Brother Gabriel W. Reid

For Gabriel W. Reid, one of the most rewarding parts of being a mission leader is to see missionaries “feast upon the words of Christ,” develop a love for the scriptures, and desire to become more like the Savior.

“If you truly figure out how to make your gospel study ‘delicious’ to you, as it says in the scriptures [see Alma 32:28], that’s when your life changes,” said Brother Reid, who concludes his service as president of the Australia Sydney Mission in July.

Brother Reid was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa. He speaks Samoan, Spanish, and English. In Samoan, he said, the word feast in the Book of Mormon is translated as “taumamafa fiafia” and in Spanish as “deleitar.” He said both words denote enjoyment.

As a counselor in the new Sunday School General Presidency, “I’m excited to help others see how much joy there is in unpacking the scriptures,” he said.

Gabriel “Gabe” Walter Po’u Reid was born on May 28, 1977, to Eugene and Tupu Reid and raised in the village of Leone in American Samoa. His love of God and desire to put Him first began at an early age and sustained him as he played football for Brigham Young University from 1999 to 2002 and then pursued a career in the National Football League from 2003 to 2006.

During that time of his life, he learned a valuable lesson: “When the Lord tells you something, you go ‘all in.’”

Brother Reid married Heather Lynn Sasse in the Bountiful Utah Temple on June 24, 2000. They have four children. He graduated from BYU in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations. Today he owns a construction management company.

In addition to presiding over the Australia Sydney Mission, Brother Reid has served as a stake presidency counselor, high councilor, bishop, ward Young Men president, temple ordinance worker, and full-time missionary in the Chile Santiago South Mission from 1996 to 1998.