Elder Ronald A. Rasband, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a devotional address on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at Brigham Young University. In his address, titled "Hurrah for Israel!", Rasband emphasized the importance of gaining and living a testimony of God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Key Restoration Elements
Rasband outlined five specific elements he identified as significant to the Restoration. According to a post from BYU on X, these five points include a divine visitation, prophetic callings, the Church of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and Jesus Christ as the "Chief Cornerstone."
The Importance of Testimony
During the 47-minute address, Rasband spoke on the central importance of spiritual testimony. He stated, "Nothing you do in your life will be more important than gaining and living your testimony of our Father in Heaven and His Son, our Lord and Savior."
Devotional Series Context
The devotional was part of the 2026 BYU Devotional series broadcast on BYUtv. The address, which aired as Season 2026, Episode 25, focused on the theme of the Restoration and its connection to Israel.
Recent Devotional Speakers
The BYU devotional series features a variety of leaders and educators providing messages to the student body. Other recent speakers in the 2026 series include Bishop L. Todd Budge, who spoke on Oct. 20, 2026, regarding sacred resources and caring for God's children, and Rebekka Matheson, who spoke on Oct. 13, 2026, regarding presence in the refiner's fire.
Series Overview
The address was part of a continuous schedule of enlightening messages provided to BYU students. Other scheduled presentations for the series include topics ranging from neuroscience to athletic administration and management.
Social Media Highlights
The BYU social media presence highlighted Rasband's message to a wider audience following the event. The post, which included the hashtag #BYUDevo, emphasized the five reasons to shout "Hurrah for Israel" as presented by the Apostle.
