In 1977, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, then a General Authority Seventy, dedicated Iceland for the preaching of the gospel. In 1983, Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated a building for Church use. In 1989, then-Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invoked an apostolic blessing for Iceland to be “a lighthouse to all of Europe.”
That was the last time Iceland would see an Apostle for over two decades — until Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited the country in early September 2023.
Elder Stevenson’s recent ministry tour spanned Iceland, Scotland and England, ChurchofJesusChrist.org reported. He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson.
Elder and Sister Stevenson began their ministry in Reykjavik, Iceland, on Sept. 7, before they went to Edinburgh, Scotland, and Northampton, England from Sept. 9-10.
While in Europe, Elder Stevenson emphasized that Latter-day Saints should be “of one heart, of one mind” with “lives centered on Jesus Christ,” doing all they can to follow Him.
At each stop, Elder Stevenson conveyed the love of Church President Russell M. Nelson.
Iceland
In Iceland — often called the “Land of Fire and Ice” — Elder Stevenson told local Church members that they can worship Jesus Christ anywhere in the world.
“Zion is here,” he said. “Zion is in this place where you are. And so, I am grateful to be with you gathered in Zion together.”
Elder Stevenson was joined by Elder Alan T. Phillips, General Authority Seventy and a counselor in the Church’s Europe North Area presidency.
“I can see miracles taking place in Iceland,” Elder Phillips said. “I see the start of something very, very special.”
The majority of Icelandic-based Church members heard Elder Stevenson’s remarks in-person or listened online. The meeting incorporated simultaneous translation into Icelandic and Spanish — a growing Spanish-speaking branch in Iceland includes new arrivals from Latin America, especially Venezuela.
“I didn’t expect that I would see such a beautiful sight that we find here as we gather together in Iceland to see this wonderful congregation with its beautiful diversity,” Elder Stevenson said. He added that local Church members had their “hearts knit together” in love.
“Whether you call Iceland your native country, or you find yourself here, never expecting to come from Venezuela, and now live in Iceland, or [are from] Ghana, or Nigeria or wherever it might be, God is mindful of you,” Elder Stevenson said. “... He’s mindful of your children and of your loved ones. He knows you; He loves you; you are His and He is yours.”
Scotland
In Edinburgh, Scotland, Elder Stevenson addressed a meeting of local Church leaders throughout Scotland and Ireland, encouraging them to “let their light shine” for the world.
He was joined by Elder Mark Stewart, Area Seventy; Sister Traci De Marco, area organization adviser; and Elder Scott D. Whiting, a General Authority Seventy and a counselor in the Church’s Europe North Area presidency.
Elder Stevenson told missionaries serving in Scotland and Ireland that “as you testify of Christ, you create an environment that allows the Holy Ghost to testify also.” He blessed them with “help in the things that are hard and the strength to work and serve.”
Elder Whiting also addressed the meeting and referenced Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Share what is in your heart. ... I am asking that you stand as witnesses of the power of the gospel at all times — and when necessary, use words.”
Susan Paterson, a counselor in her stake Relief Society presidency, said her application of Elder Stevenson’s message is to “love the youth and the young adults, as this love will allow them to reach their full potential at church. The importance of providing this loving care to the rising generation cannot be underestimated.”
Louise Giboin from the Edinburgh Scotland Stake said she found “particular inspiration from Elder Stevenson’s testimony of the transforming power of The Book of Mormon. Even Nephi had to endure many trials and challenges, yet he was still blessed and highly favored of the Lord.”
England
Elder Stevenson’s last stop was in Northampton, England. The meeting was attended by Church leaders from across the Birmingham, England, region.
“The Lord will qualify those whom He calls,” he said. “The Lord will comfort those whom He calls; the Lord will inspire those whom He calls.”
Elder Stevenson was joined by Elder Hans T. Boom, a General Authority Seventy and the Church’s Europe North Area president; Elder Martin J. Turvey, Area Seventy; and Sister Heidi Griffiths, area organization adviser.
“We want our children to live the principles of the gospel because they love to, and not because they have to,” Sister Griffiths said during the meeting.
Elder Boom reminded the leaders “to hold up the light of the gospel and invite your friends, family and neighbors to learn about the gospel.”
He also emphasized the power of family history work to engage children and grandchildren in the work of salvation.
