'Bright future' awaits Bolivia, apostle says
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After spending several days meeting with Church members, media and government officials in Bolivia, Elder D. Todd Christofferson concluded that this South American nation enjoys "a bright future" enriched with "great opportunities."
A member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Christofferson visited several cities in Bolivia Feb. 6-12. He was joined on the tour by his wife, Sister Katherine Christofferson, along with South America West Area President Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy and his wife, Sister Shelley Nash.
In the capital city of La Paz, Elder Christofferson sat down with several senior Bolivian leaders, including the nation's second-ranking official, Chancellor David Choquehuanca. Elder Christofferson and Elder Nash also enjoyed an audience with senior military leader Admiral Jose Luis Cabas; health minister Dr. Ramiro Tapia; the vice-minister of social and civil affairs, Sacha Llorenti; and the director of human service, Dr. Roxana Suarez.
In their meetings with government leaders, Elder Christofferson and Elder Nash spoke of the Church's international scope and its policy of political neutrality. They also discussed the Church's humanitarian work in Bolivia, including efforts to combat dengue fever and to advance agricultural development.
Elder Christofferson also reaffirmed the Church's commitment to work with the Bolivian government and provide humanitarian assistance to help meet medical, nutritional and employment needs. In each meeting, Elder Christofferson and Elder Nash presented the government officials with copies of the Book of Mormon.
"I felt that we made great strides in two days," Elder Christofferson told the Church News, "due in significant measure to the prepartory work of the Church's National Public Affairs Director, Enrique Cabezaf, and his team."
The Church leader also appeared on the national television channel Bolivision morning news program "Noticias," where he was interviewed in Spanish by news anchor Guillermo Estrugo, a Church member. During the interview, Elder Christofferson reaffirmed that the Church is a global institution and does not claim any nationality. He also spoke of the some 150,000 Bolivian members and the Church's charitable work in the country.
Elder Christofferson concluded the interview by sharing his testimony.
"Our Heavenly Father lives. He is our actual Father. We are His children and we can receive answers to our prayers. Our Lord Jesus Christ lives. Obedience to His principles and commandments brings goodness to our lives. We can find happiness, peace and confidence despite the tragedies and challenges that may occur.
"I am certain that Bolivia will move forward. God bless Bolivia and its citizens."
While in Bolivia, Elder Christofferson also presided over the Feb. 7-8 reorganization of the Cochabamba Bolivia Los Alamos Stake with Elder Nash and toured the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission. He met with the missionaries, challenging them to meet the qualifications needed to serve the Lord. He also participated in question-and-answer and training sessions with local priesthood leaders in Cochabamba and La Paz. He emphasized the vital role bishops, branch presidents and stake presidents have shepherding the Lord's children.
"We have an impressive leadership corps in Bolivia," he said.
Elder Christofferson also enjoyed a spiritual gathering with a large group of young single adults in Cochabamba. "It was one of the sweetest spiritual experiences I've ever had," he said.
