Church and Government Leaders in Utah Host Delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

“I feel that this is the work of God, it is not the work of man. Man could not do such a work as this, it is His hand that I see, it's fantastic!”, said His Excellency Gregoire Mutshail Mutomb, the Minister of Agriculture from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as he wrapped up his three-day visit to sites of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah.

His Excellency, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began his visit attending a concert broadcast of Music and The Spoken Word by the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. He then visited the Churches Conference Center.

Following these visits, he participated in full days of meetings and tours in and around Salt Lake City.

His visit to Utah was to meet Church leaders and members of the State Government to learn about Church programs and other ways in which his country can collaborate to improve the agricultural sector in the DRC, more specifically helping with food security.

He toured the Church's Humanitarian Centre, Welfare Square, and the Bishop’s Storehouse to understand how the Church takes care for the poor and needy.

“What I have seen is about love, I have tears, I could only say thank you to God, and thanks to his only begotten son, Jesus Christ”, he said, “and given that Jesus Christ is no longer here physically on the earth, I want to thank you to President Nelson for continuing His work.”

Meetings were also held with significant and relevant business, non- profit and investor organizations.

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Elder José A. Teixeira, member of the Presidency of the Seventy and General Authority Seventy of the Church, welcomed him to the Syracuse Temple where he was given a private tour during the Temple open house.

Government leaders including Senator Heidi Balderree and Commissioner of Agriculture, Kelly Pehrson, welcomed His Excellency to the State of Utah and discussed opportunities to support the Minister’s agricultural vision for the DRC.

One of the highlights for the delegation’s visit was touring a research farm of the Utah State University, hosted by Vice President for Government and External Affairs, Devin Wiser. The Minister, who is an agronomist, was in his element walking through fields and looking at equipment and innovations. Many opportunities and ideas were exchanged.

“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet the minister, and look forward to more discussions," said Professor Yost of the University, leading the tour.

The DR Congo has over 100,000 members and 300 congregations. The church was recognized officially in 1986. There are 7 missions in the country and 4 temples, one in operation in Kinshasa and three others under construction or announced in Mbuji-Mayi, Kananga and Lubumbashi.