Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 19:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 19:19

"In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD."

This made me think of a temple one day in Egypt. Then I thought of the first actual temple announced for the middle east. During the April 2020 General Conference President Nelson announced plans for the Dubai United Arab Emirates Temple. I know it's not in Egypt but it is a first for the area. Where there is a first more will come.

I looked on the map to see how close United Arab Emirates is to Egypt. Then I looked at the latest information for the announced temple on the churchofjesuschristtemples.org website. It is still in the planning and approval phase. It will be located in Dubai's District 2020. Specific site location unknown. It's in an area where Expo 2020 Dubai was held. The district was to begin the handover process to future occupants in late 2022. Maybe we will hear something soon? Elder Bednar last visited there in late Oct 2021.

This is what is says about the Temple Announcement.

"On April 5, 2020, at the 190th Annual General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct the Dubai United Arab Emirates Temple—the first temple in the Middle East. Since the country's founding in 1971, it has exercised exemplary tolerance and religious tolerance. "The plan for a temple in Dubai comes in response to their gracious invitation, which we gratefully acknowledge," said President Nelson. The temple comes in answer to many prayers. It will serve the members of two stakes in the Gulf States and of smaller congregations located throughout a vast region including parts of the Middle East, Northern Africa, Eastern Europe, and Western Asia.

Elder David A. Bednar, who oversees Church affairs in the Middle East Africa North Area said: "We are grateful to the government officials of the United Arab Emirates who have welcomed us so warmly into their country." Commenting on the singularity of the announcement, he added: "Only the Spirit of the Lord could have brought about such a mighty miracle. The presence of a temple in Dubai will be a great blessing in the lives of our Church members."

(Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, "Dubai United Arab Emirates Temple")

Day 2857