Elder and Sister Stevenson Bring Hope to Saints After Colombia Earthquake

Just two weeks after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit southwest Colombia, an Apostle of Jesus Christ and his wife came to mourn with, comfort and bless the people.

“We want you to know that you’re not alone. Our hearts are with you. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pray for you,” said Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The restored Church of Jesus Christ is here to help you and support you. We will do all we can to bless you in your afflictions.”

He and his wife, Lesa, spoke to hundreds of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cali, Colombia, on Monday, August 24, 2026. Earlier that day, they visited the under-construction Cali Colombia Temple with Elder Juan Pablo Villar, president of the Church’s South America Northwest Area, and his wife, Carola. The neighborhood surrounding the temple site was significantly affected by the earthquake, though the temple itself was unharmed.

Acknowledging their losses of homes, jobs and sense of security, the Apostle encouraged the Saints to let these experiences deepen their compassion for others.

He said, “In moments like this, sometimes we ask the question, ‘Why?’ Sometimes the answer is, ‘We don’t know why.’ We know that in mortality, there are trials and tribulations. We know that these experiences we have in life often lead us to a greater sense of compassion for others, a greater sense of knowledge and understanding, a greater sense of Christlike caring and service.”

He pointed Church members to consider the “beautiful model of Jesus Christ” — especially from verses in the Book of Mormon.

“He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,” and “he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people,” the Apostle said, reading from the book of Alma. And he continued reading about how the Savior does this “that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”

“When any of you feel pain,” Elder Stevenson said, “the Savior Jesus Christ takes that on Him so that He completely understands you.”

Sister Stevenson testified that Jesus Christ understands the burdens they carry and remains close to them in times of trial. Referring to the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites in the land of Bountiful in the Book of Mormon, she said Christ recognized when people were tired, discouraged and weak, and “He gathered them in. He blessed each one of them one by one. He prayed with them, and then He wept with them.”

“He will do the same for you,” Sister Stevenson said.

She reminded members that while the earthquake may have taken homes, possessions or other sources of security, it cannot diminish their eternal worth.

“What it can’t take away from you is your divine identity. You are a son and a daughter of Heavenly Father, and He loves you,” she said. “These things can’t take away your worth. It can’t take away your testimony.”

Elder Stevenson encouraged Colombian members to serve and be served through the blessing of the Church’s ministering program. In every congregation, individuals and families are assigned fellow Church members who regularly offer friendship, spiritual support and practical help in times of need.

“If there is a time for ministering brothers and ministering sisters to be close to their families, now is that time,” he said. “If there’s a time for you to be brave enough to say, ‘I think I need help,’ now is the time to do that.”

Toward the end of the devotional, Elder Stevenson turned his attention to the children, acknowledging that the earthquake may have disrupted their routines, schooling and family circumstances. He then reminded them of what he called the “fruit of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“Jesus Christ knows you. Jesus Christ loves you. Not only does He love you, He knows you. He knows your name. He knows your family circumstances, and He will always be there for you. Jesus will help you,” he said.

Elder Stevenson then invited the Primary children to stand and sing “I Am a Child of God.” During the song, a young boy whose family had been displaced by the earthquake spontaneously ran to the podium, a moment Elder Stevenson later described on social media as a “tender memory.”

The Apostle closed with a special blessing for the people.

“I bless you with peace and comfort,” he said. “I bless your families, and I bless your children, that somehow this affliction, this challenge, will be consecrated for your gain. Somehow, someday, you’ll look back and be able to say, ‘The Lord blessed me in my affliction.’”