Following the pattern found in the New Testament, Elder Jeffrey R Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), visited the UK in June to meet with faith and government leaders. As a senior world ecclesiastical leader, he also provided counsel and spiritual guidance for members of the Church and the wider community.
His visit to Britain helped bring into focus the role and relevance of Christian churches in the twenty-first century. Modern-day Apostles are witnesses of Jesus Christ and they understand that the Saviour’s message is best amplified in the way in which the Christian community reaches out to people in need of help, regardless of creed or race.
In a devotional meeting for the young adults of the Church, held at Harris Manchester College, Oxford University, Elder Holland spoke of the importance of standing for truth, living Christian principles and remaining true to the faith even when it might seem they are standing alone:
“Just say, ‘I’m here’…and you can count on me.’ In fact, there is that great scriptural refrain starting at least as early as Abraham…, ‘Here am I , send me.’”
While in the United Kingdom, Elder Holland addressed many of the 1700 Mormon missionaries currently giving service throughout the British Isles as Church ambassadors, in a series of meetings in Edinburgh, Birmingham and London.
He commented on the great contributions being made by these young men and women, many of whom are still in their teens and have given up two years or eighteen months to share the Gospel, mostly at their own expense. He took the time to shake each missionary’s hand and share with them a message of love, inspiration and encouragement.