Elder Gilbert and Elder Mutombo Teach and Inspire Young Adults in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Elder Clark G. Gilbert, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Commissioner of the Church Educational System, accompanied by Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the presidency of the Church’s Africa Central Area, traveled to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on January 16, 2024 to strengthen young adults and university students.

Their visits took place on the university campus of the Institute of Religion of Brazzaville and at the Diala Stake Center.

Elder Gilbert and Elder Mutombo encouraged the young adults to remain faithful in their testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and in their spiritual and vocational studies. They spoke to students enrolled in the BYU PathwayConnect, English Connect and Institute of Religion programs and encouraged them to pursue their studies to obtain better employment.

Next, the senior Church leaders held a fireside at the Diata Stake Center for married and unmarried young adults. Elder Mutombo urged the young adults to be exemplary in making the right choices. A good example will enable progress. He strongly endorsed the Institute of Religion, English Connect, and BYU Pathway programs.

Other leaders who accompanied Elder Gilbert and Elder Mutombo included:

• Elder Charden Ndinga, Africa Central Area Seventy
• Chad Webb, General Manager of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion
• Matt Eyring, Provost of Brigham Young University
• JD Griffith, BYU Pathway Department Specialist
• Elie Monga, Director of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion in Central Africa
• Jean Cyr Mayala, president of the Makélékélé Stake
• Gabin Moundzého, president of the Diata Stake
• Bellevie Pafrichel Gayouélé, president of the Brazzaville Stake and coordinator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

The students responded enthusiastically to the messages shared by Elders Gilbert and Mutombo:

According to Ngoteni Paul, a first-time student at the campus: “My feelings were positive, and the message was strong based on the love and principles of Jesus Christ, which helps students develop personally by providing them with opportunities to learn.”

Shékina Marlenne Boumba, English Connect instructor, said “I really liked the presence of the general authorities of the Church. One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing them all moving around as a group, these are the people mainly involved in key campus activities like English Connect and the BYU Pathway program. It is truly a privilege for us instructors and students to see that what we do matters. Campus students want to learn about those authorities who care about what they study. Above all, it is proof of the love of Christ who is there for us and who wants us to succeed.”