Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori Higuchi on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Government Palace in Lima.
During the meeting, Elder Stevenson conveyed greetings from the Church’s First Presidency and described the faith’s worldwide mission to help individuals live the gospel of Jesus Christ, care for those in need and strengthen families and communities. He noted that Church members are encouraged to support and sustain their governments, obey the laws of the land and contribute positively to their neighborhoods, schools and civic life.
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Elder Stevenson and President Fujimori also discussed the importance of peacemaking in an increasingly divided world.
“We teach members of our Church to strive to become peacemakers,” the Apostle said. He explained that peacemaking begins in the hearts of individuals and families and extends to neighborhoods and communities.
President Fujimori discussed some of her administration’s priorities for addressing the population’s needs, including preparedness and response efforts related to the potential effects of El Niño on Peruvian families.
In that context, Elder Stevenson shared the Church’s experience in humanitarian aid and emergency response initiatives. Just days earlier, he had ministered to members affected by a devastating earthquake in neighboring Colombia and met with civic leaders to discuss relief and long-term recovery. He and President Fujimori also discussed the Church’s efforts to help improve child nutrition in various parts of Peru, in collaboration with other organizations and the Ministry of Health.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Elder Stevenson presented President Fujimori with a copy of the Book of Mormon and explained that it is another testament of Jesus Christ. Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the Church’s South America Northwest Area Presidency explained that the Book of Mormon contains an account of ancient inhabitants of the Americas and describes Jesus Christ’s personal visit to the American continent following His Resurrection.
Elder Stevenson was accompanied by Elder Villar and Guillermo Estrugo, Area Communication and Publishing Director for the Church.
Also representing the Peruvian government was Marco Antonio Vinelli Ruiz, minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation. He chairs the National Commission for Risk Management of the El Niño Phenomenon.