In a special worldwide broadcast on Sunday, October 27, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged youth to boldly share the light of Jesus Christ. He reminded them to stand firm in truth with both gentleness and strength. This event, prerecorded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, introduced the 2024 youth theme, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ,” inspired by 3 Nephi 5:13 in the Book of Mormon.
The Setting: Christ the Redeemer
Elder Soares delivered his message at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Addressing a small gathering of local youth, he spoke of the statue as a powerful symbol of Christ’s unending love and redemptive power. The statue, which overlooks Rio with outstretched arms, serves as an invitation to all to come unto Christ and partake in His love.
“This grand monument reminds us that the message of Jesus Christ and His gospel isn’t something hidden,” Elder Soares said. “Like this statue, the gospel is meant to stand on a hill, visible for all to see.”
The Call to Shine Christ’s Light
Drawing from 3 Nephi 18:24, where Jesus instructed the Nephites to “hold up your light that it may shine unto the world,” Elder Soares encouraged the youth to openly share their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
“Jesus Christ has made wonderful promises to those who stand as His witnesses,” Elder Soares shared, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 84:88: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”
He reassured the youth that they would not be alone in sharing their testimonies, as Christ promises to accompany them. “Share your beliefs without fear,” he urged. “Whether it’s through social media, a simple conversation, or any other chance you have, stand as a witness of Christ.”
To highlight this call, Elder Soares invited two youth, Max and Laura, to share why it’s sometimes hard to talk about their faith. Max admitted that fear of others’ opinions can make it challenging. However, he noted that sharing the gospel brings a sense of fullness and joy. Laura echoed his sentiment, emphasizing that Jesus wants His followers to spread the light they have received, as it could inspire and comfort others.
Elder Soares clarified that standing for Christ does not involve judging others; it’s about viewing everyone as God does—with infinite value. “It means extending love and compassion and inviting others to experience the peace that Christ offers,” he affirmed.
A Lesson in Light and Darkness from Hill Cumorah
The broadcast also featured messages from Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and Young Men General President Steven J. Lund. They recorded their segments from the Hill Cumorah in Manchester, New York, during a solar eclipse on April 8 of this year.
As the sun was gradually obscured by the moon, the group observed how the darkness deepened, but a faint ring of light remained on the horizon. President Lund noted, “Even in our darkest moments, Heavenly Father’s light reaches us if we have the eyes to see it.”
One young participant commented, “The light always returns,” while another expressed sadness that some people live without even realizing light exists. President Lund then reminded them that the gospel’s Restoration is a light that guides and brings purpose. “This is why we need you on missions and why we need you now to be a light for others,” he said.
President Freeman urged the youth to remember Christ’s declaration, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), reminding them that His presence illuminates even the darkest times. “When we believe that, the light we share is His,” she stated.
The Restoration: A Journey from Darkness to Light
Connecting the experience of the eclipse with the spiritual darkness that preceded the Restoration, Presidents Freeman and Lund reflected on Joseph Smith’s mission and the gradual revelation of truth. President Freeman shared, “We are grateful to remember that here, a young Joseph met Moroni and began discovering his purpose, a journey from darkness to light, just as we all do.”
The leaders expressed that embracing discipleship brings profound blessings, including joy and hope for a better world. They encouraged local youth groups to reflect on the past year, discussing what they’ve learned from Christ and sharing those insights with one another.
Elder Soares inspira a la juventud mundial a compartir la luz de Cristo con confianza
En una transmisión especial mundial el domingo 27 de octubre, el élder Ulisses Soares, del Cuórum de los Doce Apóstoles, animó a los jóvenes a compartir la luz de Jesucristo con valentía. Les recordó que se mantengan firmes en la verdad con gentileza y fuerza. Este evento, grabado previamente por La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días, presentó el tema de la juventud de 2024: “Soy discípulo de Jesucristo”, inspirado en 3 Nefi 5:13 en el Libro de Mormón.
El Escenario: Cristo Redentor
El élder Soares transmitió su mensaje desde la base de la estatua del Cristo Redentor en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Dirigiéndose a un pequeño grupo de jóvenes locales, habló de la estatua como un símbolo poderoso del amor eterno de Cristo y de su poder redentor. La estatua, que contempla Río con los brazos abiertos, sirve como una invitación para que todos se acerquen a Cristo y participen de su amor.
“Este gran monumento nos recuerda que el mensaje de Jesucristo y Su evangelio no está destinado a ser escondido,” dijo el élder Soares. “Al igual que esta estatua, el evangelio está destinado a estar en una colina, visible para todos.”
Élder Soares Inspira Jovens ao Redor do Mundo a Compartilhar a Luz de Cristo com Confiança
Em uma transmissão mundial especial no domingo, 27 de outubro, o Élder Ulisses Soares, do Quórum dos Doze Apóstolos, incentivou os jovens a compartilhar a luz de Jesus Cristo com coragem. Ele os lembrou de manterem-se firmes na verdade com gentileza e força. Esse evento, gravado previamente pela Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos Dias, apresentou o tema juvenil de 2024: “Sou discípulo de Jesus Cristo”, inspirado em 3 Néfi 5:13 no Livro de Mórmon.
O Cenário: Cristo Redentor
Élder Soares transmitiu sua mensagem aos pés da estátua do Cristo Redentor no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Falando a um pequeno grupo de jovens locais, ele descreveu a estátua como um símbolo poderoso do amor eterno e do poder redentor de Cristo. A estátua, que contempla o Rio de braços abertos, é um convite para que todos venham a Cristo e participem de Seu amor.
“Este grande monumento nos lembra que a mensagem de Jesus Cristo e Seu evangelho não deve ser escondida,” afirmou Élder Soares. “Assim como essa estátua, o evangelho deve estar em um monte, visível a todos.”