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On August 26, following a weekend of faith-building visits with young adults in Busan and Saints in Seoul, Elder Ulisses Soares, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met with Mr. Sung Ho Baek, a reporter for the JoongAng Daily newspaper. Accompanying Elder Soares in the meeting were Elder Terrence M. Vinson of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, Asia North Area President, Elder DongChol Beh, Area Seventy.
During the interview held at the JW Marriott Hotel overlooking East Gate in downtown Seoul, Mr. Baek asked searching questions about Elder Soares’s background, his ministry as an Apostle of Jesus Christ and the role the Savior plays in the lives of Heavenly Father’s children. The interview was published in two editions of the Joongang Daily newspaper – online and in print.
Jesus Christ is Hope
From the interview we learned that Elder Soares came from a very humble beginning, born and raised in São Paulo Brazil. The challenges of serving as a young missionary in Brazil helped Elder Soares to appreciate that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings hope to people in despair. Married at an early age and attempting to get started in business, the Soares family had little money. “We couldn’t afford formula [for the baby].” Throughout his life he found that trials and disappointments are a part of Heavenly father’s plan for us. “The Savior’s atonement is not just for resurrection, but also works for our sorrows.” He brings hope, and that hope carries us through our trials and makes us stronger.
Called to Serve
As with all Latter-day Saints, Elder Soares was able to serve in many capacities in the Church. Gaining experience in speaking, leadership and ministering, Elder Soares had built a strong testimony and life of service. At a time when he was ready to retire and live a life of ease, he was called to be an Apostle – a special witness of Jesus Christ. Now he travels throughout the world testifying of Jesus Christ and urging all people to come unto Christ and accept the blessings of the Restored Gospel. “Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world…. We preach Jesus Christ. We teach His principles. We invite people to come unto Him, so He’s over the work that we do around the world….”