LDS Church members in Zimbabwe have long awaited the visit of an Apostle of the Lord in their country. This past weekend, their prayers were answered as Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other General Authorities of the Church began their tour of Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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As "special witnesses" of Jesus Christ, these revered leaders will share God's message of hope with the saints in Zimbabwe. They will be holding various meetings throughout the next few days with priesthood leaders, women, missionaries, young adults and youth.
Elder Quentin L. Cook was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 6, 2007. Called as a General Authority in April 1996, he served in the Second Quorum, the First Quorum, and the Presidency of the Seventy.
Elder Cook was accompanied by Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Seventy and Presiding Bishop, Gary L. Stevenson. Elder Clayton was sustained as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy on March 31, 2001. He assists in supervising the Africa Southeast and Africa West Areas. Bishop Stevenson was called as the Presiding Bishop of the Church in 2012.
The Mormon Church has had a presence in Zimbabwe (formerly known as Southern Rhodesia) since 1930. Currently, there are over 27,000 members, including 60+ congregations, throughout the country. The Church has sponsored numerous Humanitarian projects over the years, including clean water, wheelchair donations, food & food production and neonatal resuscitation training.
Upon arrival in Harare, the leaders & their wives expressed their enjoyment in seeing the beautiful landscape of Africa. They were particularly impressed by the gorgeous lavendar jacaranda trees in full bloom, as well as the shining smiles of the people.
Once their Zimbabwe visit is complete, General Authorities will continue on to Namibia, Zambia, DRC and Cape Town, as well as other African countries, to hold similar meetings in those areas. Members expressed their sincere gratitude, as they prepare to be taught and counselled by these servants of the Lord.