Elder Gong Visits Historic Church Communities in Northern Mexico 

Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a senior leader from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited several historical communities in northern Mexico on February 12, 2025: Casas Grandes, Colonia Dublán and Colonia Juárez. These areas were originally settled by members of the Church who moved from the United States in the late 1800s.

“Today is a historic day,” said Elder Gong as he began his speech to a full room. “We gather today with the descendants of the pioneers and with each of you here in the Colonia Juárez Stake. It has been some time since a member of the Twelve has been here.”

In the mid-1990s, President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), visited this area. He was inspired to build a new type of temple to make it easier for more people to access the blessings of the Lord’s house. In 1999, President Hinckley dedicated the Colonia Juárez Temple, the second temple built in Mexico.

During his visit, Elder Gong acknowledged the significant contributions of these communities to the growth of the Church in Mexico and worldwide. The first regional organization of the Church in Mexico was established here. “From here, missionaries and other leaders have blessed the Church and the world,” Elder Gong said.

Elder Gong was accompanied by his wife, Sister Susan Gong, Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Shelley, and members of the Mexico Area Presidency with their wives. Many other leaders, current and former from the Colonies, were also present.  

Connecting With Heaven: Devotional With Students of the Juárez Academy 

When the Church members founded these colonies over 100 years ago, they aimed to create economically sustainable communities and focused on culture and education. The Juárez Stake Academy was established to provide education to children and youth.

Today, the Juárez Academy is the only school operated by the Church in Mexico. It offers high school education to hundreds of students. With over 120 years of history, it is the oldest private educational institution in northwest Chihuahua.

During a devotional at the Juárez Academy, Elder Gong used several scriptures to teach the youth important concepts for their academic and spiritual growth. He referred to a pin from the academy that he received as a gift, which has the scriptural inscription from John 8:32,  “The truth shall make you free.” Elder Gong reflected with the youth: “In John 14:6 Jesus Christ also teaches: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ Please remember  that Jesus Christ is the truth who makes us free.”

The Apostle encouraged the students to ensure that everything they do is connected to their faith: “When you do anything, ask yourself: Does this bring me closer or take me farther from my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Does this bring me closer or take me farther from the Church? Does it bring me closer or take me farther from my friends in the Church? Always connect with heaven.

“The academy and the temple are a testament to how much God loves you, but also to how much He expects from you,” Elder Gong added. “Remember, to whom much is given, much is required.” 

In the last part of his visit to the area, Elder Gong participated in a special devotional where local Latter-day Saints shared their experiences. Elder Gong spoke about the importance of happiness in their faith. He expressed his gratitude for the positive experiences he had during his visit.

“This is a very special place,” Elder Gong said. “From small things, great things have come. Each one of you is a testimony of the blessings that come from faith and hard work. Wherever our people go, our focus includes education and the house of the Lord. Today we were at the Juárez Academy and the temple. Education prepares us for life now and for eternity. And the house of the Lord prepares us for life today and for eternity.

“This has been a pioneer area for a long time,” Elder Gong said. “Pioneers not only look back with gratitude but also look forward with hope, thinking about the blessings that will come from the faith and diligence we have.”

At the end of his message, Elder Gong taught that sometimes bad things happen to good people. 

“In life, there are mountains and valleys, things that go well and things that don’t go as well,” he said. “Sometimes, even when we do the best we can, trying to live with faith and keep all the covenants, terrible things happen, usually not because of anything we’ve done.

“In times like these,” he continued, “we might ask ourselves, ‘Has God forgotten about me? Why does He seem far away?’ And the answer is always found in Jesus Christ. When we weep, He weeps with and for us. When we are joyful, He rejoices with us.”

The Apostle repeated comforting words, saying: “Whatever the challenge, He tells us that, in His time and in His way, He can help make things right.”

Additional Resource 

Colonies in Mexico