Men on a Mission: My recent assignment to the Europe North Area with Elder Quentin L. Cook left me with deep appreciation for both early and modern missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of the historical areas we visited was the River Ribble, where Elder Cook’s great-great-grandfather, Elder Heber C. Kimball, performed the first baptisms in England in 1837. He was one of nine apostles called to serve in that early British Isles mission. Eventually, over 50,000 converts from that era emigrated to the Salt Lake Valley and became the strength of a growing Church. On our recent visit, we also met with missionaries in front of Royal Albert Hall in London. It was inspiring to be with such a large group of valiant missionaries in such an historic location. We later had opportunities to witness of Jesus Christ at Pembroke College, Oxford University. Those early “men on a mission” paved the way for future elders and sisters to invite God’s children to come unto Christ. Today there are six missions in the British Isles, part of a missionary force of more than 84,000 missionaries worldwide. Walking in the footsteps of those pioneering Apostles reminded me of the call we share with them even today, to be a witness to the name of Christ in all the world.

To those who doubt: Justin and Kenna Valdez moved away from family so they could more easily walk away from their faith. But their eight-year-old son still wanted to be baptized. Sensing a door opening, a wise stake president scheduled us for a ministering visit to their home. Kenna eventually confided that she still had faith in the Savior, and even a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but faced a few triggering issues that held her back. We promised them that as they anchored on the things they believed, the Lord would help with the things they didn’t. Overcoming their concerns was not an issue of resolving every faith question but of helping them recognize the Holy Ghost. As President Dallin H. Oaks recently taught, “You live in a season where the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived.” Justin and Kenna began to make the changes necessary to come back to church. Six months after our visit, Kenna texted me: “Hi Elder Gilbert! We are ready to be sealed as a family.” This is a photo from the day they were sealed at the temple. Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling all of us home.

I recently met with the entire Africa West Area Presidency, which reaffirmed how grateful I am to witness the majesty of this moment of growth in the Church. Elder Kyungu is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Elder Ojediran is from Nigeria, and Elder Morrison is from Ghana. I love these men and am inspired by the impact their leadership is having. In a recent visit, we discussed the growth of the Church in the Africa West Area, the impact BYU–Pathway is having, and the strength of the seminary program in the lives of our youth.

"Because She is a Mother" President Jeffrey R. Holland titled his talk on the subject after these lines attributed to Victor Hugo of a young mother who gave bread to her children, but none to herself. When a young sergeant asked why, his colleague replied with the famous line "because she has a mother." I've watched Christine show the same selfless care through the birth of eight children, late nights, first days of school, journal entries, temple visits and earnest prayers, soccer games, cheer tryouts, and swim meets, phone calls and late night conversations, organizing projects and homework assignments, shouts of joy, tears of empathy and prayers of hope, personalized outreach, messages, and ministering. Mothering has changed for Christine since James first joined our family in October of 1996. Nearly 30 years of mothering. Eight children! Boy, girl, boy, girl, followed by the twins, then two more daughters who are still at home with us! Now a granddaughter! And this week, another granddaughter coming! And through it all she continues to minister, to teach, and to love with patience and spiritual care, because she is a mother!

To those who feel they don’t measure up: A ministering visit took me to the San Antonio Texas Temple, where the missionaries and I met with the Vargas family. Andrea was serving as a Primary president. Luis, though not yet a member, did come to church. The mission president shared with me that Brother Vargas felt like he wasn’t good enough to be baptized. On the steps of the San Antonio Temple, I said, “Brother Vargas, you don’t have to be perfect to be in this Church. You just have to do your best, and Christ will make up the difference.” At the end of the tour, Brother Vargas turned to his wife and said, “Honey, it’s time I join this Church so that I can become a better father and a better husband.” He was baptized a month later, and their beautiful family was eventually sealed in that same temple. Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling all of us home.

Faith Surges at BYU: In my previous calling as Church Commissioner of Education, I was inspired by the efforts of @BYU to realize its mission. I am thrilled to see this report of strengthened faith in Christ among BYU graduates. I am thankful for President Reese, the BYU leadership, students, and faculty who are striving to become the BYU of prophecy and promise foreseen by past and current prophets. deseret.com/education/2026/0…

To those who feel they don’t belong: I’m inspired by the courage of Sister Anglesey, who had left her home and her faith 30 years earlier. She had long known something was missing, but felt overwhelmed to just walk back into church. She eventually mustered the courage to attend a temple open house. As beautiful as the visit was, Tammy later confided, “All I could see was an experience I would never have. No sealing and no [endowment].” Still, prompted by that visit, she dressed for Sunday church, only to park her car and watch others walk into the building. Overcome with anxiety, she simply drove home, changed her clothes, and wept. An inspired bishop sent a note inviting her back to church. I met Tammy on a ministering visit just after her temple endowment. She had been away for 30 years! She spent Sundays sitting alone in a church parking lot. But the Lord brought her home and restored her to His light, love, and joy. Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling all of us home.

How joyful it was this weekend to sustain President Dallin H. Oaks as the Lord’s prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a miraculous season in the Church of Jesus Christ. Christine and I are grateful for the new responsibility I have received. I will do all I can to witness to the name of Christ in all the world. Thank you for your sustaining vote of me as a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Let us all strive together to emulate the Savior as we love God’s children and invite them to follow Jesus Christ.

The Savior loves all of us and is tenderly calling for you and for me to “Come home.” Feeling we don’t belong, struggling with doubts, or being limited by traditions are just a few of the reasons we don’t immediately find our way home. But even as societal pressures pull people away from faith, life’s deeper questions don’t go away. Only Jesus Christ can fully restore that light and joy into your life. We all struggle and need patience, service, and love from each other. To those who are trying to help, hold on to truth and keep your covenants. To those who are struggling, know you are loved and the Savior is calling you home. I witness that Christ is our Redeemer. When we fall short, He repairs the breaches in our lives. The Savior loves all of us and is tenderly calling for you and for me to come home. Come home. #GeneralConference

He is Risen: President Jeffrey R. Holland once called those words the three most hopeful words in scripture. I had an early witness of the Savior’s resurrection from my grandpa, Gordon Carlson, who had been a life mentor to me. While serving on my mission he recorded his testimony of the resurrection of the Savior on an Easter Sunday. By the time I received the recording, Grandpa had passed away. We now have a digital copy of that recording storied in @FamilySearch for generations to come. It serves as a reminder not only that we will see Grandpa again—but that he had a testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we prepare for Easter this year, may all of us remember that because of the love of the Savior, we will see our loved ones again. #GreaterLove

Seeking the Divine and choosing to live faith-focused lives can provide deep purpose and meaning for young adults navigating a time of social and moral uncertainty.  I was grateful to speak this week at Harvard University and to reflect on the important role faith-based universities play—not only in helping young adults succeed academically, but also in preparing them to become principled contributors to society.  There is a painful irony in our time: the most digitally connected generation in history is also among the most socially isolated. Even as some young people turn away from religion, they continue to long for meaning and purpose in their lives. As believers, we can help create bridges back to faith—reawakening spiritual meaning, deepening a sense of purpose, and fostering Christ-centered belonging.  I admire those who encourage faith and moral formation in young people, and I am grateful for friends of other faith traditions who are committed to these same principles. It was a blessing to engage with so many of these remarkable friends this week.  thechurchnews.com/leaders/20…

Called to Serve: One of my new assignments is to serve on the Missionary Executive Committee. It has been inspiring to see the work of the Lord hastening across the entire world. This week as part of a series of leadership meetings in United States West Area, I accompanied Elder Gary E. Stevenson and Elder Peter M. Johnson on a mission conference in the Washington Kennewick Mission. I was inspired as we met each one of the missionaries and felt that their commitment to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As a young graduate student in Boston, I was assigned to work with inner-city youth in a Church congregation in downtown Boston. During that time, I met a group of young men who would quietly, profoundly change my life forever. I came to realize that the more I tried to serve them, the more they blessed me in return. Earlier this week, we were thrilled to sit down to dinner with each of these men—now grown—and their wives. My heart was full as I listened to their stories and witnessed their faith in Jesus Christ. Each has served a mission, been married in the temple, and is now raising a beautiful young family. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ has a way of placing people in our lives who shape us forever. I am deeply grateful for the examples, friendship, and enduring faith of these remarkable men.

Today I’m sharing a sacred moment where I observed President Holland studying the names of the Savior. Every one of us has been invited to come unto Jesus Christ. Each of us has the opportunity to develop a relationship with Him. Turn to Him in your struggles and He will make more out of you than you could ever do on your own.

On the week of my call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one of my former inner-city youth reached out to Christine to recognize her impact on what had happened. Today is her birthday, and I want to acknowledge all the times she has nudged me to be a better husband, a kinder father, and a more committed disciple.

Today is a well-timed opportunity to express my love for my wife Christine as I begin my service in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. I was thrilled to have her with me yesterday as we shared thoughts with media about this new phase for us.