Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife Sister Susan K. Bednar, were welcomed by members of the Church in Cambodia, as well as the local government and NGO leaders, on May 22 and 23, 2018.
For two consecutive days, they spoke to the local Latter-day Saints in four different settings, which included a missionary conference, a training session for stake and ward leaders, a member devotional and a meeting specifically for the female leaders. As always, Elder Bednar was very open to receiving questions from the congregations.
- Bednar holding Book of Mormon
- Elder and Sister Bednar at the podium
- Elder Bednar and Elder Evans
- Bednars greet missionaries
- Missionaries with Elder Bednar
- Elder Bednar with Ministry
- Ministry of Cults and Religion
- Bednar with Relief Society
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- Bednar visits Red Cross
- Bednar with the Red Cross
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
“Building a temple is easy, becoming a people prepared for a temple is difficult,” he responded when a member asked what it would take to have a temple in Cambodia.
Everywhere they went, the Bednars taught the members to receive an increase of spiritual power and faith by keeping the commandments and living the gospel.
When teaching the missionaries, Elder Bednar instructed them to “not take notes,” but to remember what they have learned “by the spirit.”
“Are you ready to work?” asked Elder Bednar. Knowing that missionary work is hard work, he taught them the trial of faith happens thousands of times a day. He said faith is action and power and counseled the missionaries to “be not weary in well doing” but stay consistent in doing small things that will build faith.
Another highlight of the Bednars’ trip to Cambodia was their visits with local government and NGO leaders who were appreciative to the Church for being a great support to their country over the years. At their meeting with the Ministry of Cults and Religions where they met with His Excellency Pholk Phan, Secretary of State, and several members of the Ministry, they discussed opportunities for the Church to partner with the Ministry to serve the people of Cambodia.
They also met with Her Excellency Pum Chantine, the Secretary General of the Cambodia Red Cross, to which the LDS Charities (LDSC) donated rice, wheel chairs, medicine and supplies for distribution among the poor of Cambodia. While discussing the various issues that Cambodia needs help with, they have also explored partnering opportunities in the near future.
Elder and Sister Bednar were filled with love and memories of Cambodia, before they departed to Hyderabad, India for the “For the Strength of Youth” Conference. They were accompanied by Elder David F. Evans, the first counselor of the Asia Area Presidency and his wife, Sister Mary Evans.