News Release

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland visits Africa

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, just completed a visit to the African continent.  The calling of an apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “is to be a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world.” 

Elder Holland shared this testimony since his arrival in October, 2012.  On Saturday, 21 October, he conducted a leadership conference at the Bedfordview Church Centre in Johannesburg.  Church priesthood leaders from throughout South Africa’s Gauteng Province gathered for instruction in their callings.

Young single adult members were also blessed by Elder Holland’s humour and straight-forward gospel teaching on that Saturday evening at the Bedfordview Church Centre.

On Sunday, 28 October, members of all ages - including families - attended a large conference in Pretoria where Elder Holland presided.  The numbers in the congregation were expanded by many visitors hoping to see an apostle.

Sunday evening, that same day, youth from seven regions attended a 'Fireside' Meeting in which Elder Holland presented in the Centurion Church Centre.  Elder Holland exemplified the concern of the world leaders of the church for the youth and young single adults in the church.

Following his visit to South Africa, he travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo for similar meetings and then on to the Central African Republic where his visit made history, being the first ever visit by an Apostle to that land.  A special blessing was pronounced on the nation's leaders, the church members and all the people in that country.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was ordained an apostle in 1994.  At the time he was serving as President of Brigham Young University which is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Elder Holland is a master teacher and speaker who always fulfils his calling “to be a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ.”

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.