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By Mary Richards, Church News
When Fausta Misago, 15, saw President Russell M. Nelson speak on the screens in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, October 1, she started to cry.
“I felt a strong power that he is a Prophet of God,” she said.
Swahili
Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, visits with Vestina Mukamana and her daughter, Fausta Misago, of Twin Falls, Idaho, after the Sunday afternoon session of general conference in Salt Lake City, on October 1, 2023. Photo by Jon Ryan Jensen, courtesy of Church News.Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company.She was worried she would not be able to hear him speak in October 2023 general conference.
“I prayed that the Prophet would speak to us, and he did. When I saw him speak, I felt so happy. I knew that Heavenly Father answers our prayer. The message he shared was so strong.”
Fausta is originally from Uganda and now lives in Twin Falls, Idaho — which has a large refugee resettlement program.
She is member of the Twin Falls 20th Branch (Swahili), which was formed about two years ago. Other Swahili branches are in Salt Lake City; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Spokane, Washington. Swahili is spoken in more than 14 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
After the Sunday afternoon session, the branch members had the opportunity to meet Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency.
“This is such a privilege for me to be able to meet you and to know of your love of Jesus Christ,” Sister Dennis told the group. “I can feel His love for all of you.”
She told the group — made up of mostly women and young women — that a few months ago, her presidency had the opportunity to be with President Nelson. They asked him what message they should share as they meet with sisters in different parts of the world.
“He said, ‘Tell them that we love them, and that they are very needed, and that they are precious. So that’s the Prophet’s message to you,’” Sister Dennis said.
She bore her testimony of a loving Savior who understands their joys and sadnesses and testified that their identity as a child of God is the most important identity they have.
Twin Falls 20th Branch President Ernso J. Pierre was grateful for the meeting with Sister Dennis. He said the branch travels to general conference in person as often as possible, but this year, he especially wanted to have more women and young women from the branch attend.
Swahili
From left, Twin Falls 20th Branch (Swahili) President Ernso J. Pierre, Brother Jorge Dennis, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Ashlie Pierrre meet in Salt Lake City on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Photo by Jon Ryan Jensen, courtesy of Church News.Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company.“Most won’t speak when their husbands are around. It’s a cultural thing. We wanted them to see that women are in Church leadership as well,” he said. “I thought it would be a good opportunity for them to see that we have sisters as well that can lift us and share testimonies.”
Fausta said when she met Sister Dennis, she saw a light in her eyes.
Swahili
Fausta Misago, right, from the Twin Falls 20th Branch (Swahili), meets Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, after attending general conference in Salt Lake City on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Photo by Jon Ryan Jensen, courtesy of Church News.Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company.“When you come unto Christ, your light shines. I loved hugging her and looking into her eyes and seeing that light of Christ,” Fausta said.
After hearing from Sister Dennis and hearing the messages in general conference, Fausta said, “I’m going to go into the world stronger than ever, ready to serve my Heavenly Father.”
Missionary Work and a New Temple
During the Sunday afternoon session, when a new temple was announced for Mubuji-Mayi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many of the Twin Falls 20th Branch members in the Conference Center and their friends with them started to cry.
Speaking through an interpreter, Alfonsine Jilbert and Julienne Mwenge said they were excited to hear of a new temple for their home country. They look forward to seeing it when they are able to go back and visit.
Their journey lasted several years and through a few other countries before they reached Twin Falls. They attended general conference with their friends in the branch as they learn more about the Church.
The branch is growing quickly through missionary work, said Rebecca Emery, who works with the young women in the branch.
“It’s amazing the missionary work we are seeing. These girls are on fire. We have a lot of visitors to our activities,” she said.
Emery said before general conference, the girls had never experienced being so close to so many Latter-day Saints at one time.
“Sister Dennis said they are loved and needed. I have felt that so many times,” Emery said. “These girls are leaders. They are amazing and absolutely a delight.”
Swahili
Alfonsine Jilbert and Julienne Mwenge from Twin Falls, Idaho, meet Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, after the Sunday afternoon session of general conference, October 1, 2023. Photo by Jon Ryan Jensen, courtesy of Church News.Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company.Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company.