By Wim van Klinken, member of the Presiding Bishopric

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.

In April I had the opportunity to go to Africa and meet with and teach the leaders of the African Mission Field. Even though I have been to Africa many times for vacation, study, and business prior to my church employment, this was the first time I actually went to Africa in my capacity as a church minister.

I was accompanied by Christie Skoorsmith who leads the Global Services Center, formerly International Services. We had a very intense 10 days of training and participated in the ordination service of five high priests and two bishops.

The training focused on mission center presidents, mission center financial officers, bishops, and other financial officers, to create awareness and equip them with skills so the apostles can eventually be more freed up from administrative tasks.

Last week, I was asked several times what surprised me the most. I was most surprised by the number of young leaders in their twenties and thirties. Young professionals who have good professional jobs and support the church as volunteers. People who serve in places that are more challenging for us to visit, like the Congo D.R.

Some of these young professionals are also entrepreneurs. Several were juggling their time with us and responding to the needs of their primary occupations.

All our meetings were in English and French. But instead of our translator, Ervelyne Bernard, translating all the time, she was more focused on empowering and helping the excellent local translators, again young professionals. We had several young professionals who had excellent IT skills, making sure the internet was set up every day and all the translation equipment worked.

Friends, we have in the church in Africa a next generation that is passionate, dedicated, well versed in the beliefs of the church, and well equipped to lead the church in Africa, and possibly beyond, into the future. This brings me hope.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.