Elder Mutombo Teaches Young Latter-day Saints in Kinshasa, DR Congo, and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

In mid-January 2024, Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and first counselor in the Africa Central Area Presidency, visited campuses of the Institute of Religion of the Church in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. He also met with members of young adult committees.

Addressing the young adult and student committees, Elder Mutombo said that young people who come to Institute gathering places need four things:

1. Young people need to feel loved rather than to be criticized.
2. They need the feeling of belonging because many are searching for their identity. They are looking for a place where they can feel welcome.
3. Young people need hope, because of the current difficulties in the world many no longer believe in the future. Hope only comes when we have faith in Jesus Christ.
4. They need to be united in Christ.

The Institute gathering places are a blessing to the rising generation who are the future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Several programs and activities are organized by student committees under the supervision of a coordinator. Among other subjects, classes are available in religion, English, self-reliance, dance, and cooking as well as sports activities, dances, movie nights, etc.

On Sunday January 14 Elder Mutombo visited the Kintambo Ward in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo. During his visit, Elder Mutombo attended a young men's class. He invited the youth to read the Book of Mormon. He said, “Dear young friends, I invite you to obtain a new Book of Mormon and read it from beginning to end, noting on each page what the Spirit will teach. I promise you that when you finish reading you will have your own testimony of the Book of Mormon.”