Liahona
When Body and Spirit Unite
January 2026 Liahona


When Body and Spirit Unite

On July 12, 2025, the Church hosted a remarkable event organized by the National Network of Congolese Athletes. This first-ever conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo brought together sports pioneers, martial arts masters, and youth, eager to grow physically and spiritually.

The focus was a reflection on the Lord’s law of health, the Word of Wisdom, which encourages God’s children to care for their bodies as temples of the Spirit by avoiding harmful substances and pursuing a healthy, balanced, and disciplined lifestyle.

Grandmasters shared testimonies of the benefits of living according to these principles. Through kata demonstrations and personal stories of faith, they illustrated how physical strength can be maintained by following the ways of the Lord.

A key goal of this conference was to inspire youth, encouraging them to follow the examples set by these men and women of faith, who blended athletic dedication with spiritual commitment. They learned that sports could serve as an instrument of peace, discipline, and service, and that by honouring their bodies and living according to the Lord’s teachings, they can achieve great things and become instruments in His hands.

The National Network of Congolese Athletes expressed a desire to see this initiative extend to all stakes in Kinshasa and beyond. The goal is to bless more families, teach the Word of Wisdom by example, and strengthen the faith of youth through activities that nurture both body and spirit.

This conference demonstrated that by combining physical strength with faith in Christ, we can achieve extraordinary results. When guided by the Spirit, sports become avenues for sanctification, service, and enduring joy.