Elder Ronald A. Rasband Counsels, Encourages Saints in Tampico, Mexico
Contributed By John Griffin, Church News contributor
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counsels members and leaders of the Tampico Bosque Stake during his visit to Tampico, Mexico, April 15–17.
Article Highlights
- Have faith and strengthen the family.
- Stand in holy places: homes, chapels, and the most sacred place, the temple.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband is no stranger to Mexico, having traveled in Mexico extensively as a General Authority Seventy and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy.
The Saints of Tampico, Mexico, felt blessed to have the new Apostle bring them counsel and encouragement during his recent assignment to the country April 15–17.
Traveling with Elder Benjamín De Hoyos, a General Authority Seventy and President of the Mexico Area, Elder Rasband met with missionaries of the Mexico Tampico Mission and conducted a priesthood leadership conference and a special stake conference for the Tampico Bosque Stake.
Elder Rasband counseled members and leaders to have faith. In spite of the sometimes difficult conditions they live in, “the most important thing to have is faith,” he reminded them. “As your faith strengthens, share it, give it to your brothers and sisters, spouse, and children,“ he encouraged. “Don’t be a spiritual giant and keep it all to yourself!”
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets members of the Tampico Bosque Stake during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets missionaries attending a mission conference in Tampico, Mexico, during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Rasband also taught extensively on the power of family traditions that can build and strengthen families. He asked each member to consider the value of personal and family prayer, personal and family scripture study, family home evening, the honest payment of tithes and offerings, and standing in holy places.
The three holy places he identified were our homes, our chapels, and the most sacred place, the temple. “You have all three here!” he told the Saints of Tampico. “You have everything here in Tampico that we have in any other place in the Church.”
At the close of his visit, Elder Rasband shared his personal love and affection for the people of Mexico and his testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and assured them that Jesus Christ knows and loves each of them “one by one.”
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets members of the Tampico Bosque Stake during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Members of the Tampico Bosque Stake in Tampico, Mexico, attend a stake conference where Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets members and leaders of the Tampico Bosque Stake during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets members of the Tampico Bosque Stake during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets members of the Tampico Bosque Stake during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets members of the Tampico Bosque Stake during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Members of the Tampico Bosque Stake in Tampico, Mexico, attend a stake conference where Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband addresses members of the Tampico Bosque Stake during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets missionaries attending a mission conference in Tampico, Mexico, during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband teaches missionaries at a mission conference in Tampico, Mexico, during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband greets local priesthood leaders at a priesthood leadership conference in Tampico, Mexico, during a visit April 15–17, 2016. Photo by Dalene Griffin.
