Elder David A. Bednar Visits the Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, visited Saints in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, accompanied by Sister Susan Bednar, Elder Carl B. Cook, and Sister Lynette Cook. During a series of devotional meetings with missionaries, young single adults, and members, he delivered messages centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, revelation, faith, repentance, and discipleship.

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A Witness of the Divinely Guided Missionary Call

At the Kinshasa Missionary Training Center, Elder Bednar explained in detail the process of how missionary assignments are made. He emphasized that every call is sacred and directed by the Lord through revelation.   

Sharing a rare insight into the process, he stated, “You receive a call to serve from the President of the Church. First and most importantly, a missionary is called to serve. The assignment to labor in a specific place is essential and important but secondary to a call to the work.

He testified that the Lord directs every assignment, adding: “You have been called of God by prophecy.” He explained that inspiration often guides the Apostles not merely toward a place but toward leaders under whom a missionary will best grow: “The Lord wants you to serve with and learn from those leaders.”

Faith: A Principle of Action and Power

In a special devotional with young single adults, Elder Bednar taught that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not passive but requires action and trust. He summarized this principle with three powerful invitations:

• Be good.
• Look unto the Lord in every thought.
• Go forward, you cannot go amiss.

He added a simple pattern of discipleship: “We do not receive the power before we act. We act first, and then the power comes.” Using the Old Testament example of priests stepping into the Jordan before the waters parted, he reminded the youth that miracles follow action.

Repentance: Daily Transformation Through the Savior

Speaking to missionaries and youth alike, Elder Bednar linked repentance to the core purpose of missionary service, becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ. He said that as we rely on the Savior, “[His] strength and His support… will transform you into disciples of Jesus Christ.” Repentance, he taught, is ongoing; a daily reorientation that helps us qualify for and retain the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

He invited listeners to shift from self-focus to Christ-focus, “Your mission is not about you. It is about the Savior. One of the surest paths into that Christ-centered life is consecrated service, the only way we will ever be happy is by losing ourselves in service to God," he said.

This continual turning to the Lord enables us to receive guidance: “You will have God’s help.”

For those who feel inexperienced or alone—new converts, only members in their families, or Saints from small branches—Elder Bednar taught that the Lord still calls, strengthens, and qualifies His servants as they repent and move forward in faith.

Living in Constant Companionship with the Holy Ghost

Elder Bednar emphasized that disciples should learn to live under continuous inspiration, not only in exceptional moments. He reminded the congregation: “Nothing is worth missing the companionship of the Holy Ghost.” Revelation is meant to be the rhythm of a covenant life, “You should not just receive inspiration once in a while, you should live in revelation.” He explained that the ordinances of the gospel (baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament) are “channels through which the blessings and powers of heaven can flow into our lives.”

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Moving Forward with Faith

Elder Bednar concluded his visit with a simple yet profound message that echoed through every meeting, “Be good. Look to the Lord. Go forward. You cannot go amiss.” He testified that the promises of the Lord are sure and that those who walk with faith and repent daily will see His hand shaping and blessing their lives in ways they could never anticipate.

Final Gathering in Kinshasa: A Special Stake Conference in Kimbanseke

On his last day in Kinshasa, Elder Bednar ministered at a special stake conference held in the Kimbanseke Stake, in Kinshasa, DRC. He invited the Saints to act in faith, do what they already know they should do and recognize the blessings God is already placing in their lives.

He also reflected on the remarkable growth of the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Elder Bednar noted that when he first visited Kinshasa, the city had seven stakes. Today, there are eighteen in total. He explained that this growth is evidence of prophecy being fulfilled. “The stone cut out of the mountain without hands is rolling forth," he said. "It is the restored Church of Jesus Christ filling the earth. And it is only beginning here in Kinshasa, in Lubumbashi, and in Kolwezi.”

Elder Bednar then extended a heartfelt invitation to those returning to Church activity, reminding them that priesthood authority, covenants, and ordinances are essential to what their lives can become. “Come back,” he urged. “Exercise your faith. Do what you already know you should do.” To those who have remained steadfast, he offered reassurance and encouragement. “Be not weary in well‑doing. You are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

After bearing his testimony, Elder Bednar invoked a blessing upon the Saints in Kimbanseke Stake and throughout the city, that they may have eyes to see the hand of the Lord, ears to hear His voice, and hearts that remain firm in their devotion to Jesus Christ.

This special conference marked the conclusion of Elder Bednar’s ministry in the Democratic Republic of Congo before continuing his visit across the Africa Central Area.