Elder Ballard Dedicates Moldova

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Republic of Moldova for the preaching of the gospel on 16 May.

Located between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is part of the Romania Bucharest Mission and has had missionaries in the country since October 1997. Moldova currently has one branch with some 100 members.

In his dedicatory prayer, Elder Ballard prayed for the people of Moldova. “Help them to strengthen their families and the nation,” he said. “Bless the people that their hearts may be touched by the light of the gospel so that the message of the restoration of Thy Church and kingdom may penetrate their hearts and their minds.”

Elder Ballard was joined at the dedication by Elders D. Lee Tobler and Ronald A. Rasband of the Europe Central Area Presidency; Romania Bucharest Mission President George K. Jarvis and his wife, Kathryn; President Ion Varlan of the Chisinau Moldova Branch; and two full-time missionaries. The dedication took place on a hill overlooking Chisinau.

Elder M. Russell Ballard (center) recently dedicated the Republic of Moldova for the preaching of the gospel. With him were President and Sister Jarvis of the Romania Bucharest Mission (left); President Ion Varlan of the Chisinau Moldova Branch; Elders D. Lee Tobler and Ronald A. Rasband of the Seventy; and two missionaries. (Photo courtesy of Europe Central Area Presidency.)