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SATSATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSIONElder Jeffrey R. Holland191ST ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCEElder Jorge T. BecerraGeneral Authority SeventyElder Dale G. RenlundOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesChallenging times are part of mortal life, but the reassuring messageof Christ is that He is “our refugeand strength, [our] very presenthelp in [times of] trouble.”Today, conflict, contention andgeneral incivility abound. Thoughthe current generation has not hada third world war to fight, “we are. facing a kind of third world warthat is not a fight to crush our enemies, but a conscriptionmarshaling the children of God to care more about each otherand to help heal the wounds we find in a conflicted world.”The instruments needed to “create a brighter day” can befound in the gospel of Jesus Christ. “We cannot afford — andthis world cannot afford — our failure to put these gospelconcepts and fortifying covenants to full use personally andpublicly.”In 21st-century culture generally and too often in theChurch are too many broken hearts and broken covenants.“To any who are tempted to walk or talk or behave ‘as theworld giveth,’ so to speak, don’t expect that to lead topeaceful experience; I promise you in the name of the Lordit won’t.”Easter is a time to pledge total loyalty to the Lamb of Godand for the principles of the gospel to “pass over” conflictand contention.The gospel teaches that all arechildren of God — “your brothersand sisters.” Many are searchingfor purpose in life and areconcerned for their futures andtheir families.“Throughout the years whileserving in the Church I have triedto seek after those who neededhelp in their lives both temporallyand spiritually.”A person’s capacities and abilities are often increasedwhen another offers him or her loving assistance andministering.The Apostle Paul taught a key element of ministering: TheLord’s followers are the “body of Christ,” and each memberof that body is needed to ensure the entire body is edified.“In each ward and branch we need everyone — those whomay be strong and those who are struggling. All are necessary and vital to the edification of the entire body of Christ.“I often wonder who we are missing in our various congregations that would strengthen us and make us whole.”Those not participating fully in the Church are needed.President Russell M. Nelson has invited all to “keep on thecovenant path” and follow the Savior. For those who havestepped off the path, please come back. There is a placeprepared for all in the Lord’s Church.There is unfairness in the worldof various kinds. While some canbe explained through choicesof individuals or circumstances,others are more complicated andstill others have no explanation.“Jesus Christ both understandsunfairness and has the powerto provide a remedy. Nothingcompares to the unfairness Heendured.” That unfairness includes the pains and afflictionsof mankind he experienced as part of the Atonement. TheSavior chose to do that out of love.“In the eternities, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ willresolve all unfairness.” Instead of asking for how and whenunfairness will be resolved, focus on developing faith inChrist. The Savior can help us find peace in this world andnot only restore what was lost, but help “use the unfairnessfor our benefit.”As that faith develops, strive to become like the Saviorand to “try to make things right within our sphere ofinfluence.”Seeking to understand another’s perspective andworking to see things from an eternal viewpoint can helpclarify and enlighten. In an unfair situation, rather thanletting the situation create a hard heart or corrode faith,ask God for help.Elder Neil L. AndersenElder Thierry K. MutomboPresident M. Russell BallardOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles“Each person who comes toEarth is a unique son or daughterof God. Our personal journeydid not begin at birth,” and eachindividual’s purpose includes“coming to Earth to receive a bodyand experience mortality.”Covenant children of God “love,honor, nurture, safeguard andwelcome those spirits who arecoming from the premortal world.”The women of the Church are amazing, loved and honored.“With intelligence and wisdom, you bear the burdens of yourfamily. You love. You serve. You sacrifice. You strengthen faith,minister to those in need and greatly contribute to society.”Individuals in a position to make decisions that affectsociety might not share the beliefs of members of theChurch. Members should both share their feelings about thesanctity of life and pray that those decision-makers will betterunderstand this matter is about more than “just what a personwants for his or her own life.”Mothers who help an unexpected child to begin his or hermortal journey should be treated “with love, encouragementand, when needed, financial help.”Each personal journey as a child of God does not start norend with a breath of air.“May we welcome [each spirit child of God], safeguardthem and always love them.”General Authority SeventyMany are blinded today by thesubtle craftiness of men (Doctrineand Covenants 123:12). Truth isneeded to become free from thelies that the adversary spreads.While Elder Mutombo was growing up, he lived with his family in ahome that “was not only small insize but it was a dark place.” Aftermeeting with the missionaries andbeing baptized, his family adopted a new lifestyle centeredon the gospel of Jesus Christ and “truly became a family.”A few years ago, the people of Kasai region of theDemocratic Republic of the Congo suffered from a conflictbetween a traditional group of warriors and governmentforces. As Brother Honoré Mulumba and his family hid intheir house, a group of the militia found them and told themto choose to adhere to their militia practices or be killed.Brother Mulumba told them: “I’m a member of TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My family andI have accepted Jesus Christ and have faith in Him. We willremain faithful to our covenants and will accept to die.”Though the militia promised to come back and kill them,the soldiers never did.“Jesus Christ is the light that we should hold up evenduring the dark times of our mortal life (3 Nephi 18:24).When we choose to follow Christ, we choose to bechanged.”Of the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesActing President, Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesMore than half of adults inthe Church today are widowed,divorced or not yet married. “Somewonder about their opportunitiesand place in God’s plan and in theChurch. We should understand thateternal life is not simply a questionof current marital status but ofdiscipleship and being ‘valiant in thetestimony of Jesus.’”“First, scriptures and latter-day prophets confirm thateveryone who is faithful in keeping covenants will have theopportunity for exaltation.”Second, the time and manner in which the blessings ofexaltation are bestowed is not known but they are assured.Third, waiting upon the Lord implies continued obedienceand spiritual progress.Fourth, “all those who accept the Savior’s gift of repentanceand live His commandments will receive eternal life, eventhough they do not attain to all its characteristics and perfections in mortality.”Fifth, confidence in these assurances is rooted in faith inJesus Christ by whose grace all things pertaining to mortalityare set right.Stake and ward leaders should call on single members “toserve, lift and teach. Disregard old notions and ideas that havesometimes unintentionally contributed to their feelings ofloneliness and that they do not belong or cannot serve.”

SAT PRIESTHOOD SESSION191ST ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCEElder Quentin L. CookBrother Ahmad S. CorbittElder S. Gifford NielsenSupporting the risinggeneration in a time of unusualchallenges and temptations is anessential responsibility given toparents and bishoprics. Bishopsand their counselors can appropriately be called “shepherdsover the Lord’s flock” — with anemphasis on being shepherdsfor the rising generation.The bishop and his counselors also have a seminalrole in caring for the children and youth in the ward.Time spent with a young priest, young woman or youngadult can help them understand the Atonement of JesusChrist and provide a vision that will have a profoundand lasting influence. To help bishops focus their timeand energy ministering to youth and their families, itis recommended that bishops not have assigned ministering families. Bishoprics have also been counseledto delegate appropriate meetings and counseling timewith adults.To youth, “allow the bishop to be your friend and counselor. As President Nelson has invited you, pleasequalify yourself to be part of the Lord’s youth battalion.”The Church has more than 30,000 bishops and branchpresidents serving across the world. To each of them,“please know how much we love and appreciate you.”“When Jesus Christ promisedHe would come into mortality andgive His life to gather and saveus, you did not simply believeHim. You ‘noble spirits’ had such‘exceedingly great faith’ thatyou saw His promise as sure. Hecould not lie, so you saw Himas if He had already shed Hisblood for you, long before Hewas born.”Great faith is like muscles that get stronger and biggerthe more they are exercised.“Intentionally envisioning or viewing things thatconflict with who you really are, especially pornography,will weaken your faith in Christ, and without repentance could destroy it. Please use your imaginations toincrease faith in Christ, not ruin it.”“When youth lead in living the gospel, caring forothers, inviting all to receive the gospel, uniting familiesfor eternity, and organizing fun activities,” the same faithexhibited in Christ in the premortal life “will resurfaceand empower [youth] to do His work in this life!”“Your true identity and the enormous power of faithin Christ within you will enable you to ‘help prepare theworld for the Savior’s return by inviting all to come untoChrist and receive the blessings of His Atonement.’”In 1978, as Elder Nielsenparticipated in his first game as astarting quarterback in the NationalFootball League, he wondered ifhe should be there. After takinga hard hit, he had to decide if hewould give in to doubts or find thecourage to try again. “I needed tolearn that I could be strong andcourageous in the face of difficultsituations.”Individuals might not feel up to their challenges. “But ourHeavenly Father sees us as fearless builders of His kingdom.That is why He sent us here during this most decisive time inthe world’s history. This is our time!”Members of the Church are called upon to do life-changingthings as representatives of the Lord. “He will not forsakeus. This is our time!”Heavenly Father wants individuals to love themselves —not to be self-centered or prideful but “to see ourselves asHe sees us.”As individuals view themselves with respect, their heartsare open to treating others similarly. “The more we recognizeour divine worth, the better we understand this divine truth:that God has sent us right here, right now, at this momentous time in history, so that we can do the greatest possiblegood with the talents and gifts we have. This is our time!”President Henry B. EyringPresident Dallin H. OaksPresident Russell M. NelsonOf the First PresidencyPresident of the ChurchBeing even more effective inpriesthood service comes byunderstanding why individuals aregiven the priesthood. The purposefor receiving the priesthood is toallow them to bless people for theLord, doing so in His name.Priesthood service is givenout of love, and the Lord blessesservice given in His name. The keyto serving and blessing others in His name is praying thatthe people feel the Lord’s love through one’s loving service.When giving a priesthood blessing, pray to know whatblessing the Lord has in store. Ask to know how He wants tobless that person, not what others want. “My experience isthat even when the blessing is not what the others desire forthemselves or their loved one, the Spirit touches hearts toexperience acceptance and comfort rather than disappointment.”Magnifying priesthood service depends on one’s diligencein seeking the Lord’s will and voice. That magnification maycome slowly, but it will come.For those who “feel small” in the Lord’s work, “I inviteyou to ask prayerfully how the Lord sees you. He knows youpersonally, He conferred the priesthood upon you.” He lovesand trusts His priesthood holders to bless people He lovesin His name.The Savior has done everythingessential for one’s successful journeythrough mortality toward the joyfuldestiny outlined in God’s plan ofsalvation.“The Resurrection [of Jesus Christ]from the dead is the reassuringpersonal pillar of our faith. It addsmeaning to our doctrine, motivationto our behavior and hope for ourfuture.”The resurrection also provides a powerful incentive to keepthe commandments of God during mortal life and qualify for thechoicest blessing promised to resurrected beings.“The promise that the resurrection can include an opportunityto be with our family members — husband, wife, children,parents and posterity — is a powerful encouragement to fulfillour family responsibilities in mortality. It also helps us livetogether in love in this life and it comforts us in the death of ourloved ones.”The Savior feels and knows each individual’s temptations,struggles, heartaches and suffering. He willingly experiencedthem as part of His Atonement.“Our Savior willingly experienced all mortal pains andinfirmities that He would know how to succor or strengthen usin our afflictions. Jesus Christ did all of this because He loves allof the children of God.”What are lessons learned — andnever to be forgotten — in thetwo years since the last generalconference priesthood session?Lesson 1: “The home is thecenter of faith and worship.”The commitment to make homethe primary sanctuary of faithshould never end. “I urge you tocontinue to make your home a truly holy place, ‘and be not moved’ from that essential goal.”Lesson 2: “We need each other.”“If you know of anyone who is alone, reach out — even ifyou feel alone, too! . Pandemic or not, each precious childof God needs to know that he or she is not alone!”Lesson 3: “Your priesthood quorum is meant for morethan just a meeting.”“Expand your vision of why we have quorums. How doesthe Lord wish you would use your quorum to accomplishHis work — now? Seek revelation from the Lord. Humbleyourself! Ask! Listen!”Lesson 4: “We hear Jesus Christ better when we arestill.”“Discipline yourself to have time alone and with yourloved ones. Open your heart to God in prayer. Take timeto immerse yourself in the scriptures and worship in thetemple.”Of the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesOf the First PresidencyOf the Young Men general presidencyGeneral Authority Seventy

SUNSUNDAY MORNING SESSION191ST ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCEElder Ulisses SoaresSister Reyna Isabel AburtoElder S. Mark PalmerOf the Relief Society general presidencyGeneral Authority SeventyBy overcoming “the sting ofphysical and spiritual death,”Jesus Christ offers all the “gloriouspossibility” of eternal salvation.“Jesus was the only Being capable of realizing this eternal andperfect sacrifice for all of us. Hewas chosen and foreordained inthe Grand Council in heaven, evenbefore the world was formed.”Through Christ, His followers can experience “a mightychange of mind and heart” — bringing a fresh attitudetoward God and life.Allow Christ’s Atonement to become “wholly effective” inone’s life.“We will become free from the bondage of sin, find joy inour earthly journey and become eligible to receive eternalsalvation, which was prepared from the foundation of theworld for all who believe in Jesus Christ and come untoHim.”The Savior also offers relief from mortal life’s afflictions,temptations and weaknesses. He understands all of thebitterness, physical pain and emotional and spiritualchallenges one might face.“He offers us comfort and assurance in difficult times . . Iassure you that as we put our trust in Jesus Christ we willenjoy the promises of our beloved Heavenly Father.”A few days after the tragic deathof her friend and Master, MaryMagdalene wept at His emptytomb. The resurrected Saviorcame to her and asked why shewas weeping. Thinking He wasthe gardener, she asked if he hadtaken the Lord’s body and where itwas. He then called her by name,and she recognized Him.Many can relate to the anguish felt by Mary Magdaleneand her friends as they grieved the Lord’s death. Becauseof the Savior, all will be resurrected. He has also made itpossible for all to be reunited as families and have eternaljoy in God’s presence if they make and keep covenants withHim.As President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “Death isa necessary component of our eternal existence. Forsorrowing loved ones left behind the sting of death issoothed by a steadfast faith in Christ, a perfect brightnessof hope, a love of God and of all men, and a deep desire toserve them.”Through the redeeming Atonement and glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ, “broken hearts can be healed, anguishcan become peace, and distress can become hope. He canembrace us in His arms of mercy, comforting, empoweringand healing each of us.”Because Jesus Christ has risenfrom the dead, everyone will liveagain after death. “This knowledgegives meaning and purpose to ourlives.” By going forward in faith,one can endure any hardship.When they were a youngcouple, Elder Palmer’s parentslost their 17-month-old daughterAnn, causing them unspeakablesorrow. “It also caused a yearning for answers to life’s mostimportant questions.”Years later, missionaries from the Church began teachingthem truths from the Book of Mormon and Bible, including“the unique and remarkable doctrine that families can bebound together forever by the same priesthood authorityJesus Christ gave His chief apostle, Peter.”His parents recognized truth, received a witness of theSpirit and were baptized, and their family was sealed in thetemple. “Many years later Dad told me that if not for Ann’stragic death, he would never have been humble enough toaccept the restored gospel.”All who feel sorrow, wrestle with doubt or wonder whathappens after death are invited to have faith in Christ. “Ipromise that if you desire to believe, then act in faith andfollow the whisperings of the Spirit, you will find joy in thislife and in the world to come.”Elder Edward DubeElder José A. TeixeiraElder Taniela B. WakoloThe Apostle Paul was able toserve with love and gratitudedespite his great sufferingsbecause he “pressed towardthe mark.”When Elder Dube attendedhis first general conferenceleadership meeting, he feltoverwhelmed and inadequate.Elder Jeffrey R. Holland showedhim love and kindness and helped him overcome thefeelings of inadequacy.Pressing toward the mark also means forgetting pastfears, past focus, past failures and past sadness.His mother provided him an example of pressingforward and accepting God’s will in her painful battlewith cancer.As she endured intense pain, she said, “It is not up toyou or anyone else, but it is up to God whether this painwill go away or not.”Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemaneand on the cross at Golgotha to “do the will of myFather, because my Father sent me.”A bishop in South Africa who recently buried his wifeand daughter after their lives were claimed by the coronavirus pandemic found hope and comfort in knowingthat the Savior has taken upon Himself the pains of Hispeople, “that He may know how to succor us.”Recognize and remember thepathway back to Heavenly Father —then faithfully and joyfully perseverethroughout the journey.First, remember “we are childrenof God.”“Remind yourself of this heritage.Make time regularly to boost yourspiritual immune system by remembering the blessings you havereceived from the Lord. Trust the guides you have been givenfrom Him, rather than turning solely to the world to measureyour personal worth and find your way.”Second, remember protective foundations.“Strength comes to us when we remain righteous, trueand faithful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, even whenothers overwhelmingly disregard the commandments and theprinciples of salvation.”Third, remember to be prayerful.“When we remember to pray, we find His sustaining love,and the more we pray to our Father in Heaven in Christ’s name,the more we bring the Savior into our life and the better we willrecognize the path He has marked to our heavenly home.”Fourth, remember to serve others.“Do not underestimate the potential you have to influenceothers for good, both by the service of your actions and by theservice of your example. Loving service to others guides usalong the path to our heavenly home.”Three specific ways HeavenlyFather manifests His love for Hischildren:1. Relationships with God andfamily manifest His love.“Our most valuable relationshipsare with the Father and the Sonand with our own families, because our ties to them are eternal.The great plan of happiness is awonderful manifestation of God’s love for us.”2. He manifests His love to His children by calling prophets.During 2020, the Philippines was severely affected by theCOVID-19 pandemic and a myriad of natural disasters.“But like a pillar of light shining through dark clouds offear, loneliness and despair came the words of the Prophet. The Philippines, along with the entire world, are soblessed to feel God’s love through the words of His chosenProphet.”3. Chastening can be a manifestation of God’s love for Hischildren.“Sometimes God manifests His love by chastening us. Itis a way of reminding us that He loves us and that He knowswho we are. His promised blessing of peace is open to allthose who courageously walk the covenant path and arewilling to receive correction.”Recognizing and willingly receiving chastisement bringrefining and purifying changes.Of the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesGeneral Authority SeventyOf the Presidency of the SeventyGeneral Authority Seventy

SUNSUNDAY MORNING SESSION191ST ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCEElder Chi Hong (Sam) WongElder Michael John U. TehPresident Russell M. NelsonGeneral Authority SeventyPresident of the Church“Although earth and hellmay combine against us,they cannot prevail if wechoose to let God prevail byestablishing our lives uponHis rock.”Where individuals buildon their foundation “hasa decisive effect on theoutcome ultimately andeternally.”

influence.” Seeking to understand another’s perspective and working to see things from an eternal viewpoint can help clarify and enlighten. In an unfair situation, rather than letting the situation create a hard heart or corrode faith, ask