Elder Soares Assures Cebu Young Adults: You Were Sent Here for a Reason

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with more than 600 young single adults during a devotional held on May 16, 2026, at the Lapu-Lapu Stake Center in Cebu, Philippines.

During the devotional, Elder Soares taught the young single adults about their divine identity and purpose, saying they were “preserved to come to earth at this time.” “We are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father,” Elder Soares said. “We have a divine identity. We were born with the purpose to become like God.”

Prophets Pray for the Rising Generation

The devotional was held for young single adults from the Cebu East area. Joining Elder Soares during his multi-day visit to the Philippines were his wife, Sister Rosana Soares; Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Sister Shelley Nash; and Philippines Area President Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr. and his counselors, Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong and Elder William K. Jackson.

Elder Soares delivered greetings from President Dallin H. Oaks and his counselors in the First Presidency, assuring the young adults that they are remembered often in the highest councils of the Church.

“The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pray together for members of the Church around the world—especially for you, young adults,” the Apostle shared. “I hope that in moments when you feel discouraged, you will remember that the senior governing body of the Church is praying for you from across the ocean.” 

A Reminder of the Savior’s Embrace

As a native of Brazil, Elder Soares referenced the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, describing the Savior’s outstretched arms as a symbol of His willingness to embrace every person, whoever they are and wherever they stand.

“His arms are extended to all of us,” Elder Soares said. “I hope, sincerely hope, that you can feel his arms embracing you tonight through our comments, through our testimony, and through the Spirit of the Lord.”

Counsel on Obedience and Discipleship

Elder Soares also taught that all of God’s children are invited to draw closer to the Savior through obedience to the commandments, regardless of their personal circumstances.

In answering a question previously submitted to the Area Presidency about same-sex attraction, Elder Soares taught that experiencing same-sex attraction is not, in itself, a sin and does not diminish a person’s worth or standing as a beloved child of Heavenly Father.

He also taught that discipleship includes striving to live the Lord’s commandments, including the law of chastity, regardless of personal feelings or attractions—a principle that applies to everyone, in every circumstance, throughout every season of life.

Young Adults Reflect on the Devotional

Several young single adults who attended the devotional expressed gratitude for the messages shared by Elder Soares and the other speakers, saying the devotional strengthened their faith and gave them greater confidence about the future.

Reuben Clark P. Daclan of the Lapu-Lapu Philippines Stake said the reminder about eternal identity and repentance stayed with him after the devotional.

“Each and every one of us has our own special identity,” Reuben said. “And when we recognize our eternal identity, we can truly be worthy of returning to His presence.”

Britania G. Mendoza of the Consolacion Philippines Stake said she was inspired by the messages shared during the devotional and by the invitation to continue following Jesus Christ.

“Before, I was not very strong in my faith,” she said. “But as I tried to follow Jesus Christ and live His gospel, I felt changes. I am more blessed and more happy.”

Angel Leshamay Alba of the Liloan Philippines Stake said the devotional gave her peace and hope about the future. “This evening gave me peace about my future,” Angel said.

“Better days are ahead," she added.