‘You are loved more than you can imagine,’: LDS Apostle concludes ministry to the Philippines

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (ABC4) — Accompanied by his wife Jennifer, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has returned from a 10-day ministering visit to the Philippines.

“This is possibly the happiest country on earth,” Elder Kearon said about his visit.

Humanitarian work

Humanitarian efforts were a central focus for the church’s newest apostle during his visit to the Philippines. Along with other representatives of the faith, the Kearons lead an official handover of a new water system and electrical facilities to Maa Central Elementary School in Davao City.

According to the church, public schools in the Philippines often struggle with overcrowding. Church representatives say they noticed a need for basic plumbing in the newly constructed school during a visit last year.

The church also donated computers, workstation tables and chairs, fans, and handwashing station to the school.

The Kearons also lead a donation turnover ceremony at Elsie Gaches Village, a residential care center in Muntinlupa City.

“We are grateful for the work that you do in taking care of those people who need help,” Elder Kearon said during the ceremony.

Interfaith relations

On May 27, 2025, Elder Kearon, and his wife Jennifer, hosted an interfaith luncheon in Davao City, the church said in a press release. The luncheon was attended by over 60 religious and Indigenous leaders.

Attendees included Rev. Fr. Pete Lamata of the Davao City Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical Interreligious Dialogue and Sultan Ubpon, chair of Islamic Studies at Ateneo de Davao University. Leaders from other Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Brahma Kumaris and Indigenous groups across Mindanao were also in attendance.

“We’ve really moved from a position, I think, years ago, of thinking about our differences first… to this wonderful time now where we don’t look for our differences,” Elder Kearon said.

A message to young members of the Church

Finally, Elder and Sister Kearon visited nearly 300 missionaries at the Philippines Missionary Training Center.

“You are going to be the message,” Elder Kearon said to the young missionaries. “You look like messengers of joy. So, whenever you do that, you are joyful, you are happy.”

Elder Kearon also emphasized the power of change and invited more than 500 young single adults not to worry about being worthy of love.

“If any of you are feeling that you have made so many mistakes that you’re not loveable, you’re wrong,” the apostle said. “Don’t think that you have done something that is beyond the infinite atoning gift of our beloved Jesus Christ.”