Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered on the Saturday morning of this 196th annual General Conference for a Solemn Assembly. This is a rare event that only happens when a new president of the church is being sustained, and it gave members a unique opportunity.
President Dallin H. Oaks reminded us that the sustaining is done in quorums and groups, so it gave some of us the opportunity more than once to stand and raise our right hand to sustain the prophet. While those who watched it on a screen could see people in the audience rise and raise their hands, it was not hard to imagine that across the globe, everywhere, millions of church members were doing the same, standing on their feet and raising hands of support and love, both in unity and love. We could feel our sense of community across many nations.
President Oaks said, “I express our gratitude as leaders of the Church for our members’ sustaining vote, prayers, and support.”
Following the sustaining, Elder Patrick Kearon talked about sustaining:
“We have had the sacred opportunity to come together to raise our hands in support of President Dallin H. Oaks, to sustain him as the Lord’s prophet, seer, and revelator. I’m sure that if he were to review his Church service in his twenties and thirties in the way that I just have my own, nothing would have been further from the realms of possibility in his mind than becoming the President of the Church. This is a call he didn’t seek nor aspire to. The weight of this responsibility is colossal and sobering. I can’t help but think of his daddy who died when young Dallin was only seven, and his faithfully resolute mother, who raised a resilient, hard-working son.”
Elder Kearon noted, “While today is certainly solemn in purpose, it is also a day full of gratitude and rejoicing at the opportunity for the whole Church to come together and exercise common consent. We have signified our willingness to uphold President Oaks with our confidence, faith, and prayers.
We have had the sacred opportunity to come together to raise our hands in support of President Dallin H. Oaks, to sustain him as the Lord’s prophet, seer, and revelator. I’m sure that if he were to review his Church service in his twenties and thirties in the way that I just have my own, nothing would have been further from the realms of possibility in his mind than becoming the president of the church. This is a call he didn’t seek nor aspire to. The weight of this responsibility is colossal and sobering. I can’t help but think of his daddy who died19 when young
Dallin was only seven, and his faithfully resolute mother, who raised a resilient, hard-working son.”
Elder Kearon said, “While today is certainly solemn in purpose, it is also a day full of gratitude and rejoicing at the opportunity for the whole Church to come together and exercise common consent. We have signified our willingness to uphold President Oaks with our confidence, faith, and prayers.”
Talks Concentrated and Focused on Christ
Since General Conference and Easter converged this year, it was not surprising that all the talks were completely Christ-centered. Those who were watching to see if there were other topics, such as how to raise a family or family history or even temple worship, noted that “without me ye can do nothing” became a theme. We were called to walk with Christ, to center on Christ, to let him lead, guide and sustain us. The result was a really powerful testimony of so many trusted and knowledgeable voices that carried the authority of witness. Multiple voices speaking to a global audience that Christ not only spoke, but he speaks, not only lived, but he lives.
President Oak’s last words at conference were, “The Spirit of the Lord has inspired all of us to concentrate our worship, focus our learning and unite our testimonies on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father’s Plan for our eternal increase and joy.” That was the inspiration and that was delivered.
A people living in the latter days, when Jesus Christ will come again, must be prepared by knowing him now.
Below are talk excerpts from Saturday’s General Conference. An accompanying article will feature Sunday’s conference talks.
Saturday Morning
About His Business
By Elder Patrick Kearon
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Some callings are highly stretching, while others may leave us wondering, “Isn’t there more I could be asked to do?” You might serve in a very visible role for a time, only later to becalled to quiet, unseen service—or to support those with less experience.10 When callings change
in ways that deeply impact you or your family, it can require great faith and trust in the Lord while you adjust.
Our service is a choice, an offering to God, and a blessing. We all know that prayer, study of scripture, and worship at church and in the temple are critical to the development of our faith. Have we also come to see our callings as having a foundational role in the expansion of our faith? Callings from the Lord16 are tailor-made for our growth,17 as we humble ourselves, look outward, and learn that, indeed, when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in fact in the service of our God.18 It really isn’t where we serve, but how, that matters to the Lord.
Ministering––That Ye Love One Another; as I Have Loved You
By Sister Kristin M. Yee
Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
We may not be able to fix difficult or heartbreaking circumstances as we hope; some changes are not ours to make. But we can choose to love and minister as the Savior would. Ministering by the Spirit invites the Savior’s healing into our lives and the lives of those we minister to. I often find peace, clarity, healing, and purpose when I minister. I find the Savior when I minister. This is by divine design.
Ministering is truly loving and caring for others as the Savior would. It is a way of being; It is the way of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is not a program or a checklist; ministering is the essence of who God is and who we can become as we follow Him.
We are not called to or released from ministering. It is part of fulfilling the covenants wemade at baptism and in the temple. We covenanted to take upon us the Savior’s name, becoming as He is9 as we sacrifice and consecrate our lives to Him.10 When we minister as He would, we begin to think, feel, and love as He would.
Come Home
By Elder Clark G. Gilbert
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Feeling we don’t belong, struggling with doubts, or being limited by traditions are just afew of the reasons we don’t immediately find our way home. But even as societal pressures pullpeople away from faith, life’s deeper questions don’t go away.President Nelson taught: “The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it!” President Oaks declared that the journey home starts by re-anchoring on the Savior.
Only Jesus Christ can fully restore that light and joy into your life. We all struggle and need patience, service, and love from each other.To those who are trying to help, hold on to truth and keep your covenants. To those who are struggling, know you are loved and the Savior is calling you home. But in the end, everyone must make their own choice to come home.
In President Dallin H. Oaks’ recent historic address at BYU, the Marriott Center initially looked completely full. But if you looked closely, there were still hundreds of unfilled seats and the ushers struggled to find space for those who still wanted to join the devotional. Then something remarkable happened. Students who had already found their seats began to turn on their phone flashlights to signal to the late arriving students that there was still space. It was as if they were holding up a light to say, “Please come sit with me, we saved a seat just for you.”
All Who Have Endured Valiantly (Doctrine and Covenants 121:29)
Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve
Mormon testified that “charity is the pure love of Christ” and “the greatest of all” spiritual gifts. Significantly, the word endure is used in the scriptures to define and describe charity. For example, “[charity] endureth forever,” “suffereth long, … seeketh not her own, …beareth all things, … endureth all things.” And, as you sisters know well, “charity never faileth.”
Mormon also taught that “whoso is found possessed of [the spiritual gift of charity] at thelast day, it shall be well with him.” Note the double meaning of the word “of” in this verse. We can possess charity, but ultimately charity should possess us.
As we are blessed to receive this supernal gift, a transformation occurs in our spiritual nature and character. Being “possessed” of the spiritual gift of charity refers in part to the spiritual development and progress that are the overarching purposes of the Savior’s gospel.
Follow the Prophet, He Knows the Way
By Elder Michael John U. Teh
Of the Seventy
A few weeks ago, a stake president in Japan felt that we should visit a man diagnosed with cancer. Despite going through treatment, the cancer continued to spread. In these situations, I struggle to find the words to say. So, for days I pleaded for the Lord’s help. I pictured the man to be downtrodden and devastated. I anticipated that he would ask us why the Lord gave him this trial. I imagined that he would be hopeless and perhaps even a little angry. The day of the visit arrived and I was still at a loss. When we finally met I was completely astonished. What stood before me was not at all the man I had imagined. His countenance was bright and happy. There was no bitterness and he never asked why.
Just recently, I had a very similar experiences with members living in Korea. My intention was to minister to others. However, at the end of my visits, it felt like I was the one being ministered to. Jesus Christ strengthened each of these individuals to endure their trails. As President Oaks has taught: “Our Savior experienced and suffered the fulness of all mortal challenges… He therefore knows our struggles, our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering, for He willingly experienced them all as an essential part of His Atonement. And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all.”
Tithing – Putting God First
By Elder Jorge T. Becerra
Of the Seventy
I recall a powerful experience I had many years ago that taught me how to put God first in my life. As a young married father, I was called to serve in a branch presidency. Elder Clinton L. Cutler of the Seventy came to speak to our branch. After the meeting I had an opportunity to talk with him. Sensing that I had something on my mind he asked, “is there something bothering you?” “Yes, I replied. I am having financial difficulties in my business, and I have fallen behind in my payment of tithes and offerings.” He then asked, “do you have anything of value?”
I don’t recall what else he said. I pondered his question for many days. The only thing I had of value was a car that I needed in my efforts to grow my business. However, I concluded that I should at least make the effort to sell my car, so I cleaned and polished it and placed an ad to sell it.
I want to be clear that Elder Cutler did not ask me to sell my car. This came to me after pondering and my desire to put God first.
A few days later a man came to the house to see the car. He seemed interested, he drove it and came back to discuss the details. He gave me his business card, and I realized he represented a car dealership. I was nervous about what would surely happen next– the haggling back and forth over the price. He asked me, “How much do you want for the car?” I told him I needed a preciseamount. I had calculated what I needed to pay off the loan on the car and pay my tithing. He then said very calmly, “Okay, I will come back in a few days with a check.” He thanked me and left. I couldn’t believe it. No haggling, no arguing, no negotiating.
A few days later he came back with the check for the amount I requested. I was surprised and amazed as he drove off with the car. I deposited the check and paid my tithing.
Prayers for Peace
By President Henry B. Eyring
Of the First Presidency
I testify the Lord hears and answers the prayers of our hearts, just as he did for Alma and
his people. We can follow His commandment to “pray always” by having a continual prayer in our hearts. As prophets have taught many times in the past, we may not feel like praying or we may not know what to say, but God hears the secret prayers of our hearts. The feelings of your heart and the love for our Heavenly Father and for His Beloved Son can be so constant that your prayers will ascend always.
As we pray continually, no matter the circumstances of life, the Lord will offer us His
peace and abiding support…
I bear my testimony that the Savior’s promise is true, and that humble prayer for peace in your heart will be honored. I felt it at the funeral of my wife of 61 years. I was surprised at the feeling of peace, and almost joy. The people at the funeral must have wondered why I was smiling. It was because the Lord had answered my prayer for peace, with an assurance from the Holy Ghost which allowed me to envision the happy reunion ahead with her. The Lord gave me the peace and hope that he had promised His disciples.
Saturday Afternoon
Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls
By Elder Gary E. Stevenson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
In a reverent way, I wonder what it is like for a loving Father to send His most precious belongings, His children, away from their heavenly home, knowing they must pass through the challenges of mortality. I suppose His great comfort is knowing that they do not travel alone.
Parents, family, leaders, friends, ministering brothers and sisters, you and me, serve as stewards of His most precious possessions.
How beloved and precious His children are to Him.
And how beloved and blessed are those who care for and nurture others. And yet, the feeling is recognizable: entrusting what is precious into the care of others— and longing for its safe return. This evokes memories of familiar scenes: a mother—father—at a curb or platform, bidding farewell to their student, soldier, or missionary.
Years of teaching, preparation, and prayer culminate in a moment of placing their cherished possession into the care of others—trusting conscientious stewards to care for their son or daughter through the duration of their journey until they are reunited.
In a much holier way, our Heavenly Father also places a claim upon us. Not as a label on
a handle, but as a divine truth written on the heart: “You are Mine. I know you. You are not alone. I have not forgotten you. I intend to bring you home”
This is more than logistics.
This is redemption.
Christ, Author and Finisher of Our Faith
By Elder Eduardo F. Ortega
Of the Seventy
The invitation to seek, to come to know and to do, and then to endure on the covenant
path is the same for ALL of us, regardless of whether the gospel has been in our families forgenerations or we were baptized just last week. And it is received individually as we seekdiligently and are “nourished by the good word of God, to keep [us] on the right way, to keep [us] continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who [is] the author and the finisher of [our] faith”…
Becoming a lifelong disciple of Christ is a process; the sum of multiple small daily personal and spiritual events. President Dallin H. Oaks taught, “We need to be patient […], even
with ourselves. Overcoming doubt […] can be a lengthy process, as with building faith”. Thus, we must choose the firm and safe path, even if it is sometimes the longest and mostdemanding one. Jesus Christ and His restored gospel constitute that safe path that leads us to the true summit.
“I Will Give Away All My Sins to Know Thee”
By Elder Wan-Liang Wu
Of the Quorum of the Seventy
If we have a sincere desire, being meek and lowly in heart, we can come to know the true God the Father and gain eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ; for the power is in us, in choosing to believe and deciding to act accordingly.
The Savior declared, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
How can we come to know the only true God and obtain eternal life? The Savior responds, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The only way we can come to know our Heavenly Father and gain eternal life is by coming unto Christ and following Him.
Coming unto Christ is much more than just learning of Christ. It includes faith andworks; it means to be converted to Him and to His restored gospel. As we do so, we will have greater happiness, hope, peace, and purpose in this life.
Jesus Christ Is Not Our Burden; He Is Our Relief
By Brother David J. Wunderli
First Counselor, Young Men General Presidency
Dear amazing young men, and young women, as you continue your journey from baptism forward, through your teenage years and on to adulthood, committed to becoming a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ, know that rocks found along the way will begin to collect in your backpack. Some by choice and some by the very nature of your journey in this life. As the weight increases, please remember that taking Jesus Christ out of your life, is not the answer. Removing Him will not lighten your load.
The enemy of happiness wants to separate you from Jesus Christ. He will tempt you toremove the Savior from your life, enticing you to think that the road would be easier without Him, that the weight of His commandments is too great, that the path back is too long, that repentance is too hard. Know this: Satan is a liar. Jesus Christ is not the weight; He is the relief.
Love All, Love Each
By Elder Gérald Caussé
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
This is the miracle of God’s relationship with us: The universe is vast beyond comprehension, yet every soul carries infinite worth in the eyes of our Creator. Though we may seem small in a physical sense, each of us is personally known, remembered, and loved by our Eternal Father and by His Son Jesus Christ…
While studying scriptures in English, I noticed dozens of verses in which the words all and each (or every) appear together. For example, we learn in Mosiah: “… he (speaking of theLord) remembereth every creature of [His] creating, [and He] will make [Himself] manifest to all.”
The word all speaks to the universal reach of God’s love. The word each (or every) testifies of His power to care for each individual soul.
This dual reality is most clearly manifested in Jesus Christ’s Atonement. All sons and daughters of God, without exception, will receive a full opportunity to access its supernal blessings. Yet it is a remarkably intimate gift, tailored to each individual’s needs and applied to one person at a time.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we bear witness of Him whenever we share His love with all around us—and help it take root in each person we meet.
Jesus Christ is the Way
By Elder Brian J. Holmes
Of the Quorum of the Seventy
Once we bind ourselves to our Savior through covenant, only we can sever the tie. Jesus never will. As we remain tightly bound to Him, He is bound to us. We can expect His power to bless us with strength and joy even when we are experiencing a steep stretch of life. But if we turn away, we have no such promise. Covenant blessings flow from ongoing faithfulness, not merely from past participation.
When our path gets hard—and it will—we can remember the Apostle Peter. When the
road of discipleship became steep and many “walked no more with Jesus,” He turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will ye also go away?”14 It was a searching question, one that reaches through time to each of us.
Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God.”When we have doubts, when discipleship feels demanding, when others turn back, that is the moment to stay bound to Christ just as Peter did. There is nowhere else to go; only Christ has the words of eternal life.
He Knows You by Name
By Elder Clement M. Matswagothata
Of the Seventy
My surname, Matswagothata, is from Botswana. In my home language it means “getting out of a difficult situation” or someone who can do hard things…
As much as my surname has brought hope and resilience to my family, I rejoice even more in the name of Jesus Christ, for in and through His name all who come unto Him can be saved. Even as Jesus Christ invites us to always remember Him and take upon ourselves His name, He also remembers us and knows each of us by name.
In the Old Testament, the Lord taught Moses this assuring truth: “I know thee by name.”
In Eden’s garden, He called Adam.
At the empty tomb, He called Mary.
On the road to Damascus, He called Saul.
And in the Sacred Grove, He called Joseph.
All by name.
And He knows you and calls you by name too—from crowded cities to quiet villages, in whatever language you speak. He hears, sees, and knows you.
Jesus Christ— the True Vine
Elder Ulisses Soares
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Throughout His ministry, the Savior spoke on several occasions the sacred words “I am,” using sublime metaphors, to bear witness of who He eternally is—the great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Among these declarations is one of the most solemn and tender teachings of His ministry, spoken on the night preceding His suffering and death: “I am the true vine… ye are the branches: he that abideth in [Me], and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without [Me] ye can do nothing”.
Through this beautiful and moving metaphor, the Savior teaches that He is the true, trusted, and essential source of spiritual nourishment for our souls. Through Him, we receive strength beyond our own to not only survive the challenges of life, but to grow and thrive. Through Him life becomes more hopeful and more joyful, and the fruits of the Spirit are manifested in us. Therefore, just as branches cannot bear fruit of themselves unless they remain connected to the vine, neither can we reach our full spiritual measure unless we abide in Him and His gospel.
Abiding in Christ is not an occasional or casual act; it is a constant, conscious, and sacred choice. It is allowing His holy teachings to abide in us, elevating our thoughts and governing our words in every setting—including the digital spaces where we so often interact—and purifying and consecrating our actions unto Him. It is letting our daily choices be guided by the covenants we have made with Him and allowing our lives to be directed by His loving and constant influence through the Holy Ghost. It is choosing to listen to His voice, and the voice of His servants, and follow what they teach, above all the enticing voices of the world.
Abiding in Christ does not remove the burdens of life, but through His grace they are made lighter, and our hearts are strengthened by the comfort and peace He promises. As we place ourselves in His loving care and take upon us His yoke, we receive the spiritual power to endure and overcome the trials, weaknesses, and sorrows of mortality—burdens often too heavy to bear without His redeeming help and healing influence.
