Elder Stevenson Visits West African Saints

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles concluded a 10-day ministerial tour of West Africa, delivering messages of identity, discipleship and covenant belonging to Latter-day Saints in multiple nations. Accompanied by his wife, Lesa, and also by Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area, and his wife, Lucie, Elder Stevenson took time to visit with and strengthen members, missionaries and leaders across the region.

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Elder and Sister Stevenson visited five countries during their visit, including Ghana, Benin, Senegal, The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire. Throughout his ministry, Elder Stevenson noted the rapid growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Africa, and he encouraged Saints to build upon the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. Elder Stevenson’s teachings focused on the core doctrines of the Restoration, the role of the Holy Ghost and the responsibilities of leaders and missionaries.

Côte d’Ivoire: A Charge to Youth and Missionaries

In Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, Elder Stevenson addressed a gathering of youth, comparing the spiritual fruits of the gospel to the renowned fruits of the country. He listed these spiritual fruits as “the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Liahona, the Temple,” and asked the youth to consider their effect in their lives.

He taught the youth, “The Holy Ghost is your constant companion who assists and supports you at all times. To keep Him, you must pray and obey. He will protect you and bless you if you do your best.”

In a separate meeting with 181 missionaries, Elder Stevenson emphasized the divinity of their calling.

“You are the full-time representatives of God,” he said. “You will face challenging situations. Know that this is part of God's plan and that the Lord will consecrate your trials for your benefit.” 

He stressed the critical importance of extending invitations. “A lesson without an invitation is a waste of time. It should be accompanied by follow-up and blessings. Bear testimony at the end of the invitation.”

Benin: Foundational Truths and a Blessing

A gathering in Cotonou, Benin, brought together over 3,200 members and friends for a special stake conference, marking only the second visit of an Apostle to the country. Elder Stevenson centered his message on five foundational truths of the restored gospel: that we are children of our Heavenly Father, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s restored Church on earth, that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that President Russell M. Nelson is God’s living prophet today.

He invited members to consider the vision of the tree of life, symbolizing the joy of the gospel, and spoke of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a divine companion. In a profound moment, Elder Stevenson promised those listening that as they devoted their daily efforts to living the Gospel, “they will come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and understand the power of His Atonement.”

Ghana: The Work of Salvation and Exaltation

In Kumasi, Ghana, Elder Stevenson met with 674 leaders from six stakes and five districts. His instruction was focused on the essential, divinely appointed responsibilities that form the core of the Lord’s work. He counseled the gathered leaders on their divinely appointed responsibilities of living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel and uniting families for eternity.

He reminded them that this work is not merely a program but is the essence of their service, encouraging them to focus on these fundamentals to build a strong and resilient community of Saints.

The Gambia: Encouragement for Pioneers

In The Gambia, Elder Stevenson ministered to missionaries, priesthood leaders and members, admonishing them “to guard their testimonies and continue to press on with faith.” He reassured Church members of the Church’s future growth in the country, encouraging the small but faithful gathering to “be proud pioneers.”

Using the scriptures, he provided clear direction for the work and exhorted Church members to love, share and invite others to come unto Christ in more normal and natural ways. This emphasis on simple missionary work provided a template for the members to follow in their daily lives.

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Senegal: Affirmation of a Growing Zion

Elder Stevenson’s visit to Senegal, home to a small but dedicated body of 325 members, served as a powerful affirmation. In a meeting held in a rented hotel conference room, he declared to the Saints, “I found something very special. I found Zion in Senegal.”

He defined Zion not by numbers or buildings, but by the covenant people themselves.

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Throughout his tour, Elder Stevenson’s consistent testimony of Jesus Christ, the reality of living prophets and the divine identity of each member provided a powerful, spiritual uplift to Latter-day Saints across West Africa, strengthening their resolve to deepen their discipleship and contribute to the establishment of Zion in their nations.