Visa Denied Four Times — An Angel at the Embassy Opened the Way to Sing at General Conference

Pythagore Matubu of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was invited to join The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square as a global choir member and sing during the October 2025 general conference. Despite carefully following all proper procedures, his visa to the United States was denied four times.

Facing a final appointment at the US embassy — his last chance before it would be too late to reach Salt Lake City — Matubu grew increasingly discouraged. A friend told him she was praying that the Lord would send an angel to help him.

On the day of that final appointment, Matubu was number 97 in line. There were two offices at the embassy, but only one was open — and the official working there had not granted a single visa all morning. Just as number 96 was called, a second official entered the building and opened the other office. That official beckoned Matubu to his window, asked a few questions, and spoke the words Matubu had been waiting months to hear: "Your visa is approved."

Matubu sang with the Tabernacle Choir during general conference, holding his country's flag atop the Conference Center. He later reflected on the experience through the words of his favorite Easter hymn, "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul": "O'errule mine acts to serve thine ends. Change frowning foes to smiling friends." He said those lyrics had been fulfilled literally — the Lord had overruled his humble efforts and made a way where there was none.