Elder Quentin L. Cook Invites Thousands of Central American Youth to Follow Jesus Christ

“My young friends, what a privilege it is to be with you and to be able to feel your special spirit!” Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told the emerging generation in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala during a ministry assignment February 17–24, 2024.

More than 3,000 youth ages 11 to 18 participated in devotionals in which Elder Cook shared messages that encouraged them to follow Jesus Christ through the covenant path, make right choices and gain their own testimonies that they are on the right path.

During his visit to the different countries, Elder Cook was accompanied by his wife, Mary, and by each member of the Central America Area Presidency, Elder Taylor G. Godoy and his wife, Carol; Elder Patricio M. Giuffra and his wife, Maria; and Elder Ryan K. Olsen and his wife, Julie, who shared their testimonies with the youth.

Sister Cook said she tries to be like Jesus Christ and knew that every young person can say the same thing with sincerity. “When we are baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred upon us. it is important that we stay close to the Spirit to feel and recognize Him when He tries to help us, comforts us, warns us of dangers and comforts us,” he added.

Elder Cook counseled the youth to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost in making decisions, reminding them, “The Holy Ghost can confirm that you are on the right path or alert you that you are straying. Not all of their parents can give them correct guidance, but always love and respect them.” He exhorted them to ask three questions to make the decision to serve a mission and leave temporal activities for a moment:

1. Is Jesus Christ divine and alive?
2. If Jesus Christ is divine and living, should that be a reason to serve a mission?
3. Is the Book of Mormon the word of God, and is the Prophet Joseph Smith the prophet of the Restoration?

He also invited them to “decide to be part of those who build their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s important to emphasize their own testimony,” he added.

In closing, Elder Cook thanked the youth for participating in the devotional and told them that much of what will happen in the Church in the latter days will be because of their faith and faithfulness in serving the Savior.