Elder Renlund Encourages Youth in Talisay to Be Diligent in the Study of the Book of Mormon

“Read and Read the Book of Mormon.” This was the invitation of Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during the Bacolod Mission Special Youth Devotional in front of a mass number of youth and leaders from six stakes (dioceses) and a district (smaller stake) under the Bacolod Philippines Mission.

Held at the Talisay Meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 18 May 2019, the event was part of the special visit of the apostle and his wife in the Philippines. Elder Maximo Saavedra of the Area Seventy or traveling minister and Sister Sue Celle Saavedra accompanied them.

In his message to the young audience, Elder Renlund advised them to make an absolute commitment to follow Jesus Christ and His footsteps. “If we choose Him, blessings will come forward,” he said.

He reminded and warned the youth of certain things that might destroy them, such as wordly things, adversities, trials and temptations. 

On the other hand, Sister Ruth L. Renlund emphasized the importance of listening to the counsels and warnings of the prophets.

“We should not wonder about the words of the prophet. By this habit, you can assure that you could achieve your goals,” she said.

“The joy that we dream of doesn’t focus on circumstances but only focuses on how we put Christ in our lives. Christ is the author of our beginnings and the end of our thoughts. Thank Christ through our prayers. Keep covenants with Him and Heavenly Father. Through keeping our covenants, we can prove to him that we can be trusted. Be His disciples. Lastly, put yourselves in a place where you can experience how to be with God,” Sister Renlund encouraged.

Meanwhile, Elder and Sister Saavedra underlined a quote from the last talk of President Russell M. Nelson by saying, “Do Better, Be Better.”

“We must be excellent than ever before. Always think of Jesus Christ, others and yourself. When we bear Christ’s name, others seek Christ on us. To teach the gospel effectively, they must see the gospel on you. When they see it on us, they will try to learn more,” Sister Saavedra stressed.

In his talk, Elder Saavedra invited the youth to be an example to others to come unto Christ. “Each one is very important to Heavenly Father and He can’t afford to lose one. One lost is a generation to be lost. Always remember, we can become like Him,” Elder Saavedra concluded.

Elder and Sister Renlund were in a 10-day visit to the Philippines to meet with the youth members of the Church, full-time missionaries and temple workers. At the conclusion of Elder Renlund’s visit, he made two observations which made him share that the Philippines will play a key role in the future of the gospel in Asia.