An Apostle of Jesus Christ, Delighted to be Back in Kenya

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Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, accompanied by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, concluded a 10‑day ministering assignment in the Africa Central Area with a visit to Nairobi, Kenya on 22nd March 2026. Also participating in area ministry were Elder Carl B. Cook of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Lynette.

Their ministry followed visits with Saints in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda, where Elder Bednar met with Church, government, and interfaith leaders before continuing to Kenya.

Strengthening Faith in Jesus Christ

On the morning of March 22^nd, Nairobi West Stake members gathered for a special stake conference, eager to hear from an apostle of the Lord.  Upon seeing the Saints gathered in the chapel, Elder Munene, Area Seventy, called it a “glorious view” and spoke of the honor and privilege it was to spend time with Elder Bednar. 

Nairobi West Stake President, Peter Ondigo, echoed this sentiment as he remarked, “Elder Bednar, welcome to Nairobi. We love you and we sustain you.”

“I’m delighted to be back in Kenya”, said Elder Bednar

As Elder Bednar addressed the conference, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Kenya and extended a warm welcome to both members of the Church and friends visiting with them.

Presiding over the stake conference, Elder Bednar spoke on strengthening members’ faith in Jesus Christ, helping to deepen their understanding of the restored gospel, and encouraging steadfast participation in temple worship and personal discipleship.

He offered a clear explanation of the name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing belief in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as three separate beings, and teaching that the restored Church today is the same Church established in the New Testament.

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He continued teaching about the Restoration, recounting how the Prophet Joseph Smith sought truth and was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ in the First Vision. He testified that Their appearance marked the beginning of the Restoration of Christ’s original Church in the latter days. He emphasized, “If what I have told you is true, it is the most important message you can ever hear in your life.”

He also discussed doctrines that are unique to the Restored Church by posing two questions: What happens to those who never heard of Jesus Christ in mortality? Do families continue after death?

He answered these questions by explaining that spirits continue to live after physical death, can be taught the gospel, and can receive ordinances through temple work. He also taught that families can be together forever.

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A Call to Deeper Discipleship

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Elder Bednar also warned against spiritual complacency and lovingly cautioned members not to take the Nairobi Kenya Temple for granted simply because it is close. He taught that the house of the Lord is for learning and growth.

Elder Bednar also taught that the gospel is about change and becoming new creatures in Christ.  He said, “Our purpose in mortality is to change and become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

He assured all present of their own personal worth and ability to receive individual revelation.  He testified, “Jesus Christ knows you as an individual… His atonement is for you.”  He urged members to learn, understand, and apply the doctrine for themselves.

Ministering to Missionaries: “Focus on what the Holy Ghost is teaching you, not what is being said.”

Shortly after the stake conference, Elder Bednar presided over a missionary devotional for young and senior missionaries, sharing that “You are here to learn by the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Urging them to “focus on what the Holy Ghost is teaching you, not what is being said.”

He taught that “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a principle of action, trust, and power.” 

Elder Bednar spent the remainder of the meeting in a discussion with the Elders and Sister missionaries, answering questions and emphasizing the importance of learning for themselves, continually pointing them to the scriptures and to the importance of individual revelation. 

Sister Bednar also joined in the discussion, along with other Church leaders present.

Concurrent Ministry in Nairobi East Stake

At the same time as the Nairobi West Stake Conference, Elder Cook presided at the Nairobi East Stake Conference held at Upper Hill Stake Center, followed by a Young Single Adult devotional.

These special conferences marked the conclusion of Elder Bednar and Elder Cook’s ministry in the Africa Central Area.

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