What Elder Bednar taught in Austria and Hungary
BUDAPEST, Hungary — As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints look forward to new temples in Hungary and Austria, Elder David A. Bednar shared an important message.
“Let me say this very clearly — it’s not about going to the temple, it’s about having the temple in you. That is Zion, the pure in heart, the covenants and ordinances written on the fleshy tables of our hearts,” said the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
He said that as the Church members prepare to have a temple in their midst, they must not only focus on the building, but also on the covenants and ordinances that connect individuals to the living Christ.
Budapest, Hungary, pictured on Oct. 13, 2022.
Leslie Nilsson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“The living Lord Jesus Christ has authorized the construction of two temples right here, so that you will focus first and foremost on Him through the covenants and ordinances and the promised blessings that will flow into your life.”
Elder Bednar is on a five-country ministry tour in Central Europe. He has met with the Saints in Switzerland and Albania. In Hungary on Thursday, Oct. 13, Elder Bednar acknowledged the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic imposed on the country and on the members of the Church.
“Some who are listening tonight have been away from the Church for some time,” he said. “Come back. It’s time to come back. You need the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we need you.”
Looking over the full pews and seats in the Budapest Hungary Stake center he said, “Every single person here tonight and throughout Hungary, you contribute to the establishment of Zion in Hungary. The temple won’t change that, unless you and I change.”
That message went right into the heart of Anna Nyerges, a young mother who lives in Budapest and who attended the meeting.
“When we go to the temple, we can become closer to Jesus Christ, and we can know Him better,” she said. “It’s not as important where the building is and what it looks like, but the presence of Jesus Christ and how we can strengthen our relationship with Him there.”
