Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wants missionaries to know that their heavenly calls are inspired.
“I want to bear a testimony to you that, right this moment, you are exactly where the Lord wants you to be,” he said. “... He’s been preparing people for you to teach, and some of those people might be only ready and willing to hear from each of you.”
Elder Stevenson made these promises in May while addressing missionaries serving in the Brazil São Paulo Interlagos Mission.
He also emphasized the importance of extending invitations, bearing testimony and seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost while proselytizing.
“You might not know all things, but the Holy Ghost does,” Elder Stevenson said. “… So when you feel the Spirit, share what you’re feeling.”
Elder Stevenson told the missionaries that the Lord loves and is grateful for each one of them. He testified that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, President Russell M. Nelson is a living prophet, and Jesus Christ is the King of Kings.
“A resurrected Jesus Christ, who in that moment broke the bands of death, gave us the greatest gift that we have, which is the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Elder Stevenson said. “… It allows all of us to repent, to be forgiven, for our imperfections to be absorbed into the body of Christ.”
He also counseled the missionaries to avoid discouragement, which will weaken their faith and decrease their effectiveness.
Set goals, he told them, and catch the vision of missionary work.
“The greatest blessing you can give someone is to become gifted like you, a covenant people,” Elder Stevenson said.
Elder Stevenson also spent time with missionaries at the Brazil Missionary Training Center.
Additionally, he met with government and religious leaders, ChurchofJesusChrist.org reported.
He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, and by Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Sister Marcia Nielson.
At the Metropolitan Curia in São Paulo, Elder Stevenson met with Cardinal Odilo Scherer, Catholic archbishop of the Archdiocese of São Paulo.
Cardinal Scherer was interested in how the Church connects with its youth. Elder Stevenson shared his feelings about modern young people using the “For the Strength of Youth” guide.
They also discussed serving the poor and needy. Both the Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ have a significant humanitarian presence in São Paulo and throughout Brazil, and there are many opportunities for joint action.
Elder Stevenson also visited the Mesquita Brasil mosque, the site of the first mosque in Brazil. There, he met with Sheikh Mohamad Al Bukai, director of Islamic Affairs of the National Union of Islamic Entities of Brazil, and Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh of the Abu Bakr Mosque.
During the visit, Elder Stevenson discussed the commonalities of Muslim and Latter-day Saint beliefs, using a Church pamphlet titled “Muslims and Latter-day Saints: Beliefs, Values, and Lifestyles.”
“By sitting and eating together, we further strengthen this relationship which is already so positive,” said Sheikh Mohamad Al Bukai. “We are very happy with your presence today.”
Elder Stevenson’s final visit in São Paulo was with Mayor Ricardo Nunes in his office at city hall. Nunes expressed appreciation and admiration for the Church and its humanitarian work.
During each visit, Elder Stevenson presented local leaders with copies of the Book of Mormon.
The Church has helped thousands of people throughout Brazil. For instance, in January, it sponsored supplies for more than 70 cleft palate surgeries, helped provide 168 bath chairs to 42 social entities, and finished renovating the seventh floor of the outpatient clinic and the fire prevention system at the Dr. Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Cancer Institute, Church News reported.
