Dedication Blesses Two African Nations Elder Holland Opens Cameroon, Rwanda for Preaching of the Gospel Elder Chiloba Chirwa, here with a family to whom he taught the gospel, reacted with joy to Elder Holland's visit. During a historic sixteen-day tour of Africa, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve dedicated Cameroon and Rwanda for the preaching of the gospel, as reported in the Church News. In so doing, he became the first known Apostle to ever set foot in either nation. "A dedicatory experience for a country is always spiritual," Elder Holland said during an interview with the Church News. "These two were particularly spiritual. Maybe it was because it was Africa. Maybe it was because of 'the last shall be first and the first shall be last,' with some who are getting the gospel later in our dispensation responding with such acceptance and delight. Maybe this is all part of 'an African moment.' " His trip took him to seven countries in all, including Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Elder Paul E. Koelliker of the Seventy and Africa Southeast Area president accompanied Elder Holland during his travels. The experience was particularly profound for the missionaries serving in Cameroon. Elder Chiloba Chirwa reported, "We shook the hand of Elder Holland. I will never forget the experience of today. It was a wonderful privilege to hear him speak and prophesy. He pronounced a blessing upon all the people of this country and I know that everything he said in his dedicatory prayer will be fulfilled. I am still trying to compose myself. What a privilege it was to gaze into those piercing blue eyes and listen to his apostolic voice touch the depths of my heart. What I learned I will never forget, for all that was said today found its emotional place in my soul." Read reactions of missionaries in Cameroon to this monumental dedication, and see a poignant photograph of two elders atop the hill where the nation was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel. Don't Miss the Genesis Newsletter! In the newsletter presidency message, read a thought-provoking message from President Orin A. Howell about what a testimony is and why and how we should share it—including a look at the effects of bearing testimony that may surprise you. Elsewhere in the newsletter, read about what members are doing, catch some savvy updates on what our youth are accomplishing, and see what's on the schedule for the Genesis firesides through the summer!

This is the only authorized, official website for The Genesis Group Join Our Mailing List Email: Genesis meetinghouse: 6710 South 1300 East Salt Lake City Give A Ride, Get A Ride Click here if you need a ride to Genesis meetings or could offer a ride to someone else. Just provide details and click to send! Need the Site Translated? For instructions on how to get the Genesis web site translated into a language other than English, click here or use the link in the left navigation bar. Click here Genesis Group Calendar   Current Events: —September 5, Genesis Fireside, 7 p.m., 6710 S. 1300 E., Salt Lake City; speaker, Christian Moore —October 3, Genesis Fireside, 7 p.m., 6710 S. 1300 E., Salt Lake City; speaker, Maybelline and Marcus Pierre —November 7, Genesis Fireside, 7 p.m., 6710 S. 1300 E., Salt Lake City; speaker, Chris Heimerdinger Children's Books