Church News

Saturday afternoon session of October 2026 general conference — see photos and read a summary

Valerie Walton — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 22:22:17 +0000

The Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Oct. 3.

The session was conducted by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Sandino Roman, General Authority Seventy, and Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, gave the opening and closing prayers.

Music was provided by a mixed choir from northern Utah, directed by Jane Fjeldsted, and accompanied by organists Joseph Peeples and Linda Margetts.

Speakers

October 2026 general conference: Announcements, talk summaries, photos, session highlights

Learn about the new presidents, matrons of the Orlando Florida and Querétaro Mexico temples

Valerie Walton — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:00:27 +0000

The following new temple presidents and matrons have been called to serve by the First Presidency. They will begin their service when the temples are dedicated or rededicated.

Glendon Lyons Castillo and Guadalupe Ochoa López de Lyons, Jurica Ward, Querétaro México Stake, called as president and matron of the Querétaro Mexico Temple. President Lyons is a Mexico Area executive secretary and former Area Seventy, Perú Lima East Mission president, stake president, bishop, branch president and elders quorum president, and served as a missionary in the Guatemala-El Salvador Mission. He was born in Nampa, Idaho, to Glen Chadwick Lyons and Antonia Castillo Lyons.

Sister Lyons is a Mexico Area assistant executive secretary and former stake Young Women president, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, ward Primary president and temple ordinance worker, and served as a missionary in the Monterrey México Mission. She was born in Cosalá, Sinaloa, Mexico, to Ramon Ochoa Martínez and Fidelia de Ochoa López.

2023: 3 General Authority Seventies lead groundbreaking services for Querétaro Mexico Temple

Victor Phillip Patrick and Elizabeth Fletcher Patrick, South Tampa Ward, Tampa Florida Stake, called as president and matron of the Orlando Florida Temple. President Patrick is a Sunday School teacher and temple preparation instructor and former Area Seventy, Canada Montreal Mission president, stake president and bishop. He was born in Lake Forest, Illinois, to Rodger Ralph Patrick and Phyllis Elaine Patrick.

Sister Patrick is a music chairman and temple preparation instructor and former mission president companion, stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Relief Society president, ward Primary president and seminary teacher. She was born in Summit, New Jersey, to Robert Chipman Fletcher and Rosemary Fletcher.

First Presidency announces renovation closure for Orlando Florida Temple

New temple presidents and matrons called to serve in 2026

Learn about the history and stories of the temples of the Church in the Church News Almanac

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

What is God’s plan for you? President Kusch shares 6 ways to find out

Valerie Walton — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:52:30 +0000

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the plan of salvation, authored by Heavenly Father and made possible through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Despite knowing this plan, said Ensign College President Bruce C. Kusch, some ask: “Heavenly Father, do You know me? Do You have a plan for me?”

President Kusch spoke during a weekly devotional on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Salt Lake City. He was joined in speaking by his wife, Sister Alynda Kusch.

President Kusch addressed six things “I know to be true about our relationship with God and understanding His plan for us.”

1. Line upon line through personal revelation

“God’s plan for you and me is not revealed in its entirety,” President Kusch said. “Glimpses, guidance and packets of light come line upon line by personal revelation.”

Patriarchal blessings — which contain inspired counsel and personal, customized revelation for the recipients — are one source for finding guidance from God. President Kusch said, “You should study the counsel given, do your best to apply the counsel, and then wait and watch how the Lord fulfills the promises made, in ways that you could never have imagined.”

2. Recognize and record what God is doing daily

“You come to understand God’s plan for you when you recognize what He is doing in your life, rather than focusing on what He is not doing,” President Kusch said.

He recounted that President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke in general conference about the spiritual strength that came from recognizing and recording God’s hand in his life. “Not only did he experience an increase in gratitude,” President Kusch said, “but his testimony grew, along with the certainty that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.”

3. Willingly allow God to prevail

In October 2020 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson asked several penetrating questions in his talk “Let God Prevail.” These questions include: “Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?” and “Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?”

Be prepared to demonstrate that one is willing to act in faith to leave the comfortable for the unknown, President Kusch said. “When God knows that you trust Him and that He can trust you, blessings are in store that you can hardly imagine.”

4. Act

“God’s plan for you is revealed when you are acting and are not idle or waiting,” President Kusch said. “He expects you to be doing something.”

When righteous desires are coupled with righteous actions and righteous seeking, one qualifies for blessings promised in the scriptures, such as “He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:83), and “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them” (1 Nephi 10:19).

5. Be patient

Patience is a Christlike attribute. In “Preach My Gospel,” it’s explained as “the capacity to trust God as you face delay, opposition or suffering. Through your faith, you trust God’s timing for His promised blessings to be fulfilled.”

President Kusch said: “Developing patience is a process and can be a spiritual gift that you can seek. You strive to develop patience in your circumstances, patience with others, patience with God and patience with yourself.”

6. Build on the foundation of Jesus Christ

“God’s plan for you is best understood as you make Jesus Christ the center of your life,” President Kusch said. Exercise faith in Him and His infinite Atonement, study what He has taught and teaches today through His living prophets, pray to Heavenly Father in His name and obey His commandments.

This item appears last on President Kusch’s list “because it is the foundation for the other five,” he explained. “As you do these things, you qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.”

He invited listeners to take time to find a place where they can think, ponder, reflect and be still. “Listen for and listen to the still small voice [of the Holy Ghost]. Record what you hear and what you feel; then act on the things that God shares with you.”

‘Back’ home

While at her grandson’s Little League games, Sister Kusch noticed the coaches watching their players and the infield, keeping an eye out for movement that would put runners in jeopardy. “The players knew what to do when the coaches, whose voices they recognized, yelled, ‘Back!’ They quickly reversed their steps and ran back to the base,” she said.

Since then, Sister Kusch has thought about who in her life calls her to come “back” to where it is safe, who comforts her when she is worried or alone, who guides and corrects her when needed. “It is the Holy Ghost,” she said.

‘Light of Ensign’ — Ensign College president introduces new mantra

Episode 232: President and Sister Kusch of Ensign College encourage others to ‘align with the Lord’s mission and timing’

Ensign College President echoes President Nelson’s invitation to ‘increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ’

This week on social: An invitation to become peacemakers, an Apostle flips crêpes with Primary children and more

Valerie Walton — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 22:19:02 +0000

This week on social media, the Prophet spoke about the U.S. Constitution and peacemaking, an Apostle flipped crêpes in a Friend to Friend video, and Young Women and Young Men general leaders answered questions about who should be teaching youth classes.

On Sept. 16, President Dallin H. Oaks spoke in the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., about the U.S. Constitution and working to become peacemakers.

The next day — Constitution Day — President Oaks shared a video clip from his address on his social media accounts and wrote: “Knowing that we are all children of God gives us a divine vision of the worth of all others.

“I pray to our Heavenly Father for His blessings upon us that we will all seek to be peacemakers.”

Understand needs, forge solutions, President Oaks invites at Washington National Cathedral

When President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, served as first counselor to a district president years ago, the president said to him more than once, “Hal, when you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time.”

In a Sept. 14 social media post in which he shared this story, President Eyring wrote: “The Lord has opportunities near you to feel and to share His love. You can pray with confidence for the Lord to lead you to love someone for Him.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, recently spoke at a devotional in the Provo Missionary Training Center where his grandson Niklas was training as a missionary.

In a Sept. 15 social media post about his experience, President Uchtdorf wrote: “For each of us who serves Jesus Christ, we get to demonstrate, by our consistent choices, that we believe in what we are building and that it will be monumental, even majestic.

“Never be weary of well-doing. Instead, be joyful, be grateful, rejoice in the freedom to choose this wonderful work.”

President Uchtdorf: ‘Be messengers and examples of faith and hope’

Then on Sept. 18, President Uchtdorf shared a social media post in which he reflected on his memories of President Jeffrey R. Holland, the previous president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who died on Dec. 27, 2025.

President Uchtdorf wrote: “Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends of our faith knew President Jeffrey R. Holland as a gifted teacher, an amazing leader, and an exceptional orator.

“To me, he was also a cherished friend and a wonderful example of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.”

He also shared a photo from when he and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, visited President Holland’s grave site for the first time since the funeral. “It was a tender moment for us as we reflected again on the life of a truly remarkable man,” President Uchtdorf wrote.

In a video posted on his social media accounts, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed the aphorism “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” depicted in carvings of three monkeys in Nikko, Japan.

“The lesson is simple and memorable,” Elder Bednar says in the video.

“But for disciples of Jesus Christ, avoiding evil is not the end of our responsibility. It is only the beginning.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently spoke at a BYU devotional on what it means to have one’s faith in Jesus Christ and devotion to the restored gospel settled in his or her heart.

The next day, Sept. 16, Elder Andersen shared some thoughts and photos from his devotional on his social media accounts.

Elder Andersen wrote that being settled in one’s heart “means that you have spiritually weighed the blessings and sacrifices of following Jesus Christ and exercising your precious will and agency, you have determined, you have chosen in your mind and spirit, that this will absolutely be the path your life will take.”

At BYU devotional, Elder Andersen teaches what it means to ‘settle this in your hearts’

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with Church members and missionaries during a ministry assignment in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

On Sept. 13, Elder Rasband posted a video in which he shared his experience of meeting with missionaries serving in Haiti who have not had the opportunity to meet with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for more than a decade. He wrote: “It was my sacred privilege to personally convey the love, gratitude and admiration of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for these amazing disciples of Jesus Christ.

“Their devotion to the Savior and His work is inspiring to witness.”

‘A heavenly experience’: Elder Rasband ministers to Haitian Latter-day Saints at Dominican Republic border

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is undergoing a project to replace its existing hymnbook and children’s songbook with a new collection called “Hymns — For Home and Church.”

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote in a Sept. 14 post on social media about this project. This collection of songs “will reflect how we, as Latter-day Saints, understand and worship our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ,” he wrote.

Similarly, the book of Psalms in the Old Testament revealed how God’s covenant people felt about Jehovah and their relationship with Him, Elder Renlund wrote. “At its core, the book of Psalms is more centered on Jesus Christ and more frequently quoted in the New Testament than any other Old Testament book.”

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted a link to an article about artificial intelligence he wrote for the Diplomatic Courier, on his social media accounts on Sept. 17. “AI is an important topic, and it is something I feel strongly needs [a] moral compass.”

He invited those who read the article to share in the comments their thoughts about it.

At summit in Athens, Elder Gong shares soaring hopes, hard questions for AI systems

The September Friend to Friend broadcast featured Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Valérie Caussé, making crêpes, which is a tradition in their family.

In a Sept. 13 post on his social media accounts, Elder Caussé wrote: “Families are not always perfect, but they are central in God’s plan. Heavenly Father wants our eternal happiness, and that happiness is best achieved as we live as eternal families and support one another.”

Children learn about families in September Friend to Friend with Elder Caussé, Primary general presidency

In addition to promoting the Face to Face broadcast, the Primary Worldwide social media accounts featured a report on Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota’s ministering visit to the Philippines.

President Chibota and Naga City mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo met to discuss support of mothers and newborns at Naga City General Hospital.

The Sept. 15 post quoted President Chibota, who said, “Each newborn represents hope, promise and the future. When we care for mothers and infants, we are investing in generations to come.”

Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, recently visited Norway. They happened to arrive a day after King Harald V was buried.

In a Sept. 17 post on his social media accounts, Elder Gilbert shared a quote from the new monarch, King Haakon VIII, that intrigued the Apostle. In his ascension address, he said, “With God’s help and the support of the people, I look forward to taking on the great task ahead of me. I ask that we all unite together in the traditional prayer of hope: May God preserve and protect our country.”

Elder Gilbert wrote: “For a nation in which many feel that religion is a private matter, this public reference to Deity was significant. Reflective moments can help turn our hearts to God and help us remember what matters most.”

Elder Gilbert testifies of Christ in his first apostolic visit to West Africa

Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, wrote about her time in both geographic and YSA wards in a Sept. 13 social media post. She served in many capacities alongside members of all ages and developed friendships.

While serving as a Young Women president of 50-plus girls, Sister Yee learned to “embrace the chaos and love those young women as my own.”

“I learned to trust in the Lord as I helped ward members and learned to let them help me. I felt a part of and needed in my ward and neighborhood,” she wrote.

This Tuesday’s question answered on the Young Women Worldwide social media accounts by the Young Women general presidency — President Emily Belle Freeman, first counselor Sister Tamara W. Runia and second counselor Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus — was “Who should teach Sunday lessons?”

Leaders have been called and set apart to help mentor the youth, the post stated. “You are there because of what you have to share, and we want the discussions to include your voice, your example, your direction.”

Young Men general presidency — President Timothy L. Farnes, first counselor Brother David J. Wunderli and second counselor Brother Sean R. Dixon — also answered a question in a video posted to the Young Men Worldwide social media accounts on Sept. 12. This question was: “Should the youth be leading quorum classes?”

“Twenty-five minutes can make a big difference when youth come prepared, participate, and leave with an invitation to live the gospel,” the post stated. “Ponder. Pray. Prepare. Share.”

See previous social posts by Church leaders

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Merediths reflect on BYU–Idaho’s 25 years of creating disciple leaders, in first devotional of fall semester

Valerie Walton — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:54:38 +0000

The beginning of BYU–Idaho’s fall semester marks the 25th anniversary of the school’s change from the two-year junior Ricks College to a four-year institution.

“Since that day 25 years ago, the Lord has blessed this university with remarkable growth and progress,” said BYU–Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III in the first campus devotional of the semester Tuesday, Sept. 15. “I believe one important reason for those blessings is that we have remained resolutely focused on the mission the Lord established for us.”

President Meredith was joined in speaking by his wife, Sister Jennifer Meredith.

The mission of BYU–Idaho is “to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church and their communities.”

President Meredith invited everyone in the BYU–Idaho community to memorize the statement. “I hope they will become a constant reminder of why the Lord established this university and of the people He is inviting us to become,” he said.

He then took a deeper look at two words in the statement: “disciple” and “leader.”

Disciple

Everything in the BYU–Idaho mission statement flows from becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, President Meredith said.

A disciple is one who follows for the purpose of learning. During His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ had many who followed Him as He went about teaching, preaching and healing.

But He needed fellow laborers in His work. “And so Jesus called the twelve [disciples], and he gave them power and authority to do what they had watched Him do,” President Meredith said.

This pattern teaches something important about Christlike discipleship, he said. “We follow Him so that we can learn from Him, and we learn from Him so that we can become more like Him. As we become more like Him, He invites us to love and serve God’s children as He does.”

The kind of disciple sought to be developed at BYU–Idaho is one who not only learns about Jesus but becomes like Him and loves as He loved, President Meredith said.

Leader

This kind of discipleship also prepares one to lead, which ties into another important word in the BYU–Idaho mission: “leader.”

One might picture a leader as the person in charge, someone who has responsibility for others. While that type of leadership is important, it’s not the only way to be a leader. “Just as there is more to discipleship than following, there is more to leadership than holding formal authority,” President Meredith said. “We lead whenever our example, service or influence helps another person move toward what is good.”

This kind of leadership is quiet and personal, he taught.

“Most of the important leadership you will ever exercise will come without a title or position, and perhaps without anyone recognizing that you were leading at all,” President Meredith said.

Disciple leader

President Meredith then considered the two words together: “disciple leader.” After all, the BYU–Idaho mission statement describes the two words creating one outcome. A disciple leader is, he said, “a disciple of Jesus Christ whose discipleship shapes the way he or she leads and influences others.”

Just as students should be scholars of learning and teaching, they should also seek to become scholars of disciple leadership, President Meredith said. “We should deepen our understanding of effective and Christlike leadership, practice it in our own responsibilities and help one another recognize and develop the capacity to lead.”

The Savior’s example of leadership differs greatly from one the world offers, President Meredith said. “He did not define greatness or leadership by position, power or prominence.”

Instead, Jesus Christ taught, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

In closing, President Meredith expressed gratitude for all the Lord has done for BYU–Idaho. “I know that He will continue to guide BYU–Idaho and each of us as we remain faithful to the mission He has given us,” he said.

3 principles

In her remarks, Sister Meredith also recognized the university’s 25th anniversary and spoke about three principles delivered in that inaugural fall semester in 2001 in devotionals.

These principles are to remember who one is and where he or she is, to seek revelation line upon line and to prepare to change.

“Please remember your three most important identifiers: You are a child of God, a child of the covenant and a disciple of Jesus Christ,” Sister Meredith said.

She also invited listeners to remember that they are in a sacred place at BYU–Idaho, “built through sacrifice and dedicated to the Lord.”

Elder Caussé to BYU–Idaho students: Be prepared to lead this work forward

Who is speaking at college devotionals for the fall 2026 semester?

What to know about applying for a school within the Church Educational System

Read about 3 new, 26 reorganized stake presidencies — from Sendai to San Diego

Valerie Walton — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The following new stake presidencies have been called to serve.

New stakes

A new stake has been created from the Hickory North Carolina, Pembroke Virginia and Winston-Salem North Carolina stakes. The Mount Airy North Carolina Stake, which consists of the Dobson, Fort Chiswell, Mount Airy, North Wilkesboro and Pilot Mountain wards and the Sparta and Stuart branches, was organized by Elder Mathias Held, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder David A. Winters, an Area Seventy.

MOUNT AIRY NORTH CAROLINA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Arlo Ray Barzee, 53, Sedgewick Homes vice president of construction and owner; wife, Natalie Ann Skidmore Barzee. Counselors — Jeffrey Alan Simmons, 53, Qorvo Inc. director of sales operations; wife, Lisa Sheree Brown Simmons. Shad Lamont Wheatley, 51, Eye Care on the Ridge owner and partner; wife, Ollie Jean Perkins Wheatley.

A new stake has been created from the Sacsuha Guatemala District. The Polochic Guatemala Stake, which consists of the El Estor, La Tinta, Panzos, Sacsuha and Tucurú wards and the Canlun, Santo Domingo and Teleman branches, was organized by Elder Gregorio E. Casillas, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder N. Benjamin Poóu, an Area Seventy.

POLOCHIC GUATEMALA STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Hamilton Ernesto Rummler Teni, 38, Global Community logistics technician and Finca San Vicente La Nueva Esperanza administrator; wife, Vilma Elizabeth Valdez Choc de Rummler. Counselors — Hector Edmundo Lemus Valiente, 53, Ministry of Education primary education teacher; wife, Milvia Yessenia Garcia Hun de Lemus. Julio Jorge Estuardo Mocúa Pop, 33, City of El Estor municipal cadastral technician; wife, Yohana Esperanza Choc Rax.

A new stake has been created from the Edmonton Alberta North and Edmonton Alberta Riverbend stakes. The Spruce Grove Alberta Stake, which consists of the Devon, Drayton Valley, Onoway, Pioneer, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain wards and the Hinton and Whitecourt branches, was organized by Elder James E. Evanson, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Robert W. Mendenhall, an Area Seventy.

SPRUCE GROVE ALBERTA STAKE: (May 24, 2026) President — Brian Bynum Hill, 38, Keller Construction director of human resources; wife, Sharon Brooke Hill. Counselors — Tyler David Coleman, 45, Fix It Right Plumbing and Heating plumber and HVAC technician; wife, Sarah Anne McCall Coleman. Chad Craig Smith, 56, GE Vernova and Velotic product manager; wife, Jennifer Le Ann Bruce Smith.

Reorganized stakes

ABU DHABI STAKE: (June 6, 2026) President — Ronald Arandia Repatacodo, 44, Reem Hospital operating room nurse; succeeding Curtis Willard Kofoed; wife, Jessica Sue Allred Repatacodo. Counselors — Sterling Denmark Jensen, 49, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities associate professor; wife, Lindsay Anne Palmer Jensen. Scott Williamson, 43; wife, Malanie Samantha Pillay Williamson.

AMERICAN FORK UTAH NORTH STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Derek Daniel Lau, 58, Holy Cross Hospital Jordan Valley–CommonSpirit Health vice president of finance and chief financial officer; succeeding Jeffrey Harry Abram; wife, Felicia Diana Montes Lau. Counselors — Daniel Fred Van Woerkom, 54; wife, Amber Leigh Rummage Van Woerkom. Paul Thomas Atkinson, 51, Alpine Credit Union president and CEO; wife, Mindee Hreinson Atkinson.

BILLINGS MONTANA STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Scott Richard Paulsen, 49, radiologist; succeeding Dale Wardell Williams; wife, Sarah Elizabeth Condon Paulsen. Counselors — James Scott Pennington, 55, Rubicon Dental Associates CEO and Yellowstone Olive Co. owner; wife, Jana Raye Jackson Pennington. Johnathan Joe Zito, 44, Z&Z owner; wife, Anneke Ellice Young Zito.

BRASÍLIA BRAZIL CEILÂNDIA STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Edilson Alves de Brito, 48, Zion Serviços Contábeis accounting technician; succeeding Lázaro Leonardo Rodrigues de Amorim; wife, Lidiana de Sousa Carneiro de Brito. Counselors — Rivonaldo Lima de Oliveira, 51; wife, Elisângela de Medeiros Oliveira. Paulo Sezar Queiroz Da Silva, 52, R7X Indústria Plástica owner; wife, Marilza Bispo de Sousa.

CAGUA VENEZUELA STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Franklin Eliseo Sulbaran Diaz, 53, technical engineer; succeeding Ramón Josué Martínez Peña; wife, Jacqueline Dignora Ramirez de Sulbaran. Counselors — Jesus Antonio Salazar Pirela, 58, Vanirauto Industrias C.A. president; wife, Glemaire Josefina de Salazar Querales. Martin Eleazar Piñero Sulbaran, 37, Nestlé Purina general assistant and substitute operator; wife, Elizabeth Alejandra Gomez de Piñero.

CAMARIN PHILIPPINES STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Regel Vidal Quintia, 46, Department of Education teacher; succeeding Dick James D. De Guzman; wife, May Condez Francisco Quintia. Counselors — Paul Marlou Pascual Ferrer, 44; wife, Sharmaine Noble Castillo Ferrer. Samuelito Perez Sabado, 51, self-employed business owner; wife, Maria Lourdes Bacalla Macauba Sabado.

DURANGO MÉXICO STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Josue Ivan Navarro Diaz, 40, OneMeta product marketing manager and Axol Marketing marketing operations director; succeeding Manuel de Jesus Cervantes Renteria; wife, Ana Laura de Navarro Rosales. Counselors — Víctor Ríos Quiñones, 44, Colegio de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos del Estado de Durango department head; wife, Brenda Iris de Ríos García. Marcos Armando Munguia Chacon, 43, Cadena Comercial OXXO plaza manager; wife, Rocio Roman Leyva.

EKET NIGERIA STAKE: (July 5, 2026) President — Chidi Brownson Owor, 51, Grafen Oilfield Services Ltd. logistics coordinator; succeeding Gabriel Archibong Inam; wife, Victoria Chidi Victor Owor. Counselors — Ini Udo Udowan, 46, Emeson Integrated Oil Services Ltd. manager; wife, Imaobong John Ekanem Udowan. Augustine Isong Jacob, 57, Emeson Integrated Oil Ltd. manager; wife, Mfonobong Jimmy Jacob.

EUREKA CALIFORNIA STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Jedd Thomas Winn, 50; succeeding Stephen Robert Dieker; wife, Rachel Elizabeth Locke Winn. Counselors — Brandon Tibbett Truscott, 50, Utah Valley University professor and program director; wife, Mary Challiss Reeb Truscott. Christopher Lee Johnson, 43, New Wave Realty Inc. owner and broker; wife, Kelsey Renee McCartney Johnson.

FISHERS INDIANA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — William Hoover Bryan, 57, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP partner; succeeding Ryan A Robinson; wife, Jennifer Slack Bryan. Counselors — Bryan Keith Roach, 60, Roche Diagnostics Operations director of security; wife, Marie Antonia Riolo Roach. Roland Wayne James, 49, physician and Indiana Immediate Care business owner; wife, Kimberly Batt James.

GUÁPILES COSTA RICA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Edgardo Antonio Retana Sibrian, 48, Constructora Mi Vivienda S.A. credit manager; succeeding Alejandro Jose Chaverri Leon; wife, Diana Yaneth Menendez de Retana. Counselors — Nelson Uriel Rodríguez Montalván, 49, Universidad de Costa Rica instructor; wife, Nuria Vargas Mora de Rodriguez. Memo Rolando Crawford Stewart, 73; wife, Maria del Carmen Barquero Lopez.

LAREDO TEXAS STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Edson Moroni Ruiz Arango, 36, Alpha Solutions owner and Codysur Trucks operations manager; succeeding Wilbur Ted Wagner; wife, Leslie Treviño Dueñas. Counselors — Raymond Albert Solis, 36; wife, Martha Maria Oliver Solis. Rene Antonio Orozco, 62; wife, Yolanda Carrizales Orozco.

LISBON PORTUGAL STAKE: (April 12, 2026) President — Telo Batista Neves E Silva, 44, Brankométriko telecommunications technician; succeeding Fernando Ricardo Queiroz Figueira Moura; wife, Catia Susana Filipe Costa e Silva. Counselors — Pedro Miguel Monteiro Duarte, 30, HCL Tech remote implementation analyst; wife, Diana Alcobia Da Graça Paulo Duarte. Daniel Gonçalves Dornelles, 41, FamilySearch regional engagement manager; wife, Daniela Barros Adriano Dornelles.

NASHVILLE TENNESSEE STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Adam Clark Seegmiller, 53, Vanderbilt University Medical Center professor and chair of pathology, microbiology and immunology; succeeding Brett Valdo Benson; wife, Paula Jo McMullin Seegmiller. Counselors — Geoffrey Darrell Lifferth, 57, Lifepoint chief medical officer and emergency physician; wife, Kathleen Ellon Tait Lifferth. Michael Hal Waldram, 42, McDonald’s owner and operator; wife, Kristin Ashley Gray Waldram.

OLONGAPO PHILIPPINES STAKE: (June 21, 2026) President — Lance Seth Salatandre Rubio, 31, Best Choice Roofing roofing estimate analyst; succeeding Ricardo Alpez Asur; wife, Jaerrie Anne Ulanday Avenila Rubio. Counselors — Ashley Banzagales Sabido, 40, RPA Commercial Loan data research specialist; wife, Shirley Boitizon Gatan Sabido. Jim P. Pagado, 35, St. Benilde Center for Global Competence Inc. college assistant department coordinator; wife, Christine Lariba Osteniane Pagado.

PARANAGUÁ BRAZIL STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Gerson Junho Quaresma de Sousa, 49, Farmácia owner; succeeding Cristiano Bukarewicz; wife, Lucia Cruz Quaresma de Sousa. Counselors — Edson Junio Ramalho Demezio da Silva, 37, Belfortlog Transportes commercial logistics manager and Refrigeração e Climatização refrigeration technical supervisor; wife, Camila Ribeiro Farlandes Demézio. Airam Bamvakiadis, 29, self-employed business owner; wife, Renata Fernanda Martins Bamvakiadis.

PARIS FRANCE SOUTH STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Daniel Filipe Monteiro Furtado dos Santos, 43, Centre Hospitalier d’Arpajon healthcare manager; succeeding Hikombo Hitoto; wife, Romina Daniela Hernández de Sousa Furtado dos Santos. Counselors — Stéphane Faustin René Héno, 31; wife, Anne-Laure Geneviève Claire Cuche Héno. Jérémie Marcel Pessah, 50, self-employed entrepreneur; wife, Ingrid Stéphanie Belenguier Pessah.

SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA EAST STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Robert Edmund Schwalger, 57, Becton Dickinson senior manager of capital contracting; succeeding Brian Joseph Asbury; wife, Esther Cravens Schwalger. Counselors — Jason Lawrence Robbins, 49, Congressional Medal of Honor Society educational liaison and Steele Canyon High School government and economics teacher; wife, Heidi Lynne Madsen Robbins. David Abbott Jenkins III, 51, Cubic Corp. vice president and general counsel of the transportation division; wife, Lea Danelle Fago Jenkins.

SAN FRANCISCO VENEZUELA STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Ronald Jose Soto Mendez, 42, Hemodinamia Amado C.A. hemodynamics nurse; succeeding Roger Enrique Parra Espina; wife, Elizabeth Teresa de Soto Delgado. Counselors — Carlos Edison Cosme Aquiño, 49; wife, Iliana Marina de Cosme Diaz. Anselmo Alberto Romero Moreno, 46; wife, Ariana Isabel de Romero Diaz.

SAN NICOLÁS ARGENTINA STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Hipolito Benigno Morera, 36, General Directorate of Culture and Education of the Province of Buenos Aires secondary technical teacher; succeeding Esteban Abel Maraude; wife, Maria Victoria Reynero. Counselors — Fabio Valentin Vazquez, 43, self-employed; wife, Pamela Vazquez. Alejandro Jorge, 34; wife, Rocio Castaño.

SANTIAGO CHILE CINCO DE ABRIL STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Christian Andrés Correa Farías, 38, Inversiones Odisea Ltda. middle office supervisor; succeeding Alfredo Andres Vielma Campi; wife, Lorena Alejandra Celis Barros. Counselors — Jairo Abdon Rene Ordoñez Perez, 36; wife, Diamara Solange Fernanda Vergara Farias. Ignacio Andres Salas Guajardo, 35; wife, Tania Rocio Sanchez Ortega.

SENDAI JAPAN STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Yuji Sato, 57, Enabling Inc. representative director; succeeding Hideo Migita; wife, Haruko Sato. Counselors — Koji Ishizaki, 46, Sendai Spring Seisakusho Inc. director and general affairs manager; wife, Ayako Ishizaki. Takuya Hayasaka, 51; wife, Yumi Hayasaka.

SOUTH JORDAN UTAH PARKWAY STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Christopher C Nordfelt, 54, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion institute director; succeeding Bryan Jay Hansen; wife, Mandy Lee Draper Nordfelt. Counselors — Michael Melvin Hughes Henderson, 55, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints senior manager of analytics and reporting; wife, Patricia Marie Madsen Henderson. Spencer Oliver Tueller, 54; wife, Alison Reid Tueller.

ST. ALBANS ENGLAND STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Joseph Shantilal Patel, 38, Avalere Health Global Ltd. AI solutions consultant; succeeding Nathaniel Chell; wife, Amy Louise Jest Patel. Counselors — Simon Cain, 55, software developer; wife, Esra Sema Ibrahim Cain. Guilherme Ferreira de Oliveira, 40, self-employed advertising manager; wife, Juliana Veronika Marques Corrêa de Oliveira.

VALPARAÍSO CHILE STAKE: (May 24, 2026) President — Manuel Leonardo Alfredo Alvear Torres, 49, Fundacion Arrayan Casablanca technology manager; succeeding Miguel Alberto Honores Troncoso; wife, Andrea Paola Vega Opazo. Counselors — Jaime Andres Perez Correa, 46, Moove employee; wife, Claudia Alejandra Martinez Espinoza. Luis Victor Gonzalo Castellano Navarrete, 50, BHP Spence data analyst; wife, Lapriel Alicia de Castellano Magnere.

WHANGAREI NEW ZEALAND STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Jamie Paul McQueen, 45, New Zealand Government senior education adviser; succeeding Ronald Kahiona Reti; wife, Fleur Ngawai Waetford McQueen. Counselors — Mark Andrew Ashcroft, 58; wife, Paula Anselma Horstman Ashcroft. Michael Ape Raniera Daniels, 69; wife, Agnes Rose Suzanne Lyndon Raniera.

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

This week on social: Elder Andersen goes to seminary, Primary general presidency issues invitation to Friend to Friend

Valerie Walton — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:32:58 +0000

This week on social media, an Apostle attended seminary in California, the Relief Society general president shared what she learned from accepting unexpected callings, and the Primary general presidency invited children to the Friend to Friend broadcast.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently visited a seminary class in Los Altos, California.

In a Sept. 10 post on his social media accounts, Elder Andersen wrote about President Dallin H. Oaks’ invitation earlier this year about regularly attending seminary.

Elder Andersen wrote: “How amazing it is that so many young people want to follow the prophet. ... I am inspired by the faith and devotion of the youth of the Los Altos Stake and of the seminary students across the world.”

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles participated in the 40th anniversary celebration of the Utah Transplantation Affiliated Hospitals (UTAH) Cardiac Transplant Program on Aug. 15.

In a Sept. 9 post on his Facebook account, Elder Renlund explained that he joined the program nine months into its existence and spent the next 23 years associated with it.

In his remarks for the evening, he said: “Years ago, before becoming a physician, I read the story of a king named Hezekiah who was ‘sick unto death.’ He was told to set his house in order because he was going to die. He prayed and wept before God, pleading for longer life. God said to him, ‘I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: … And I will add unto thy days fifteen years’ (2 Kings 20:5-6).

“And it happened. That was miraculous. Today, health care professionals in the UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program work collaboratively to answer the prayers of those who weep and plead for added years. What a miracle it is today.”

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson posted a video on her social media accounts Sept. 6 about her experience being called to serve as Primary general president and then Relief Society general president without having served in that calling at the ward or stake level before.

“Do you know what those experiences did for me?” she said. “They taught me the value of getting on my knees and trusting in the Lord completely.”

On the Primary Worldwide social media accounts, Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota posted a video Sept. 8 in which she invited children and youth to participate in the Salt Lake Temple Celebration and to “take the lead in celebrating this wonderful house of the Lord.”

“We are excited for the opportunity for all to ‘come and see’ the temple (John 1:39),” she wrote.

Salt Lake Temple Celebration gives reason to ‘Rejoice in Christ’

Also, on Sept. 6, the Primary general presidency — President Chibota and her counselors, Sister Nina M. Garfield, first counselor, and Sister Theresa A. Collins, second counselor — posted a video on Primary Worldwide inviting children and their parents and leaders to join them for the Friend to Friend broadcast on Sept. 13.

Primary children invited to watch September Friend to Friend with Elder Caussé and Primary general presidency

In the first of the Tuesday question-and-answer videos posted on the Young Women Worldwide social media accounts Sept. 8, the Young Women general presidency — President Emily Belle Freeman, Sister Tamara W. Runia, first counselor, and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor — answered why youth classes have started studying chapter 9 of the “For the Strength of Youth” guide.

They explained that by starting on chapter 9 in September, they will start the year off in January on chapter 1. “Little by little, each chapter builds on the previous chapters throughout the year,” they wrote in the post.

See previous social posts by Church leaders

How to subscribe to the Church News in print and online

Deseret News publisher shares in Ensign College devotional 3 ways to ‘publish peace’

Valerie Walton — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:02:00 +0000

When Burke Olsen is asked to describe his job as publisher of the Deseret News, he’ll often say, “The writers write, the editors edit, and my teams take it from there.”

During an Ensign College devotional on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Olsen explained, “After I became a publisher, I noticed how often the word ‘publish’ appears in the scriptures. And these verses began to take on new meaning for me.”

For instance, Doctrine and Covenants 1:6 states, “Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given them to publish unto you, O inhabitants of the earth.”

The word “publish” in the context of the restored Church of Jesus Christ has taken on new meaning for Olsen, and he believes that everyone is called by the Lord to be a publisher.

The Restoration is closely tied to publishing, most notably in the translation, editing, typesetting, printing, binding and disseminating of the Book of Mormon.

“Significant sacrifice and many resources were used to publish the Book of Mormon,” Olsen said. “Why? Because Heavenly Father has been and ever will be interested in publishing the good news — the greatest news — of the life, teachings and atoning sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

He also noted the publication of the Deseret News beginning in 1850. For many years, before radio, television and internet were invented, “the Deseret News was a primary source for sharing sermons and messages from President Brigham Young and other Church leaders with the [Latter-day] Saints across the expanding pioneer settlements.”

Publishing is not just about words printed on paper, Olsen said. “It’s also a call to proclaim and to testify.”

Tied closely with “publish” in the scriptures is the word “peace.” For example, Mosiah 27:37 reads: “And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.”

President Dallin H. Oaks and President Russell M. Nelson have encouraged everyone in recent years to become peacemakers and avoid contention, including in one’s communications.

Olsen said: “Through His prophets, the Lord is calling us to publish peace, and you’re already doing it in so many ways. Many of you already published peace as missionaries. And now you’re doing it by ministering and by accepting and magnifying callings.”

He described three additional ways to publish peace.

“First, we can publish peace by singing hymns.”

Olsen described his experience at a stake conference a few weeks ago. It was a deeply spiritually moving meeting, he said, but his favorite part was the congregation singing the opening and closing hymns.

“The people who came to that meeting came to worship and to learn. And they chose to sing with faith and energy. ... Our voices were united in praise of Heavenly Father and His Son. I felt spiritual unity, safety and peace.”

Olsen invited listeners to resolve to sing with energy, love and full purpose of heart. “Every time we sing is an opportunity to bear testimony through song, to affect those around us and to reinforce the testimonies we feel in our hearts,” he said.

“Second, we can publish peace by posting online.”

Olsen invited listeners to think about what content they consume every day, and said that every action they make on social media trains algorithms that affect the user and everyone else around them.

“We have been called on by Apostles to join conversation about the Church online and flood the earth through social media,” Olsen said. “Those are direct ways we can publish peace.”

Every choice one makes on an electronic device can either add to a flood of peace or create contention, Olsen said. “I urge you to choose peace and publish it.”

“Third, we can publish peace by keeping a journal,” Olsen said, noting that the students already were each holding a journal during the devotional.

During his mission, Olsen read excerpts from his great-grandfather’s missionary journal as he served in Samoa. “Separated by two oceans and exactly 100 years, the sacrifices and miracles of his mission reached my heart,” he said.

Olsen’s own journals are among his most prized possessions. “I find spiritual nourishment and healing when I reread the experiences of my life, especially when I record evidence of God’s hand during trying times,” he said.

Writing in a journal today “is one of the most direct ways we can publish peace that will outlive us and bless our families for generations to come.”

Publishing peace takes many forms, but it endures, Olsen said in conclusion.

“I believe that you are already a publisher. Every hymn you sing, every text you send, every journal entry you write is an opportunity to add something good to the world. The question is whether what you publish makes peace.”

Olsen invited listeners to receive the Lord’s peace in their lives and seek to publish it with faith at every possible opportunity.

Episode 124: New Deseret News publisher on why the Church owns a newspaper and its mission to be a voice of ‘light and truth’

‘Light of Ensign’ — Ensign College president introduces new mantra

Sister Wright invites Ensign College students to pay attention to the Savior’s invitations to ‘Behold’

Learn about the new presidents, companions of all 11 MTCs who will begin their service next year

Valerie Walton — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:22:37 +0000

The following new missionary training center presidents and companions have been called to serve by the First Presidency. They will begin their service in January 2027.

Steven C. Bednar, 63, and Cindy Bednar, four children, Homestead Ward, Midway Utah West Stake: Provo Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Stephen W. Owen and Sister Jane S. Owen. Brother and Sister Bednar are a former Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission president and companion. Brother Bednar is a Sunday School teacher and former stake president, bishop, high councilor, elders quorum president, ward Young Men presidency counselor, institute teacher, Primary teacher, temple ordinance worker and Young Men adviser, and served in the Netherlands Amsterdam Mission. He was born in Provo, Utah, to Richard Lee Bednar and Saundra Rochelle Bednar.

Sister Bednar is a Sunday School teacher and former ward Relief Society president, ward Primary secretary, Young Women adviser and temple ordinance worker. She was born in Bountiful, Utah, to Robert Albert Christensen and Kay Christensen.

Christopher L. Donald, 68, and Cindy Donald, three children, Springvale Ward, Melbourne Australia Bayside Stake: New Zealand Missionary Training Center, succeeding President David E. Young and Sister Rae Lou Young. Brother and Sister Donald are a former Indonesia Jakarta Mission president and companion. Brother Donald is a temple sealer and former stake president, district presidency counselor, bishop, branch president, branch presidency counselor, high councilor, stake Young Men president, stake Young Men presidency counselor, elders quorum president, temple president, temple leader assistant, temple ordinance worker and ward mission leader, and served in the New Zealand Wellington Mission. He was born in Mordialloc, Australia, to Robert Stanley Donald and Betty Phyllis Webber.

Sister Donald is a stake Relief Society president and former stake Young Women president, district Primary president, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women presidency counselor, ward Primary presidency counselor, temple matron, temple leader assistant, temple ordinance worker, visiting teaching coordinator, ward music director, Primary teacher, Nursery leader and ward temple and family history consultant. She was born in Auckland, New Zealand, to Oscar Westerlund and Phoebe Donation Westerlund.

E. Xavier Espinoza, 60, and Silvia M. Espinoza, two children, Alangasí Ward, Los Chillos Ecuador San Rafael Stake: Peru Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Jorge Antonio Chacón and Sister Moraima J. Chacón. President and Sister Espinoza are a former Perú Chiclayo Mission president and companion. Brother Espinoza is a service missionary adviser, and is a former Area Seventy, mission presidency counselor, stake president, bishop, stake Sunday School president, elders quorum president, ward Young Men president and service mission leader. He was born in Riobamba, Ecuador, to Max Espinoza Andrade and Lidia Teresa Adrian Valles.

Sister Espinoza is a service missionary adviser and former service mission leader, stake Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, ward Primary president and Sunday School teacher, and served in the Ecuador Guayaquil Mission. She was born in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, to Juan Francisco Velasquez Coba and Orfa de Jesús Casco Andrade.

Richard K. Hansen, 72, and Cindy L. Hansen, three children, Damascus Ward, Mount Hood Oregon Stake: Thailand Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Jeffrey C. Harper and Sister Kim E. Harper. Brother and Sister Hansen are a former Japan Sapporo Mission president and companion. Brother Hansen is a temple sealer and Sunday School teacher and former Area Seventy, area executive secretary, stake president, stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor and ward Young Men president, and served in the Japan Kobe Mission. He was born in Eugene, Oregon, to M. Keith Hansen and Carol Siddoway Hansen.

Sister Hansen is a temple shift coordinator and ward Nursery leader and former stake Relief Society president, stake seminary supervisor, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, ward Primary president, Gospel Doctrine teacher and seminary teacher. She was born in Portland, Oregon, to Rulon Judd Quanstrom and Thelma Bernice Quanstrom.

Paulo V. Kretly, 65, and Adriana Kretly, four children, Portal do Morumbi Ward, São Paulo Brazil Ferreira Stake: South Africa Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Gordon J. Hall and Sister Janis Hall. Brother and Sister Kretly are a former Mozambique Maputo Mission president and companion. Brother Kretly is a former MTC presidency counselor, stake president, bishop and high priests group leader assistant, and served in the Brazil Recife North Mission. He was born in Bauru, Brazil, to João Kretly Junior and Otilia Moreno Kretly.

Sister Kretly is a former MTC Relief Society presidency counselor, stake Young Women president, stake Relief Society presidency counselor, stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Primary presidency counselor, Relief Society teacher and seminary teacher. She was born in Campinas, Brazil, to Francisco Pereira Silva Filho and Nilza Maria Quatel.

Fotios Mavromatis, 60, and Virginia Mavromatis, three children, Tampa 2nd Branch (Portuguese), Tampa Florida Stake: Brazil Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Milton Camargo and Sister Patricia Camargo. Brother and Sister Mavromatis are a former Boston Massachusetts Mission president and companion. Brother Mavromatis is an elders quorum presidency member and former stake presidency counselor, high councilor, bishop, high priests group leader and elders quorum president, and served in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission. He was born in Recife, Brazil, to Nicolas Jean Mavromatis and Georgia Mavromatis.

Sister Mavromatis is a Relief Society teacher and former stake Young Women presidency member, ward Relief Society president, ward Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor and seminary teacher. She was born in Capivari, Brazil, to Jose Feitosa de Andrade and Terezinha Rocha de Andrade.

Glen D. Mella, 68, and Elizabeth S. Mella, eight children, Vineyard 5th Ward, Vineyard Utah Stake: England Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Elmer L. Heap Jr. and Sister Amy Hobson Heap. Brother and Sister Mella are a former California San Jose Mission president and companion. Brother Mella is an area communication director and temple sealer and former Area Seventy, stake presidency counselor, bishop, high councilor, stake Young Men president, elders quorum president and ward Young Men presidency counselor, and served in the California San Diego Mission. He was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Gordon Weed Mella and Dorothy May Lusson.

Sister Mella is an area communication director and stake Relief Society board member, and former stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Primary president, ward Young Women presidency counselor, Young Women adviser, Cub Scout leader, Primary activity days leader and seminary teacher, and served in the Japan Okayama Mission. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Talmage Webb Shill and Nancy Lynne Dyer Shill.

Jan E. Newman, 66, and Lucia Newman, six children, Mountain View 3rd Ward, Payson Utah Mountain View Stake: Ghana Missionary Training Center, succeeding President J. Benoit Duquette and Sister Diane Duquette. Brother and Sister Newman are a former Nebraska Omaha Mission president and companion. Brother Newman is a former Sunday School general presidency counselor, Provo MTC presidency counselor and stake president, and served in the Belgium Brussels Mission. He was born in Jerome, Idaho, to George Raymond Newman and Dora Lillian Newman.

Sister Newman is a former Provo MTC Relief Society presidency counselor and temple ordinance worker and served in various ward Relief Society, Young Women and Primary callings. She was born in Ogden, Utah, to Larry Gene Price and Joan Price.

Abenir V. Pajaro, 62, and Valerie Sibala Antenorcruz Pajaro, three children, Springville Ward, Las Piñas Philippines Stake: Philippines Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Manuel M. Agustin and Sister Bernadette Mari B. Agustin. Brother and Sister Pajaro are former Philippines Cebu Mission president and companion. Brother Pajaro is a temple worker and welfare and self-reliance specialist and former Area Seventy, MTC presidency counselor, stake president, stake Young Men president, stake Sunday School presidency counselor, bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, elders quorum presidency counselor, ward Young Men presidency member and institute teacher. He was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to Jose Acas Pajaro and Editha Afuan Valera.

Sister Pajaro is a stake Relief Society president and temple worker and former stake Young Women president, stake Young Women presidency counselor, stake employment specialist, district Primary president, district choir director, ward Relief Society president, ward Primary president, ward Primary presidency counselor, Relief Society teacher, Sunday School teacher, institute teacher, seminary teacher, ward choir director, humanitarian missionary and welfare and self-reliance service missionary. She was born in Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines, to Guillermo Jayme Antenorcruz Jr. and Alma Dael Sibala Antenorcruz.

Russell A. Robinson, 66, and Kelly Robinson, eight children, Dublán Ward (English), Colonia Dublán México Stake: Mexico Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Abel Ruiz Valadez and Sister Rocio Angel de Ruiz. Brother and Sister Robinson are a former México Tampico Mission president and companion. Brother Robinson is a former Area Seventy, stake presidency counselor, bishop, bishopric member, high councilor, stake Young Men president, temple ordinance worker, ward seventy quorum president and ward Young Men president, and served in the México México City North Mission. He was born in El Paso, Texas, to John Brentnell Jr. Robinson and Rinda Anderson.

Sister Robinson is a music chairman and former stake Relief Society presidency counselor, stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Young Women president, ward Primary president, Primary music leader, self-reliance facilitator, temple ordinance worker and ward music director. She was born in Lakewood, California, to Joe Dean Cash and Carol Aevon Cash.

Lane O. Steinagel, 65, and Jennefer S. Steinagel, five children, Mountain View 3rd Ward, Payson Utah Mountain View Stake: Democratic Republic of the Congo Missionary Training Center, succeeding President Myles Proudfoot and Sister Julie Proudfoot. Brother and Sister Steinagel are a former mission president and companion of the Ukraine Kyiv/Moldova and the Ukraine L’viv missions. Brother Steinagel is a stake temple preparation instructor, temple ordinance worker and temple sealer, and former bishop, bishopric member, high councilor, stake Sunday School president, elders quorum president, elders quorum presidency counselor, ward Young Men president, ward Young Men presidency counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher and Scoutmaster, and served in the French Polynesia Mission. He was born in Sacramento, California, to Verne Orin Steinagel and Kennen Whittle.

Sister Steinagel is a choir director and former stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, ward Primary presidency counselor, Relief Society teacher, Primary teacher, ward camp director and ward cub master, and served in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission. She was born in Sacramento, California, to Thomas Edmund Slade and Verdis Annette Slade.

See the list of 2026 new mission leadership assignments

Read summaries, see photos from the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

This week on social: Church leaders on ‘Rejoice in Christ’ — Salt Lake Temple Celebration theme

Valerie Walton — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 01:11:49 +0000

This week on social media, Apostles and other general Church leaders shared their excitement for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration next year as well as the schedule changes to Sunday meetings beginning on Sept. 6.

Salt Lake Temple Celebration

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, announced Sept. 1 the theme of the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, which is “Rejoice in Christ.”

The next day, President Uchtdorf posted a video on social media. In the post, he wrote: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global Church with a universal message of the joy the gospel in Jesus Christ brings. We invite all to rejoice with us.”

Salt Lake Temple Celebration gives reason to ‘Rejoice in Christ’

Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota, who also spoke at the announcement of the Salt Lake Temple Celebration theme, posted her thoughts on social media Sept. 1.

“I am so excited for the Salt Lake Temple Open House and for the opportunity it gives children, families, friends and people from around the world to come and see this beautiful house of the Lord,” she wrote.

“I hope children will come and see the temple, ask questions, learn with their families and discover for themselves what the temple teaches us about Heavenly Father’s love and Jesus Christ.”

On Sept. 3, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted a video on social media in response to the Salt Lake Temple Celebration theme announcement.

“In preparation for this special occasion, I invite you to worship in your own temple and recommit yourself to the covenants and principles taught within its sacred walls,” he wrote.

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson also posted about the Salt Lake Temple Celebration’s theme, “Rejoice in Christ.”

In a Sept. 4 social media post and video, President Johnson wrote: “Wherever we are around the world, we celebrate and rejoice in Christ. Through Him, we are offered hope, peace, and the opportunity to return to our heavenly home.”

New schedule changes and more

On Sept. 3, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a short clip on social media from a video that will be shown in ward meetings around the world on Sept. 6.

“Every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an individual responsibility to study and learn the doctrine of Christ, and then strive to apply it in their lives,” he says in the video.

Church releases instructional videos for September Sunday schedule changes

In a video post on Young Women Worldwide social media pages on Sept. 4, Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman spoke about the updated For the Strength of Youth curriculum.

“It’s an exciting time to be a young woman or young man in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where we are learning to walk with the Savior daily,” she says in the video.

On Sept. 3, the Young Men Worldwide social media accounts posted five tips to make quorum discussions meaningful as they teach from the “For the Strength of Youth” guide.

The tips are:

By five in, dive in
Follow the four
Discuss, don’t present
Invite to live
Focus on Jesus Christ

On Sept. 1, Elder Bednar shared a video to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the dedicatory prayer for the preaching of the gospel in Japan. That same weekend, he spoke in a devotional broadcast across the country.

“The message I shared at the broadcast is the same message that has been preached to millions of people across the globe — that Jesus Christ loves you and what He did through His Atonement is for you, a beloved child of your Heavenly Father,” he wrote.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with President Uchtdorf, recently ministered to victims of devastating wildfires in Spokane, Washington.

In a Sept. 4 post on social media, he wrote: “Affected members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lost nearly everything, but they didn’t lose their faith in Jesus Christ. Despite overwhelming tragedy and loss, their faith is safe.”

President Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen minister in Spokane after devastating wildfires

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared an experience his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, had after substitute teaching a youth Sunday School class in their home ward. In the Sept. 3 social media post, he explained that some of the 12- and 13-year-old young men behaved like 12- or 13-year-old young men and turned a handout Sister Renlund had given them into paper airplanes.

The following Thursday, three of those young men came to the Renlunds’ home with an apology note and a bouquet made of paper airplanes.

“Real men are accountable for their actions, acknowledge their mistakes, apologize, and try to set things right,” Elder Renlund wrote.

“I am grateful for their example to me of being priesthood holders and real men.”

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently dedicated the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple on Aug. 30.

In a social media post the next day sharing pictures from the dedication and of the newly dedicated temple, he wrote: “The temple can be a constant reminder of God’s love for you and for all His children. Through sacred temple ordinances made possible through the atoning gift of our Redeemer, old wounds can be healed and broken hearts can be mended, on both sides of the veil. This is a house of miracles.”

Elder Kearon dedicates Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple, where vision ‘draws heavenward’

Church membership in the Africa West Area is growing at an amazing pace, said Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a social media video posted on Aug. 28.

“With so much growth, one of the primary efforts we are focused on in the area is building leaders,” he wrote. “One of the miracles happening in the Church isn’t just the baptismal growth, but it’s how the Church prepares everyday people just like you and me to serve in callings and to grow and become leaders in the restored Church of Jesus Christ.”

This week on social: Experiences from Church leaders ministering amid fire, choppy waves and earthquakes

This week on social: Temple blessings and the redeeming power of Christ

This week on social: ‘God is mindful of all His children’

Read about 6 new, 11 reorganized stake presidencies — from Argentina to Spain

Valerie Walton — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The following new and reorganized stake presidencies have been called to serve.

New stakes

A new stake has been created from the San Lorenzo Honduras District. The Gulf of Fonseca Honduras Stake, which consists of the Guapinol, Marcovia, Monjaras, San Lorenzo 1st and San Lorenzo 2nd wards and the Buena Vista, Langue, Nacaome and Pespire branches, was organized by Elder Ryan K. Olsen, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Favio M. Durán, an Area Seventy.

GULF OF FONSECA HONDURAS STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Ronald Hernan Melgar Tercero, 37, Empacadora San Lorenzo environmental management technical assistant; wife, Elia Anahy Reyes Reyes. Counselors — Jhony Missael Maldonado Reyes, 42, O&M technician; wife, Karla Suyapa Vargas Cruz de Maldonado. Rony Alejandro Martinez Marcia, 32; wife, Adriana Maria Mejia Flores.

A new stake has been created from the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Ngaba Stake. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Mont Amba Stake, which consists of the Kisenso, Lemba 1st, Livulu, Mont Amba and Plateau wards and the Congelos Branch, was organized by Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Mees Bulang-C. Tshiband, an Area Seventy.

KINSHASA DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO MONT AMBA STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Richard Kialungila Tsiangani, 46, Le Groupe Kial Sarl CEO; wife, Kabongo Irene Tshala. Counselors — Rodin Ndjoko Nguama, 50; wife, Kombe Brigitte Yembeshe. Malemba Alain Ntumba, 35; wife, Ruth Prosperine Luvungu Ihuna.

A new stake has been created from the Granada Spain Stake. The Málaga Spain Stake, which consists of the Fuengirola, Málaga 2nd and Málaga 3rd wards and the Marbella and Torre del Mar branches, was organized by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Samuel López, an Area Seventy.

MÁLAGA SPAIN STAKE: (June 21, 2026) President — Manuel Gutiérrez Ramírez, 52, Supernova Souvenirs de Málaga S.L. CEO and owner; wife, Yolanda Pascual Ochoa. Counselors — Raúl Alba Serrano, 56, local government civil servant; wife, Inmaculada Ternero Anaya. Abraham Aparicio Angulo, 26, EADE assistant director of degree programs and Ultron Malaga S.L. co-CEO.

A new stake has been created from the Maputo Mozambique and Zimpeto Mozambique stakes. The Maputo Mozambique Magoanine Stake, which consists of the CMC, Magoanine, Mahotas, Matendene and Sommerschield wards and the Grande Maputo Branch, was organized by Elder Carlos A. Godoy, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Nuno A. Campos, an Area Seventy.

MAPUTO MOZAMBIQUE MAGOANINE STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Isaias Lindo Macamo, 51, Ferragem Nhancale managing director; wife, Laurinda António Neves Macamo. Counselors — Izidro Manuel Magaia, 47, Ministry of Education school director; wife, Inocencia Luis Macamo Magaia. Hangson Gomani, 45; wife, Neusia Pedro Munguambe Gomani.

A new stake has been created from the Nsukka Nigeria District. The Nsukka Nigeria Stake, which consists of the Achara, Nru, Obollo Afor, Obollo Eke and Onuiyi wards and the Enugu-Ezike Branch, was organized by Elder Isaac K. Morrison, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Sunday F. Oyedeji, an Area Seventy.

NSUKKA NIGERIA STAKE: (May 24, 2026) President — Jabi Benjamin Iorliam, 42, Huawei subcontractors under MTN Nigeria field maintenance engineer; wife, Okeke Stepheine Obumnaeme Jabi. Counselors — Obiora Chinedu Odita, 47, University of Nigeria department of student affairs secretary and principal senior hall supervisor; wife, Ifeoma Patricia Ogwe Odita. Solomon Abraham Moses, 29, Dr leweanya sales manager; wife, Isabella Ada Onyeamu.

A new stake has been created from the Tartagal Argentina District. The Tartagal Argentina Stake, which consists of the Orán, Pizarro, Salvador Mazza, Tartagal and Villa Saavedra wards and the Aguaray, Colonia Santa Rosa, Embarcación, Mosconi and Pichanal branches, was organized by Elder Eduardo Gavarret, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Juan L. Orquera, an Area Seventy.

TARTAGAL ARGENTINA STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Renan Romero Gareca, 41, self-employed general manager; wife, Karina Fabiola Romero Zeballos. Counselors — Jorge Daniel Chauque, 42, Semilleria Florensa S.A. salesperson; wife, Carolina Andrea Camacho. Dante Adrian Muñoz, 45; wife, Melina Alejandra Muñoz.

Reorganized stakes

BISMARCK NORTH DAKOTA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Payton Kelby Hughes, 50, Cordova Construction owner; succeeding Steven Wayne Osmond; wife, Jennifer Anne Rae Hughes. Counselors — Michael Trent Pitcher, 52, North Dakota Attorney General assistant attorney general; wife, Amanda Susan Richards Pitcher. Kevin James McMurtrey, 43, Marathon Petroleum Corp. human resources director; wife, Laura Workman McMurtrey.

CONROE TEXAS STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Bradly S Christensen, 45, MBA Energy & Industrial contracts manager; succeeding Robert Maurice Goodman; wife, Kimberly Ann Higley Christensen. Counselors — Spencer Troy Nordgran, 54, Central Midstream vice president of engineering and operations; wife, Heather Renee Sulin Nordgran. Mark Brandon Mahana, 55, Green Pest Guys owner; wife, Elizabeth Sharon Storm Mahana.

LIPA PHILIPPINES STAKE: (June 28, 2026) President — Ronilo Quiatchon Mangubat, 43, ProDev Training Services subject matter expert trainer and Rowin Holdings consultant; succeeding Val Umbal Alvez; wife, Mary Angeline Casacop Go Mangubat. Counselors — Emerson Paña Laya, 47, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints technical support representative; wife, Gisselle Labrador Laurel Laya. Julius Matinong Defacto, 35, Gabb Wireless virtual assistant customer service representative; wife, Venus Cabillada Nagutom Defacto.

MAPUTO MOZAMBIQUE ZIMPETO STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Ernesto Francisco Paulino, 33, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints humanitarian program specialist; succeeding Isaias Lindo Macamo; wife, Emilia Cristina Chaimane Paulino. Counselors — Alívio Isaac Valdemiro Jopela, 42; wife, Maída Cecília Bernardo Gordhandás. Afonso Julião Majimeja, 44, U.S. embassy Maputo dispatcher; wife, Cleonice Anastáncia Budula Majimeja.

NEW YORK NEW YORK STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Loren James Thomas, 43, Pricewaterhouse-Coopers senior director; succeeding Colin Lawrence Cropper; wife, Adrienne Martin. Counselors — John Stephen Winston, 46, MRM and McCann senior vice president and group creative director; wife, Janet Elizabeth Evans Winston. David Joseph Passey, 54; wife, Deborah Ann Parish Passey.

OREM UTAH YSA 4TH STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Bradley Paul Owens, 48, Brigham Young University professor; succeeding John Byron Bingham; wife, Catherine Higginson Owens. Counselors — Charles Richard Bastian, 49, Prop Capital manager; wife, Heather Braithwaite Bastian. Shane Thomas Sullivan, 49, Everscent CEO and founder; wife, Angela Inez Pectol Sullivan.

PROVO UTAH WEST STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Lance Leslie Hansen, 47, Fairway Independent Mortgage marketing program director; succeeding Brian Kim Holman; wife, Rachel Fuhriman Hansen. Counselors — Jeffrey Randall Richins, 43; wife, Ashley Gubler Richins. Dane Don Bateman, 40; wife, Amberly Felix Bateman.

QUINCY CALIFORNIA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Robert Logan Stiles, 40, Lassen High School clinical counselor; succeeding Cal Devon Huskey; wife, Kristina Brady Stiles. Counselors — Steven Gale Thackeray, 51, Western Motor Carrier Safety Institute business manager; wife, Cynthia Kay Christenson Thackeray. Robert John Nielsen, 47, Lassen High School school administrator; wife, Tara Lorraine Divelbiss Nielsen.

SAN FRANCISCO PHILIPPINES STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Jerrymie Jusoy Luyahan, 35, City of Trento Mayor’s Office computer programmer and designate; succeeding Charles Baldonado Galgo; wife, Ruby Mae Romero Reola Luyahan. Counselors — Joselito Pagikan Graven, 47; wife, Reah Bibal Constantino Graven. Nathaniel Tuisa Razon, 41, business owner; wife, Lecie April Faune Nacional Razon.

TUPELO MISSISSIPPI STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Jacob Alan Gines, 47, Mississippi State University MLMA endowed associate professor and Method Studio associate principal; succeeding Eric Clay Stevens; wife, Audra Fern Munn Gines. Counselors — Stephen Wayne Ennis, 54, self-employed business owner; wife, Rebecca Herrington Ennis. Nathan Phillip Marx, 49, Northrop Grumman engineer; wife, Anjanette Grotepas Marx.

VERONA ITALY STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Fabio Gasparato, 39, Polytech S.R.L. strategic purchaser; succeeding Andrea Cordani; wife, Valeria Esposito. Counselors — Giovanni Consoli, 46, Ministry of Defense director and officer; wife, Irene Chiesurin Consoli. Michele Giovanni Adelmo Pasta, 44, Gatti Precorvi S.R.L. sales export manager; wife, Noemi Consoli.

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

This week on social: Experiences from Church leaders ministering amid fire, choppy waves and earthquakes

Valerie Walton — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:33:58 +0000

This week on social media, Church leaders shared experiences from ministering to members following disastrous fires and an earthquake, teachings about temples and more.

President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, taught that the words at the door of each temple, “Holiness to the Lord,” are both an invitation and a mandate for all who enter, both during the San Diego California Temple rededication and in a social media post on Aug. 23.

“Just as the temple is in the world and yet is a place apart, here each of us learns how to be in the world and yet not of the world.”

President Christofferson rededicates the San Diego temple — a ‘visible, tangible testimony’ of the Redeemer

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, traveled with Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, to Spokane, Washington, to minister to Latter-day Saints and others affected by the fires, on Aug. 23.

In an Aug. 26 social media post, President Uchtdorf wrote: “We were deeply impressed by the goodness of these people and their resilience in a moment like this. ...

“We will not forget you, and I know that God will not forget you.”

President Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen minister in Spokane after devastating wildfires

In an Aug. 24 video posted on the Young Women Worldwide social media accounts, the Young Women general presidency — President Emily Belle Freeman; Sister Tamara W. Runia, first counselor; and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor — introduced resources that will be posted to help navigate upcoming changes to the youth program.

“We want you to know we’re here with you, we’re walking with you along the way,” President Freeman says in the video.

Each Tuesday, the presidency will answer questions from young women, and viewers can leave questions in the comments of these posts that could be answered the next week. And on Wednesdays, the presidency will post words of encouragement.

“However we can help, that’s what we want to do,” President Freeman said.

During his ministry to the islands of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his traveling group were faced with rainy and windy weather and choppy waves. “We had to decide if we would go to Tonowas or if we should not make the boat trip,” he says in a video posted on social media on Aug. 27. “And we wanted to go be with those Saints.”

Despite the wind and rain, they got in the boat. During the voyage, the rain let up and the wind wasn’t as strong. “The wind and the rain did not stop until we got in the boat,” he said.

Elder Bednar wrote in a caption accompanying the video, “When the Lord has a work for us to do, He does not always make it easy, but He does always make it possible.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a video clip from his April 2026 general conference talk in a social media post on Aug. 27.

“No matter the trial you face or the burden you carry, I invite you to hold fast to this comforting promise from the Savior: ‘Where I am, there ye may be also’ (John 14:3),” he wrote.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared an experience from ministering to Latter-day Saints in Cali, Colombia, affected by the recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake, in a social media post on Aug. 26.

Elder Stevenson wrote, “A young boy whose family was displaced from their home ran to the podium where I was standing as the congregation was singing ‘I Am a Child of God’ leading to this tender memory.”

Accompanying the post is a video of Elder Stevenson holding the boy at the podium as both sang the song in Spanish.

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is constant,” Elder Stevenson wrote. “It brings hope. Even when members are in need of comfort, they are comforting others around them.”

3,300 food kits being delivered to Cali, Colombia, after 7.4 earthquake

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a video on social media on Aug. 23 in which he spoke about the Old Testament story of Job.

“Like Job, we need to trust in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and remain faithful in all circumstances,” he wrote.

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with Christian and Jewish leaders in New York City and joined a group of faith leaders for a Shabbat service at Central Synagogue on Aug. 21.

In an Aug. 24 social media post, he wrote: “It was my first time attending a worship service in a synagogue, and I was deeply touched by the warmth, resilience, and unity of those gathered there. Throughout the service, messages of peace, love, and hope were shared. That experience stayed with me.”

‘We do this because we love God,’ Elder Soares says while strengthening interfaith relationships in New York City

In a social media post on Aug. 25, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a video clip from his Aug. 18 BYU Education Week address.

“A truth I hope will sink deeply into your soul is that your best is certainly good enough, that you are loved more than you can imagine, and that it isn’t your achievements that define you, far less that determine anything about your worth or how you are seen by your Father in Heaven and His Son,” he wrote in the post accompanying the video.

Elder Kearon invites listeners to slow down and bask in the Savior’s promised peace — right now

In a video posted Aug. 23 on his social media pages, Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a truth restored in the Church of Jesus Christ that is dear to his heart, which is “our understanding of the personal relationship we have with our God,” he said.

“I am so grateful to know that I can have a personal relationship with God,” he wrote. “He knows us. He is interested in us. He loves us. This fundamental truth has been a great blessing in my life.”

Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently met with the vice president of Sierra Leone and learned about the country’s Big Five Game Changers initiative, which is focused on education and building human capital.

In a social media post Aug. 28, Elder Gilbert wrote about the Church’s commitment to education and creating opportunities for God’s children through programs such as Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, Succeed in School and BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

“Of course, we also believe that the biggest game changer in the lives of God’s children is the gospel of Jesus Christ and rejoice in how it continues to guide our educational efforts of young people across the world,” Elder Gilbert wrote.

Brother Sean R. Dixon, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, was featured in a video posted on Young Men Worldwide on Aug. 26.

“One of my favorite parts of serving with young men is watching them lead,” he wrote in the post.

“A simple question in a presidency meeting changed the conversation: ‘Who wasn’t in our quorum today?’ Sometimes leadership is simply helping young men see who needs them.”

Young Men general presidency invites youth to prepare for new resources and Sunday curriculum

“One of the blessings of the new schedule is that because Sunday School will be held every week, our personal and family scripture study will get weekly support at church,” Brother Gabriel W. Reid, second counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, said in an Aug. 23 video posted by Gospel Learning and Teaching on social media. In it, he explains some principles for how to make the most of teaching and learning in weekly Sunday School classes.

“With all the changes that are coming to our Sunday schedule, one of the important things that hasn’t changed is that gospel learning is home-centered,” he said.

Church releases instructional videos for September Sunday schedule changes

See previous social posts by Church leaders

How to subscribe to the Church News in print and online

Learn about the presidencies of 5 new, 7 reorganized stakes — from Alabama to Zambia

Valerie Walton — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The following new stake presidencies have been called.

New stakes

A new stake has been created from the Bouafle Cote d’Ivoire District. The Bouafle Cote d’Ivoire Stake, which consists of the Bonon, Sinfra 1st and Sinfra 2nd branches and the Agbanou, Bayota, Bouafle, Dehita and Koko wards, was organized by Elder Alfred Kyungu, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Sylvain G. Onagnelin, an Area Seventy.

BOUAFLE COTE D’IVOIRE STAKE: (May 24, 2026) President — N’guessan Marcelin Koffi, 31, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission office handyman; wife, Boudou Marina Takoue Koffi. Counselors — Emmanuel Gbaguidi, 54, self-employed refrigeration and air conditioning technician; wife, Viviane Boti Ponan. Yao Barnabas Kouadio, 29; wife, Ange Marie Laure Yao.

A new stake has been created from the Kitwe Zambia District. The Copperbelt Zambia Stake, which consists of the Bulangililo, Chifubu, Kawama 1st, Kawama 2nd, Kitwe, Ndeke and Roan branches and the Luanshya, Masala, Ndola and Twapia wards, was organized by Elder Vaiangina (Vai) Sikahema, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Ngqabutho F. Moyo, an Area Seventy.

COPPERBELT ZAMBIA STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Edson Silindu Sikanyika, 47, Kolob General Dealers director; wife, Mutinta Sikanyika. Counselors — Henry Kabwe Safeli, 44, Safeli-H Tech Services owner; wife, Peggy Katabanya Safeli. Nicholas Banda, 34, Ntembe Petty Loans sales representative; wife, Florence Tukuza Banda.

A new stake has been created from the Raleigh North Carolina South, Raleigh North Carolina and Wake Forest North Carolina stakes. The Raleigh North Carolina East Stake, which consists of the Garner 2nd (Spanish), Knightdale 2nd (Spanish), Lake Benson YSA and Millbrook (Spanish) branches and the Archer Lodge, Garner 1st, Knightdale 1st, Lake Wheeler and Raleigh 2nd wards, was organized by Elder Sergio R. Vargas, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Christopher B. Bingham, an Area Seventy.

RALEIGH NORTH CAROLINA EAST STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Robert Joaquin Foster, 50, Legacy Eye Care optometrist and CEO; wife, Carleen Davis Foster. Counselors — Matthew Bryan Hafen, 41, WakeMed Health and Hospitals heart center manager; wife, Gislaine Nunes Da Silva Hafen. Eric Palmer Cottle, 48; wife, Jaime Lynn Philburn Cottle.

A new stake has been created from the Santa Rosa de Copan Honduras District. The Santa Rosa de Copan Honduras Stake, which consists of the Copan Ruinas, Florida, Gracias, Nueva Ocotepeque and San Marcos de Ocotepeque branches and the Dolores, El Dorado, La Entrada, Miraflores and Santa Rosa wards, was organized by Elder Patricio M. Giuffra, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Cesar A. Morales, an Area Seventy.

SANTA ROSA DE COPAN HONDURAS STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Sergio Miguel Galindo Cerrato, 38, INSECO RENTAS general manager and owner; wife, Sheyla Sharai Maldonado Guardado. Counselors — Byron Aaron Cerrato Portillo, 42, Eurocosmetica field sales representative; wife, Mirian Yaneth Cardoza Nuñez de Cerrato. Sheren Mancia Rosales, 30; wife, Marisa Alexandra Miranda de Mancia.

A new stake has been created from the Madison Alabama and Tupelo Mississippi stakes. The Sipsey Alabama Stake, which consists of the Haleyville Branch and the Cullman, Decatur, Elk River, Florence and Russellville wards, was organized by Elder Craig C. Christensen, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Quinn S. Millington, an Area Seventy.

SIPSEY ALABAMA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Marco Ivan Garcia, 43, PepsiCo supply chain operations director; wife, Megan Suzanne Peterson Garcia. Counselors — Robert Lloyd Dickson, 51; wife, Alisa Ann Sumsion Dickson. James Arthur Jones, 43, DIRECTV director of revenue assurance operations; wife, Samantha Rae Christensen Jones.

Reorganized stakes

COLUMBIA MISSOURI STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Clint Woodruff Kellogg, 44, retina surgeon; succeeding Harvey Stanley James; wife, Summer Lee Zierenberg Kellogg. Counselors — Kirk Vito Denti, 58, certified registered nurse anesthetist; wife, Shelby Leigh Bohn Denti. Christopher Andrew Johnson, 46, Interway Student Exchange host coordinator and Jefferson City Public Schools Spanish teacher; wife, Allison Elaine Lewis Johnson.

CARMICHAEL CALIFORNIA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Stephen Brandon Taylor, 44, self-employed real estate broker and California Probate and Trust paralegal; succeeding Todd Lewis Johnson; wife, Tiani Roshell Thompson Taylor. Counselors — Brian Dee Jenkins, 54, Brian D Jenkins Chiropractic Inc. doctor of chiropractic and president; wife, Gina Marie Wood Jenkins. Steven Boyce Hymas II, 55, Downey Brand LLP partner and executive committee member; wife, Melissa Standage Hymas.

FLAGSTAFF ARIZONA EAST STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — John Harris Flint, 51, physician; succeeding Leslie Davis Seaman; wife, Regan Duchene Bautista Flint. Counselors — Allen Boyd Mackay, 45; wife, Jennifer Steed Mackay. Travis Kelly Reber, 49, podiatrist; wife, Lauralee Meacham Reber.

HELSINKI FINLAND STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Aimo Kalervo Kemppainen, 48, ST Global Advisors LLC managing partner; succeeding Harri Juhani Myllylä; wife, Sally Emilia Saffer Kemppainen. Counselors — Harri Heikki Aho, 57, Kankaanpään Kangaspolku Oy CEO; wife, Kaisa Stiina Roto Aho. Ilkka Akseli Jouttenus, 39, Staria Oyj head of business control; wife, Mona Carita Torniainen Jouttenus.

PIEDRAS NEGRAS MÉXICO STAKE: (May 24, 2026) President — Hector Elizalde Galindo, 41; succeeding Cesar Humberto Mejia Godoy; wife, Wendolyn Almeida Maltos. Counselors — Juan Carlos Solis Betancourt, 44, Empacadora Kacer Coahuila zone sales supervisor; wife, Niktee Ha De Solis Gomez. Irak Macias Hernandez, 45; wife, Johana Maribel de Macias Valadez.

SOLOLA GUATEMALA STAKE: (May 24, 2026) President — Angel Alberto Cumez Xoquic, 38, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food maintenance technician; succeeding Vinicio Yaxon Par; wife, Natalia Belinda Pablo Batz. Counselors — Jorge Mario Jiatz Coj, 31, Superintendency of Tax Administration tax collection technician; wife, Yennifer Magaly Hic de Jiatz. Lucas Antonio Cumes Bocel, 29, Transportes SP taxi driver; wife, Linza Karolina Cojtin Batz.

SOUTHAMPTON ENGLAND STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Richard Daniel Watts, 40, company director; succeeding James Edward Robert Grant; wife, Selima Ann Mary Cooper Watts. Counselors — Mark Joseph Learnihan, 48, Alliance Leisure assistant regional director; wife, Kirsty Jane Mason Learnihan. Andrew James Crockford, 58, Modus Interactive Limited director; wife, Rachael Anne Moir Crockford.

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

Learn about 2 new, 20 reorganized stake presidencies around the world

Valerie Walton — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The following new and reorganized stake presidencies have been called.

New stakes

A new stake has been created from the Ammon Idaho East, Ammon Idaho North and Ammon Idaho stakes. The Ammon Idaho Centennial Ranch Stake, which consists of the Ammon 14th, Ammon 16th, Ammon 18th, Ammon 20th, Black Canyon, Stone Arbor, Thunder Ridge 1st and Thunder Ridge 2nd wards, was organized by Elder Ronald M. Barcellos, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Stephen J. Larson, an Area Seventy.

AMMON IDAHO CENTENNIAL RANCH STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Isac Phil Simpson, 44, physician; wife, Jennifer Schiess Simpson. Counselors — Chad Adelbert Webster, 49, Idaho Fresh Produce Inc. owner; wife, Kami Elaine Larsen Webster. Steven Stanley Boyle, 43, dentist; wife, Nicole Lynn Egbert Boyle.

A new stake has been created from the Evansville Indiana, Hopkinsville Kentucky and Madison Tennessee stakes. The Bowling Green Kentucky Stake, which consists of the Bowling Green 3rd (Spanish), Bowling Green YSA, Franklin, Russellville and Scottsville branches and the Bowling Green 1st, Bowling Green 2nd, Greenville and Morgantown wards, was organized by Elder Massimo De Feo, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder R. Wade Litchfield, an Area Seventy.

BOWLING GREEN KENTUCKY STAKE: (June 14, 2026) President — Kenneth Edward McCarraher, 42, Deaconess Health System regional director of specialty care; wife, Skylar Leanne Steele McCarraher. Counselors — George Legrand Alley, 71, retired; wife, Debra Sue Brown Alley. Neil Barton Ronér, 47, Logan Aluminum chief financial officer; wife, Kindra Martin Ronér.

Reorganized stakes

AMMON IDAHO NORTH STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Brian Ronald Nelson, 44, Zions Wealth Advisors wealth adviser; succeeding Christopher Michael Kunz; wife, Kasey Lee Collins Nelson. Counselors — Justin Dennis Bell, 51, dentist; wife, Kalli Geneve Young Bell. Jeffery Don Bennett, 52, self-employed ceramist; wife, Roselynn Marie Kelley Bennett.

BACOOR PHILIPPINES STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Jose Mari Fonseca Muchada, 49, FCHC Home Care co-owner, director and executive secretary; succeeding Wilfredo Escanilla Rellora; wife, Lorna Ronan Paguio Muchada. Counselors — Orlando Alberto Laruan, 43, Philippine Navy commander; wife, Chezy Jane Laum Caporal Laruan. Micko Gumba Sarical, 33, CW Global Partners NetSuite functional consultant; wife, Maria Klarizza Marina Saliba Sarical.

BATANGAS PHILIPPINES STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Michael Lauta Ramilo, 33, National University adjunct college professor, United Neon Advertising Inc. head of information systems and technology integrations and Strait Solutions chief technology officer; succeeding Jon Patrick Reyes Reyes; wife, Jonalyn Rodelas Quijano Ramilo. Counselors — Sherwin Cabailo Salazar, 37, Civic Merchandising Inc. branch service head; wife, Michelle Borda Magbuhat Salazar. Reuel Joseph Cadeliña Crisanto, 34, Solara Wealth sales administrative assistant; wife, Cheene Equiz Antonio Crisanto.

BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA BELGRANO STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Fernando Ariel Ferreyra, 48, Suleglobal managing partner; succeeding Gustavo Federico Mernies Schweizer; wife, Alicia Maria Ferreyra. Counselors — Hector Angel Jimenez, 55, Trenes de Buenos Aires track inspector; wife, Maria Marta Rodriguez. Gonzalo Javier Ortholan, 38, Endarco S.A. financial manager; wife, Maria Ludmila Ortholan.

CANTERBURY ENGLAND STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Daniel Howell Vaughn Jones, 46, Stephen George & Partners studio director; succeeding Stefan Rossbach; wife, Michelle Saranne Ford Jones. Counselors — Jay Reuben Bartling, 52, WW Martin senior contracts manager; wife, Victoria Butcher Bartling. N’guessante Eric Yao, 45, Epic Management Ltd. senior accountant; wife, Manset Amantchi Yao.

DRESDEN GERMANY STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Christoph Jentzsch, 41, Tokenize.it CEO; succeeding Jens Kleinert; wife, Sarah Christina Heidler Jentzsch. Counselors — Daniel Menzel, 47, Omega Group CEO; wife, Sabine Gerlach Menzel. Sven Bodo Koschnicke, 43, Infineon Technologies Dresden AG & Co. KG senior staff specialist; wife, Ariane Hirsch Koschnicke.

HERRIMAN UTAH STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Spencer Frank Brown, 44, BOSS Retirement Solutions chief financial officer; succeeding Paige Michael Patterick; wife, Islay Edel Heise Brown. Counselors — Boyd Ralph Peterson, 57, Mohawk Industries sales territory manager; wife, Jammie Jo Guymon Peterson. Derek Ryan Cullimore, 46, Crucial Learning vice president of people and culture; wife, Melinda Ann Sessions Cullimore.

LEHI UTAH CANYON HILLS STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — James Bradford Tate, 52, Salt Lake Temple Celebration Committee chair; succeeding Richard Haven McCall; wife, Kelly Nicole Lorscheider Tate. Counselors — Kyle Spencer Haskell, 39, Edgehomes sales agent; wife, Kristen Michelle Vibber Haskell. Thomas LeRoy Skinner III, 53, Clerri chief compliance and operations officer; wife, Felicia Renee Rodriguez Skinner.

LIMA PERÚ LOS OLIVOS STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Florintino Alberto Romero Julca, 38, Xylem Water Solutions planning engineer; succeeding Román Jenkins Litano Montero; wife, Dennise Lisset Peña Vasquez. Counselors — Fredy Humberto Garavito Camacllanqui, 53, Credigob SAC operations manager; wife, Gaby Isabel Avalos Pino. Gabriel Dávalos Vásquez, 36, Central Consultoría media supervisor; wife, María Fernanda de Dávalos García.

LUANDA ANGOLA STAKE: (May 24, 2026) President — Hélio Baltazar Carvalho do Amaral Gourgel, 39, Maximoveis real estate consultant; succeeding Nuno Alves da Fonseca Campos; wife, Stephanie Brenda Faria Dantas do Amaral Gourgel. Counselors — António de Pina Veloso Vieira, 47, CPC África S.A. business manager and Linha de Código–Prestações de Serviço managing partner and general director; wife, Suzel De Lemos Brás da Silva Vieira. Yuri Lukeni Neto Dos Santos, 34; wife, Cristiane Lopes Miguel Dos Santos.

METEPEC MÉXICO STAKE: (April 12, 2026) President — Carlos Misael Fierro Nieves, 45, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints project leader; succeeding Hans Amehed Martineau Gomez; wife, Georgett Sanchez Sanchez. Counselors — Israel Sánchez González, 57; wife, Julieta de los Ángeles de Sánchez Hernández. Alan Virgilio Garcia Maldonado, 46; wife, Gabriela Gonzaga Salinas.

NORTHAMPTON ENGLAND STAKE: (June 7, 2026) President — Eliot Gregory Reeves, 51, IMS/Evolve operations director; succeeding Robert John Clayton; wife, Naomi Louise Carter Reeves. Counselors — David John Evans, 48, CGI IT UK Ltd. senior consultant; wife, Melody Faye Norton Evans. Ross George Kirkley, 42, MM Flowers Ltd. chief engineer; wife, Jennifer Anne Loftus Kirkley.

PHOENIX ARIZONA STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Darrell Scott Estes, 61, Scott’s Complete Auto Care owner; succeeding Steven Howard Johnston; wife, Shelly Pratt Estes. Counselors — Brandon Michael Johnston, 39, self-employed business owner; wife, Rachel Anne Turley Johnston. Juan Carlos Muro, 39, Farmers Insurance/Bristol West liability adjuster and extended handler; wife, Jessica Maldonado Sandoval Muro.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA CALIFORNIA STAKE: (June 14, 2026) President — Matthew J Mills, 50, Mercury Insurance complex catastrophe claims manager; succeeding Marc Budge Smith; wife, Christine Marie Baugh Mills. Counselors — Tyler Hamnett Brown, 46, Brown & Brown attorney; wife, Kristina Louise Jones Brown. Timothy Bryant Parker, 49, Etiwanda School District teacher; wife, Lydia Elizabeth Anderson Parker.

SAN JOSÉ COSTA RICA TOYOPÁN STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Jimmy Jasin Bolaños Moreira, 49, Banco Nacional de Costa Rica marketing analyst and Fondos de Inversión de BNCR marketing designer and coordinator; succeeding Johnny Esteban Alvarado Sojo; wife, Marlyn Segura Navarro. Counselors — Daniel Armando Ventura Santos, 58, Uber driver; wife, Rosa Maria Rauda de Ventura. Carlos Fernando Arias Soto, 44, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator; wife, Belli Negri Aguilar Molinari de Arias.

SOUTH JORDAN UTAH GLENMOOR STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Derrick Brett Allred, 44, University of Utah Hospital & School of Medicine medical director of brain injury rehabilitation; succeeding John Albert Monson; wife, Sarah Wouden Allred. Counselors — Michael Albert Tu Rongo Kimball, 60, Puragen LLC national sales director; wife, Laura Lynn Clure Kimball. David Robert Robertson, 56, CBRE associate director; wife, Glenda Peggy Cox Robertson.

TIJUANA MÉXICO LA GLORIA STAKE: (June 21, 2026) President — Omar Hernandez Zuñiga, 45, Hambre de Aprender Foundation president; succeeding Hector Saul Maldonado Sanchez; wife, Angelica de Hernandez Pedroza. Counselors — Daniel Torrentera Sanchez, 35, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator; wife, Adriana Mejia Garcia. Carlos Ivan Olivares Cordova, 42, Impulsora Sahuayo Mexico sales supervisor; wife, Maria del Pilar Peraza.

TAGUIG PHILIPPINES STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Joseph Lancelot Bagano Aquino, 38; succeeding Demetrio Policarpio Agudo; wife, Lara May Talimio Sagario Aquino. Counselors — Anther Amabao Capulac, 50, CalEnergy Philippines tax documentation and consultant; wife, Rachel Dianne Potente Quiles Capulac. Joffrey Navarro Nool, 45, Two Fourteen Energy Services Inc. scheduling coordinator; wife, Lilibeth Arguelles Badoles Nool.

TAYLORSVILLE UTAH HERITAGE PARK STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Jeffrey Thomas Kendall, 51, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion seminary teacher; succeeding Wesley Paul Walker; wife, Corrine Johnson Kendall. Counselors — Jeffrey Daniel Mann, 44, State of Utah district court judge; wife, Rachelle Ann Dunford Mann. Richard Steve Guevara Jr., 60; wife, Nicolette Good Guevara.

THAMES EAST ENGLAND STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Donney Chin Leng Seow, 52, Hogan Lovells LLP global chief operating officer and chief financial officer; succeeding Jonathan James Bleakley; wife, Cynthia Sheow Wei Wong Seow. Counselors — Roger Matthew Cull Bigwood, 52, Bella Vou Limited CEO; wife, Claire Elizabeth Hill Bigwood. Taiwo Oluwusean Ilori, 36, Branded director; wife, Shantel Collette Ilori.

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

New Sunday School general advisory council member called to serve

Valerie Walton — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

A new member of the Sunday School general advisory council has been called to serve by the First Presidency. He began his service in June. He will assist the Sunday School general presidency — President Paul V. Johnson; Brother Chad H Webb, first counselor; and Brother Gabriel W. Reid, second counselor — which is responsible for religious instruction in the Church.

Learn about other members of the Sunday School general advisory council

Grant Anderson began serving as a member of the Sunday School general advisory council in June 2026. He is a former stake president, bishop, high councilor and elders quorum president and served as a full-time missionary in the Colombia Cali Mission.

Brother Anderson received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from the California State University system, both degrees in education. He worked for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion for 40 years and is now retired.

He was born in Whittier, California, to Heber Grant Anderson and Beth Collings. He is married to Martine Fiddler, and they have two daughters and five grandsons. He lives in the South Jordan 8th Ward, South Jordan Utah Stake.

Sunday School general president and counselor on upcoming Sunday schedule changes

Sunday class changes to connect home-centered gospel learning with Church meetings

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo: ‘Come Unto Christ — Together’

Valerie Walton — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:27:53 +0000

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Sunday afternoon session of April 2026 general conference about eternal families. The following is a summary of what he said.

Elder Wakolo’s talk summary

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a wedge to divide families but a bridge to unite them, eternally.” One’s discipleship should reflect Christ’s patience, gentleness and perfect love.

Some individuals are in families yet to be sealed in the temple or have spouses who are not members of the Church; others are not Church members. “Today, I say to each of you: You are essential to God’s plan.”

Examples of stories “of patience, agency and the quiet, persistent invitation to come unto Christ” include that of a Fijian wife who waited eight years for her husband to join the Church. “Eight years of attending church alone while her husband remained uninterested and hesitant. Yet she did not withdraw or resent. She served.”

After 24 missionaries, the husband was baptized and the couple was sealed in the temple. “To be clearer, I should say, my wife, Anita, and I were sealed in the house of the Lord.”

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know the prayers of family members waiting for a family member to accept the gospel and be baptized. Conversion is personal; agency is sacred.

“The Savior never forces. He invites. He blesses. He fulfills promises according to faith and faithfulness.”

Read the full text of Elder Wakolo’s talk: ‘Come Unto Christ — Together’

Notable quotes

See more quotes, stories, video clips and other study helps for this talk

Who is Elder Wakolo?

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo has served as a General Authority Seventy since being sustained in the April 2017 general conference. He serves as first counselor in the Church’s Pacific Area presidency.
Elder Wakolo is the first Fijian to serve as an Area Seventy, mission president (Arkansas Little Rock Mission) and General Authority Seventy.
Elder Wakolo married Anita Herberta Moimoi, a convert to the Church, in August 1987 in Suva, Fiji. Over the first eight years of their marriage, he met with many missionaries, completing the discussions four times. They were later sealed in the Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple in 1995, a year after he was baptized. They are the parents of two children.

What has Elder Wakolo done recently?

Elder Wakolo presided over the Aug. 2, 2025, groundbreaking ceremony of the Wellington New Zealand Temple.
Following 107 baptisms in a single day, Elder Wakolo organized the Oro Papua New Guinea Stake — the fifth stake in the nation and the first in the remote province of Oro — June 14, 2025.
He spoke about the history of the Church in Fiji as part of a celebration commemorating 70 years of the Church in this island country in May 2025.

Read Elder Wakolo’s previous general conference addresses.

Learn about members of 3 new, 16 reorganized stake presidencies — from Argentina to Zimbabwe

Valerie Walton — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000

New stakes

A new stake has been created from the Enugu Nigeria Stake. The Enugu Nigeria North Stake, which consists of the Abakpa, New Haven, Trans Ekulu 1st and Trans Ekulu 2nd wards and the Emene, Nike Lake and Ugboezeji branches, was organized by Elder Isaac K. Morrison, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Daniel A. Abeo, an Area Seventy.

ENUGU NIGERIA NORTH STAKE: (July 5, 2026) President — Lawrence Ndubisi Anunta, 40, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion institute instructor; wife, Sifon Udo Umoren Anunta. Counselors — Gabriel Ekpenyong Dominic, 42, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator; wife, Hannah Ekaete Dominic. Michael Efosa Aiwerioghene, 57, self-employed managing director; wife, Sussana Nneka Ugwu Aiwerioghene.

A new stake has been created from the Harare Zimbabwe Marimba Park and Harare Zimbabwe stakes. The Harare Zimbabwe Kuwadzana Stake, which consists of the Kuwadzana 1st, Kuwadzana 2nd, Kuwadzana 3rd, Kuwadzana 4th, Mufakose 2nd and Warren Park wards and the Norton and Whitecliff branches, was organized by Elder Carlos A. Godoy, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Sawman Machakaire, an Area Seventy.

HARARE ZIMBABWE KUWADZANA STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Armstrong Mangwana, 33, Cannon Motors sales manager; wife, Mirirai Hildah Mangwana. Counselors — Gordon Majoni, 44, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple laundry supervisor; wife, Pamela Majoni. Kefas Musiiwa, 31, self-employed managing director; wife, Margareth Zaka Musiiwa.

A new stake has been created from the Durham North Carolina and Greensboro North Carolina stakes. The Mebane North Carolina Stake, which consists of the Caswell, Elon, Hillsborough, Lake Mackintosh and Mebane wards and the Burlington (Spanish) and Roxboro branches, was organized by Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Nathan A. Craig, an Area Seventy.

MEBANE NORTH CAROLINA STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Scott Douglas Dyreng, 49, Duke University professor; wife, Chelsea Bagley Dyreng. Counselors — Christopher Rogan Harris, 43, Strategic Advisory Partners chief investment officer and Elon University professor; wife, Nathalie Dianne Alexandre Harris. Scott Allen Kelly, 50, Campbell University director of entrepreneurship; wife, Angela Dawn Drowns Kelly.

Reorganized stakes

ALPINE UTAH YSA STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Alan David Paulson, 52, Morgan Stanley financial adviser; succeeding Brandon Gledhill Doman; wife, Kara Larae Smith Paulson. Counselors — James Rodney Ure, 62, SSI Diagnostics regional business manager; wife, Tami Turner Ure. Erik Durham Bayles, 50, Alpine School District teacher; wife, Shanelle Paige Hammer Bayles.

ARLINGTON TEXAS STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Kelvin Gregory Bailey, 41, AccentCare senior vice president of enterprise transformation; succeeding David Mark Davies; wife, Emilee Criscell Wager Bailey. Counselors — Mack Parker Reinwand, 48, City of Denton city attorney; wife, Katy Teemant Reinwand. Andrew William Pepper, 42, Ecolab regional sales development manager; wife, Kathryn Marie Salas Pepper.

BREMERTON WASHINGTON STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — William Richard Gross, 47, West Sound Capital Group and Flowers To Go Inc. CEO; succeeding Craig Robert Spangler; wife, Marie Allred Gross. Counselors — Christopher Michael Byron, 51, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard chief of staff; wife, Dianna Ruth Spivey Byron. Adam Vaughn Hyde, 44, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard project engineering planning manager; wife, Ashley Garner Hyde.

CALABAR NIGERIA STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Alexander Etuwewe, 40, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission support supervisor; succeeding Alex Egon Nkoro; wife, Juliet Eniemah Umoh Etuwewe. Counselors — Victor Bassey Egosim, 38, Egbesim Ventures managing director; wife, Nkoyo Joseph Ikot Egosim. Itoro Glory Enang, 41, self-employed CEO; wife, Fortune Ugonna Nwaogwugwu Enang-Itoro.

CARROLLTON TEXAS STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Steven Lamar Leach, 61, UT Southwestern Medical Center professor of medicine; succeeding Brian John Willey; wife, Carol Ann Barrier Leach. Counselors — Gavin Samuel Martinson, 48, Ogletree Deakins attorney; wife, Alyssa Marie Doolan Martinson. Andrew William McCracken, 42, Thomson Reuters vice president of professional services; wife, Kandyce Marie Costley McCracken.

EDMONTON ALBERTA BONNIE DOON STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Daniel Walton Cecil Closson, 47, Titan Logix Corp. embedded systems team lead; succeeding Kevin Grant Hatch; wife, Rebecca Lynne Card Closson. Counselors — Demond Blaise Foulston, 48, Blaise Spence LLP partner; wife, Chelsea Diane Christensen Foulston. Trevor Ellwood Johnston, 54, ESRM Group insurance adviser; wife, Amy Elizabeth Anderson Johnston.

GALLUP NEW MEXICO STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Gordon Thomas Merayo, 50, veterinarian; succeeding Bruce Brondon Shaheen; wife, Retha Trishell Wengert Merayo. Counselors — David Andrew Gibbons, 46, middle and high school principal; wife, Jennifer Dolores Evans Gibbons. Tyson Calvin Tanner, 45, Tanner Insurance Services owner; wife, Bethany Lee Weight Tanner.

HARRISBURG PENNSYLVANIA STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Robert Joe Meek, 62, Masser Family of Companies chief revenue officer; succeeding Rhett R Hintze; wife, Lynnette Violet Wilson Meek. Counselors — Jacob Allen Benrud, 42, Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health assistant professor and faculty physician in anesthesiology and interventional pain management; wife, Joanna Joyce Hilton Benrud. Joshua Stewart Winder, 42, Penn State Health physician; wife, Shana Lyn Poulsen Winder.

HAZELWOOD MISSOURI STAKE: (May 31, 2026) President — Derick Robert Simmons, 34, Mayo Clinic healthcare technology consultant; succeeding Aaron Timothy Ott; wife, Virginia Sydney Hollister Simmons. Counselors — Justin Craig Palmer, 51, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator; wife, Melanie Ann Hall Palmer. Joshua Shane Dustin, 43, Boeing senior manager; wife, Tifani Lyn Stewart Dustin.

MONTEVIDEO URUGUAY EAST STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Maico Erwing Fros Fros, 47, self-employed cattle rancher and SES Latam executive; succeeding Juan Pablo Cortez; wife, Ana Karen Fros. Counselors — Dario Maximiliano Nuñez Conde, 34, Óptica Suiza business owner; wife, Yessica Da Silva Duarte. Carlos Alberto Gorosito Rodriguez, 45, Óptica Holandesa director and co-owner; wife, Karina Cardozo Olmedo.

NEWBURY PARK CALIFORNIA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Christopher Badurek, 51, RHI chief financial officer; succeeding John LeRoy Merrill; wife, Holly Forsyth Badurek. Counselors — Richard Geddes Hart, 60, Direct Recovery Associates Inc. president; wife, Jennifer Jones Hart. Michael Lindsay Muir, 60, AmeriHome Mortgage executive vice president of servicing asset management; wife, Sara Jane Ellison Muir.

OSHAWA ONTARIO STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Carlos Alfonso Hernández Bonilla, 47, Kawartha Health Group doctor of chiropractic and owner; succeeding Alex Iain Walcer; wife, Erica Shannon Bowley Hernández. Counselors — Steven George Ernstberger, 58, Bell Canada manager; wife, Sharena Thelen Harris Ernstberger. David Cain, 49, Lenbrook Industries Ltd. executive vice president and chief operating officer; wife, Michelle Ann Eggers Cain.

REXBURG IDAHO YSA 8TH STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — George Douglas Edmonds, 55, Brigham Young University–Idaho professor; succeeding Brad James Rowe; wife, Michelle Renee Brown Edmonds. Counselors — Layne Harrison Kinghorn, 50, BYU–Idaho associate dean of students; wife, Lannon Jo Clayton Kinghorn. Aaron William John Simpson, 55, Good 2 Go Stores president; wife, Jennifer Christensen Simpson.

TUCUMÁN ARGENTINA STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Fernando Martin Galindez, 49, self-employed technical and commercial support; succeeding Diego Javier Quiroga; wife, Cynthia Daniela Galindez. Counselors — Sergio Daniel Acuña, 48, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator; wife, Maria Delia Alvarenga. Juan Carlos Mamani, 47, La Rosa SRL administrative, finance, treasury and logistics supervisor; wife, Patricia del Carmen Cuezzo.

VANCOUVER WASHINGTON STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Gordon Joseph Thomas, 46, New World Medical senior surgical sales consultant; succeeding Stanley Matthew Bower; wife, Angela Jensen Thomas. Counselors — Berick Gibbs Smith, 56, Wacom Technology senior web developer; wife, Janae Ann Garner Smith. Sione Ammon Uyema, 45, self-employed currency trader; wife, Alana Kealohalani Tato Uyema.

WINNEBA GHANA STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Francis Adjei-Fio, 38, KAAF University technician and lecturer; succeeding Alexander Tandoh; wife, Abigail Yanda Yempew Adjei-Fio. Counselors — Jesus Nana Adzekese Konduah, 33, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple housing supervisor; wife, Francisca Gifty Nyimfah Konduah. Richard Yawo Seglah, 30, Ghana Health Service medical laboratory scientist; wife, Mavis Kankam.

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New stake created in Mozambique, 17 reorganized presidencies worldwide

Valerie Walton — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:30:00 +0000

The following new stake presidencies have been called.

New stake

A new stake has been created from the Nampula Mozambique stake. The Nampula Mozambique Mutauanha Stake, which consists of the Muatala, Murrapaniua, Mutauanha, Namaita and Substação wards and the Luaha Branch, was organized by Elder Carlos A. Godoy, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Amândio A. Feijó, an Area Seventy.

NAMPULA MOZAMBIQUE MUTAUANHA STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Dionísio Pedro, 34, Ministry of Education Portuguese language teacher; wife, Mafalda Manuel de Sousa Pedro. Counselors — Amade Raimundo Muipa, 39, Ministry of Justice operations technician; wife, Leonora Daniel Braimo Muipa. Helio dos Santos Nihoria, 33; wife, Finalda Ernesto Julião Nihoria.

Reorganized stakes

APPLETON WISCONSIN STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Ryan Blaine Cropper, 51, Organic Valley vice president of strategic supply chain and Refined Harmony CEO; succeeding Nathan Daryl Munson; wife, Angela Clarke Cropper. Counselors — David Matthew Heap, 52, Mercury Marine engineering manager; wife, Jamie Sue Terry Heap. Scott Dale Horton, 64, United BioSource senior statistical programmer; wife, Debra Kaye Gould Horton.

BELLEVUE WASHINGTON SOUTH STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Wright Arnold Noel, 59, Carson & Noel PLLC partner; succeeding Jason Christopher Penrose Jarman; wife, Carole Romney Noel. Counselors — Orion Burton Wells, 46, family medicine physician; wife, Monika Kasina Wells. Joel Gary Hammer, 57, Protiviti managing director; wife, Natalie Judy Hammer.

BINALBAGAN PHILIPPINES STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Joemar Zamora Servano, 34; succeeding Thelmo Placer Navarra; wife, Bianca Camille Echon Servano. Counselors — Joemarie Ababao Onlayao, 52, self-employed tricycle driver; wife, Joan Huelar Sumagaysay Onlayao. James Bigno Sabisol, 40; wife, Sheryl Calopez Gallego Sabisol.

DRIGGS IDAHO STAKE: (April 12, 2026) President — Benjamin Arthur Kearsley, 50, Absolute Foam Insulation and Kearsley Trees owner; succeeding Stanton Lee Marshall; wife, Shaylee Lafon Christiansen Kearsley. Counselors — Jeffrey Burdette Jordan, 48, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion seminary principal; wife, Anna Rae Haynie Jordan. Jason Ray Berezay, 52, HUB Intl. account executive; wife, Julianne Genzer Berezay.

EL DORADO CALIFORNIA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Jonathan Maurice Bliss, 51, Home Health & Hospice investor and operator; succeeding Troy Allen Bair; wife, Kiersten Lee Tice Bliss. Counselors — Corbin James Weatherby, 36, Weston & Tuttle Wealth Advisors owner and managing principal; wife, Alexis Brooke Tuttle Weatherby. Jonathan William Watt, 46, self-employed family business partner; wife, Merry Elizabeth Smith Watt.

LIMA PERÚ VILLA SALVADOR STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Juan José Gutierrez Diaz, 39, Camiones Chinos Peru S.A.C. logistics manager; succeeding Martin Roberto Tello Sotil; wife, Adriana del Carmen de Gutierrez Vargas. Counselors — Brián Yonathan Montero Vicente, 40; wife, Jayne Ruth de Montero Salazar. Esteban Alberto Zapata Garcia, 32, financial analyst; wife, Maricielo Salvador Padilla.

MENDOZA ARGENTINA STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Carlos Diego Sanchez, 49, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple facilities manager; succeeding Juan Jose Naccarato; wife, Noelia Soledad Sanchez. Counselors — Carlos Franco Murua Quinteros, 33; wife, Lorena Paola Murua. Damián Emiliano Vergara Moysés, 34, Renaissance Space Labs LTD business partner; wife, Gisleine Yoseli Luna Linares.

NAMPULA MOZAMBIQUE STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Pedro Gutai Filipe Casaco, 56, Ministry of Education technician and supervisor; succeeding Dionísio Pedro; wife, Angélica Issufo Saíde Casaco. Counselors — Sidónio Elídio João Comboio, 33, maintenance technician; wife, Elsa Andre. Acacio Rodolfo Cassiano Pedro, 32; wife, Kimilda Da Silva Pedro.

OGDEN UTAH YSA 1ST STAKE: (April 26, 2026) President — Jonathan Paul Butt, 49, Better Being Co. vice president of quality; succeeding Kenneth Deon Hahn; wife, Nanette White Butt. Counselors — Timothy Andrew McCall, 61, perfusionist; wife, Sharon Vaughan McCall. Matthew Tyler DeGroot, 54, Hill Air Force Base chief of logistics; wife, Laurel Emily Castle DeGroot.

SAN LEANDRO CALIFORNIA STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Brock Travis Weaver, 40, The Clorox Co. associate director of project management; succeeding Charles Frederick Harlow; wife, Katherine Rachel Wride Weaver. Counselors — David Gordon Passey, 59, San Mateo County Emergency Management preparedness manager; wife, Natalie Elizabeth Penrod Passey. Said Arnoldo Mejia Zapata, 44, DAS Systems chief technical officer; wife, Evelyn Frinee Mejia Zea.

SAVAII SAMOA PU’APU’A STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Mataiasi Saua, 50, Air New Zealand Limited aircraft engineer; succeeding Unasa Fetauai Tiatia; wife, Moesavili Nanai Saua. Counselors — Ulafuiono Siaosi Nanai, 57; wife, Vanila Faliga Nanai. Taioalo Tuiala, 56; wife, Evaga Elisara Luteru Tuiala.

SINGAPORE STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Christian Yawei Hsieh, 51, CAMP Investment Technologies managing director; succeeding Jean-Luc Butel; wife, Ming Shiang Lee Hsieh. Counselors — Wei Sern Paul Chan, 45, Supreme Court of Singapore district judge; wife, Pei Jun Jermaine Chua. Steven John Lesser, 58; wife, Danielle Elaine Lukins Lesser.

THOUSAND OAKS CALIFORNIA STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Weston Warner Whitman, 48, Whitman Peterson co-managing partner and co-founder; succeeding Lee Daniel Mackay; wife, Nicole Kristen Livermore Whitman. Counselors — Mark Allen Zeedik, 56, Blue Shield of California director of specialty sales; wife, Kathrine Andrea Zierenberg Zeedik. Nathan Judd Lytle, 54, Global Payments sales and partnership leader; wife, Carrie Jane Bluth Lytle.

VERNON BRITISH COLUMBIA STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Bradley Mark Bishop, 47, certified prosthodontics specialist; succeeding Melvin Shayne Olsen; wife, Tilane Janice Lawlor Bishop. Counselors — Bryce Edward Hilsmann, 56; wife, Norma Gail Stacey Hilsmann. Russel Craig McCue, 49, TELUS Communications risk manager; wife, Jennifer Anne Jensen McCue.

VINEYARD UTAH GROVE PARK STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Brent Joseph Wirig, 40, Linktree Pty. Ltd. general counsel; succeeding Andrew Ebo Dadson; wife, Katie Ann Millar Wirig. Counselors — Shay H Hope, 50; wife, Misty Leigh Ann Clark Hope. Wade Harrison Brown, 44, JobNimbus vice president of business development; wife, Melissa Bushnell Brown.

WENATCHEE WASHINGTON STAKE: (April 12, 2026) President — Matthew David Lindsay, 46, Tveten Dental Care operations manager; succeeding Brandon J Child; wife, Ellen Marie Summers Lindsay. Counselors — Kevin Paul Nygard, 44, endodontist; wife, Kerrie Amber Folsom Nygard. Jeromy David Riggs, 45, Sunnyslope Insurance crop insurance account manager; wife, Melinda Wamsley Riggs.

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

Learn about the new president, matron of the new Fort Worth Texas Temple

Valerie Walton — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:00:00 +0000

The following new temple president and matron have been called to serve by the First Presidency. They will begin their service when the temple is dedicated.

Tommy Lawrence Hamilton and Debra Diane Prather Hamilton, North Richland Hills Ward, Hurst Texas Stake, called as president and matron of the new Fort Worth Texas Temple. President Hamilton is a temple preparation instructor and temple sealer and former stake presidency counselor, bishop and high councilor. He was born in Spring Hill, Louisiana, to John Benjamin Hamilton and Mary Marie Norwood.

Sister Hamilton is a temple preparation instructor and temple worker and former ward Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Young Women presidency counselor and ward Primary presidency counselor. She was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Robert Edward Prather and Rachel Maxine Franklin.

Learn about the history and stories of the temples of the Church in the Church News Almanac

Learn about other recently called Church leaders of temples, missions, stakes and more

Learn about 2 new, 22 reorganized stake presidencies around the world — from Mexico to Mozambique

Valerie Walton — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The following new stake presidencies have been called.

New stakes

A new stake has been created from the Bauru Brazil Stake and the Botucatu Brazil District. The Bauru Brazil Jardim Santana Stake, which consists of the Bela Vista, Jardim Santana, Jaú, Marechal Rondon and Pederneiras wards and the São Manuel Branch, was organized by Elder Mark D. Eddy, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Moroni Costa, an Area Seventy.

BAURU BRAZIL JARDIM SANTANA STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Lucas Estevão de Lima, 34, Prefeitura Municipal de Bauru maintenance technician; wife, Rutsauska Teresa Ormachea Sosa. Counselors — Bruno da Cunha Felipe, 39; wife, Desirée Caroline Leite Felipe. Gerson Ferreira de Carvalho Jr., 42; wife, Karen Letícia Pereira Carvalho.

A new stake has been created from the Guanajuato México District. The León México Aeropuerto Stake, which consists of the Guanajuato, Las Torres, Olímpica, Parque del Sur and Silao wards, was organized by Elder Jose L. Alonso, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Francisco Villanueva Rojas, an Area Seventy.

LEÓN MÉXICO AEROPUERTO STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Hugo Alfaro Zúñiga, 32, Materias Plásticas y Elastómeros de México maintenance technician; wife, Dulce Belen de Alfaro Flores. Counselors — Jared Dominguez Granados, 39; wife, Kenia Castro Carbajal. Pablo Ivan Ochoa Lopez, 41, self-employed business owner; wife, Beatriz Aidee Majalca Medina.

Reorganized stakes

ANTIOCH CALIFORNIA STAKE: (April 19, 2026) President — Devin Robert Blodgett, 43, Blodgett Wealth Advisors LLC co-founder and managing partner; succeeding Joseph Robert Daynes; wife, Kimberly Jean Elkins Blodgett. Counselors — Aaron Paul Brown, 62, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory computer scientist; wife, Shelley Arnold Brown. Monte Marcel Moser, 57, Antioch Toyota director; wife, Randi Lyn Autentico Moser.

BEIRA MOZAMBIQUE STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Lordelos João de Almeida, 37, Ascending APE Lda account manager; succeeding Solomon Malidadi; wife, Dálica Aster Lencastre Notice de Almeida. Counselors — Vilário Rafael Uaquene, 49, MCIL IT specialist; wife, Ester Alice Casaco Uaquene. Joaquim Guirengane Bata, 55, Ministry of Education professor; wife, Elsa de Oliveira Felimone Guilundo.

BEIRA MOZAMBIQUE MANGA STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Fernando Carlos Lino, 34, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints project manager; succeeding Mario Bernardo Pumbumua; wife, Cleide Da Gloria João De Sousa Lopes. Counselors — Paulo Joaquim Jofrice Chave, 31, self-employed store owner; wife, Chanaze Maria Portugal António Mulape Chave. Agostinho José Sozinho Birissau, 42, Hauk Auto professional driver; wife, Julieta Abílio Afonso Birissau.

BENIN CITY NIGERIA IKPOKPAN STAKE: (March 1, 2026) President — Ikponmwosa Igbinobaro, 35, Omoetin Multilinks Services manager; succeeding Charles Ogieva Evbuomwan; wife, Jessica Edoghogho Etisi Igbinobaro. Counselors — Monday Ogbomo, 45, Besley Techno Resources managing director; wife, Blessing Agholor Ogbomo. Lucky Ugbolu, 56; wife, Imuwahen Bridget Asoa Ugbolu.

BENIN CITY NIGERIA NEW BENIN STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Christian Uwagbamen Idemudia, 39, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints coordinator; succeeding Osaretin Friday Owie; wife, Jennifer Omosefe Igbinoba Idemudia. Counselors — Oseremen Ogbebor, 38; wife, Amenaghawon Bamawo Ogbebor. Friday Kelly Bori, 35; wife, Osatohanmwen Ekhueorohan Bori.

BENIN CITY NIGERIA UZEBU STAKE: (May 10, 2026) President — Christian Jete Oye, 43, Nichmoson Pharmacy Ltd. sales marketing manager; succeeding Samson Osariemen Eguavoen; wife, Imeh Glory Oye. Counselors — Afam Raphael Olinke, 48, Olinki Wilinki Resources business manager; wife, Isioma Ukah-Nwajei Olinke. Victor Aluoture Obruche, 48, Obezz Global Resource Co. managing director; wife, Sonia Ehimen Ekeoba Obruche.

BRIDGELAND TEXAS STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — John Thomas Bell, 46, Jarrar and Co. chief financial officer; succeeding Scott H. Welch; wife, Isabel Maria Martinez Gutierrez Bell. Counselors — Christopher Scott Crawford, 53, Zayla Partners founder and CEO; wife, Sarah Maureen Pack Crawford. Michael Scott Keyser, 53, Soren Transport Inc. owner; wife, Maryam Kay Smith Keyser.

CANDON PHILIPPINES STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Jaime Dacca Abainza, 48; succeeding Dante de Guzman Dacquel; wife, Janette Arboleda Viloria Abainza. Counselors — Joel Duot Cambe, 46, EFI Auto Parts & Services manager and owner; wife, Melody De Leon Nimes Cambe. Lixter Palacio Costales, 43, self-employed electronics technician; wife, Mary Fe Ulibas Costales.

CASPER WYOMING STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Lucas Alan Hardy, 53, oral surgeon; succeeding Brandon Vern Smith; wife, Kimberly Ann Copelan Hardy. Counselors — Robert Karl Jorgensen, 41, Red Dog Media software engineer; wife, Matney Jean Smathers Jorgensen. Todd Christian Olsen, 59, My Hearing Centers hearing instrument specialist; wife, Danielle Ingram Olsen.

COLONIA JUÁREZ MÉXICO STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Angel Guillermo Orozco, 53, Korima Ona & Korima Global Foods principal; succeeding Jon Dana Call; wife, Sucil Saunders Santana. Counselors — Jesus Yoshida Ramos, 41; wife, Jaen Yoshida. Angel Trujillo Sainz, 53; wife, Rosa de Trujillo Rodriguez.

DENTON TEXAS STAKE: (May 3, 2026) President — Michael Andrew Cochran, 53, Analog Devices Inc. customer operations manager; succeeding Calvin Griffin; wife, Ronalee Wright Cochran. Counselors — Brian Sherwood Holman, 66, City of Lewisville judge; wife, Stacy Lee Ragsdale Holman. Kevin Dale Stewart, 47, Red River Family Dental owner and doctor; wife, Stephanie Enright Stewart.

FAYETTEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Sherman Thomas Clipp Jr., 62, City of Fayetteville director of human resources; succeeding Jeffrey William Quick; wife, Christine Gilbert Clipp. Counselors — Zachary David Swavely, 46, Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare engineer; wife, Kaylan Christine Miller Swavely. Fernando Javier Rentas-Pedrogo, 52, Collins Aerospace principal design engineer; wife, Glorimar del Carmen Ramirez-Quiñones.

HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Bryan Robert Kariya, 39, dentist; succeeding Jeffrey Blake Cazier; wife, Samantha May Workman Kariya. Counselors — Christian Michael Pollastro, 49, OCI Alabama LLC vice president of manufacturing; wife, Cammie Lynn Peacock Pollastro. Rodney Lyle Roberts Jr., 47, The Boeing Company manager; wife, Debra Michelle Ziegler Roberts.

MATAMOROS MÉXICO STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Abraham Lastra Guzman, 36; succeeding Emmanuel Garcia Garcia; wife, Beatriz Adriana Vega Rosales. Counselors — Jesus Alberto Sanchez Anzelmetti, 45, Apex subcontractor; wife, Alejandra de Sanchez Garcia. Hector Fidel Hernandez Aguilar, 47, Aptiv production and logistics manager; wife, Ruth Maza Gonzalez.

NEUQUÉN ARGENTINA WEST STAKE: (March 15, 2026) President — Daniel Carlos Palermo, 44, Santa Cruz O&G administrative manager; succeeding Marcos Dardo Sanchez; wife, Cinthia Abigail Romano. Counselors — Ariel Gustavo Catalán, 44, Clear Petroleum laboratory technician; wife, Adriela Noemi Cunningham. Ricardo Ernesto Maimo, 59; wife, Sandra Elizabeth Maimo.

ORLANDO FLORIDA SOUTH STAKE: (April 12, 2026) President — Jared David Remington, 52, Code RE Partners managing partner; succeeding Kurt Friedrich Scherer; wife, Michelle Diane Crapo Remington. Counselors — George Amyradakis, 48, obstetrician and gynecologist; wife, Daiana Gonzalez Nunez Amyradakis. Jay Ryan Salmon, 41, radiologist; wife, Stacy Marie Graham Salmon.

REXBURG IDAHO YSA 3RD STAKE: (March 22, 2026) President — Eric Charles Anderson, 60, North Wind Group director of contracts; succeeding Robert John Garrett; wife, Angela Lynn Giles Anderson. Counselors — Kyle Blaine Oswald, 62, Idaho National Laboratory senior engineer and scientist; wife, Wendy Mickelsen Oswald. Manuel Juan Carvajal, 58, Wada Farms international sales and marketing; wife, Trisha Lee Cook Carvajal.

RUASHI DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Gaston Mbayo Ngoy, 41, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints facility management mechanic; succeeding Kasense Kazadi; wife, Wa Kibawa Bibiche Mukalayi. Counselors — Emmanuel Lumbala Lufu, 43, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission facilities supervisor; wife, Lumbala Marline Tshiela. Mulongo Fernand Kyungu, 47; wife, Nsamba Constance Kahela.

SAN JUAN ARGENTINA NUEVO CUYO STAKE: (May 17, 2026) President — Andres Ismael Tejada Sarmiento, 41, Sinec S.A. logistic buyer; succeeding Ruben Alberto Toranzo; wife, Ramona del Valle Garcia Tejada. Counselors — Facundo Nicolas Romeu, 38, Grupo Zanni S.A. production manager; wife, Camila Anahi Cifuentes Zanni Romeu. Gonzalo Nicolas Balderrama Soria, 24, San Juan National University assistant; wife, Ivana Noelia Sanchez Narvaez.

SANTA ANA EL SALVADOR MOLINO STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Jose Antonio Fuentes Posada, 49; succeeding Henry Geovanny Campos Zeceña; wife, Ercilia Mejia de Fuentes. Counselors — Leoncio Noel Rodriguez Aquino, 29; wife, Rosmery Yamileth Olivorio Ortega. Diego Alexander Rivera Blanco, 25, Almacenes Vidri de S.A. auditor; wife, Mirna Rosabel Reyes de Rivera.

SÃO PAULO BRAZIL RAPOSO TAVARES STAKE: (April 12, 2026) President — Roger Tomas Arias, 48, BNDES supervisor; succeeding Paulo Messias de Araujo; wife, Rosiane Santiago Santos Arias. Counselors — Ranaldo Oliveira Souza, 41, Vibropac mechanical technician; wife, Fabiana Rosa Chaves Souza. Marcos Antonio da Costa, 53; wife, Franceli de Fatima Lopes Costa.

STUTTGART GERMANY STAKE: (March 8, 2026) President — Jackson Dean Heslop, 48, Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH vice president of customer service; succeeding Oliver Dobin; wife, Sabine Marie Weber Heslop. Counselors — Sven Apel, 51, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator; wife, Heidi Joy Martin Apel. Patrick Andreas Cyron, 38, Universität Stuttgart research associate; wife, Jennifer Simone Rakow Cyron.

Correction: This has been updated on July 16, 2026, to reflect that part of the Bauru Brazil Jardim Santana Stake also came from the Bauru Brazil Stake.

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