Area Plan Objective # 1: Increase Faith in Jesus Christ

Elder Ifanomezana Rasolondraibe, Area Seventy

'The magic touch of the Master, demonstrating His infinite love and unfolding His immeasurable redeeming power, figuratively mending each area of breakage of my heart, mind, and soul with His “golden lacquer of love” and resulting in my becoming a far more valuable “piece of pottery” — the very scars of which having come from that “experience, and [being] for [my] good.'

How Just One Day Leads to a Lifetime of Joy

Elder Joni L. Koch, Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

'If both of us that day had not followed the promptings to go to Church — regardless of our particular situations that day — we possibly wouldn’t ever have met.'

Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ — A True Path to Peace

Elder Elie K. Monga, Area Seventy

'On our earthly journey, we all face very challenging, distressing and overwhelming times. How we look at these events and the way we turn to Heavenly Father, His plan, and the teachings we receive from our prophets determine how we are preparing ourselves and progressing to return to our heavenly home.'

Increasing Faith through Studying the Book of Mormon

Elder Walter Chatora, Area Seventy

'We need to know for ourselves that the Book of Mormon is true and develop a personal testimony.'

A Friend for All Seasons

Elder Joni L. Koch, Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

'We all – at some point – will come to understand that we can count only on a handful of people, but ultimately, exclusively on our older Brother, Jesus Christ – for He is the only friend who can free us from the pains caused by our greatest fears: Death and the separation of our loved ones.'

Developing Spiritually

Elder Khumbulani D. Mdletshe, Area Seventy

'Developing spiritual should be a lifetime quest for all of us who striving to have to constant meaningful relationship with our Heavenly Father.'

What Is in a Name?

Elder S. Mark Palmer, President, Africa Southeast Area

'The next time you are asked what church you belong to, pause and think of the name you have taken upon yourself, then with a smile, testify of Him by boldly declaring, 'I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'.'

Including the Savior in Our New Year's Resolutions

Elder Joni L. Koch, Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

“In order to have the Atonement of Jesus Christ be effective in our lives, we must be willing to act, and that should reflect in our objectives for the year.“

The True Spirit of Christmas

President Andre C. Bester, President, South Africa Missionary Training Centre

'As a family we felt we needed much more of a focus on the Saviour and started a tradition of having a special Family Home Evening on Christmas day – inviting the extended family into our home.'

QUORUM OF THE TWELVE 2018 OFFICIAL PORTRAIT

Living Prophets and Apostles

Elder S. Mark Palmer, President, Africa Southeast Area

'How blessed we are to live in a day when prophets and apostles not only walk the earth but speak to us the words of the Lord that we may receive Him as we receive His servants.'

General Conference: A Unique Phenomenon

Elder Eustache Ilunga, Area Seventy

'My personal experience with general conference is not just listening to the words, but also feeling what the Spirit of the Lord would want me to learn.'

On the Covenant Pathway

Elder Joseph W. Sitati, First Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

''Each gate is a symbolic entry point for the associated covenant and marks the progress we have made on our spiritual journey. The sacrament provides the opportunity for us to “return” to each gate every week by renewing our covenants.''

Increase Faith (and Testimony) through Family History and Temple Work

Elder Joni L. Koch, Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

“Every time we engage ourselves in family history and temple work we nourish the seed of the gospel in our hearts.”

A Process of Removing Scratches

Elder Jacques A. Van Reenen, Area Seventy

“We see miracles happen in our lives, we see the reflection of the Master's image in our countenance, and we experience the calmness that can come only from the atoning sacrifice of the Master polisher of souls.”

Spiritual Rebirth

Elder Joni L. Koch, Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

« The good news is that because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we can be born again and again. »

Easter

Elder Christophe Kawaya, Area Seventy

'Easter is the annual reminder that through the Lord’s Atonement and Resurrection, we can be redeemed from spiritual bondage. It’s an absolute truth.'

“For I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ”

Elder Joni L. Koch, Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

'All of us are invited to serve, love and minister by sharing the gospel – and we should courageously correct and clarify misunderstandings about the restored gospel and the Church.'

Tune into the Spirit

Elder Duane D. Bell, Area Seventy

'There is one “…true God, and Jesus Christ…” whose doctrine, when followed with full purpose of heart, will give us peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come.'

Following the Prophet Increases Faith

Elder Khumbulani D. Mdletshe, Area Seventy

To believe in a living prophet helps us to establish the gospel in our hearts on a sure foundation. That knowledge is developed through faith and hard work.

Faith, a Principle of Action and Power

Elder Dunstan G. B. T. Chadambuka, Area Seventy

'It took us exactly eight days from the day we met the missionary couple to the day we were baptized.'

He Will Never Forget Me

Elder Tasara Makasi, Area Seventy (2014-2018)

'She then paraphrased Isaiah 49:16, saying, “I know that He loves me and will never forget me because He has written my name in the palms of His hands.'

Humility, Faith and Repentance

Elder Joseph W. Sitati, First Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

'Each of us can choose to be humble. It is completely within our personal control. With humility comes the opportunity to learn truth, repent and grow in faith.'

A Vision for Africa

Elder S. Mark Palmer, President, Africa Southeast Area

'The true strength of the Church is not found in the beauty of its meetinghouses, the size of its congregations, or the number of wards and stakes, but in the faith and testimonies of individual members, seeking to make and honor sacred covenants—as they love, serve and minister to one another.'

Jesus Christ, Our Sure Hope in Eternal Life

Elder Joseph W. Sitati, First Counselor in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency

'At this time of Easter, we celebrate the reality of the hope that we have in the abundant life that is available to us because of Jesus Christ.'

Come, Let Us Adore Him!” — All Year Long

Elder Joni L. Koch, Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area Presidency

'I have realized that it is possible to maintain the feelings of Christmas throughout the year and experience a rebirth of that joy constantly.'

“How Did He Do That?”

Elder S. Mark Palmer, President, Africa Southeast Area

'My personal spiritual experiences have affirmed to me the divine nature of the calling held by those we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators. Time and time again I have watched as they are clearly moved on by the power of the Spirit of the Lord.'

Christmas, A Time of Peace

Elder Eustache Ilunga, Area Seventy

'Like my grandmother and I did years ago, we can prepare our hearts and decorate them with positive feelings that come from obedience and repentance — so that we can fully receive the spirit of the Savior.'