Elder Stevenson Finds Unity in Uruguay

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has begun a 10-day ministry in South America. His first stop included several outreach opportunities in Montevideo, Uruguay, June 7–9, 2025. He is traveling with his wife, Lesa.

Elder Stevenson continued the Church’s recent interfaith outreach with the Catholic Church (at the Vatican and in the Philippines) by meeting with Cardinal Daniel Sturla, a participant in the conclave that elected His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

“It was really nice to be able to share with him family values that are so deeply important to us and to visit with each other about that and to offer to him my witness of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world,” said Elder Stevenson.

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On the humanitarian front, Elder Stevenson met on June 9 with the directors of Hospital Pasteur in Montevideo and several providers who can now offer better care for God’s children thanks to equipment the Church donated in March and June of this year.

Eugenio Faraldo, deputy director of Hospital Pastuer, spoke of the importance of help from the Church.

“Empathy and what you offer are very important, because often there are no solutions for everything,” Faraldo said. “But offering a helping hand, showing kindness, listening to people — that’s sometimes more meaningful than overcoming a diagnosis. And this donation can help us do that.”

“The fact that we have organizations like the Church collaborating with us is something we are deeply grateful for and consider essential,” added Dr. Natalia Silva, the hospital director.

Continuing the focus on providing comprehensive care and comfort for God’s children, Elder and Sister Stevenson also enjoyed time with a group of women who knit blankets for children in palliative care. This area of health care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illness by addressing physical, emotional, social or spiritual needs.

Gabriella Vega organized the group after her own grandson needed palliative care.

“The first question I asked the sisters was, ‘Are you prepared to knit blankets for children that perhaps only live one day?’” Vega said. “And they said, ‘Yes.’”

The women have now made over 500 blankets. 

Elder Stevenson also engaged in government outreach. He visited with Uruguay Vice President Carolina Cosse at the legislative building in Montevideo. The Apostle shared many details with her about the Church of Jesus Christ and its members in Uruguay.

“We had a warm conversation,” Elder Stevenson said. “We shared with her that there are 130 congregations or wards located in Uruguay and that members feel a responsibility to love the Lord and to love their neighbors.”

Throughout their time in Uruguay, Elder and Sister Stevenson ministered to Latter-day Saints both young and old and greatly appreciated their warmth and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“The members’ hearts are filled with love. The Church is well established here. We found that these people are of one heart and one mind. We certainly are in Zion here in Uruguay with these beautiful people,” said Elder Stevenson. “Perhaps the highlight that we had was a special devotional for Primary-age children to attend a meeting with their parents. You’ve never seen faces that were so bright, countenances that were so warm, and such an enthusiasm for the gospel.

“That probably is something that I will take home with me,” the Apostle concluded. “I will never forget the beautiful faces of young Primary children in Uruguay.”

Elder Stevenson will also visit Argentina and Chile during his stay in South America. On Sunday, June 15, he will dedicate the Antofagasta Chile Temple.