Elder Kevin W. Pearson

Of the Seventy

Elder Kevin Wayne Pearson believes that if we truly understand the principle of faith, the Lord can do wonders in our lives.

“I grew up thinking if I was smart enough or strong enough or fast enough or hardworking enough, somehow I could control any situation,” he says. “The reality is, we cannot control all the circumstances of our lives. We simply have to trust the Lord and learn to have faith in Him that everything will work out for the good. When you do that, the Lord will make you capable.”

As a mission president, Elder Pearson often taught his missionaries about five challenges that can overcome or weaken faith if faith isn’t continually strengthened. He says, “You’ve got to get rid of doubt, distraction, disobedience, discouragement, and lack of diligence in order for your faith to be effective.”

Elder Pearson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, on April 10, 1957, to Wayne F. Pearson and Velda Labrum Pearson. Later he received a bachelor of science degree in finance from the University of Utah and a master of business administration degree from Harvard University. Prior to his call as a mission president, he was working as CEO of a health care information company.

At the time of his call to the First Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Pearson was serving as the president of the Washington Tacoma Mission. His prior Church callings have been invaluable in preparing him for his calling today. He has served as a full-time missionary in Finland, a ward Young Men president, elders quorum president, high councilor, and bishop. Elder Pearson married June Langeland on June 24, 1980, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have six children.