LDS in DRC and other news

Julie Beck, president of the LDS women's Relief Society organization - the largest and second oldest women's organization in the world - visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo recently. There are over 20,000 members of the church in the DRC. Though they are more than 2500 miles from the nearest temple, they were encouraged to obtain and maintain a current temple recommend (a formal approval enter the temple). In a short talk, she said:

"I love you sisters and I am so grateful for what you are doing to lift each other and build the kingdom of God on the earth. I know sometimes your lives are difficult, but there is much you can do to improve your lives and to become closer to our Heavenly Father."

In other news, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is opening a new Missionary Training Center in New Zealand, the 15th such training center in the world. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is being inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.