Reaching Out to All the World

Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continue their ministry as prophets, seers, and revelators, witnessing throughout the world about the Restoration of the gospel and the blessings of following the Savior. Here are just some of the things they have accomplished since the last general conference.

Members of the First Presidency

For a summary of President Russell M. Nelson’s ministry since the last general conference, see page 135.

Speaking at a university in Rome, Italy, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said religious freedom brings many benefits to society, and he encouraged people of faith to “find ways to learn from one another and to reinforce the common insights that hold us together.”

Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President, and Elders Jeffrey R. Holland and Quentin L. Cook ministered throughout Great Britain, meeting with missionaries and members of the Church. All three served missions in the United Kingdom when they were young, and Elder Holland and Elder Cook were companions.

Elder David A. Bednar spoke at a devotional in Jordan. In the United Arab Emirates, he met with leaders of the Abu Dhabi Stake and visited the expo area where a temple will one day be located. In Bahrain, he met with members of the Manama Ward and held a devotional for youth.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson became the first Apostle to visit the Republic of the Gambia. He met with the president, first lady, and vice president of the republic and discussed a collaborative effort between the Church and the first lady’s foundation to help those in need. Elder Christofferson also visited Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana.

During meetings and training in Colombia and Ecuador, Elder Neil L. Andersen remembered the many Church members who have passed away due to COVID. He met with missionaries, 36 mission presidents and their wives, and stake leaders, often speaking Spanish. In a devotional in Colombia, he spoke about strengthening marriages and families.

In Panama, Elder Gary E. Stevenson became the first Apostle to visit the island of Carti Tupile in the San Blas Archipelago, located in the Guna Yala indigenous district about two and half hours from Panama City.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong spoke with youth in the Philippines about making wise decisions and about taking upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. He met with missionaries and, in an event broadcast throughout the Philippines, addressed young single adults.

In his native country of Brazil, Elder Ulisses Soares counseled young adults to center their life on the Savior. He told missionaries to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and stay grounded in truth. Months later, Elder Soares returned to Brazil to speak at a symposium on religious liberty. He also met with the vice president of the Dominican Republic and with the Cuban ambassador to that country. The Church has one district and four branches in Cuba.

In virtual meetings, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke to youth, missionaries, and Church leaders in Asia; Elder Quentin L. Cook to young adults in the Europe, Europe East, Africa, and Middle East Areas; Elder D. Todd Christofferson to Portuguese-speaking young adults; Elder Neil L. Andersen to young adults living in Latin America and Spain; Elder Ronald A. Rasband to English-speaking young adults; and Elder Dale G. Renlund to French-speaking young adults.