Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concluded a ministry to Central Africa with a meeting with the president of Rwanda on 18 March 2026. The meeting with His Excellency President Paul Kagame focused on the growth of the Church in Rwanda, strengthening faith, fostering relationships and supporting national development.
- From-left-to-right-Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-and-His-Excellency-President-Paul-Kagame-at-Urugwiro-Village-,in-Rwanda-on-18-March-2026.
- From-left-to-right-Dr-Usta-Kayitesi,from-the-Ministry-of-Foreign-Affairs-in-Rwanda,-Sister-Susan-Bednar,-Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints,-Rwandan-President-His-Excellency-President-Paul-Kagame,-Elder-Paul-B.-Piper,-First-Counselor-in-the-Africa-Central-Area-Presidency-and-President-Korateng,-Rwanda-Kigali-Mission-at-Urugwiro-Village-,in-Rwanda-on-18-March-2026
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“We had a very positive and productive discussion with President Kagame regarding the work of the Church and the ongoing efforts of reconciliation in Rwanda,” said Elder Bednar. “We are encouraged by the meaningful steps being taken to strengthen the economy and expand opportunities for growth and prosperity among the people.”
Elder Bednar was accompanied on his visit to the area by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar; Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Africa Central Area Presidency, and his wife, Sister Melissa Pieper; and Elder Johnny O. Baddoo of the Seventy.
Honoring Rwanda’s History of Resilience
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Elder Bednar began his three-day ministry in Rwanda with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he reflected on the nation’s journey of resilience, healing and reconciliation.
Speaking to members shortly after his arrival, Elder Bednar shared that this was his second time in Rwanda but his first time visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial. “I had previously studied and learned about the genocide,” he said, “but being in the museum, seeing the images and viewing the recordings, deeply moved me.”
He reflected on the tragic stories of individuals and families who survived unimaginable horrors. “Unspeakable acts were committed—profoundly unjust and deeply unfair,” he said. “What moved me most were the accounts of those who live today, who as children or youth endured these experiences—fleeing to the forest to survive, only to return and discover their families had been killed.” Elder Bednar continued, “I cannot imagine the anguish.”
In that moment of reflection in the museum, a scripture came to his mind. He shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon, in Alma 7:11–12, emphasizing that the Savior went “forth, suffering pains and afflictions” and even took upon Himself “death, that he may loose the bands of death…and he will take upon him their infirmities.” He did all this so that “his bowels [would] be filled with mercy…that he [would] know … how to succor his people.” Elder Bednar explained that succor “means to comfort, strengthen, lift, and bless.”
“How could anyone experience such horrible things and ever be restored or healed?” he asked. His answer was one of hope: “It is possible with the help of Jesus Christ—through His grace, mercy, and blessings that we can be healed.” Reflecting again on his experience at the memorial, he said, “While in the museum, I was saddened to see how people can treat each other so horribly. But I was happy to know that the Great Physician can heal all wounds.”
He reminded the congregation that the impact of the genocide extends beyond those who lived through it. “You may not have been alive at the time of the genocide, or you may not have lived in Rwanda then, but everyone here is impacted by the genocide.”
Pointing to one of Jesus Christ’s sacred titles, Elder Bednar offered a message of assurance and renewal. “One of the names of Jesus Christ is ‘Redeemer.’ It is He who redeems us from death and anguish. He is also the Great Physician, the Great Healer.”
Elder Bednar invited all who listened to find hope in the Redeemer, whose infinite atonement offers comfort, restoration, and peace to a nation that continues to rise with resilience.
Engagement with the Rwanda Governance Board
Elder Bednar also met with Dr. Doris Picard, CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board, discussing the work of the Church, shared interests in strengthening communities, and promoting ethical leadership.
The delegation included Elder and Sister Bednar, Elder and Sister Pieper, Elder Baddoo, the Stirling Foundation, the BYU‑Pathway Worldwide team, area staff and local Church leaders.
Address to the Rwanda Interfaith Council
- Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-and-Sister-Bednar-with-a-delegation-from-the-Rwanda-Interfaith-Council,-in-Rwanda-on-16-March-2026.
- Rwanda-Muslim-Community-(RMC)-Sheikh-Bishokaninkindi-Daud,-Sheikh-Maniriho-Ismael,-Sheikh-Ibrahima-Hategekimana,-Sheikh-Africa-Muhammad,-and-Sheikh-Kubwimana-having-their-iftar-break-during-Elder-David-A.-Bednars-meeting-with-the-Rwanda-Interfaith-Council,-in-Kigali,-Rwanda,-on-16-March-2026.
- Judith-Kazaire,-the-Head-of-Civil-Society-and-Political-Organisations-Department-at-RGB,-during-Elder-David-A.-Bednars-meeting-with-the-Rwanda-Interfaith-Council,-in-Kigali,-Rwanda,-on-16-March-2026.
- Archbishop-Laurent-Mbanada,-Chairman-of-the-Rwanda-Interfaith-Council,-during-Elder-David-A.-Bednars-meeting-with-the-Interreligious-Council-of-Rwanda,-in-Kigali,-Rwanda,-on-16-March-2026.
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On March 16, Elder Bednar addressed the Rwanda Interfaith Council, emphasizing unity, peace, freedom of worship, the importance of families, and service among faith communities.
He gave two examples of when freedom of worship was restricted, but the Church continued to move forward. One occurred in Ghana during the “freeze” in the 1980s. The government closed chapels, seized Church property, and prohibited members of the Church of Jesus Christ from gathering. During those 18 months, members continued to worship in their homes. Elder Bednar invited the Rwanda Kigali Mission President, President Koranteng, who was familiar with that history, and observed, “Because the churches were closed, people decided to live their faith in their hearts, and obviously their homes. And today, when we hear the Church being home-centered and church-supported, that’s all that it is about.”
The second example Elder Bednar shared was the COVID-19 pandemic, when strict restrictions prevented people from gathering. He asked, “How do you sustain a congregation and help individuals and families develop faith when they cannot meet together?” He taught that worship and gospel learning should take place every day, not just on Sundays—individually and in the home—and that the home is the ideal setting to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Meetings with National Government Leaders
- Dr.-Usta-Kayitesi,-from-the-Ministry-of-Foreign-Affairs-in-Rwanda,-greets-Sister-Susan-Bednar-while-Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-watches-on,-in-Kigali,-Rwanda,-on-16-March-2026.
- Dr.-Usta-Kayitesi,-from-the-Ministry-of-Foreign-Affairs-in-Rwanda-greets-Sister-Susan-Bednar-while-Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-watches-on,-in-Kigali,-Rwanda,-on-16-March-2026.
- From-right-to-left-Elder-Paul-B.-Piper,-First-Counselor-in-the-Africa-Central-Area-Presidency,-with-the-Mayor-of-Rwanda-City,-Dueengiyumva-Samuel,-in-Kigali,-Rwanda,-on-17-March-2026.-
- A-delegation-from-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints,-led-by-Elder-Paul-B.-Pieper,-met-with-the-Mayor-of-Rwanda-City,-Dueengiyumva-Samuel,-in-Kigali,-Rwanda,-on-17-March-2026.
- From-left-to-right-Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints,-Sister-Susan-Bednar,-and-Hon.-Joseph-Nsengimana,-Minister-of-Education-in-Rwanda,-on-17-March-2026.
- From-left-to-right-Dr.-Vincent-Biruta,-Minister-of-Interior-in-Rwanda,-and-Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints,-in-Rwanda-on-17-March-2026.
- From-left-to-right-Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints,-the-Mayor-of-Rwanda-City,-Dueengiyumva-Samuel,-Elder-Paul-B.-Piper,-First-Counselor-in-the-Africa-Central-Area-Presidency,-President-Korateng,-Rwanda-Kigali-Mission,-in-Rwanda-on-18-March-2026.
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On March 17, Elder Bednar met with Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Interior; Dueengiyumva Samuel, Mayor of Rwanda City; Dr. Usta Kayitesi, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rwanda; and later with Joseph Nsengimana, Minister of Education; and representatives from BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Discussions explored humanitarian efforts, partnerships, and expanded educational opportunities.
A Covenant Is a Sacred Promise—Ministering to Members and Friends
- Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-speaking-during-the-devotional-at-Camp-Kigali,-in-Rwanda,-on-17-March-2026.
- Members-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-in-Rwanda-attend-the-devotional-at-Camp-Kigali,-in-Rwanda,-on-17-March-2026.
- From-left-to-right-Rwanda-Kigali-District-President-Aphrodis,-President-Korateng,-Rwanda-Kigali-Mission,-Elder-Paul-B.-Piper,-First-Counselor-in-the-Africa-Central-Area-Presidency,-Sister-Pieper,-Sister-Susan-Bednar,--Elder-David-A.-Bednar-of-the-Quorum-of-the-Twelve-Apostles-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints-and-Elder-Johnny-O.-Baddoo,-Area-Seventy,--at-Camp-Kigali,-in-Rwanda-on-17-March-2026.
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Elder Bednar held a devotional at Camp Kigali, where he met with over 900 Church members and friends, encouraging them to trust in the Lord and continue building Zion in their lives, homes, and communities.
Speaking about the Savior’s visit to the Nephites and how He ministered to the people one by one, Elder Bednar remarked, “He knows you individually and by name.”
Elder Bednar also taught about making and keeping sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and staying on the covenant path. “A covenant is a promise, a sacred promise between Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and us. These covenants and ordinances yoke us with and bind us to Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father,” he said. “Living covenant commitments creates a connection with the Lord that is deeply personal and spiritually powerful. As we honor the conditions of sacred covenants and ordinances, we are drawn closer to Them.”
He encouraged all to press forward on the covenant path and reminded missionaries to emphasise that baptism is not the end point—the ultimate goal is to be in the house of the Lord, and to receive all the covenant promises available in the Savior’s gospel.