Elder Christofferson, Elder Jensen Teach Members in Argentina

On Saturday, November 12, 2011, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy addressed youth, young adults, priesthood leaders, missionaries, and members in Salta, Argentina.

Also present were Elder Mervyn B. Arnold, President of the South America South Area; his wife, Devonna; and Elder Ruben Spitale, Area Seventy. Elder Christofferson’s wife, Kathy, and Elder Jensen’s wife, Lona, also attended.

Nearly 1,300 youth and parents attended the fireside where both Elder Christofferson and Elder Jensen spoke. Another 10,000 members in 70 stake centers throughout Argentina watched by broadcast.

Elder Jensen, who previously served as the South America South Area President, said, “If you do not remember anything I said, I would like you to remember a phrase from a prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, whom I testify is a true prophet of God. This is the phrase: ‘Decisions determine destiny.’”

We have agency—the ability and privilege to make decisions—Elder Jensen said, and with those decisions we choose our destinies.

He told the story of a friend who chose one night to drink and drive and caused an accident that killed two people. He contrasted it with the story of his and his wife’s choice to postpone marriage so he could serve a mission as a young man.

“Upon [my return] we married in the temple. We made covenants, which we have renewed every week during all our lives. We made a decision that has determined our destiny,” he said.

Sister Christofferson followed, sharing her testimony about the blessings of keeping covenants, and Elder Christofferson concluded the meeting.

“The only thing you really need is love and faith,” Elder Christofferson said. “It is the faith that helps us in our marriage, family, profession, [and] employment.”

He emphasized that the commandments give direction to our lives and help us obtain what is really important.

He then counseled both the youth and their parents to make a commitment to follow the counsel found in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet.

“This will greatly strengthen your children, even when they find themselves alone—knowing that their parents abide by these same principles,” he said.

Elder Christofferson concluded with an expression of love to the members in Argentina, where he served a mission nearly five decades ago.

While in Salta, Elder Christofferson and Elder Jensen also met with local missionaries and young single adults, to whom they extended the love of the Brethren.