Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy Visits Africa Central Area

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On April 22, 2026, Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Naume, arrived in Kampala, Uganda, beginning a 12-day, three-nation visit to the Africa Central Area.

Born in Zimbabwe, in Southeast Africa, Elder Dube is the first native-born African to serve as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy.

The Dubes were welcomed to Kampala by Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier, General Authority Seventy and member of the Africa Central Area Presidency, and his wife, Isabelle, who had flown in from Nairobi, Kenya, to greet and accompany the Dubes during their visit. After meeting with and training leaders and missionaries in Kampala, the group continued to Nairobi, where it met with area leaders, including newly called Area Seventies, and toured the Church’s new area office building, currently under construction. 

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Elder and Sister Dube were joined by Elder Paul B. Pieper, General Authority Seventy and member of the Africa Central Area Presidency, and his wife, Lisa, in visiting, teaching and inspiring members, leaders and missionaries throughout the country. 

Their visit to Lubumbashi was marked by deep spiritual moments, focused on uplifting members and strengthening their commitment to Christ. During their stay, several discussion groups were organized, offering members the opportunity to reflect on scriptures and engage in meaningful conversations on essential themes such as:

• Loving, sharing and inviting
• Becoming lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ
• Developing spiritual and temporal self-reliance

In an area where many members face serious economic challenges, the leaders stressed the importance of self-reliance. They invited everyone to develop practical skills, act with diligence, and seek inspired solutions to provide for themselves and their families.

This message deeply resonated with participants, strengthening their determination to act with faith and responsibility. The discussions were accompanied by powerful expressions of faith as participants shared their gratitude for the instruction and inspiration received.

The visit served as a reminder that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a living work that transforms hearts and lives, calling each member to become a true disciple of Christ and to actively contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God. 

Another memorable message was given on May 1, as Elder Dube stood before a group of missionaries at the Kinshasa Missionary Training Center. He began with a simple but powerful affirmation. He said, “You look great,” and then asked, “Do you feel it? This is a great time for you.” 

The message to the missionaries was clear: This season of their lives matters deeply, and every single day in the mission has eternal value. Elder Dube reminded the missionaries that although missionary service is demanding, it is also a time of spiritual renewal. “Every day, draw rest into your heart,” he advised, “rest in your discipleship.”

He encouraged them to recognize missionary service, not merely as work, but as a sacred period of preparation for a lifetime of discipleship afterward. He went on to explain that missionaries are being prepared for more than assignments or locations; they are being shaped for the Kingdom of God. 

Elder Dube shared experiences from his early missionary days, relating to those who might lack confidence or feel they don’t measure up sharing, “I also felt the same way.” He recalled moments of self-doubt and feeling unworthy but said the Lord impressed a powerful truth upon his heart: “You belong.” He assured the missionaries, “You were created in the image of God’s Son. He has a work for you.” 

He emphasized that the work is not accomplished by human strength, but by divine partnership, and promised that as missionaries complete their missions, “Your service will have shaped you for eternity.”

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the final day of Elder Dube’s visit to the Africa Central Area, the Ndjili Stake joyfully welcomed Elder Dube. His message during their stake conference, filled with love and hope, deeply touched the members. His teachings there focused on the family, conflict management and the transforming power of the love of the Savior Jesus Christ.

In his concluding remarks, Elder Dube taught that if individuals desire a more peaceful society, a stronger Church and a better world, this change must begin in their homes. He encouraged parents to teach the gospel by example, helping their children understand the importance of forgiveness, obedience and prayer, and to create homes where the love of Christ is evident each day.