A Worldwide Influence for Good

As prophets and apostles continue their ministry, their influence for good blesses many lives and fosters a worldwide spirit of service, cooperation, and hope. Here are some highlights of that ministry during the last six months.

During the Tokyo Summer Olympics, President Russell M. Nelson posted on social media about the need to eliminate contention and about the value of friendship, respect, and cooperation.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles joined in a global videoconference originating in Windsor, England. Conference speakers discussed the mental and emotional health of millions of people in refugee camps. Elder Holland called for support to allow refugees to express “the very religious faith that gives them their identity.” Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency and president of Latter-day Saint Charities, also participated in the conference.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke at a council on interfaith cooperation held at Notre Dame University in Indiana, USA. Elder Cook challenged summit attendees to “stand as a beacon of belief and unity in a world that often devalues both.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke at the G20 Interfaith Forum held in Bologna, Italy. (The G20 nations make up the world’s 20 largest economies.) “When religion is given the freedom to flourish, believers everywhere perform simple and sometimes heroic acts of service,” Elder Rasband said. At the same forum, Sister Eubank spoke about the effects of hunger and malnutrition on childhood poverty. “Change can only … be accomplished by personal relationships of trust,” she said.

Following an earthquake that devastated Haiti, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke in a devotional broadcast to French-speaking members in the Caribbean, reminding them that “faith unlocks the power of God in our lives.” Sister Reyna I. Aburto, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, joined in the devotional and also virtually addressed members in leadership meetings and stake conferences. “We can stand strong,” she said, “even if the winds come and the earth shakes around us.” Elder Soares also spoke in a devotional broadcast for youth in the Caribbean, reminding them that “we need the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.”