On May 25, as Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the dedicatory prayer for the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple, 40-year-old Ivorian Latter-day Saint Sery Kone translated each word into French.
At one point, with his head bowed and eyes closed, Kone became visibly emotional while interpreting. It was one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of his life, he said later.
“It was overwhelming, a great blessing,” Kone said. “The words were so powerful and meaningful because they were expressing what the people of Côte d’Ivoire have been yearning for.”
Having endured a difficult childhood, Kone’s life changed when he met the missionaries, was baptized, served a mission and attended Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He returned to his country because he wanted to make a positive difference in the community and for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Kone is one of many Ivorian Latter-day Saints whose lives have been blessed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knows Abidjan’s new house of the Lord will bring blessings not only to individuals but also to families for generations to come.
Learn more about Sery Kone’s childhood and decision to join the Church at the Church News.
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