During a multi-nation ministry tour in June 2025 to the Europe Central Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, accompanied by Sister Susan Gong, visited the countries of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. Their visit emphasized humanitarian cooperation, government relations, interfaith dialogue, and spiritual support—connecting communities through shared values of family, service, and mutual respect.

Elder and Sister Gong were joined by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, President of the Europe Central Area of the Church, with his wife, Sister Fabiana Alliaud, and President and Sister Auras, the mission leaders in that region of the Balkans.

Albania: Emphasizing Religious Freedom and Civic Responsibility

On 9 June 2025, in the capital Tirana, Elder Gong met with Ms. Silda Cepe, Albania’s Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Their conversation focused on the mutual goal of building communities where religious freedom and civic responsibility thrive.

Elder Gong expressed his appreciation for Albania’s support of religious liberty and affirmed the Church’s commitment to help individuals become responsible, law-abiding citizens. Deputy Minister Cepe emphasized her dedication to preserving this essential right.

Later that day, Elder and Sister Gong met with more that 370 members and friends of the Church, who assembled in a central location in Tirana. In a warm and faith-filled devotional, Elder Gong expressed love and encouragement, inviting members to strengthen their families, support one another, and continue sharing the light of the gospel in their communities.

North Macedonia: Medical Support at Skopje University Clinic

On 10 June 2025, Elder Gong travelled to Skopje, Macedonia, where he visited the University Clinic for Surgical Diseases “St. Naum of Ohrid,”. Church donations have supplied life-saving medical equipment to this university clinic, including defibrillators and multi-purpose patient trolleys. The support came at a critical time—following a tragic incident that resulted in numerous injuries. Because of these donations, 29 patients received essential care and recovery.

The hospital honored the Church with a commemorative plaque at its entrance. During the visit, Elder Gong, joined by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud of the Seventy, announced an additional donation to double the capacity of the emergency room.

“The nurses and doctors here are true heroes,” Elder Gong said, personally thanking four physicians who had served tirelessly in recent weeks. Many of the staff have worked there for decades, showing dedication to their community’s well-being.

Later that day, Elder Gong met with North Macedonia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Zoran Dimitrovski. Their discussion highlighted the Church’s collaboration with local institutions and its emphasis on cultivating law-abiding, responsible youth.

Mission President Michael Auras shared how young missionaries become cultural ambassadors - learning the language, respecting traditions, and forging lasting connections. Minister Dimitrovski expressed support for continued engagement between the Church and local civic and religious leaders.

That evening, more than 125 members and friends of the Church gathered at a hotel in the center of Skopje for a devotional meeting. Elder Gong’s visit brought encouragement and personal ministry as he greeted attendees individually, learning about their lives and offering uplifting counsel.

His message focused on four personal invitations. Strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, share the gospel and invite others to come unto Christ, help the poor and those in need and finally unite families — past, present, and future — for eternity.

Elder Gong also spoke of healing family relationships and honoring sacred commitments—a message that resonated deeply with all present.

Kosovo: Interfaith dialogue and meeting with Prime Minister

In Pristina, Elder Gong met with Grand Mufti of Kosovo, Sheikh Naim Ternava – the spiritual leader of the Islamic community in the country, to discuss challenges facing Kosovo’s youth—including rising suicide rates, addiction, and moral uncertainty. They explored ways religion can provide both spiritual grounding and future opportunities.

Elder Gong emphasized the importance of helping young people live their faith while engaging positively with the modern world. He introduced Church programs such as BYU–Pathway Worldwide, designed to provide education and hope for a better future without needing to leave home.

During a meeting with Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Mr. Albin Kurti, Elder Gong addressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence and societal changes on youth. They discussed the importance of family identity, moral clarity, and building strong communities.

“The quality of the output depends on the quality of the input,” Elder Gong said, advocating for human intelligence nurtured in strong family environments. The local branch president, Erjon Teli, demonstrated the FamilySearch app, highlighting its role in preserving family history and connection.

Elder Gong concluded his visit with a devotional in Kosovo, attended by members and humanitarian partners. The evening was filled with warmth, testimony, and personal moments of connection.

One particularly moving scene occurred when Elder Gong greeted a blind young man, gently guiding the individual’s hands to his face—allowing him to "see" through touch. The gesture brought joy and reverence, echoing the compassion seen in the Savior’s ministry.

Sister Gong also addressed the audience, teaching about the power of personal change and faith. Elder Gong invited missionaries to recite the First Vision in the local language, then encouraged everyone to be peacemakers and find joy through living gospel principles.