This week, President Jeffrey R. Holland shared a powerful video from his recent ministry trip to the Dominican Republic. In the clip from a leadership training meeting, President Holland boldly declared his testimony and belief in the Church’s bright future:
“‘Dream dreams, …[and] see visions.’ … To the leaders of this Dominican Republic region, to everybody that’s in on this today, we have to be among that group that ‘[dreams] dreams’ and ‘[sees] visions.’
“Whatever you think the Church is going to be, it’s going to be a lot more than that. It is the one thing that I know for sure is going to succeed.
“I’m not sure about economies. I’m not sure about politics. I’m not sure about businesses. I’m not sure about universities or hospitals. I don’t know what’s going to work and what’s going to fail.
“But I know one thing that’s going to work, and I know one thing that is never, ever, ever going to fail. And it is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.”
President Holland thanked the leaders for “participating in the greatest miracle going forth on this earth, the final dispensation,” encouraging Church members to “dream our way to the finish, all the way to the end.”
The four-day ministry trip was historic in two ways: 1) it was President Holland’s first international trip as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and 2) the multistake conference he presided over was the largest gathering of Latter-day Saints in the history of the Dominican Republic. Elder Ronald A. Rasband also accompanied President Holland on the visit.
Approximately 7,000 people gathered in the Carlos Teo Cruz Boxing Coliseum in Santo Domingo to listen to the Apostles, with over 12,000 people across the nation joining via broadcast. “They’re wonderful, loving, good, sweet people,” President Holland told the Church News. “I got to practice all 10 words of my Spanish—that’s been fun.”
“There Are Still Miracles”
President Holland testified of miracles throughout his comments. Last year, he spent four weeks in and out of consciousness during an intensive care stay, saying that he was “virtually pronounced dead.” He shared his firm belief that the prayers of family, friends, Church members led to his unexpected recovery, allowing him to complete his mission here on Earth.
“I want the young people to know there are still miracles in this Church,” President Holland shared. “The miracle that I represent with the restoration of my life is as real as any miracle in the Old Testament or the New Testament or the Doctrine and Covenants or the Book of Mormon. Miracles still exist.”
Many people around the world have appreciated the chance to hear President Holland’s comments, even if they couldn’t attend the gathering in person. One Instagram user wrote, “The most powerful thing I’ve seen today. Love this and love Pres. Holland!”
Another commented on Facebook, “I stand all amazed at the love of our Heavenly Father. I had stopped dreaming some time ago and it felt horrible. Thank you for reminding me that we are never too old for dreaming.”
Elder Rasband also expressed his appreciation for the message, commenting, “President Holland, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing gathering. The principles you taught us were absolutely heaven-inspired. I will ponder on what I learned this day for years.”
Read more about President Holland’s ministry in the Dominican Republic at Church Newsroom.
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