As world leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continued their tour of Africa, over 200 young single adults joined in Marimba Park to receive instruction.
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The combined group of young adults came from throughout the Harare and Marimba Park areas. Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was joined by Elder Carl B. Cook (President of the Africa Southeast Area). Sister Mary Cook and Sister Lynette Cook accompanied their husbands and participated in the meeting.
The invitees in attendance, known as YSA (Young Single Adults) in the LDS Church, comprise men & women 18 to 30 years of age. This lively group began assembling well before the 15:00 hours start time, in obvious anticipation of receiving instruction regarding what they should be focusing on during this critical time in their lives.
Apostle Cook began the meeting as a question and answer forum. However, unlike some of the other sessions throughout the weekend, HE was the one asking the questions. Pres. Cook and his wife, along with special invited guests, President Moyo and his wife (both from Harare), took turns responding.
One of the questions posed by Apostle Cook was, “Today in much of the world there tends to be a feeling that you need to finish school, have a job, and be successful BEFORE you marry. How did you address that?”
Sister Lynette Cook responded, “Have faith and don’t worry; trust in the Lord. All blessings are predicated on the Lord. Keep the law of chastity, so blessings are not compromised.” Her husband added, “Heavenly Father knows you and has all wisdom and all power. He has a special plan for each one of you.” Pres. Cook quoted from LDS scripture (The Book of Mormon), as he shared from the book of Alma 26:37, “…God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in…” Reaction from the audience demonstrated the young people were touched by that statement.
Marriage seemed to be an ongoing theme throughout the meeting, as Pres. Moyo shared, “When you have prayed for and found the one to marry…don’t delay! Put your trust in the Lord.”
In closing remarks, the Apostle blessed the young single adults, referring to them as “remarkable.” He counselled that if they would put character and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ ahead of every consideration, they would have a happy and eternal marriage and their posterity would be blessed through their righteousness.
Meetings with LDS world leaders will continue in Zimbabwe over the weekend, and the group will then continue on to visit several other countries throughout the African continent.