Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, accompanied by his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, recently completed a ten-day ministry tour across Europe, visiting members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands, Greece, Bulgaria, and Italy from October 17–27, 2024. Visiting with Church members across the region, he underscored the theme of the gospel’s power to bring peace in today’s world.
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Netherlands
His first stop was in the Netherlands, where Elder Stevenson was joined by Elder Jack N. Gerard of the Europe Central Area Presidency and Elder Joep Boom, Area Seventy from the Netherlands. On October 19, Elder Stevenson met with missionaries in the Belgium/Netherlands Mission in the city of Breda, where he praised their dedication and commitment to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. He encouraged them to find courage and joy in sharing the gospel, even when faced with challenges. “You can have the confidence of the Lord and feel joy, even though the circumstances might be difficult,” Elder Stevenson said, reminding missionaries to reflect on their original call letters for strength. In a meeting with local leaders from Dutch-speaking Belgium and the Netherlands, he and Elder Gerard emphasized the importance of temple covenants and the continuous process of personal conversion. Covenants are sacred promises between God and a person or a group of people.
On October 20, Elder Stevenson addressed members in a special stake conference in The Hague on the joy found in living as a covenant people. After the conference, he invited the youth to meet him and Sister Stevenson. Concluding his time in the Netherlands, he visited the nearby The Hague Netherlands Temple, where he also met with members and leaders, encouraging them to press forward in their faith and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Greece & Bulgaria
Elder Stevenson then travelled to Greece, accompanied by Elder James W. McConkie III, second counsellor in the Europe Central Area Presidency, and other leaders, where they met with local Church members and missionaries. In Athens, on October 22, a special meeting for missionaries started with a brief gathering on the historic Mars Hill, where the apostle offered words of encouragement and praise: “In a time when many young people are forgoing organized religion, it is remarkable to be with faithful young adults in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who choose to sacrifice time to serve the Lord and invite all to receive His gospel,” he remarked.
In a meeting with members in Athens, Elder Stevenson emphasized the importance of resilience and hope in the gospel, even amid life’s challenges.
Continuing their journey, Elder and Sister Stevenson visited Bulgaria, where they met with missionaries and held a devotional with members in Sofia on October 23. His words underscored the importance of unity and the sustaining power of the gospel for individuals and families.
Italy
In Italy, Elder Stevenson was accompanied by Elder Ruben V. Alliaud, President of the Europe Central Area Presidency and Elder Emanuel Petrignani, Area Seventy from Italy. Elder Stevenson made a memorable visit to Bari, where he met with Sister Rosaria Valenti, who had recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Sister Valenti, a beloved and long-serving member of the Church, shared her testimony of Jesus Christ, describing Him as “my everything.” Sister Valenti was introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ through her daughter’s husband, Leonardo Lettini, in April 1984 and was baptized a member of the Church a few months later. Shortly after her baptism, a sad event struck her life: her daughter Annamaria and her entire family, who introduced her to the gospel, perished in a car accident in 1985. Losing her beloved family members was a very sorrowful experience in her life. Fortunately, the family had been sealed in the temple a few months earlier. Sister Valenti was also sealed only a few months prior, giving her the hope for an eternal family and being reunited with her loved ones after this life again and forever. Reflecting about the house of the Lord, she has always stated that “at the temple I learned more about God the Father and Jesus Christ and they became everything to me.” Elder Stevenson honoured her lifelong dedication to the gospel, bringing flowers and offering her a Priesthood blessing. This special meeting deeply touched Sister Valenti and her family and marked a joyful moment for the Bari congregation of the Church.
In Rome, Elder Stevenson addressed a gathering of missionaries and Church leaders, focusing on the joy of service and the importance of strengthening the Church across Italy. On October 27, he concluded his ministry tour with a stake conference in Palermo, bringing members together to feel the love of the Lord and the unity of the gospel.
Throughout the tour, Elder Stevenson’s messages highlighted the blessings of conversion, courage, and covenant keeping with Jesus Christ. His visit inspired thousands of Church members and friends, leaving a legacy of strengthened faith and unity across the region.