Guess how many temples President Russell M. Nelson has announced since becoming prophet.
50?
Higher.
75?
Even higher!
83!
Wowzers. That brings us to 265 total. Temples were recently announced for these places:
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Tacloban City, Philippines
- Monrovia, Liberia
- Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Culiacán, Mexico
- Vitória, Brazil
- La Paz, Bolivia
- Santiago West, Chile
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Cody, Wyoming
- Rexburg North, Idaho
- Heber Valley, Utah
What’s so special about temples anyway? Why do we spend so much money building them, especially when that money could be used to help the poor?
Judas asked a similar question when a woman washed the Savior’s feet with expensive ointment. Jesus responded by pointing out that the woman was honoring His death and sacrifice. (See John 12:1–8.)
So how would you answer if someone asked, “What’s so special about temples?” Might be worth thinking about! Here’s more to read, if you’re interested.
Geography Challenge
Can you find all of the newly announced temples on a map of the world?