Leaders & Ministry

Brazilian YouTuber interviews Elder Soares, who talks about his apostolic calling

In an interview with the Plano Piloto podcast, Elder Soares talks about the Church of Jesus Christ, its history, its worldwide growth and his calling as an Apostle

By Vanessa Fitzgibbon Nov 5, 2023 6 p.m. EST

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is interviewed at his house in March 2023 by David Godoy, a Brazilian YouTuber who presents the podcast Plano Piloto.

Leaders & Ministry

Brazilian YouTuber interviews Elder Soares, who talks about his apostolic calling

In an interview with the Plano Piloto podcast, Elder Soares talks about the Church of Jesus Christ, its history, its worldwide growth and his calling as an Apostle

By Vanessa Fitzgibbon Nov 5, 2023 6 p.m. EST

Elder Ulisses Soares was invited recently by a Brazilian YouTuber to participate in the Plano Piloto, a podcast with 544,000 subscribers, in an episode entitled “1st Brazilian Apostle? What the LDS Church of Jesus Christ (‘Mormons’) is like.”

Podcast host David Godoy gathered questions from several listeners, with Elder Soares talking about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its origins, its worldwide presence and his calling as a member of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Below are some of the highlights.

The Church of Jesus Christ and ‘Mormons?’

In addition to sharing about the conversion of his own family in Brazil, Elder Soares also related the beginning of the Church in that South American nation, when the first members, German immigrants, arrived in the country in 1928. The the first branch was created in 1935, in the city of Ipomeia, Santa Catarina.

The Apostle clarified that the faith’s official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then explains the context of each word.

Godoy then asked, “But why ‘Mormon?’”

The Brazilian YouTuber, David Godoy, interviewed Elder Ulisses Soares on March 2023. The podcast is called “1st Brazilian Apostle? What the LDS Church of Jesus Christ (‘Mormons’) is like.”

Elder Soares explained the nickname ‘Mormon’ was given by those not of the faith because of Church members’ belief in the Book of Mormon, a record written by ancient prophets, the first of whom left Jerusalem 600 years before Christ and who came and established themselves in the Americas.

“It is a prophetic record, a record of scripture, and, for us, it accompanies the Bible, it does not replace the Bible... It is named after the prophet who made the last records, Mormon,” explained Elder Soares. “[It] is a second witness to the divine mission of Jesus Christ. ... That’s why it’s called the Book of Mormon. Our belief [in it] dubbed us as ‘Mormons.’”

Elder Ulisses Soares is interviewed in his home for a Brazilian podcast episode.

Differences from other religions

After clarifying that the Church of Jesus Christ is a Christian faith but not a branch of Protestantism and having cited the Book of Mormon, Elder Soares mentioned its organization, which replicates the model left by Jesus Christ. It is led by a prophet and 12 apostles, who hold the keys of the priesthood and are responsible for governing the Church throughout the world. The Prophet — President Russell M. Nelson — also has two counselors, with the three comprising the First Presidency.

Elder Soares is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, called almost six years ago as the first Brazilian to serve as a latter-day Apostle.

“The twelve Apostles are regular men who had a normal life, established their life, their career and family activities, but at a certain point, they were called by Jesus Christ, through the Prophet, to serve fully as the disciples of Jesus Christ did,” he said.

There is not a defining course or career, but it’s required of them to live a virtuous life consistent with the principles of the Church, he added, explaining that Apostles serve worldwide, preaching the gospel and testifying of Jesus Christ and His divine mission on Earth.

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pose for an iconic photograph in the Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center in Rome, Italy, on Monday, March 11, 2019.

Why does the Church have missionaries?

Elder Soares explained missionary work is a voluntary service for two years for young men and 18 months for young women, who leave their families, studies and employment to go to all parts of the world. They take with them the fundamental principles and ordinances of the gospel, such as faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“Is there a better training for life than engaging with people, knowing [their] challenges, offering something that can help them progress and be better, ... offering something special from your heart to them?” he asked. “Actually, missionaries will do this service with the desire and intention of sharing the truth with others, but they are the ones who gain the most from it.”

At the end of the program, Elder Soares said: “We respect everyone and honor the work that each entity does. … I feel that religiosity brings spirituality; spirituality brings connection with God … And we start to act with more kindness, with more empathy, with more patience with people.”

Listen to the full interview (in Portuguese) at Plano Piloto.