Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Sunday morning session of October 2023 general conference. He spoke about being witnesses of Jesus Christ in word and action. The following is a summary of what he said.

Elder Parrella’s talk summary

One of the promises Latter-day Saints make at baptism is to take upon them the name of Christ. One way to do that is to often bear testimony in word and action that Jesus is the Christ.

“As we strive to live our lives in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ, our conduct will be a living testimony of our Redeemer and His name.”

When one bears testimony of the Lord through word and action, “the Holy Ghost confirms to those with real intent, open hearts and willing minds that Jesus is indeed the Christ.”

Church meetings, especially fast and testimony meetings, “are choice opportunities for us to testify of Christ and signal to God that we rejoice in taking His Son’s name upon us.”

In October 2018, President Russell M. Nelson invited everyone to use the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Speaking the full name of the Church with intent gives valuable opportunities to bear testimony of the Savior, more frequently remember Jesus Christ and feel His influence.

“By following the Prophet, we can all learn to testify more of Jesus Christ by using the correct name of the Church, thus taking upon us more fully the name of the Lord.”

Notable quotes

See the full text of Elder Parrella’s talk: ‘Bearing Witness of Jesus Christ in Word and Actions’

Who is Elder Parrella?

Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, General Authority Seventy.

Cody M Bell, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 1, 2017. He serves as first counselor in the Middle East/Africa North Area presidency.
• Born in 1962, in Guarujá, Brazil, Elder Parrella was baptized in 1971 after missionaries taught his family the gospel.
• He married Elaine Finholdt in December 1988 in the São Paulo Brazil Temple. They are the parents of five sons.
• Professionally he has worked as the managing director at Kodak Polychrome Graphics and as a partner at Korn Ferry International. Most recently he was a partner at Caldwell Partners.

What has Elder Parrella done recently?

• During the October 2017 general conference, Elder Parrella shared three truths learned from the First Vision that individuals must act on.
• As a member of the Middle East/Africa North Area presidency, he offered condolences to those affected by the earthquake that struck Morocco on Sept. 9 and condolences to those affected by flooding in Libya on Sept. 10. 
• Elder Parrella presided at the groundbreaking of the Salvador Brazil Temple on Aug. 7, 2021.

Read Elder Parrella’s general conference addresses.