As the work of the Lord continues to accelerate across the earth, this week’s Hastening Now report highlights remarkable developments in apostolic ministry, temple expansion, humanitarian outreach, and missionary preparation. From Elder David A. Bednar’s meeting with the President of Chile to the Church’s landmark $25 million contribution to combat child malnutrition worldwide, the influence of the Church continues to reach both world leaders and the most vulnerable.
ONE
Elder Bednar Meets With the President of Chile
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Apostolic Ministry
Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held an official meeting with the President of the Republic of Chile, José Antonio Kast, at La Moneda Presidential Palace. The meeting focused on topics such as strengthening families, supporting youth, promoting religious freedom and serving communities. READ STORY HERE.
TWO
Church Contributes $25 Million to UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Humanitarian Outreach
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is contributing US$25 million to a UNICEF effort that provides nutrition to millions of children and mothers around the world.
The donation supports the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a global initiative that works to prevent and treat malnutrition. Through a matching challenge announced in 2025, the Church’s contribution will generate an additional $25 million, bringing the total impact to $50 million. READ STORY HERE.
THREE
Elder W. Mark Bassett Remembered for His Faith in Jesus Christ
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
In the News
“We can do this!” taught Elder W. Mark Bassett in a recent general conference message — a theme reflected throughout his funeral service in North Salt Lake, Utah, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. “Elder Bassett’s life was a model of hard work and strength,” said a letter from the First Presidency to Elder Bassett’s wife, Angela, which was read aloud by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “He demonstrated love for the Lord throughout his life as he spent time in selfless service to his family and his fellow man. He leaves a legacy of light, personal integrity, kindness and commitment to righteous living.” READ STORY HERE.
FOUR
New Video Offers Rare View Into Missionary Training Center
Sunday, May 17, 2027
To All the World
For anyone curious about what it’s like to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a new video, “What It’s Like Inside the Missionary Training Center,” provides a rare glimpse of mission life inside an MTC from the perspective of the young missionaries who are there.
Premiering on YouTube and other Church channels on Sunday, May 17, 2026, the 20-minute, fast-paced video filmed in Provo, Utah, captures the spirit, structure and sacred nature of the MTC experience, as well as the faith, joy and enthusiasm of missionaries who are preparing to serve people throughout the world and teach them about Jesus Christ. READ STORY AND SEE VIDEO HERE.
FIVE
New Temple Square Visitors’ Center Officially Opens
Monday, May 18, 2026
Temples Rising
Starting today, May 18, 2026, all are invited to come and see the exhibits, statues and experiences featured in the new Temple Square Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. The opening of the visitors’ center marks a significant step in the reopening of Temple Square in anticipation of the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, scheduled for April 5, 2027, through October 1, 2027. READ STORY HERE.
SIX
Temple Announced in Otavalo, Ecuador
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Temples Rising
A new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been announced for Otavalo, Ecuador, bringing another house of the Lord to the Andes region. Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America Northwest Area Presidency made the announcement on behalf of the First Presidency on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during an evening devotional in Otavalo with local Latter-day Saints. READ STORY HERE.
SEVEN
News for Temples in Kansas, Wyoming, Argentina, and Idaho
Monday, May 18, 2026
Temples Rising
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the open house and dedication dates for the Cody Wyoming Temple and the Wichita Kansas Temple, and the location of the Rosario Argentina Temple. Preliminary work is now underway for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple. READ STORY HERE.
EIGHT
Church’s 100th America250 Food Donation Delivered in Dallas
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Humanitarian Outreach
The 100th truckload of food donations from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to 250 food banks across all 50 United States, as part of America250’s “America Gives” initiative, was delivered to Joe’s Food Pantry (Catholic Charities) in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, May 14, 2026. An event was held at the pantry to celebrate the milestone. READ STORY HERE.
