PHILIPPINES — Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with more than 340 missionaries at the Philippines Missionary Training Center on May 20, 2026. The gathering included full-time missionaries in training, senior missionary couples, and young service missionaries preparing for assignments in the Philippines and abroad.
The visit, part of a two-week ministering tour by Elder Soares, focused on the theological framework of missionary work and the role of the Holy Ghost in the conversion process. Elder Soares, who also held a devotional for over 600 young single adults in Cebu City the previous week, emphasized the necessity of spiritual connection.
“Just as a smartphone cannot function to its full capacity without being connected to a network, we as missionaries cannot truly fulfill our missionary purpose without the constant influence of the Holy Ghost, both during our missionary service and throughout our lives,” Elder Soares said. Referencing Doctrine and Covenants 11:21, he encouraged the attendees to prioritize personal study and prayer, stating, “Seek not to declare my word, but first to obtain my word.”
Elder Nash focused his remarks on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of the gospel message in providing “joy, peace, forgiveness.” He encouraged the missionaries to view their service as a means of helping others connect with these principles.
The event also served as a moment of reflection for the missionaries in attendance. For many, the counsel regarding the Holy Ghost provided a clear directive for their upcoming service. Sister Agra, a missionary from Utah, noted that the devotional reinforced the importance of learning to recognize the Spirit to guide her actions, while Elder Camo of Batangas remarked that the message helped him feel personally connected to his mission responsibilities.
Significance and Context
The visit highlights the Church’s ongoing emphasis on the spiritual development of its missionary force. By focusing on the “quiet but marvelous way” the Spirit communicates, the leaders aimed to provide missionaries with practical tools for engaging with those they teach, suggesting they pause to ask questions such as, “What are you feeling right now?” or “Was this message meaningful to you?”
What May Happen Next
Following the conclusion of this two-week ministering visit, which includes a forthcoming devotional in Quezon City, the missionaries who attended these sessions are likely to integrate these teachings into their daily interactions in the field. Church leadership may continue to monitor the effectiveness of these devotional meetings as a strategy for maintaining missionary morale and focus across the Philippines and international service regions.
