Alerts Sign-up
Elder Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Ruth L. Renlund, have commenced a ministry tour in Southern Africa. Their journey began in Zambia, where Elder Renlund previously served as Area President for the Africa South East Area.
On February 16, 2025, members from Lusaka Stake and Ndola and Kitwe Districts gathered for a special conference to hear Elder Renlund speak. He shared five foundational principles designed to strengthen faith and connection with God: understanding one's identity in Christ, faith in Jesus Christ, engaging with the Book of Mormon through reading and prayer, developing love and unity akin to Christ's teachings, and serving in the Savior’s work.
Elder Renlund emphasized that these principles lead naturally to a desire to participate in Jesus Christ's mission: “If we stand by the first four—knowing our identity, our faith in Jesus Christ...the natural outcome is a deep desire to join the Savior in His work.”
He also recounted a personal story about his own introduction to the Book of Mormon at age 11. During this conference, he invited young attendees to read it as he did at their age. Encouraging participation from all ages, he stated: “Be willing to serve...to help Jesus Christ in His latter-day work.”
The meeting concluded with Elder Renlund personally greeting over 1,200 attendees. Sam Pashad from Lusaka Stake expressed her appreciation: “Being here today...touched my heart because it reaffirmed what I had already learned...I am a child of God.”
Later that day at a Young Adult Devotional at Lusaka Stake Center, Elder Renlund addressed spiritual gifts available irrespective of gender or priesthood office: “To know that Jesus Christ was crucified for...your sins and mine is a precious gift.” Sister Ruth L. Renlund added that knowledge requires action: “Faith grows through action.”
Elder Renlund highlighted personal choice's role in exercising faith amid life's challenges like loneliness or doubt.
The Church has been present in Zambia since the 1940s but faced interruptions until missionary work resumed in the 1990s. The first stake was established in Lusaka by 2015; now there are over 5,000 members across Zambia.
