President and Sister Oaks on the blessing of returning to the Philippines and the Urdaneta Temple dedication

<p>In an inspired effort to shepherd the growth and future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines, then-<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/2018/1/25/23213455/getting-to-know-president-dallin-h-oaks-of-the-first-presidency">Elder Dallin H. Oaks</a> was assigned by <a href="https://www.deseret.com/2008/1/28/20067061/the-life-of-president-gordon-b-hinckley/">President Gordon B. Hinckley</a> to serve as area president in the nation from 2002 to 2004. With his wife, <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/3/9/23265320/kristen-m-oaks-sheri-l-dew-podcast-marriage-family/">Sister Kristen M. Oaks</a>, President Oaks — now first counselor in the First Presidency — served in the country when there were 600,000 Latter-day Saints and <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/manila-philippines/">one temple</a>.</p> <p>President and Sister Oaks will now return to the Philippines, where President Oaks <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2024/03/11/urdaneta-philipines-temple-interior-exterior-images/">will dedicate</a> the <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/urdaneta-philippines/">Urdaneta Philippines Temple</a> on April 28, 2024. The Urdaneta temple is the third temple in the Philippines, where there are now 900,000 Latter-day Saints and 10 additional temples in planning or construction. They share their feelings for the Philippines and discuss the blessings of the Church's growing number of temples worldwide. <strong></strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and executive editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by <a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/">KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>