Who Is Elder Ozani Farias, the New General Authority Seventy?

Elder Ozani Barboza Marques Farias was sustained as one of the newest General Authority Seventies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His journey to this calling is remarkable, shaped by faith, family, and a lifelong commitment to the gospel.

Early Life in Brazil

Elder Farias was born on October 19, 1969, in Recife, Brazil. He was raised by a single mother, Severina Barbosa Marques, and spent much of his childhood living with his grandparents. Life was not easy, but his upbringing gave him resilience and strength.

At age 16, he met the missionaries and was baptized. That decision, he often says, completely changed the direction of his life.

Conversion and Missionary Service

Just a few years after joining the Church, Elder Farias felt inspired to serve a mission. At age 19, he was called to the Brazil São Paulo South Mission. His time as a missionary not only deepened his testimony but also prepared him for future service.

During his mission, his second mission president, Stanley Neeleman, gave him an important assignment. Elder Farias was asked to serve as an assistant to the president and help prepare the mission for a division that would create the Brazil São Paulo Interlagos Mission.

Although he felt sad to leave behind his beloved mission president, he remembered President Neeleman’s powerful counsel:
“The Church needs you. One day you will serve in a way that will help other Church leaders.”

This promise stayed with Elder Farias throughout his life.

Marriage and Family

After his mission, Elder Farias returned to Recife. There, he met Giovanna de Medeiros Prata, a faithful young woman who had been baptized at age 8. She came from a multigenerational Church family and had served as both a seminary and institute teacher.

Elder Farias felt a spiritual impression in the temple that he should marry Giovanna, who also happened to be encouraged by her grandmother to meet him. After a short courtship, they were sealed in the São Paulo Brazil Temple on January 18, 1994.

Together, they have three children and have built a Christ-centered home.

Church Service

Elder Farias has faithfully served in many callings over the years, including:

• Bishop and bishopric counselor

• Stake presidency counselor

• High councilor

• Stake clerk

• Primary teacher

• Mission president of the Georgia Atlanta Mission (2019–2022)

Through these assignments, he has developed a reputation as a humble, dedicated leader who puts the Lord first in all things.

Education and Career

Elder Farias pursued higher education alongside his Church service. He holds:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting from Catholic University of Pernambuco

• A postgraduate degree in finance from Pernambuco University

• An MBA from the Getulio Vargas Foundation

Professionally, he has worked for the Church in Brazil for most of his career. His roles included financial manager, human resources manager, and eventually director of temporal affairs for the Brazil Area.

A Promise Fulfilled

For decades, Elder Farias wondered when President Neeleman’s words on his mission would come true. That answer came in April 2025, when he was called as a General Authority Seventy.

Shortly after arriving in Salt Lake City for training, he was walking near the Church Administration Building and unexpectedly met his former mission president, Stanley Neeleman. The emotional reunion confirmed for him that the Lord’s promises are always fulfilled in His time.

Testimony and Example

Elder Farias teaches that God must come first in every decision. He often shares his belief in the power of personal revelation and the importance of temple worship. Together with Sister Farias, who served for five years in the São Paulo Brazil Temple, he has shown how faith in Jesus Christ can guide families through every challenge.

Reflecting on his calling, Elder Farias said:
“I have learned that God talks to His children. He has a plan for each individual. He has to be first in every decision.”

About Elder Ozani Farias

• Full Name: Ozani Barboza Marques Farias

• Birth: October 19, 1969 – Recife, Brazil

• Parents: José Osanã Farias and Severina Barbosa Marques

• Wife: Giovanna de Medeiros Prata Farias (married January 18, 1994, in the São Paulo Brazil Temple)

• Children: Three

• Education: Bachelor’s in Accounting, Postgraduate in Finance, MBA

• Career: Director of Temporal Affairs, Brazil Area (Church employment)

• Church Service: Bishop, stake leader, high councilor, mission president, General Authority Seventy (2025–present)