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On November 8, 2023, Elder Ulisses Soares, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, made history by visiting the country of Antigua and Barbuda for the first time. During his stay, he met with members, non-members, and local leaders, strengthening the ties between the Church and the community.
Elder S. Mark Palmer from the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Sister Jackeline Palmer, along with Elder Valeri Cordón and his wife, Sister Glenda Cordón, accompanied Elder Soares on this historic occasion.
Antigua and Barbuda, comprised of the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda, are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, situated between the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as Guadeloupe.
"I feel honored to be the first apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve to visit Antigua and Barbuda. As I shook hands with members, including those less active, I could see in their eyes the love for the Savior. It was deeply moving. I firmly believe they need to feel the Savior's love, connect with Him, and by experiencing the Spirit, they will progress," commented Elder Soares.
Elder S. Mark Palmer added, "I experienced the strength and kindness of the leaders, both in Antigua and Barbuda and in the families of the members. It is a congregation I would like to be a part of, and I eagerly await the opportunity to return."
"Seeing the love for the Lord and His Gospel, as well as the desire to remain faithful to the covenants, is a wonderful feeling I have witnessed here in Antigua and Barbuda," added Sister Jacqueline Palmer.
Donald Giddings, president of the St. John Branch, shared, "Elder Soares' visit has strengthened my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be part of this truth."
During his stay, Elder Soares presided over a devotional for the Caribbean Area on November 8, held at the meetinghouse in St. John, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. This devotional was broadcasted in English and French to the rest of the Lesser Antilles district, as well as the districts of the Barbados Bridgetown, Guyana Georgetown, and Jamaica Kingston missions.
Elder Soares culminated his visit by encouraging all, members and non-members alike, to "come unto Christ," join the Church, and come to know Jesus Christ, our Savior. He pledged to provide support so they can access the temple, receive ordinances, make covenants with the Lord, and walk the path of redemption to return to our Heavenly Father.
"The blessings of the temple are the gift the Lord has for His children in this dispensation. Those who attend will experience an infusion of encouragement and devotion. The Lord will open the heavens for them forever," concluded Elder Soares.