare to record a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, participate in a devotional for French-speaking young adult Latter-day Saints around the world on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021.
Over the past month, a First Presidency counselor and six members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have led a half-dozen streamed devotionals designed to reach Latter-day Saint young adults worldwide.
Brief recaps, photo galleries offering behind-the-scenes looks, and links to the Church News’ coverage and to YouTube videos of the actual devotionals are offered below.
Targeting young adults 18 to 30
Beginning Feb. 21 and running through Sunday, March 21, the six devotionals have targeted young-adult members ages 18 to 30 — single or married.
Available to Latter-day Saints on the six major continents, the broadcasts have been done in 31 languages, from Albanian to Ukrainian. Each YouTube video will be available for 30 days after the broadcast (the links are included below each recap and photo gallery).
President Oaks and Elder Christofferson address Spanish-speaking young adults
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Kathy Christofferson listen as Sister Kristen Oaks gives her talk in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, join President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, talk in the doorway of the studio prior to recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talks with President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles looks over notes prior to recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, listen as they join Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, in a conversation while recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, laugh as they join President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, in a conversation while recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walks toward the podium to deliver his talk in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives a talk in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsSister Kristen Oaks waves as she steps to the podium for her part in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivers his talk in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsSister Kathy Christofferson records her talk as part of a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives a talk as part of the recording of a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsSister Kristen Oaks gives her talk in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles records his talk for a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, the thumbs up as they talk prior to recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints listens to translation as his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, records her talk for a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsSister Kristen Oaks sits and goes over her talk as Sister Kathy Christofferson records hers for a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles quietly applauds after his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson completed her talk in Spanish for a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helps his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, with her collar and necklace as they talk prior to recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, join President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks in recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsSister Kathy Christofferson and Sister Kristen Oaks talk prior to recording a March 14 Spanish-language young adult devotional that was taped at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A focus on increasing faith served as the common message for two senior Church leaders and their wives in a March 14 devotional for Spanish-speaking young adults throughout Latin America and Spain.
President Oaks, told listeners: “We all need to increase our faith in God the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ.”
The streamed broadcast featured President Oaks, Sister Kristen Oaks, Elder Christofferson and Sister Kathy Christofferson. All four delivered closing messages in Spanish following a translated discussion answering a handful of questions from participating young adults.
President Ballard speaks to young adults across North America
President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center; Elder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy, right; and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, left; talk prior to participating in a devotional videoconference with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsPresident M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center; is joined by Elder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, for a devotional with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsPresident M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center; is joined by Elder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, for a devotional with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsPresident M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center; is joined by Elder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, for a devotional with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsSister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, prepares to participate in a devotional videoconference with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsYoung adults shown on screens listen as President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center; is joined by Elder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, for a devotional with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsElder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, prepare to participate in a devotional videoconference with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret NewsYoung adults shown on screens listen as President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center; is joined by Elder Brent Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, for a devotional with young single adults from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Looking at screens dotted with the faces of young adults from across North America, President Ballard said the images filled him with confidence for the future, and he promised that even amid dark times, there is hope and light.
“May the Lord bless you, my beloved young people, with the realization now of how very important you are for the future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Do not underestimate what the Lord has ahead for you.”
Elder Holland speaks to Europe, Europe East and Africa areas
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prepare to record a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsCraig Butler, teleprompter support, sits in a control room as Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general President, and Chad Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prepare to record their message in a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles laughs as he, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prepare to record a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsPresiding Bishop Gérald Caussé listens to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prior to recording a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsYoung Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon smiles as she talks with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prior to recording a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsChad Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, laughs as he talks with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé and Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon prior to recording a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prepare to record a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles records a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsYoung Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon looks at her scriptures as she, Chad Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, and Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé sit down with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Their devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prepare to record a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsElder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talks with Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, and Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, prior to recording a devotional from a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19, 2021. The devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret NewsYoung Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon talks with Chad Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes, as they sit down with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé in a studio at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. Their devotional was broadcast to young adults in Europe and Africa on March 7. Credit: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Speaking to young adults from Newcastle to Novosibirsk and from Copenhagen to Cape Town, Elder Holland began his message by clarifying that his purpose was not to “recruit” them to attend institute.
“You don’t exist so institute can become a successful Church program,” said the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “No, it’s the other way around. Institute exists so you can become a successful Latter-day Saint.”
Elder Holland’s message was part of a March 7 devotional for young adults across the Europe, Europe East and Africa areas. The devotional also included a panel discussion with Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon and Brother Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, participate in a devotional for French-speaking young adult Latter-day Saints around the world on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021.Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, stand with Pauline Caussé, left, and Eric Lepore, second from right, who offered the invocation and benediction for the Andersens’ devotional address to French-speaking young adults around the globe on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. Elder Randall K. Bennett, who conducted and introduced the devotional, is at left.Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, participate in a devotional for French-speaking young adult Latter-day Saints around the world on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsElder Randall K. Bennett introduces and conducts a devotional broadcast with Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, to French-speaking Latter-day Saints on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsElder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, speak with Pauline Caussé and Eric Lepore who offered the invocation and benediction for the Andersens’ devotional address to French-speaking young adults around the globe on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsA choir made up of young single adults in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, perform during a devotional broadcast by Elder Neil L. Andersen to the French-speaking young adults around the world on Feb. 21, 2021. Credit: Screenshot ChurchofJesusChrist.orgA choir made up of young single adults in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, perform during a devotional broadcast by Elder Neil L. Andersen to the French-speaking young adults around the world on Feb. 21, 2021. Credit: Screenshot ChurchofJesusChrist.org
As a “friend and fellow disciple” motivated by love and respect, Elder Andersen testified to French-speaking young adult Latter-day Saints in a Feb. 21 devotional “that your faith in Jesus Christ is not in vain. You will see Him again. All the world will know He is the Son of God.”
In the 12 years since being called as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, he has experienced sacred moments, “unspeakable experiences and feelings that I never anticipated in my life, assuring me of the reality of Jesus Christ.”
Speaking in French to listeners in Africa, Tahiti, France, Canada, Haiti and the French islands of the Caribbean and other locations, Elder Andersen and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, who also speaks French, reinforced and encouraged young adults’ faith.
Elder Rasband teaches young adults across Asia and the Pacific
Left to right, Sister Melanie T. Rasband, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of Church Education Elder Paul V. Johnson, and Sister Jill Johnson, listen to those on the videoconference feed during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsElder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center left, speaks during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsElder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Melanie T. Rasband, share a lighter moment during the March 13, 2021, young adult devotional for the Pacific, Asia, Asia North and Philippines areas. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsElder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsGeneral Authority Seventy and Commissioner of Church Education Elder Paul V. Johnson, left, speaks and Sister Jill Johnson, right, listens during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsMoses Niumatalolo, left, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, second from the right, and Sister Melanie T. Rasband, far, right listen as Jomelene Tychingco speaks during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsElder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, middle, smiles at Sister Melanie T. Rasband, right, during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsThose on stage and in the Tabernacle audience wave goodbye to those on the videoconference feed during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsChurch members take notes during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsLeft to right, Sister Melanie T. Rasband, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of Church Education Elder Paul V. Johnson, and Sister Jill Johnson, listen to those on the videoconference feed during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsMoses Niumatalolo, left, listens as Jomelene Tychingco speaks during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsElder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, left, speaks and Sister Melanie T. Rasband, right, listens during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsWong Kin Fong sings during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret NewsMaggie MacPherson, granddaughter of Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Sister Melanie T. Rasband, offers the invocation at the March 13, 2021, devotional for young adults in the Pacific, Asia, Asia North and Philippines areas. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsBen Rasband, a nephew of Elder Ronald A. Rasband and returned missionary from the Samoa Apia Mission, offers the benediction during the young adult devotional for Pacific and Asia areas at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Credit: Annie Barker, Deseret News
More than a mere “thank you,” gratitude is both a heartfelt expression and a commandment, taught Elder Rasband in a March 13 devotional for young adults in the Church’s Asia, Asia North, Pacific and Philippines areas.
“Gratitude is more than just words of appreciation; it is an expression of the heart, one filled with love, humility, integrity, steadfastness, and courage,’’ said the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “In a world facing tension, conflict, economic upsets and a raging virus, gratitude at times seems in short supply.”
Elder Rasband and his wife, Sister Melanie T. Rasband, spoke at the live-broadcast devotional originating from the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and were joined by Elder Paul V. Johnson, a General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of Church Education, and Sister Jill Johnson.
Elder Soares addresses Portuguese-speaking young adults
Elder Ulisses Soares, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife Sister Rosana Soares, right, laugh during a devotional broadcast from the Church Office building in Salt Lake City on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Rory Bigelow, Associate Administrator of Operations at Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, and his wife Tammy also participate. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
In his own native language, Elder Ulisses Soares testified Sunday to Portuguese-speaking young adults — spread across the world — that trusting the Lord and His ordained servants remedies pandemics, economic hardships and all other tribulations.
“Following the counsel of the prophets will protect us and will cause the heavens to shake for our good,” said Elder Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a young adult devotional originating from Church headquarters and broadcast to Brazil, Portugal and several African nations.
Sunday’s devotional marked a memorable moment for the Brazilian-born Apostle. It was the first time Elder Soares spoke to a vast international audience in his native language of Portuguese.