Elder Kearon Welcomes New Filipino Latter-day Saints to the 'Church of Joy'

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon, met with new members of the Church during a New Member Devotional in Quezon City on August 18, 2024.

Elder Kearon, who is in the Philippines for a multi-day ministering visit, was accompanied at the devotional by Elder Chi Hong Wong, First Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, and his wife, Sister Carol Lu Wong.

In his message, Elder Kearon expressed his love for the new Filipino Latter-day Saints and warmly welcomed them into the fold. “We love you, and we are so thankful that all of you are here! However much we try to express love to you, it’s nothing compared with the love that our Father in Heaven and Savior have for you,” the Apostle said.

Elder Kearon also encouraged the new members to let go of unnecessary worries, assuring them that the Church, its leaders, and fellow members will walk alongside them as they journey together as disciples of Christ.

“This is the church of joy; this is the church of new beginnings; this is your church; this is what you will make of it! This is the place where you can feel peace,” Elder Kearon added.

Before concluding his message, Elder Kearon offered a prayer that deeply touched the more than 1,000 Filipino Saints in attendance, leaving many with tears in their eyes.

Grace Ordan, a mother of three from Tandang Sora, Quezon City, attended the devotional with her infant child in her arms. She described feeling “chills” while listening to Elder Kearon’s prayer. “While he was praying, my heart was moved. I felt so happy. I had a feeling that God will take care of my husband and my three children as we continue our membership in this Church,” she said.

Ramil and Regina Olanas, a couple who recently joined the Church, expressed their love for Elder and Sister Kearon. Like most new members in attendance, they shared that this was their first time meeting and shaking hands with an Apostle, and they felt truly blessed to attend the devotional.

“My husband doesn’t understand English much, so I translated for him. We are so happy to hear about the Apostle’s and his wife’s past experiences and how they overcame their challenges. I can’t fully explain our feelings, but we are very happy. We were encouraged to press forward,” Sister Regina said.

“I didn’t understand much, but it was like seeing and hearing from an angel. We are so glad we attended this meeting,” Brother Ramil added.

Alan Tabang, who was born and raised in Palawan before moving to Quezon City, was baptized and confirmed just a week before the New Member Devotional. He said he was eager to attend after hearing that he would have the opportunity to listen to an Apostle speak.

“I am delighted to have come here. Right now, I feel light, as if I don’t have any worries or problems. I’m excited to share the gospel with my family back home in Palawan,” Alan said.

Elder Kearon and Sister Kearon will be in the Philippines for several days on a ministering visit. In addition to meeting Filipino Latter-day Saints in various parts of the country, they will also meet with full-time missionaries, local Church leaders, government officials, and friends of other faiths.