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“The Future is Bright”: Elder Rasband meets with members in Mozambique
Saints in Maputo gathered to hear counsel from one of the Twelve Apostles.
Close to 1,000 members joined with another further 2,000 online to hear the words of Elder Ronald A. Rasband, one of the twelve apostles, in Maputo, Mozambique in May.
It is believed to be the largest gathering of saints in the history of the country. But Elder Rasband told members: “I feel to say to you, this is just the beginning . . . the future of the Church in Mozambique is bright.”
“Really, we have a first-generation church in Mozambique,” he told the saints. “But you are building a multi-generational church. I want you to know that it’s worth it.”
Elder Rasband invited the members to “stand in holy places”—in their homes, in their chapels and, eventually, once it is built, in the Beira Temple—as they build up the Church and navigate the calamities of our time.
He concluded with a blessing. “In the Book of Mormon, there is an often-mentioned blessing for the people. It says, ‘if you will keep the commandments of God you will prosper in the land,’” said Elder Rasband. “Today in Maputo in Mozambique I make that same promise to all of you.
“You keep the commandments, and Heavenly Father will bless you, and you will prosper in the land.”
Nilsa Bina Muiocha left work early in order to attend the event. “I’m so grateful for being here,” she said. “I told my boss, ‘I have to go there. I have to be there’, and it was definitely worthwhile,” said Sister Muiocha.
Reflecting on what stood out to her, she said, “Our prophet sent a message for us, and he said he loves us, and the Saviour loves us. As those words were shared, I could feel the love of the Saviour, and I could also feel the love of our prophet.”
“It was spectacular, it was beautiful,” said Isaias Macamo after the event. “We loved every moment of it.”
“I hope the new members will take this as a privilege and want to have more experiences like this. I felt the spirit,” said Sister Macamo.
Brother Macamo said, “The one thing that stood out to me is the invitation to stand in holy places. Elder Rasband said that the home is the first holy place that we can count on.”
Taynara Manhica attended the event just days before she was due to leave Mozambique to serve a mission in Angola. She said that the experience would strengthen her testimony and faith in Jesus Christ. “It will be a special memory that I can carry with me and reflect on as I serve,” she said.
Another prospective missionary at the devotional was Isaias Macamo Junior. “It was such an honour to have the Lord send the priesthood keys to Mozambique,” he said. “It was such a privilege to be with an Apostle and hear him share his testimony. It really was a historical day, and I will never forget it.”
Reflecting on Elder Rasband’s reminder that this is just the beginning, Brother Macamo Junior said, “I cannot imagine what is coming. I honestly believe what Elder Rasband taught—that the future of the Church in Mozambique is so bright.”