Security concerns and travel restrictions prevented President Russell M. Nelson and Elder D. Todd Christofferson from traveling to Venezuela for a devotional on February 2. But this didn't stop them from delivering a message of hope and comfort to the members there.
Church News reported that President Nelson and Elder Christofferson spoke to the people of Venezuela through a prerecorded message distributed through thumb drives to each stake and district in the country. Both of their messages were in Spanish.
In a time of political and economic strife, President Nelson assured the people of Venezuela they were not forgotten by the Lord.
“When we face challenges and afflictions, we may feel discouraged or perhaps forgotten," President Nelson said. "I assure you that God has not forgotten you. . . . I testify that the Lord knows you. You are engraved upon the palms of the hands of the Son of God. He will not abandon you.”
Although President Nelson could not attend the devotional in Venezuela, he wanted the Saints to know he has aware of them.
“I feel close to you in spite of the distance," said President Nelson, stating, "we have not forgotten you. You are present in our minds, hearts, and prayers. . . . We love you very much.”
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President Nelson also spoke about staying faithful to covenants by sanctifying the Sabbath day, partaking of the sacrament regularly and worthily, and searching the Book of Mormon.
Elder Christofferson addressed the importance of covenants and added his witness of the Lord's love for the Venezuelan people.
“Our covenants bind us to Christ, who said, ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ With Christ we will overcome the world,” Elder Christofferson said. “I bear witness of God’s care and love for you, and that all things will work together for your good as you love and serve Him.”
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