A Call for Second-Century Pioneers at South America Centennial Celebration 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated the centennial of the dedication of South America for preaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with a special broadcast from the Tres de Febrero Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday, November 16, 2025. It was at this very park in 1925 that Elder Melvin J. Ballard offered a prayer that marked the beginning of the Church’s work on the continent.

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During the ceremony, a 10-foot-tall oak tree was planted as a symbol of Elder Ballard’s prophecy, which compared the Church in South America to “a small acorn that would grow into a mighty oak.”

The event was presided over by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, accompanied by his wife, Ruth. Also participating were Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Naume; along with the members of the South America South Area Presidency: Elder Joaquín E. Costa and his wife, Renée; Elder Alan R. Walker and his wife, Inés; and Elder Eduardo Gavarret and his wife, Norma.

During his message, which he delivered in Spanish, Elder Renlund expressed gratitude to local authorities and all who made this commemoration possible. “We thank the city of Buenos Aires for allowing us to gather in this beautiful park and express our gratitude to the government friends present here. We appreciate your kindness toward us as a Church and as individuals.”

“We are grateful for the principles of religious freedom that these governments uphold and promote,” the Apostle continued. “Without the protection of these freedoms, we could not be celebrating the achievements of the Church’s first century in South America today.”

Elder Renlund recalled Elder Ballard’s dedicatory prayer in which he blessed South America so its people would accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the lands would become “a stronghold of the Church.”

“The Church has more than 1.3 million members in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay — more than existed in the entire Church in 1925. We celebrate the faith and sacrifice of the first-century pioneers and the faithfulness of the Saints who built this legacy,” Elder Renlund said.

He invited participants to look to the future with hope, reminding them that the oak must produce new seeds of faith. “The Lord has in mind more than one oak; this tree needs to produce more acorns that can be planted. There are more lives to touch and more hearts to change. The Savior needs all of us to join Him in His work.”

Elder Renlund referred to the symbolism of the prophet’s surname, President Dallin H. Oaks when he said, “We have a prophet who wants us to go from having one tree to a forest of oaks — a majestic forest symbolizing the faith and strength of the Latter-day Saints in South America.”

Elder Renlund invited all members to continue the work with the faith and dedication of the first-century pioneers, taking on the challenge of becoming “second-century pioneers.”

“The Lord needs pioneers today. We can help others come unto Christ, nurture our faith, and deepen our roots in the gospel. We can serve in the temple, support the rising generation and strengthen our families,” Elder Renlund said.

He also shared a hymn that will be in the Church’s new hymnal, “I Am a Pioneer Too,” explaining that its message summarizes the spirit that should guide Latter-day Saints in this new era: “The Lord needs pioneers today; There’s much that I can do. I’ll work and pray and follow Him. I’m a pioneer too!”

The Apostle concluded his message by invoking an apostolic blessing upon the four countries of the South America South Area: “I release the power of God to bless this forest of faith that has been planted, so it continues to expand until it fills every valley, every mountain and every heart in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. I bless all second-century pioneers in their desires to love and serve the Lord.”

The Testimony of a New Generation

The broadcast also featured a child and a young woman representing the voice and faith of the new generation of Latter-day Saints in South America.

Liam Wajchman, 10, expressed his excitement as he spoke from the same place where Elder Ballard offered a prayer a century ago.

“I really like coming to this park, enjoying the lakes, the animals and nature,” Wajchman said. “But besides being a place I like to visit with my family, this place is special. Here the Lord opened the door for preaching the gospel in South America a hundred years ago. I wasn’t there, and many of you weren’t either, but we are all the result of that sacred moment.”

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He continued, “The message of the gospel is a message of joy and peace that hasn’t changed over time; it’s still the same. I invite everyone to come unto Christ, to receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.”

Ana Pedersen, 16, shared experiences her parents had while serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ.

“What impresses me most is seeing how accepting Jesus Christ and His gospel can work miracles in people’s lives,” Pedersen said. “The Savior is always at the door, waiting for us to open our hearts.”

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She continued, “I know that missionary work is a work of love and that Jesus Christ lives. I know I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who knows and loves me, and that families can be eternal. That is the treasure my parents taught me to cherish.”