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BANGKOK, Thailand — LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson's global ministry tour stopped in Thailand Friday, the sixth stop on his global ministry tour. He visited the property where a temple is planned and spoke to hundreds of Latter-day Saints during a evening devotional.
President Nelson brought a message of hope and peace to Thai members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on his sixth stop of his tour. At a devotional meeting, he praised them for their devotion to their faith and gave them hope.
Bangkok is a bustling city of more than 8 million people, where tradition and culture still hold a significant place.
Though 93 percent of the people of Thailand identify as Buddhist, the LDS Church has enjoyed moderate growth in recent decades in the area: more than 20,000 members now live in the Southeast Asia country.
Joined by his wife, Sister Wendy W. Nelson, along with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and his wife, Sister Patricia Holland, the church leaders gave encouragement to members, along with missionaries who are serving in Thailand, to stay strong in their faith.
"I bless you with love at home, success in your work, and joy in your hearts, as you prepare for the temple of the Lord," President Nelson said Friday.
Earlier in the day, the church leaders visited the Bangkok neighborhood where plans are underway for the first LDS temple in Southeast Asia. The six-story temple will feature a design that reflects the architecture of Thailand.
"My thoughts are almost inexpressible," President Nelson said. "I am so excited to think that these people will have the blessings of a temple right here in Bangkok."
It was an emotional moment for many of these Latter-day Saints to see the man they consider to be a prophet minister to them in person.
President Nelson left for Hong Kong Saturday morning, the next stop on his worldwide tour.
Contributing: Jordan Ormond, Jacob Klopfenstein
