The Words of Christ Bring Comfort and Hope to Grieving Families and Friends in Lesotho 

Approximately 3,000 people gathered on the sunny but chilly grounds of Maputsoe Sports Stadium in Maputsoe, Lesotho, on the morning of Saturday, July 19, 2025, to honor and remember the individuals who tragically lost their lives in late June while traveling to a Church Young Women activity.

Speaker after speaker, both those of the Church and those from local and national government, focused on the hope found in Jesus Christ.

“I give my undivided respect to all families who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane. “We pray for those who are affected by this horrible tragedy. We are here to mourn with those that mourn. Our country is at a great loss. It is a painful time.”

Prime Minister Matekane said his prayer is that “the Savior might comfort and be with” those who died. To the Church, he said, “we offer our condolences. We share in your pain and loss.”

Local Chief Makara Nyenye said the community has been stung by this and other recent tragedies.

Download Photo

“We wondered why God would not raise His mighty hand to comfort us, but everything has been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things,” Chief Nyenye said. “I lack words to express how sorry I am, but I’d like to pass my sincere condolences to the families and the students and the teachers of these kids and everyone who is present today. And I say, may the souls of our brothers and sisters rest in eternal peace with our Father in Heaven.”

Modipa Sekhonyana, father of one of the young women who died, expressed gratitude for those who have visited and prayed with him. Though it is hard to feel consolation during such a trying time, he said, “you have been there throughout. We are grateful for the support and the love.”

“Let us find joy in the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Sekhonyana concluded. “Let us raise our eyes on Him. Let us look to Him. Family will come to an end [in this life]. Friends will come to an end. But the Lord remains the same today and forever. May the peace of Christ abide with each one of you today.”

Download Photo

Mampho Makura, a Young Women president of a neighboring branch said she and her sister “burst into tears” and “couldn’t help but cry on top of our lungs” when they first heard about the accident.

Makura said she found solace in a message from Church President Russell M. Nelson that the life and teachings of Jesus Christ always provide answers to our problems.

One story from Christ’s life found special resonance with her: the time Jesus, in unimaginable pain on the cross, looked down at his mother and asked His disciple John to care for her.

“That same compassion that He felt for His mother, He feels for every parent here, and He will succor them,” Makura said. “I believe He is with us, and I know that He lives. And in the words of Job, the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Download Photo

Elder Siyabonga Mkhize, an Area Seventy from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened his message with a heartfelt invitation for all in attendance to “turn to the Lord Jesus Christ during this difficult time and ask Him to comfort our hearts and to soothe the pain that we feel.”Elder Mkhize read Book of Mormon verses that teach that the spirits of all people who die “are taken home to that God who gave them life.” And the righteous are received into a state of happiness. All this is possible, he said, through the Atonement of Christ.

“We say to you, have hope through the Lord Jesus Christ that those that we have lost are in a state of peace and in a state of rest,” Elder Mkhize said. He further comforted the families and said when they reflect upon the memory of their loved ones, may they remember these words of Jesus Christ: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’”

“I testify that Jesus Christ is the giver of peace, and as we leave today, may we bask in that peace.” Elder Mkhize testified.

Download Photo

Additional Resource

Area Presidency Statement: Memorial Held for Victims of Tragic Accident in Lesotho