mission turned fortress and the Riverwalk, a world famous urban waterway.

At the heart of it all is the Alamo dome which for one night was transformed to

welcome a prophet of God. Crowds gathered hours in advance some traveling several

hours to hear from President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints, his wife Wendy, and Elder David A. Bednar and his wife Susan,

at a special devotional. Before the devotional, the president met with youth

to give personal counsel and answer questions. "How can you strengthen your

prayers? You picked the right word. How do you strengthen anything? Working on it."

"My question was about, it was more personal, about my family and my friends

and how I've watched them kind of distance themselves from the faith.

It was more joyful that the prophet could give me advice on such a small

thing in my life." Ninety-four year old President Nelson also had a private meeting with

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio. He

welcomed political, community and interfaith leaders at a special

reception. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has really stepped up

in my community and offered themselves to play such an important role in

activities that are going on in our area. I just felt a heartfelt obligation to be

here and share with them this very special moment." "When you understand

someone else's faith, I think it enables all of us to get

along and see the similarities rather than differences." "And, if we don't love

and care for each other and have compassion for each other then we don't

elevate those around us." The strength of San Antonio is its

diverse community which numbered over 23,000 for this historic devotional

which was also broadcast to meetinghouses in the area. "Each person here

tonight, in fact, everyone lives with challenges. Even that great defender of

the Alamo, Davy Crockett, had his challenges. And if we truly understand

who we are and why we are here we can face the future with faith in God

and His eternal plan of happiness."

"The overall feeling that I had being here at this devotional was just really

joy and happiness and gratitude."