People From All Over World Attend 189th Semiannual General Conference
Oct 6, 2019, 5:37 PM | Updated: Oct 7, 2019, 9:19 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – While millions around the world tuned in for The 189th Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sunday, tens of thousands made their way to Temple Square, representing countries from all around the world.
“That was fantastic, phenomenal, I don’t know what else to say,” said Fils Ndonzi, who traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa.
From near and far it was a small sampling of the 16 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints worldwide.
“So we’re actually coming from Farmington, New Mexico,” shared Victor Bautista.
“I’m from Brazil,” said Lily Fernand, who now lives in Florida. “For me, the General Conference is something very special.”
About 80,000 were expected at Temple Square for the four General Conference sessions of the Church on Saturday and Sunday.
“This is the time for Africa, you know the Church is pretty new in some of the countries,” shared Gaylord Puati of The Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Boswell family from Independence, Missouri, drove 18 hours in their RV.
“We have 11 children,” said Joshua Boswell.
“Of course, it’s a cost for us, a significant cost and time and effort to be here but we felt like the sacrifice we make, those sacrifices are reflected in the faith and testimony of our children,” said Margie Boswell.
For some like Sarah Barrueto this was their first visit.
“This is the dream I’ve had since I was 14 years old,” Bustos Barrueto shared. “Today, I was finally able to come with my son. He is now a full-grown man.”
“It was amazing, we cried many times,” Sarah Barrueto said.
Alice from Zambia, in Africa, came with her mom, who is of another faith.
“This was my first time and I thought it was so special,” Alice said.
“It is very beautiful, I like it,” Alice’s mother, Caster Muwowo, shared.
Other members shared their excitement in hearing from Church leaders in person.
“Elder Renlund, he’s my best friend,” said Ndonzi.”We met in the Congo.”
An experience they say was well worth the journey.
“And you know, the next Conference you will see my face here again, and this time I will come with my wife and children to experience the same way I feel,” said Samuel Kabongo who traveled from South Africa.
General Conference is livestreamed in 31 languages and will be accessible for on-demand viewing in 86 languages.
