Elder Ronald A. Rasband Shares a Message of Faith with Members and Influential Leaders in Santiago

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Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic — Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a message centered on Jesus Christ, the family, and the importance of standing in holy places during a special conference held at the auditorium of the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in Santiago de los Caballeros.

The conference was part of Elder Rasband’s visit to northern Dominican Republic, which also included meetings with Haitian missionaries and leaders in Dajabón, a Dominican-Haitian border city, during the weekend. The gathering brought together members of the Santiago East, Santiago South, and Santiago North stakes, as well as special guests, opinion leaders, and representatives from various sectors of the region.

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Among the guests in attendance were Judge Arelis Ricourt Gómez, coordinating judge of the Judicial Department of La Vega and presiding judge of the Civil and Commercial Chamber of the Court of Appeals, and Lieutenant Colonel José Luis Collado Guerrero, of the Central Cibao Directorate of the National Police, along with other guests and community representatives.

During his message, Elder Rasband spoke about strengthening faith in Jesus Christ amid the challenges of the present day and invited those in attendance to follow the Lord’s counsel to “stand in holy places, and be not moved.” He explained that homes, meetinghouses, and temples can become places of spiritual strength, peace, and protection.

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Speaking about the temple, he emphasized the promises and covenants Church members make there and invited those who already attend the temple to do so as often as their circumstances allow, while encouraging those who have not yet attended to prepare to enter the House of the Lord. This teaching held particular significance for members in Santiago, where the future construction of a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ has been announced.

The Apostle also testified of Jesus Christ as a source of peace and hope amid difficult circumstances. “I testify to you today that Jesus Christ truly is the King of Kings. He knows no political boundaries. He is the Prince of Peace,” he said.

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In closing, Elder Rasband invited those in attendance to deepen their relationship with the Savior through studying His teachings and serving Him. “The more you know the Savior, the more you will love Him. Study His teachings. Read the Book of Mormon. The more you know Him, the more you will love Him; and the more you love Him, the greater your desire will be to serve Him,” he said.

At the beginning of his remarks, Elder Rasband also shared three messages that summarized his appreciation for Church members and his invitation for them to continue actively participating in the work of the Church: “We love you. We thank you. And we need you.” He encouraged them to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, participate in family history work, and attend the temple.

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During the conference, Elder Rasband also reflected on the meetings he had held with Haitian missionaries and leaders in Dajabón. He spoke about the faith he witnessed among the 114 missionaries of the Haiti Port-au-Prince Mission despite the difficult circumstances they face and reiterated the Church’s love for the members in Haiti.

“I promised them, in the name of the Lord, that they are not forgotten, that they are also loved,” he said as he shared with members in Santiago part of his experience meeting with Haitian leaders.

Elder Rasband was accompanied during his visit by Elder Edward Dube, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy; Elder Valeri V. Cordón, General Authority Seventy and President of the Caribbean Area; and other General and Area leaders, who also participated in meetings with Haitian missionaries and leaders throughout the weekend.

The special conference concluded a series of meetings held during Elder Rasband’s visit to this part of the Caribbean, focused on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ, families, and the service of Church members and leaders.