Remembering the Past and Looking to the Future: Elder Bednar Speaks at Special Nationwide Conference in Japan

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Members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout Japan gathered on Sunday, August 30, 2026, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Church in the country.

The special devotional was broadcast to about 230 congregations nationwide from the Yamate Ward meetinghouse in Yokohama and featured messages reflecting on the Church's history while looking forward to its future. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at this meeting and expressed gratitude for Japanese pioneers. Elder Bednar testified that those who put God first will be blessed with "the power of godliness."

Joining Elder Bednar were his wife Susan, Bishop L. Todd Budge of the Presiding Bishopric and his wife Lori, Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife Naomi, and the three members of the Asia North Area Presidency and their wives: Elder J. Kimo Esplin and his wife Kaye, Elder Christopher H. Kim and his wife Seongmi, and Elder Michael John U. Teh and his wife Grace.

Bishop Haruki Konishi of the Yamate Ward reflected on the significance of hosting the historic gathering:

"It was a great blessing and an unforgettable experience to welcome Elder and Sister Bednar to the Yamate Ward on this historic occasion marking the 125th anniversary of missionary work in Japan,” Bishop Konishi said.

“Through Elder Bednar's loving message and the influence of the Holy Ghost, we gained a renewed witness that the power of the Lamb of God is being poured out upon the Lord's covenant people in this land, and we felt anew the joy of the Savior's gospel."

The devotional included a video presentation on the history of the Church in Japan, messages from longtime members who shared memories spanning generations, and testimonies from children representing the rising generation. Elder Esplin, Sister Bednar, Bishop Budge, and Elder Tai shared their testimonies in addition to messages of love and encouragement.

Reflecting on those who established the Church in Japan, Elder Bednar expressed deep gratitude for the faith and sacrifices of earlier generations.

"You and I drink water from wells we did not dig. And you and I are warmed by fires that we did not light. We are blessed today to learn about those who dug the wells and lit the fires in the early days of the Lord's restored Church,” Elder Bednar said.

“My heart has been filled with gratitude for the Japanese pioneers who did so much to establish the foundation. Words are inadequate—but thank you."

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Noting that "we've come today to both remember the past, and to look to the future,” Elder Bednar shared a personal experience during his service as president of Brigham Young University-Idaho with former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley.

President Hinckley, sitting next to him, tapping his hand, and addressing him personally by name said, “David, this is the greatest season in the history of the restored Church" and spoke of opportunities that future generations would witness.

Elder Bednar connected that prophetic perspective to the remarkable growth of the Church in Japan. He pointed to the increasing number of temples across the nation, including the recently announced Osaka Japan Temple, as evidence that the Lord’s work continues to move forward.

Recalling that just 13 temples existed worldwide when he attended the dedication of the Oakland California Temple as a youth, Elder Bednar observed that nearly 400 temples are now operating, under construction, in design, or announced.

A central theme of Elder Bednar's message was the "power of godliness" that comes through faithfulness to covenants with God. Drawing from 1 Nephi 14:14 in the Book of Mormon, he emphasized that the Lord's covenant people, though not large in number, are blessed with divine power and strength. He taught that covenants are more than promises; they create a sacred connection through which God's power flows into individual lives.

To illustrate how covenant power blesses disciples in difficult circumstances, Elder Bednar turned to the account of Alma's people in the Book of Mormon (Mosiah 24: 8-15). He explained that the gospel does not eliminate life's challenges. Rather, covenant disciples of Jesus Christ are strengthened to bear them.

"The burden was eased because of the covenants. Because, as we honor covenants, the power of godliness can come into our lives. And because of God's power in our lives, we are stronger to deal with the hard things of life,” Elder Bednar said.

“Sometimes, as members of the Church, we think the gospel will spare us from any hardship. That is not the purpose of the gospel. The purpose of the gospel is to strengthen us so we can deal with and overcome the inevitable difficulties, challenges, and disappointments of mortal life."

He testified that the same divine power that has sustained Church members in Japan for 125 years will continue to bless individuals, families, congregations, and communities in the years ahead.

“It’s been happening in Japan for 125 years. And it will grow stronger, and it will accelerate, according to the Lord's will and the Lord's time. And every single one of us plays a part.”

Elder Bednar referenced a prophetic statement by President Henry B. Eyring that "a great day would dawn" in Japan, explaining that the greatest miracle would occur within the hearts of faithful members.

As the meeting concluded, Elder Bednar offered an apostolic blessing to members of the Church throughout Japan.

"I bless you that if you will put God first, above all other things, and seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, you will be blessed with power. You will be blessed with the power of godliness." 

Click here to read the article about Elder Bednar's August 29 devotional with youth and YSA.