The air in Nairobi on Sunday, May 18th, crackled with spiritual significance as Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stood to dedicate the Nairobi Kenya Temple. This wasn't just another building dedication; it was the consecration of the very first house of the Lord in all of East Africa, a landmark moment for the faithful members of the Church in the region.
Elder Soares, with evident reverence, paid tribute to the profound commitment of the Church members across East Africa. He acknowledged the sacrifices made, the long journeys undertaken, and the years of patient anticipation many had endured to finally receive the sacred blessings of the temple.
"These members in Africa, generally speaking, they embrace the gospel in such a way that they make it the center of their lives," Elder Soares eloquently stated. "Having a temple in Nairobi is a moment of celebration of that covenant confidence they have in the gospel with the Lord, and a celebration of their faith." His words resonated with the deep spiritual hunger and unwavering devotion that characterize the Saints in this part of the world.
Continuing his address, Elder Soares illuminated the divine intent behind bringing temples closer to the people. "The decision to extend temples closer to the people is a sign that God and His Beloved Son want to extend their blessings to all people. Seeing temple ordinances and covenants extended to every person who is worthy is a marvelous blessing." This expansion of sacred spaces underscores a message of inclusivity and a desire to bring divine blessings within closer reach of a global family of faith.
During this hallowed dedication, Elder Soares shared profound insights into the significance of the house of the Lord, encouraging members to embrace key truths. First and foremost, he emphasized the unconditional love of God for all His children. "God has a perfect and infinite love for His children and has inspired our dear Prophet to announce and to build a temple in this part of the world, where so many people from different countries will rejoice together," he declared, painting a picture of unity and divine affection.
Secondly, Elder Soares spoke of the transformative power of temple ordinances and covenants. He explained that as members participate in these sacred rituals and make promises with the Lord, they cultivate a deeper connection with Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This closeness fosters a desire for personal growth, a renewed commitment to discipleship, and a strengthened resolve to walk the covenant path in preparation for the Second Coming of the Savior.
"This house promotes an environment that helps us to have a willing and continuous desire to be better and better," Elder Soares testified. "We feel God’s love for us. We increase in our gratitude for the Savior’s sacrifice for us and [for] what we receive through the ordinances and covenants." He urged those who enter the temple to contemplate their sacred promises and to find joy in the opportunity to receive personal revelation within its holy walls, assuring them that blessings would unfold in "ways they will never imagine."
In a powerful invitation, Elder Soares proclaimed, "In His house, we can listen to the voice of the Lord clearly without any barriers. We can receive insights for our lives. We can receive the instruction to guide our children and families in righteousness. We can all walk together toward Jesus Christ. My message is, welcome to the temple, and enjoy as much as you can inside of the holy house of the Lord." His words were a heartfelt embrace, welcoming the Saints into this newly dedicated sanctuary.
Elder Soares was not alone in this historic event. He was accompanied by his wife, Rosana; Elder Kevin R. Duncan, a General Authority Seventy and the current executive director of the Church’s Temple Department, and his wife, Nancy; and Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, a General Authority Seventy and Africa Central Area President, and his wife, Nathalie. The warmth and joy were palpable, with Elder Mutombo greeting members with heartfelt hugs and radiant smiles as they approached the temple doors.
"It’s a great day — a day of miracles," Elder Mutombo exclaimed. "We have been waiting for this day. Thank you for being here." His words echoed the sentiments of countless members who had longed for this sacred edifice in their midst.
Geoffrey Shikokoti, serving as second counselor in the Mountain View Ward bishopric of the Nairobi Kenya West Stake, shared the profound joy felt by the local Saints. "We are so excited to now have a new temple — and a new chapel," he said. Reflecting on the journey, he added, "What I’ve learned is that the Lord loves us and we should be patient because there are so many blessings waiting for us. God’s timing is always the best, and if we serve our Heavenly Father diligently and do the things He wants us to do, He is going to bless us more." His testimony spoke of faith rewarded and divine love manifested.
The dedicatory session was conducted in English, with the spirit of unity amplified by translations offered in Swahili, French, and Amharic – languages spoken throughout the temple district. This ensured that the sacred proceedings resonated deeply with the diverse congregation gathered.
The newly dedicated Nairobi Kenya Temple will serve as a beacon of faith and a center of spiritual strength for members across a vast expanse of East Africa, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. This momentous occasion marks not just the dedication of a building, but the dawning of a new era of blessings and spiritual growth for countless individuals and families.
