Progress Reported on the Renovation Process for the Raleigh North Carolina Temple

Hello again, everyone! Either just prior to or during the General Conference weekend, I became aware of an update that has been provided on the renovation process for the Raleigh North Carolina Temple. The newest information I have found indicates that plywood panels are being attached to the temple's exterior.

While there have not been any other temple updates to report at this time. it is worth noting that, although it has not been confirmed, there is reason to believe that the exterior looks of both the Baton Rouge Louisiana and Asuncion Paraguay Temples will be the same as that for the Memphis Tennessee, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, and Raleigh North Carolina Temples.

As I have previously noted, it appears that all temples originally dedicated in the late 1990s-early 2000s have been and will be given the same overhaul in their exterior appearances. That said, if local styles dictate otherwise, that will be a factor into such changes in the future.

Whatever might occur in terms of ongoing temple developments, rest assured that I am keeping my eyes open for all such updates, and I will be sure to pass those along as I am able to going forward. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

Sharing a Theory Based on Reports from Church Members in Kenya and Zimbabwe

Hello again, everyone! I am posting again on this Easter Sunday to pass along a theory which I have heard offered in a couple of places based on reports by members in Kenya and Zimbabwe. The report suggests that, while it has not been confirmed, local members in those nations have been made aware of the site locations that are earmarked for the announced temples in Nairobi and Harare. And the theory I have heard about this is that, depending on what occurs before President Nelson and Elder Holland head out on their tour of Africa, Asia, and Europe, groundbreakings could be conducted by President Nelson for both temples, in addition to the theory I have previously mentioned that he could also potentially break ground for the Bangkok Thailand Temple while he is in that city.

So, depending on what happens within the next week or so before the Nelsons and Hollands depart, if this theory proves to be correct, ground will be broken in Nairobi on April 16, Harare the following day, and Bangkok on Friday April 20. It will be interesting to see whether or not that will happen. With about 1.5 weeks remaining until their departure, and with his visits to these areas set to occur in around 2 weeks, that is not a lot of time to announce an intention to break ground for those temples so it could be done while these Brethren are there.

It is also worth noting that it may not be a stretch to assume that part of the time President Nelson spends in Bengaluru on April 19 might be devoted to finding a suitable site for the temple announced for that city earlier today.

Nor would it be unheard of, in my opinion, to assume that President Nelson may pay a courtesy visit to the Chinese governmental leaders during his time in Hong Kong, with the purpose of seeing if his status as an "old friend of China" and his new calling as Church president might be enough to convince the Chinese government to officially recognize the Church and to allow full-time missionaries to proselyte in that country.

I may be wrong on this, but perhaps the Lord was waiting on having His prophet announce the temples that were announced today and to enable the Church to obtain approval to proselyte in China until this time, when President Nelson was Church president, since he is very much motivated to both bring the temples to the people and for him, as "an old friend of China", to be able to convince the Chinese government to approve whatever is needed to enable missionary work to begin in full there.

Whatever might occur regarding this theory, you can be sure I will post anything about it as I learn of it. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

Resources Released to Add Context to Major Developments Which Occurred During General Conference

Hello again, everyone! The Church News has released resources to add context to the major developments that occurred over General Conference weekend. Members reacted to the calls of the two newest apostles and spoke of being present for the Solemn Assembly.

In a letter to Church members, the First Presidency detailed the guidelines for the ministering that will replace home & visiting teaching. Among other highlights, we as members will be known as "ministering brothers" and "ministering sisters", and if practical, Elders' Quorum and Relief Society presidencies could, with the bishop's approval, opt to assign a married couple to minister to families within their congregations, which is awesome. Also, as noted, Laurels and Mia Maids may be asked to participate in ministering companionships with Relief Society sisters.

And in another article, the Church News focused on the changes announced to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and groups. The final article I want to share passes along some contextual specifics of the seven temples announced at the conclusion of the conference. The one quibble I have with that article is that, in reference to the Philippines, no mention is made of the temple planned for the greater Manila area, and the article lists the temple announced for Cagayan de Oro as the fourth for the Philippines. Other than that, it has great information.

It is also worth noting that, for the first time since before the April 2015, no new temples have been announced for the African continent. But I imagine that's because these seven needed to be a higher priority.

That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.