Elder Bednar Invites Members of the Church in Türkiye to Make Covenants with God and Serve Others

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Istanbul, Türkiye, on February 16, 2025. Elder Bednar presided over a special district conference, offering encouragement and counsel on living as disciples of Jesus Christ and being good citizens in their communities. More than 400 people participated in the conference, in person or via technology.

Joined by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, and Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, president of the Europe Central Area of the Church, and his wife, Sister Fabiana Alliaud, Elder Bednar expressed gratitude for the faith and dedication of Latter-day Saints in Türkiye. As part of a broader ministering assignment across Europe and the Middle East, he shared messages of hope, emphasizing the joy that comes from following Jesus Christ.

Elder Bednar taught about the power that comes from making and keeping covenants with God. “As we make covenants with God, we can be blessed with a distinct and powerful love from a covenant connection with Him and His Son.” Elder Bednar continued, “We are changed by Heavenly Father as we receive His power through that covenant connection. We are never alone and never need to rely solely on our own strength. He inspires and sustains us to become better.”

Elder Bednar also encouraged members to be active participants in their communities by exemplifying Christlike attributes in their daily interactions. He also explained that the Church is not a physical building, but rather a body of believers, united in Christ and committed to following Him.

“The Church is not a museum. It is not just a place to come on Sunday to sit and listen to someone speaking from the pulpit,” he said. “The Church is a laboratory, where we practice living the gospel of Jesus Christ with each other.”

During the conference, Sister Bednar expressed gratitude for the contributions of the members as early supporters of the Church in the country. She stated, "Even if you are the only member in your family, in your city, or in your country, you will be supported by God and Jesus Christ, and will lay a foundation of a great work."

Elder Alliaud also added his witness about the gospel and invited the members to start building a temple in their hearts. “One day, there will likely be a House of the Lord in this country, but we need to have it first built spiritually in our lives, and we can do this through the sacred ordinances and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

Latter-day Saints in Türkiye welcomed the visit as an uplifting and unifying experience. The last times modern-day apostles ministered to members of the Church in Türkiye were Elder Dale G. Renlund in September 2019, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in December 2015.

Elder Bednar’s visit to Türkiye is part of a multi-nation tour ministering to Church members and leaders across Europe and the Middle East. His messages focus on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ, fostering unity, and encouraging service in local communities.