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Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Istanbul, Türkiye, on February 16, 2025, to meet with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Bednar led a special district conference where he offered guidance on living as disciples and contributing positively to their communities. Over 400 individuals attended in person or virtually.
Accompanied by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, and Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, president of the Europe Central Area of the Church, along with Sister Fabiana Alliaud, Elder Bednar expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by Latter-day Saints in Türkiye. His visit was part of a broader mission across Europe and the Middle East aimed at sharing messages centered around hope and joy derived from following Jesus Christ.
Elder Bednar emphasized the importance of making 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.” He further stated that through this connection believers are transformed and sustained by divine power.
He also encouraged active community involvement by embodying Christlike attributes daily. He clarified that the Church is more than just a building; it is "a laboratory" for practicing gospel principles collectively: “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.”
Sister Susan Bednar acknowledged members' contributions as pioneers in Türkiye's church community: "Even if you are the only member in your family... you will be supported by God."
Elder Alliaud invited attendees to prepare spiritually for future developments: “One day there will likely be a House of the Lord in this country... we need to have it first built spiritually in our lives.”
This visit marked an uplifting moment for Latter-day Saints in Türkiye since it had been nearly ten years since an apostle last visited when Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came in December 2015.
Elder Bednar’s trip forms part of an extensive tour ministering throughout Europe and the Middle East focusing on strengthening faith among church members while promoting unity and service within local communities.
