Elder and Sister Stevenson Urge Young Adults to Deepen Conversion to Jesus Christ

Just as astrophysicists pursue the quest to go deeper into the discovery of cosmic wonders, young adults should continually seek to deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ, leading to lifelong discipleship.

This was the message of Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Lesa, during a worldwide devotional on May 3, 2026. The gathering was conducted by Elder James R. Rasband, Commissioner for the Church Educational System.

The cosmos-themed event featured Elder and Sister Stevenson visiting the Orson Pratt Observatory at Brigham Young University and the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City.

Noting the support that is received from ground control for missions into space, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told young adults that “you too have a dedicated team deeply interested in your mission goal” to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

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“Beginning with [Christ], through a living prophet, the First Presidency, and the Quorum of the Twelve — along with dedicated file leaders, family, and loved ones — you are not alone,” Elder Stevenson said.

Sister Stevenson said, “If we ever feel our conversion is complete, let’s invite ourselves to be amazed that we can always deepen our conversion and faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.”

One can always deepen one’s conversion, Elder Stevenson added.

The couple asked young adult peers around the world to share their ideas for deepening their conversion to Christ. They featured comments from people in the Philippines, Angola, Indonesia, Mexico, and Finland, as well as several audience members in Salt Lake City. Some of these comments are included below.

Worshiping in the Temple

Leah Flores of the Philippines said regular temple attendance has helped her deepen her conversion to the Savior.

“After returning from my mission, I realized how easy it is to get caught up in everyday life,” she said. “And I remember one time when I went to the temple feeling a little spiritually distracted. Life was just busy, and I felt like I was not as close to Jesus Christ as I wanted to be. But as I sat there, I felt this quiet peace and clarity that I hadn’t felt in a while. And it reminded me of the love of God and the spiritual experiences I had on my mission.”

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Attending Institute

Sister Sinta of Indonesia said her local Institute of Religion classes have provided a community of other young adults enduring life challenges like her own, such as fear that her faith is weak. The experience, she said, has fostered spiritual growth.

“I’ve learned that our faith to come unto Jesus Christ doesn’t always have to be perfect,” she said. “As we humbly continue striving to serve Heavenly Father, I believe everything is going to be okay. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He loves all of us so much. As we keep striving to come unto Him, even with just a little faith, He will continue helping us grow.”

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Focusing on Christ’s Atonement

Aatos Airto of Finland said focusing on the Atonement of Jesus Christ has helped him sustain the spiritual strength he experienced as a full-time missionary.

“I remember that the Atonement of Christ, which I’ve been teaching about for the past two years, is also for me — that it is real, and that I can hold onto it, grow, and move upward toward new heights and new peaks,” he said. “What helps me climb to the top of that mountain is keeping my focus, of course, on Christ.”

Exemplifying Christ in All Things

President Oaks at the April 2026 General Conference Alive in Christ

Victoria Barlow of Utah said deeper conversion can come when we pattern all we do after the Savior.

“I can … truly try and exemplify Him in everything that I do — in how I study the scriptures, in how I love the people around me, and how I choose to learn about the gospel, and how I visit the temple,” she said. “Truly doing that and serving and bringing that to others is how I can truly deepen my conversion to Christ, and knowing all that He is and all that He wants me to become.”

Elder Stevenson concluded with a reminder that looking deeper into space through the progression of advanced technology has brought rewarding and spectacular images of space. Similarly, he said, blessings will come to each young adult as they strive to deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ.

“We love you. We weep with you in your setbacks and rejoice — even cheer — in your successes,” the Apostle said. “I bear testimony of a loving Heavenly Father and of His infinite power. I marvel at His wondrous creations — worlds without number created for His own purpose by the Son who is His Only Begotten — He created them. I add a testimony that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is both infinite and eternal. We glorify the Father as we strive to return to Him. This is made possible through our advocate with the Father, our Savior, our Redeemer — Jesus Christ. He knows each of you and rejoices as you strive to know Him.”

Resources from the Devotional Deepening Conversion Through Lifelong Discipleship in Jesus Christ - Elder Gary E. Stevenson and Sister Lesa Stevenson

You can download a word cloud and supporting slides referenced by Elder and Sister Stevenson.

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