ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Marylandian -- Members of the Suitland Maryland Stake gathered this weekend for a spiritually uplifting Stake Conference featuring inspired teachings from local leadership and visiting General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Robert M. Daines of the Seventy addressed parishioners with messages centered on faith, resilience, and family.

"Never give up," Elder Rasband urged, drawing on teachings from past prophets including David O. McKay, Harold B. Lee, Gordon B. Hinckley, and continuing through modern prophets such as Russell M. Nelson and President Dallin H. Oaks.

Elder Daines offered a vivid metaphor of monarch butterflies, highlighting their transformation and long migration as a symbol of resilience and purpose for families and children. Sister Melanie Rasband also shared reflections on discipleship and the importance of following prophetic teachings.

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Local leadership, including the Suitland Stake Presidency, provided guidance tailored to the needs of members in Prince George's County and surrounding areas. A missionary sister serving in the Washington DC Temple District bore testimony and spoke to the Church's newest amendment allowing young women to begin missionary service at age 18. This historic change, recently announced by Elder Ronald A. Rasband and the First Presidency, reflects confidence in the strength and readiness of emerging sister missionaries to serve worldwide.

The teachings left a lasting impression on author and publisher Donna L. Quesinberry, who is weaving these themes of endurance in faith into her upcoming Soul Symphony Series. The debut volume, A Time for Faith, captures the harmony between daily life, spiritual devotion, and life lessons drawn from her membership in the Church, her studies in religion, and her grounding in the humanities.

Visiting Speaker Biographies

• Elder Ronald A. Rasband — Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 2015; former President of Huntsman Chemical Corporation; past mission president in New York.
• Sister Melanie Rasband — Wife of Elder Rasband; known for her devotion to family and uplifting teachings.
• Elder Robert M. Daines — General Authority Seventy since 2023; Stanford law and business professor; Yale Law graduate; former Goldman Sachs associate.

Disclaimer
This release is not an official communication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a personal accounting by Donna L. Quesinberry, a business developer, capture administrator, grant and proposal senior architect/writer, author, and publisher.

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