Elder Bednar Brings the Love of Jesus Christ to Grand Blanc, Michigan

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Tuesday to minister to survivors of Sunday’s deadly shooting and fire that claimed four lives and injured eight others at a local meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Apostle also thanked local and federal law enforcement for their work.

Elder Bednar said he spoke to the people about Jesus Christ, with the hope that God would give each of them a message of comfort that transcended any of his own words.

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“This is no easy task to see beyond the immediate separation, the injury, the anguish — even the separation through death,” said Elder Bednar, who visited the remains of the destroyed chapel on Tuesday afternoon. “To have that capacity to be firm and steadfast, a foundation has been established upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is evident in [the members’] walk and talk and in the spirit that they exude.”

Elder Bednar was accompanied on the one-day visit by his wife, Susan, and Elder Allen D. Haynie, United States Northeast Area President,and his wife, Deborah.

“In the midst of this horrible event, what I have seen are faithful Latter-day Saints following the admonition of President Nelson to be peacemakers in how they respond to this episode and how they support and serve each other,” said Elder Bednar.

The Church leaders and their wives also visited members recovering in local hospitals from injuries sustained during the attack.

“Their resolve is remarkable, and it has been very tender to hear the episodes of what took place, how they responded, and the mighty and many miracles that occurred during this episode,” Elder Bednar said.

Elder Bednar is the second Church leader to publicly address Sunday’s tragic events. On Monday, Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared a statement of hope on his social media channels. He said the tragedy is a reminder of “our sacred responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ.”

“We mourn with our members who have lost loved ones, and we join in prayer for comfort with others around the world who are suffering from similar tragedies,” President Oaks said. “We all seek answers and understanding in the wake of trauma, shock, and grief. We are grateful to all who are reaching out with service, prayers, and words of support during this difficult time.”

Elder Bednar echoed President Oaks’ words, promising continued prayer for these Latter-day Saints and the larger Grand Blanc community.

“We are all familiar with the admonition that we should mourn with those that mourn,” Elder Bednar said, quoting scripture from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. “[These members] have much yet to experience and work through, but with our prayers, with their faith, and the influence of the Holy Ghost, these people will continue to be firm and steadfast and true.”