MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a message of hope with Latter-day Saints in Acapulco, Mexico, who are rebuilding after the devastation caused recently by Hurricane Otis.
The category five storm made landfall on the southern coast of Mexico on Oct. 25 — causing extensive damage to the city of Acapulco and other parts of the state of Guerrero.
Elder Bednar, accompanied by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, is in Mexico for a nine-day ministering trip. “What a choice experience it is for Susan and me to gather with all of you in this time of hardship as a result of the hurricane,” said Elder Bednar during a virtual broadcast to Acapulco originating from Mexico City on Sunday, Nov. 5.
“The tragedy of having all of your physical possessions damaged, ruined, or gone — that will take a long time to repair,” he said. “But the spiritual strength with which you are blessed because of the Savior’s Atonement can endure with you forever. It will grow as you press forward with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through these challenges and difficulties.”
Otis was the most powerful hurricane to hit Mexico in half a century. The Church is organizing relief efforts with non-profit organizations and the Mexican government to benefit the affected areas and meet the people’s most pressing needs.
“We wanted to gather with you to express our love and support,” Elder Bednar said.
“The leaders of the Church in Salt Lake are working closely with your Area Presidency in Mexico City to provide the relief that is so necessary, but the most important relief is spiritual, not temporal.”
Shortly after the hurricane passed over the area, the Church released a statement indicating that all missionaries in the region are safe and noted that Church leaders are offering prayers and aid for victims of the disaster.
