On a rainy afternoon in Lilongwe, Malawi, on February 19, 2025, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bore his testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, emphasizing Their power to bless and guide those who follow Their commandments. Despite the challenging weather, members and friends from the Lilongwe, Malawi Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were undeterred, eagerly gathering for the highly anticipated Member Devotional. Their unwavering joy and dedication were palpable as more than 1,100 Saints arrived to hear the words of an Apostle of the Lord.
Accompanying Elder Renlund were his wife, Sister Ruth L. Renlund; Elder Denelson Silva, General Authority Seventy and First Counselor in the Africa South Area Presidency; and Lusaka Zambia Mission President Ngqabutho Moyo and his wife, Sister Faithful Moyo.
A Message of Love and Sacrifice
Elder Silva spoke profoundly about the love and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the power of His Atoning sacrifice. He invited all to partake of the salvation He offers. “Jesus Christ is the way, the light, and the life,” Elder Silva declared. “He is our Redeemer. He paid the price and gave His own life so we can receive eternal life. He lives, and because He lives, we can believe in a better tomorrow. All trials, afflictions, and pains can be healed because of Him.”
The Growth of the Church in Malawi
Sister Renlund spoke with deep admiration about the remarkable growth of the Church in Malawi. Reflecting on the early days when Elder Renlund served in the Africa South Area Presidency, she noted that when they first arrived, Malawi only had a handful of members. 'Today, we are gathered with a stake of Zion,' she said. 'It is truly a miracle to witness the gathering of Israel as you have come to Jesus Christ and embraced His restored gospel.'
Elder Renlund’s Message of Healing and Hope
Elder Renlund began his message by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to those present, acknowledging their efforts to travel in challenging conditions. He thanked them for their unwavering faith and for being there to hear his words and those of the other speakers.
Speaking of Jesus Christ, Elder Renlund bore a powerful testimony of who he knows Him to be: “He loves to restore what you cannot restore. He loves to heal wounds you cannot heal. He loves to fix what is irreparably broken. He loves to compensate you for any unfairness you have experienced in life. He will consecrate your afflictions to your gain, and He will sanctify even your deepest distress. And He absolutely, absolutely loves to permanently mend even shattered hearts. That is the Christ that I know.”
Elder Renlund expressed his deep love for Malawi and its people, sharing that the country holds a special place in his heart, especially having served in the Africa South Area Presidency for five years. He reflected on a particularly moving experience in 2011 when he and his wife flew with President Russell M. Nelson and his wife to Blantyre, Malawi, where they dedicated the country. Elder Renlund recalled President Nelson, who was around 80 years old at the time, wanting to kneel on the ground and place his hand on the soil, blessing the land. He then conveyed to the members that President Nelson sends his love and greetings.
A Promise for the Future
Elder Renlund reminded the gathering that God has the capacity to help those with a willing heart and mind. “No matter our shortcomings, God will help us rise to the task.” He reaffirmed the promises made by President Nelson, saying, “The blessings that President Nelson pronounced on the land of Malawi are coming to pass. You are laying the foundation of a great work, and those who are willing will see this happen and will be blessed.”
A Blessing of Hope
As the devotional drew to a close, Elder Renlund offered an Apostolic blessing upon the people of Malawi, expressing his deep love and gratitude. Afterward, he personally greeted and shook hands with every member in attendance, thanking them for their faith and commitment.
As the congregation filed out of the conference center, a spirit of joy and renewal filled the room. Each person left with a strengthened testimony of the Savior and a renewed sense of their own capacity to serve.
In 1992, the first missionary couple, Elder James and Sister Diane Griggs, entered Malawi, and three years later, the Church was legally recognized in the country. In 1999, the Sitima Village Branch was organized, with membership quickly growing to around 200. Soon after, a second branch was established in Blantyre, marking continued growth of the Church in Malawi. Today, nearly 6,000 members of the Church reside in Malawi.
