Most-ever LDS gather for meeting in Africa
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The largest gathering of Latter-day Saints and investigators on the African continent was held Feb. 8-9 in a regional conference in Johannesburg.
Attendance at the Sunday general session, held at the Standard Bank Arena, numbered approximately 4,200. (The largest previous LDS gathering was the Africa Area Conference, attended by some 3,450 members, Oct. 23-24, 1978.)President Howard W. Hunter and Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve and their wives addressed the regional conference.
The Africa Area public affairs office reported that President Hunter and Elder Packer inspired Church members to be more faithful and obedient to the Savior's plan of life and to stand firm in the face of trials and difficulties that may come their way. Elders J. Ballard Washburn and Earl C. Tingey of the Africa Area presidency also bore testimony to the truthfulness of the gospel and the blessings that come from obedience to its teachings.
Elder Richard P. Lindsay of the Seventy and president of the Africa Area noted: "The blessings of the gospel are universal, and so is the formula for peace. Keep the commandments of God. War and conflict are the result of wickedness; peace is the product of righteousness."
A multi-racial young adult choir of 140 from three stakes in the Johannesburg area was led by Milja Harper and accompanied by Adrienne Gifford.
At the conclusion of the conference, the area presidency summed up the two-day event: "We believe these conference meetings and the visit at this time of the two senior members of the Twelve will be important to the progress of the Church in South Africa and to the future of this nation."
