Bicolano Saints Accept Elder Rasband’s Invitation to Build Up the Church

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited and met with hundreds of Latter-day Saints and missionaries from several stakes and districts in Albay, Philippines, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

As part of his ministering visit to the Philippines, Elder Rasband met with eager Latter-day Saints and full-time missionaries in Legazpi City, Albay—the first time an Apostle has visited them in six years.

The Apostle also ministered to Latter-day Saints in Iloilo, Cebu, Urdaneta, and Manila. Additionally, he dedicated the BYU-Pathway Global Education Center in Cebu City, the first facility of its kind in Asia and one of only four in the world.

During a combined missionary and leadership meeting, Elder Rasband taught the importance of fulfilling their missionary purpose, with a focus on baptism. While emphasizing the significance of baptism, he explained that success in missionary service is not solely measured by the number of convert baptisms but also by the good missionaries do and leave behind.

Latter-day Saints who attended both the missionary meeting and the special member devotional came from the Legazpi Stake, Ligao District, and Tabaco District. Elder Rasband was accompanied by Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, and his wife, Sister Cristin Strong, as well as Elder Soquilla, an Area Seventy.

Meanwhile, more than 800 Latter-day Saints gathered at the Legazpi Philippines Stake Center for a member devotional, while over 120 others watched the Apostle speak online. In his message, Elder Rasband emphasized the role of multigenerational families in strengthening the Church.

Citing the experience of his pioneer forebears, he encouraged members to think of those who will follow them when they face challenges or discouragement. "You are your family’s pioneers," he said.

Elder Rasband also invited Latter-day Saints to reflect on why the Lord is building so many temples in the Philippines. He encouraged them to rededicate their lives in preparation for these temples and urged them not to "miss the majesty of this moment." In closing, he left a promised blessing, assuring members that if they continue to keep the commandments, they will “prosper in the land”.

For many in the congregation, the gospel was first embraced by a parent or grandparent.

"Elder Rasband’s message really made me think about my role in the Lord’s work. It’s amazing to know that I am not just watching from the sidelines—I have an important part to play in the gathering of Israel," said Bea Martina Adille, whose extended family now enjoys the blessings of the gospel first accepted by her maternal grandparents.

For others, sharing the gospel has taken a different direction—from children to parents.

"Out of all those I invited to hear Elder Rasband speak, it was my mother who was willing to come with me. I’ve been praying for an experience like this, and we came home feeling peaceful and happy. My mom said she learned a lot. Hopefully, she will want to learn more from the missionaries soon. Elder Rasband taught us not to 'miss the majesty of the moment,' and that was my moment last night," said Juna Magno, who attended the devotional with her mother, who is not a member of the Church.

Attendees sincerely appreciated Elder Rasband’s visit and were moved by his message.

"I don’t usually skip classes, but I knew I had to be here. The Spirit was evident, and members of our branch who attended felt the same way," said Jericho Dilla, a student.

"At first, I felt paralyzed with fear when I was unexpectedly asked to bear my testimony before an Apostle, but I overcame it when I realized that my testimony is a result of the many blessings Heavenly Father has given me and my growing family," said Jacqueline Bellen, a soon-to-be grandmother of three.

"It was an honor to meet Elder Rasband and shake his hand. I know he was sent to Bicol to remind us of God's love and commandments so that we may all prosper here," she added.