Alerts Sign-up
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, recently concluded a ten-day ministry tour across Europe. The couple visited members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands, Greece, Bulgaria, and Italy from October 17 to 27, 2024. Elder Stevenson emphasized the gospel's power to bring peace in today's world.
In the Netherlands, Elder Stevenson was joined by Elder Jack N. Gerard and Elder Joep Boom. On October 19, he met with missionaries in Breda and encouraged them to find courage and joy in sharing the gospel despite challenges. “You can have the confidence of the Lord and feel joy, even though the circumstances might be difficult,” he said. He also met with local leaders from Dutch-speaking Belgium and the Netherlands to discuss temple covenants and personal conversion.
On October 20, at a stake conference in The Hague, Elder Stevenson spoke about living as a covenant people. He later visited The Hague Netherlands Temple to meet with members and leaders.
Elder Stevenson's next stop was Greece on October 22, where he was accompanied by Elder James W. McConkie III. In Athens, he praised young missionaries for their dedication: “In a time when many young people are forgoing organized religion...”
The journey continued to Bulgaria on October 23 with meetings held in Sofia that focused on unity and resilience through the gospel.
In Italy, Elder Stevenson was joined by Elder Ruben V. Alliaud and Elder Emanuel Petrignani. A notable visit took place in Bari with Sister Rosaria Valenti who recently turned 101 years old. She shared her testimony: “my everything.” Her story included tragedy but highlighted her faith's sustaining power.
Elder Stevenson's final stop was Rome where he addressed missionaries about service joy before concluding his tour on October 27 at a stake conference in Palermo.
Throughout this tour across Central Europe’s countries—Netherlands; Greece; Bulgaria; Italy—Elder Stevenson's messages centered around conversion blessings alongside courage & covenant keeping within Jesus Christ’s teachings inspiring thousands leaving behind strengthened faith unity region-wide.
