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THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • MAY <strong>2014</strong>GeneralConferenceAddressesNew Seventies andSunday School GeneralPresidency Called
Summary for the 184th Annual GeneralConferenceSATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 5, <strong>2014</strong>,GENERAL SESSIONPresiding: President Thomas S. Monson.Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.Invocation: Elder Carl B. Cook.Benediction: Elder W. Christopher Waddell.Music by the Tabernacle Choir; MackWilberg and Ryan Murphy, directors; ClayChristiansen and Richard Elliott, organists:“How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85;“Press Forward, Saints,” Hymns, no. 81, arr.Wilberg, unpublished; “Lead, Kindly Light,”Hymns, no. 97, arr. Wilberg, unpublished;“Choose the Right,” Hymns, no. 239; “A NewCommandment I Give unto You,” Gates, pub.by Jackman; “Come, O Thou King of Kings,”Hymns, no. 59, arr. Murphy, unpublished.SATURDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 5, <strong>2014</strong>,GENERAL SESSIONPresiding: President Thomas S. Monson.Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring.Invocation: Elder Ian S. Ardern.Benediction: Linda K. Burton.Music by a combined choir from the OremUtah Institute; Ryan Eggett, director; BonnieGoodliffe and Linda Margetts, organists:“Glory to God on High,” Hymns, no. 67,arr. Manookin, pub. by Jackman; “I Lived inHeaven,” Children’s Songbook, 4, arr. Beebe,pub. by Larice Music; “We Thank Thee, OGod, for a Prophet,” Hymns, no. 19; “Highon the Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5, arr.Duffin, pub. by Duffin.SATURDAY EVENING, APRIL 5, <strong>2014</strong>,PRIESTHOOD SESSIONPresiding: President Thomas S. Monson.Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.Invocation: Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr.Benediction: Russell T. Osguthorpe.Music by a priesthood choir from BrighamYoung University–Idaho; Randall Kemptonand Kevin Brower, directors; AndrewUnsworth, organist: “Saints, BeholdHow Great Jehovah,” Hymns, no. 28, arr.Kempton, unpublished; “Secret Prayer,”Hymns, no. 144, arr. Kasen, pub. byJackman; “Rejoice, the Lord Is King,” Hymns,no. 66; “Abide with Me!” Hymns, no. 166, arr.Kempton, unpublished.SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 6, <strong>2014</strong>,GENERAL SESSIONPresiding: President Thomas S. Monson.Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring.Invocation: Elder L. Whitney Clayton.Benediction: Neill F. Marriott.Music by the Tabernacle Choir; MackWilberg, director; Richard Elliott and AndrewUnsworth, organists: “Come, We That Lovethe Lord,” Hymns, no. 119; “On This Day ofJoy and Gladness,” Hymns, no. 64; “Let UsAll Press On,” Hymns, no. 243, arr. Elliott,unpublished; “Teach Me to Walk in theLight,” Hymns, no. 304; “A Child’s Prayer,”Children’s Songbook, 12, arr. Perry, pub. byJackman; “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah,”Hymns, no. 83, arr. Wilberg, unpublished.SUNDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 6, <strong>2014</strong>,GENERAL SESSIONPresiding: President Thomas S. Monson.Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.Invocation: Bishop Dean M. Davies.Benediction: Elder Benjamín De Hoyos.Music by the Tabernacle Choir; MackWilberg and Ryan Murphy, directors; LindaMargetts and Bonnie Goodliffe, organists:“Sweet Is the Work,” Hymns, no. 147, arr.Murphy, unpublished; “I Stand All Amazed,”Hymns, no. 193, arr. Murphy, unpublished;“Hark, All Ye Nations!” Hymns, no. 264;“Come, Let Us Anew,” Hymns, no. 217, arr.Wilberg, unpublished.SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 29, <strong>2014</strong>,GENERAL WOMEN’S MEETINGPresiding: President Thomas S. Monson.Conducting: Bonnie L. Oscarson.Invocation: Emri Elizabeth Smith.Benediction: Ofa Kaufusi.Music by a combined Primary, YoungWomen, and Relief Society choir from stakesalong the Wasatch Front; Emily Wadley,director; Bonnie Goodliffe, organist: “Hark,All Ye Nations!” Hymns, no. 264; “Daughtersin His Kingdom,” Creamer, unpublished,accompanied by organ, flute, violin, andcello; “I Am a Child of God,” Hymns,no. 301, arr. DeFord, unpublished; medley,arr. Mohlman, unpublished: “Lord, I WouldFollow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220, and “LoveOne Another,” Hymns, no. 308; “Let UsAll Press On,” Hymns, no. 243, arr. Huff,unpublished.CONFERENCE TALKS AVAILABLETo access general conference talks on theInternet in many languages, visit conference.lds.org and select a language. Talks are alsoavailable on the Gospel Library mobile app.Generally within six weeks following generalconference, English video and audio recordingsare available at distribution centers.Information on general conference in accessibleformats for members with disabilities isavailable at disability.lds.org.HOME AND VISITING TEACHING MESSAGESFor home and visiting teaching messages,please select an address that best meets theneeds of those you visit.ON THE COVERFront: Photograph by Christina Smith.Back: Photograph by Leslie Nilsson.CONFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHYScenes of general conference in Salt LakeCity were taken by Welden C. Andersen,Cody Bell, Randy Collier, Weston Colton,Scott Davis, Craig Dimond, Nathaniel RayEdwards, Lloyd Eldredge, Ashlee Larsen,John Luke, Leslie Nilsson, Christina Smith,and Byron Warner; in Gilbert, Arizona, USA,by Jamie Dale Johnson; in Highlands Ranch,Colorado, USA, by Rebecca Morgenegg; inMexico City, Mexico, by Israel Gutiérrez; inNorcross, Georgia, USA, by David Winters; inPalmyra, New York, USA, by Brent Walton;in Pleasant Grove, Utah, USA, by JeremyHall; in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, byRhonda Steed; in Saint Petersburg, Russia,by Vladimir Egorov; in São Paulo, Brazil, byLaureni Fochetto; in Sydney, Australia, byColin Ligertwood; in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia,by Kylie Sneddon; in Vienna, Austria, byFrank Helmrich; and in Washington, Utah,USA, by James Iliff Jeffery.2
6By Elder Jeffrey R. HollandOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesThe Cost—and Blessings—of DiscipleshipBe strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if others around youdon’t live it at all.President Monson, we love you.You have given your heart andyour health to every calling theLord has ever given you, especiallythe sacred office you now hold. Thisentire Church thanks you for yoursteadfast service and for your unfailingdevotion to duty.With admiration and encouragementfor everyone who will need toremain steadfast in these latter days, Isay to all and especially the youth ofthe Church that if you haven’t already,you will one day find yourself calledupon to defend your faith or perhapseven endure some personal abusesimply because you are a member ofThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints. Such moments will require bothcourage and courtesy on your part.For example, a sister missionaryrecently wrote to me: “My companionand I saw a man sitting on a bench inthe town square eating his lunch. Aswe drew near, he looked up and sawour missionary name tags. With a terriblelook in his eye, he jumped up andraised his hand to hit me. I ducked justin time, only to have him spit his foodall over me and start swearing the mosthorrible things at us. We walked awaysaying nothing. I tried to wipe the foodoff of my face, only to feel a clump ofmashed potato hit me in the back ofthe head. Sometimes it is hard being amissionary because right then I wantedto go back, grab that little man, and say,‘EXCUSE ME!’ But I didn’t.”To this devoted missionary I say,dear child, you have in your own humbleway stepped into a circle of verydistinguished women and men whohave, as the Book of Mormon prophetJacob said, “view[ed Christ’s] death,and suffer[ed] his cross and [borne] theshame of the world.” 1Indeed, of Jesus Himself, Jacob’sbrother Nephi wrote: “And the world,because of their iniquity, shall judgehim to be a thing of naught; whereforethey scourge him, and he sufferethit; and they smite him, and hesuffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him,and he suffereth it, because of hisloving kindness and his long-sufferingtowards the children of men.” 2In keeping with the Savior’s ownexperience, there has been a longhistory of rejection and a painfullyhigh price paid by prophets andapostles, missionaries and membersin every generation—all those whohave tried to honor God’s call to liftthe human family to “a more excellentway.” 3“And what shall I more say [ofthem]?” the writer of the book ofHebrews asks.“[They] who . . . stopped themouths of lions,“Quenched the violence of fire,escaped the edge of the sword, . . .waxed valiant in fight, turned [armies]to flight . . .“[Saw] their dead raised to life[while] others were tortured, . . .“And . . . had trial of cruel mockingsand scourgings, . . . of bonds andimprisonment:“They were stoned, . . . were sawnasunder, were tempted, were slainwith the sword: . . . wandered aboutin sheepskins and goatskins; beingdestitute, afflicted, [and] tormented;“([They] of whom the world wasnot worthy:) . . . wandered in deserts,and in mountains, and in dens andcaves of the earth.” 4Surely the angels of heaven wept asthey recorded this cost of discipleshipin a world that is often hostile to thecommandments of God. The SaviorHimself shed His own tears over thosewho for hundreds of years had beenrejected and slain in His service. Andnow He was being rejected and aboutto be slain.“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” Jesuscried, “thou that killest the prophets,and stonest them which are sent untothee, how often would I have gatheredthy children together, even as ahen gathereth her chickens under herwings, and ye would not!
“Behold, your house is left untoyou desolate.” 5And therein lies a message forevery young man and young womanin this Church. You may wonder if itis worth it to take a courageous moralstand in high school or to go on amission only to have your most cherishedbeliefs reviled or to strive againstmuch in society that sometimes ridiculesa life of religious devotion. Yes,it is worth it, because the alternativeis to have our “houses” left unto us“desolate”—desolate individuals,desolate families, desolate neighborhoods,and desolate nations.So here we have the burden ofthose called to bear the messianicmessage. In addition to teaching,encouraging, and cheering people on(that is the pleasant part of discipleship),from time to time these samemess<strong>eng</strong>ers are called upon to worry,to warn, and sometimes just to weep(that is the painful part of discipleship).They know full well that theroad leading to the promised land“flowing with milk and honey” 6 ofnecessity runs by way of Mount Sinai,flowing with “thou shalts” and “thoushalt nots.” 7Unfortunately, mess<strong>eng</strong>ers ofdivinely mandated commandmentsare often no more popular todaythan they were anciently, as at leasttwo spit-upon, potato-spatteredsister missionaries can now attest.Hate is an ugly word, yet there arethose today who would say with thecorrupt Ahab, “I hate [the prophetMicaiah]; for he never prophesiedgood unto me, but always [prophesied]evil.” 8 That kind of hate fora prophet’s honesty cost Abinadihis life. As he said to King Noah:“Because I have told you the truthye are angry with me. . . . BecauseI have spoken the word of God yehave judged me that I am mad” 9or, we might add, provincial, patriarchal,bigoted, unkind, narrow,outmoded, and elderly.It is as the Lord Himself lamentedto the prophet Isaiah:“[These] children . . . will not hearthe law of the Lord:“[They] say to the seers, See not;and to the prophets, Prophesy notunto us right things, speak unto ussmooth things, prophesy deceits:“Get you out of the way, turn asideout of the path, cause the Holy One ofIsrael to cease from before us.” 10Sadly enough, my young friends,it is a characteristic of our age thatif people want any gods at all, theywant them to be gods who do notdemand much, comfortable gods,smooth gods who not only don’t rockthe boat but don’t even row it, godswho pat us on the head, make usgiggle, then tell us to run along andpick marigolds. 11Talk about man creating God inhis own image! Sometimes—and thisseems the greatest irony of all—thesefolks invoke the name of Jesus asone who was this kind of “comfortable”God. Really? He who said notonly should we not break commandments,but we should not even thinkabout breaking them. And if we dothink about breaking them, we havealready broken them in our heart.Does that sound like “comfortable”doctrine, easy on the ear and populardown at the village love-in?May <strong>2014</strong>7
And what of those who just want tolook at sin or touch it from a distance?Jesus said with a flash, if your eyeoffends you, pluck it out. If your handoffends you, cut it off. 12 “I came notto [bring] peace, but a sword,” 13 Hewarned those who thought He spokeonly soothing platitudes. No wonderthat, sermon after sermon, the localcommunities “pray[ed] him to departout of their coasts.” 14 No wonder,miracle after miracle, His powerwas attributed not to God but to thedevil. 15 It is obvious that the bumpersticker question “What would Jesusdo?” will not always bring a popularresponse.At the zenith of His mortal ministry,Jesus said, “Love one another, asI have loved you.” 16 To make certainthey understood exactly what kindof love that was, He said, “If ye loveme, keep my commandments” 17 and“whosoever . . . shall break one of[the] least commandments, and shallteach men so, he shall be . . . theleast in the kingdom of heaven.” 18Christlike love is the greatest need wehave on this planet in part becauserighteousness was always supposedto accompany it. So if love is to be ourwatchword, as it must be, then by theword of Him who is love personified,we must forsake transgression and anyhint of advocacy for it in others. Jesusclearly understood what many in ourmodern culture seem to forget: thatthere is a crucial difference betweenthe commandment to forgive sin(which He had an infinite capacity todo) and the warning against condoningit (which He never ever did evenonce).Friends, especially my youngfriends, take heart. Pure Christlike loveflowing from true righteousness canchange the world. I testify that the trueand living gospel of Jesus Christ is onthe earth and you are members of Histrue and living Church, trying to shareit. I bear witness of that gospel and thatChurch, with a particular witness ofrestored priesthood keys which unlockthe power and efficacy of saving ordinances.I am more certain that thosekeys have been restored and that thoseordinances are once again availablethrough The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints than I am certainI stand before you at this pulpit and8
heads. There was lots of wind anddebris flying around and hitting everypart of my body. It was darker outsideand it looked like the sky was black,but it wasn’t—it was the inside of thetornado. I just closed my eyes, hopingand praying that it would be over soon.“All of a sudden it got quiet.“When I opened my eyes, I saw astop sign right in front of my eyes! Itwas almost touching my nose.” 6Tori, her mother, three of her siblings,and numerous friends who werealso in the school with her miraculouslysurvived that tornado; seven oftheir schoolmates did not.That weekend the priesthoodbrethren gave many blessings tomembers who had suffered in thestorm. I was humbled to give Tori ablessing. As I laid my hands on herhead, a favorite scripture came tomind: “I will go before your face. Iwill be on your right hand and onyour left, and my Spirit shall be inyour hearts, and mine angels roundabout you, to bear you up.” 7I counseled Tori to remember theday when a servant of the Lord laidhis hands on her head and pronouncedthat she had been protectedby angels in the storm.Reaching out to rescue one another,under any condition, is an eternalmeasure of love. This is the service Iwitnessed in Oklahoma that week.Often we are given the opportunityto help others in their time of need.As members of the Church, we eachhave the sacred responsibility “to bearone another’s burdens, that they maybe light,” 8 “to mourn with those thatmourn,” 9 and to “lift up the handswhich hang down, and str<strong>eng</strong>then thefeeble knees.” 10Brothers and sisters, how gratefulthe Lord is for each and every one ofyou, for the countless hours and actsof service, whether large or small, youso generously and graciously giveeach day.King Benjamin taught in the Bookof Mormon, “When ye are in the serviceof your fellow beings ye are onlyin the service of your God.” 11Focusing on serving our brothersand sisters can guide us to makedivine decisions in our daily lives andprepares us to value and love what theLord loves. In so doing, we witness byour very lives that we are His disciples.When we are <strong>eng</strong>aged in His work,we feel His Spirit with us. We grow intestimony, faith, trust, and love.I know that my Redeemer lives,even Jesus Christ, and that He speaksto and through His prophet, dearPresident Thomas S. Monson, in this,our day.May we all find the joy that comesfrom the sacred service of bearing oneanother’s burdens, even those simpleand small, is my prayer in the name ofJesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Numbers 11:16–17.2. Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done forSomeone Today?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.2<strong>00</strong>9, 86, 87.3. Matthew 19:20–21.4. Matthew 19:22.5. Matthew 19:21.6. Experience of Victoria (Tori) Sorrels,recounted Jan. 16, <strong>2014</strong>.7. Doctrine and Covenants 84:88.8. Mosiah 18:8.9. Mosiah 18:9.10. Doctrine and Covenants 81:5.11. Mosiah 2:17.May <strong>2014</strong>11
12By Elder Carlos H. AmadoOf the SeventyChrist the Redeemer[The Redeemer’s] sacrifice blessed everyone, from Adam,the first, to the last of all human beings.Jesus Christ, the Son of God, wasborn and died in unique circumstances.He lived and grew up inhumble conditions, without materialthings. He said of Himself, “Foxes haveholes, and birds of the air have nests;but the Son of man hath not where tolay his head” (Luke 9:58).He never received honors, favors,recognition, nor preferred treatmentfrom the political leaders of the earthor from the religious leaders of Hisday. Neither did He sit in the highestseats of the synagogues.His preaching was simple, andeven though multitudes followed afterHim, His ministry always consisted ofblessing people one by one. He performedinnumerable miracles amongthose who accepted Him as the Onesent from God.He gave His Apostles authority andpower to do miracles “and greaterworks” than those He performed( John 14:12), but He never delegatedto them the privilege of forgivingsins. His enemies became indignantwhen they heard Him say, “Go, andsin no more” ( John 8:11) or “Thy sinsare forgiven [thee]” (Luke 7:48). Thatright belonged only to Him becauseHe is the Son of God and becauseHe would pay for those sins with HisAtonement.His Power over DeathHis power over death was anotherdivine attribute. Great Jairus, a rulerof the synagogue, pleaded “that hewould come into his house: for he hadone only daughter, . . . and she laya dying” (Luke 8:41–42). The Masterheard his plea, and while they werewalking, a servant came to Jairus andtold him, “Thy daughter is dead; troublenot the Master” (Luke 8:49). Afterentering the house, Jesus asked foreveryone to go out, and straightway,taking her by the hand, He said to her,“Arise” (Luke 8:54).On another occasion, while Hewas traveling to the city of Nain, Hecame upon a funeral procession, awidow weeping for the death of heronly son. Full of mercy, He touchedthe bier and said, “Young man, I sayunto thee, Arise” (Luke 7:14). Thepeople, upon seeing the miracle,exclaimed, “A great prophet is risenup among us; and . . . God hathvisited his people” (Luke 7:16). Thismiracle was even more noteworthybecause they had already declared theyoung man legally dead and were onthe way to bury him. With two youngpeople brought back to life, theevidence of His authority and powerover death astonished the believersand filled the defamers with fear.The third occasion was the mostimpressive. Martha, Mary, and Lazaruswere siblings whom Christ wouldoften visit. When people informedHim that Lazarus was sick, Heremained two days before leavingto come to the family. In consolingMartha after her brother’s death, Hecategorically testified to her, “I amthe resurrection, and the life: he thatbelieveth in me, though he were dead,yet shall he live” ( John 11:25).When the Savior asked for themourners to remove the stone fromthe sepulchre, Martha timidly whisperedto Him, “Lord, by this time hestinketh: for he hath been dead fourdays” ( John 11:39).Then Jesus lovingly reminded her,“Said I not unto thee, that, if thouwouldest believe, thou shouldest seethe glory of God?” ( John 11:40). Andhaving said this, He cried out with aloud voice:“Lazarus, come forth.“And he that was dead came forth”( John 11:43–44).After Lazarus’s four days in thegrave, the enemies of the Son of Godwere faced with irrefutable evidencethey could not ignore, diminish, ordistort, and they senselessly and maliciously“from that day forth . . . tookcounsel together for to put him todeath” ( John 11:53).The New CommandmentLater on, the living Christ celebratedin Jerusalem, along with HisApostles, His last Feast of the Passover,established the ordinance of the sacrament,and gave them the commandmentto love one another throughsincere service.His Agony in GethsemaneAfter that, in the most sublimeshow of His love for humankind, and
in the full exercise of His will, Hewalked bravely and determinedly toface His most demanding trial. In theGarden of Gethsemane, in utter loneliness,He suffered the most intenseagony, bleeding from each pore. Intotal submission before His Father,He atoned for our sins and also tookupon Him our illnesses and afflictionsin order to know how to succor us(see Alma 7:11–13).We are indebted to Him and toour Heavenly Father because Hissacrifice blessed everyone, fromAdam, the first, to the last of allhuman beings.Condemnation and Crucifixionof the SaviorOnce His agony in Gethsemanewas concluded, He voluntarily gaveHimself up to His detractors. Betrayedby one of His own, He was hurriedlycondemned, in a manner both unjustand illegal, in a trial both manipulatedand incomplete. That same night Hewas accused of the crime of blasphemyand condemned to death. Intheir hatred and thirst for v<strong>eng</strong>eance—because He testified to them that Hewas the Son of God—His enemiesplotted for Pilate to condemn Him. Tothat end, they changed the accusationof blasphemy to sedition so that Hisdeath would be by crucifixion.His condemnation among theRomans was even more cruel: theirmockings and scorn regarding Hisspiritual kingdom, the humiliatingcoronation with a crown of thorns, Hispainful scourging, and the prolongedagony of His public Crucifixion wereall a clear warning for every personwho might dare to declare himself orherself His disciple.At each moment of His suffering,the Redeemer of the world showedexceptional self-control. He alwaysthought of blessing others; withMay <strong>2014</strong>13
kindness and tenderness, He pleadedfor John to take care of His mother,Mary. He asked His Father in Heaven toforgive the executioners who crucifiedHim. With His work on earth fulfilled,He commended His spirit to God andbreathed His last breath. The physicalbody of Christ was taken to the tomband remained there three days.The Work of the Redeemeramong the DeadWhile His disciples were sufferingfrom sadness, discouragement, anduncertainty, our Savior, in anotherphase of His Father’s glorious plan,extended His ministry in a new way.In the short period of three days, He14worked untiringly to organize theimmense work of salvation among thedead. Those days became some of themost hope-filled of all for the familyof God. During that visit He organizedHis faithful followers so that theywould bear glad tidings of redemptionto those who did not in life come toknow of the glorious plan or whohad rejected it. Now they would havethe opportunity to be freed from theircaptivity and to be redeemed by theGod of both the living and the dead(see D&C 138:19, 30–31).The Firstfruits of the ResurrectionWith His work completed in thespirit world, He returned to earth—forever to unite His spirit with Hisphysical body. Even though He hadauthoritatively shown His power overdeath, the scriptural accounts of thoseHe brought back to life before HisResurrection demonstrate that theywere only coming back to a life thathad been miraculously prolonged;they would yet die.Christ was the first to be resurrectedand never die again, to possessforever a perfect, eternal body. InHis resurrected state, He appearedto Mary, who as soon as she recognizedHim, began to worship Him.Our Redeemer, with great tenderness,warned her concerning His new andglorious condition: “Touch me not; forI am not yet ascended to my Father”( John 20:17)—providing an additionalwitness that His ministry in the spiritworld was real and complete. Then,using language that confirmed thereality of His Resurrection, He said,“I ascend unto my Father, and yourFather; and to my God, and yourGod” ( John 20:17). After going toHis Father, He returned again andappeared to His Apostles. “He shewedunto them his hands and his side.Then were the disciples glad, whenthey saw the Lord” ( John 20:20).The Redeemer Will ReturnI testify that Christ will return in away very different from His first coming.He will come in power and glorywith all the just and faithful Saints.He will come as King of kings andLord of lords, as the Prince of Peace,the promised Messiah, the Saviorand Redeemer, to judge the livingand the dead. I love and serve Himwith all my heart, and I plead that wemay serve with joy and dedicationand that we may remain faithful toHim until the end. In His name, JesusChrist, amen. ◼
By Linda S. ReevesSecond Counselor in the Relief Society General PresidencyProtection fromPornography—aChrist-Focused HomeThe greatest filter in the world . . . is the personal internal filterthat comes from a deep and abiding testimony.Dear brothers and sisters, todayI am blessed to have my 13oldest grandchildren in thecongregation. This has caused me toask, “What do I want my grandchildrento know?” This morning I wouldlike to talk frankly to my family andto yours.We as leaders are increasinglyconcerned about the destruction thatpornography is causing in the lives ofChurch members and their families.Satan is attacking with unprecedentedfury.One reason we are here on earth isto learn to manage the passions andfeelings of our mortal bodies. TheseGod-given feelings help us want tomarry and have children. The intimatemarriage relationship between a manand a woman that brings childreninto mortality is also meant to be abeautiful, loving experience that bindstogether two devoted hearts, unitesboth spirit and body, and brings afulness of joy and happiness as welearn to put each other first. PresidentSpencer W. Kimball taught that inmarriage, “the spouse . . . becomespreeminent in the life of the husbandor wife, and . . . [no] other interest [or]person [or] thing shall ever take precedenceover the companion spouse. . . .“Marriage presupposes total allegianceand total fidelity.” 1Many years ago one of our childrenwas noticeably distressed. I steppedinto her bedroom, where she openedup her heart and explained to methat she had been at a friend’s homeand had accidentally seen startlingand disturbing images and actions onthe television between a man and awoman without clothing. She begansobbing and expressed how horribleshe felt about what she had seen andwished she could get it out of hermind. I was so grateful that she wouldconfide in me, giving me a chance tosoothe her innocent and aching heartand help her know how to get reliefthrough our Savior’s Atonement. Iremember the sacred feelings I hadas we knelt together, as mother anddaughter, and petitioned the help ofour Heavenly Father.Many children, youth, and adultsare innocently exposed to pornography,but a growing number of bothmen and women are choosing toview it and are drawn back repeatedlyuntil it becomes an addiction.These individuals may desire with allof their hearts to get out of this trapbut often cannot overcome it on theirown. How grateful we are when theseloved ones choose to confide in us asparents or a Church leader. We wouldbe wise not to react with shock, anger,or rejection, which may cause them tobe silent again.We as parents and leaders need tocounsel with our children and youthon an ongoing basis, listening withlove and understanding. They needto know the dangers of pornographyand how it overtakes lives, causingloss of the Spirit, distorted feelings,deceit, damaged relationships, lossof self-control, and nearly totalconsumption of time, thought, andenergy.Pornography is more vile, evil,and graphic than ever before. As wecounsel with our children, togetherwe can create a family plan withstandards and boundaries, beingproactive to protect our homes withfilters on electronic devices. Parents,are we aware that mobile devices withInternet capacity, not computers, arethe biggest culprit? 2Young people and adults, if you arecaught in Satan’s trap of pornography,remember how merciful our belovedSavior is. Do you realize how deeplythe Lord loves and cherishes you,even now? Our Savior has the powerto cleanse and heal you. He canremove the pain and sorrow you feeland make you clean again through thepower of His Atonement.May <strong>2014</strong>15
Raymond, Alberta, CanadaWe as leaders are also greatly concernedabout the spouses and familiesof those suffering from pornographyaddiction. Elder Richard G. Scott haspleaded: “If you are free of serious sinyourself, don’t suffer needlessly theconsequences of another’s sins. . . .You can feel compassion. . . . Yet youshould not take upon yourself a feelingof responsibility for those acts.” 3Know that you are not alone. Thereis help. Addiction recovery meetingsfor spouses are available, includingphone-in meetings, which allowspouses to call in to a meeting andparticipate from their own homes.Brothers and sisters, how do weprotect our children and youth? Filtersare useful tools, but the greatest filterin the world, the only one that willultimately work, is the personal internalfilter that comes from a deep andabiding testimony of our HeavenlyFather’s love and our Savior’s atoningsacrifice for each one of us.How do we lead our children todeep conversion and to access ourSavior’s Atonement? I love the prophetNephi’s declaration of what his people16did to fortify the youth of his day: “Wetalk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, wepreach of Christ, [and] we prophesy ofChrist . . . that our children may knowto what source they may look for aremission of their sins.” 4How can we do this in our homes?Some of you have heard me tell howoverwhelmed my husband, Mel, andI felt as the parents of four youngchildren. As we faced the chall<strong>eng</strong>esof parenting and keeping up with thedemands of life, we were desperate forhelp. We prayed and pleaded to knowwhat to do. The answer that camewas clear: “It is OK if the house is amess and the children are still in theirpajamas and some responsibilities areleft undone. The only things that reallyneed to be accomplished in the homeare daily scripture study and prayer andweekly family home evening.”We were trying to do these things,but they were not always the priorityand, amidst the chaos, were sometimesneglected. We changed ourfocus and tried not to worry aboutthe less-important things. Our focusbecame to talk, rejoice, preach, andtestify of Christ by striving to dailypray and study the scriptures and haveweekly family home evening.A friend recently cautioned, “Whenyou ask the sisters to read the scripturesand pray more, it stresses themout. They already feel like they havetoo much to do.”Brothers and sisters, because Iknow from my own experiences, andthose of my husband, I must testify ofthe blessings of daily scripture study
and prayer and weekly family homeevening. These are the very practicesthat help take away stress, give directionto our lives, and add protection toour homes. Then, if pornography orother chall<strong>eng</strong>es do strike our families,we can petition the Lord for help andexpect great guidance from the Spirit,knowing that we have done what ourFather has asked us to do.Brothers and sisters, if these havenot been practices in our homes, wecan all begin now. If our children areolder and refuse to join us, we canstart with ourselves. As we do, theinfluence of the Spirit will begin tofill our homes and our lives and, overtime, children may respond.Remember that living Apostleshave also promised that as we searchout our ancestors and prepare ourown family names for the temple, wewill be protected now and throughoutour lives as we keep ourselvesworthy of a temple recommend. 5What promises!Youth, take responsibility for yourown spiritual well-being. Turn off yourphone if necessary, sing a Primarysong, pray for help, think of a scripture,walk out of a movie, picture the Savior,take the sacrament worthily, study Forthe Str<strong>eng</strong>th of Youth, be an exampleto your friends, confide in a parent, gosee your bishop, ask for help, and seekprofessional counseling, if needed.What do I want my grandchildrento know? I want them and you toknow that I know the Savior lives andloves us. He has paid the price for oursins, but we must kneel before ourFather in Heaven, in deep humility,confessing our sins, and plead withHim for forgiveness. We must want tochange our hearts and our desires andbe humble enough to seek the helpand forgiveness of those we may havehurt or forsaken.I know that Joseph Smith sawGod, our Heavenly Father, and ourSavior, Jesus Christ. I testify that wehave a living prophet upon the earth,President Thomas S. Monson. I alsotestify that we will never be led astrayif we heed the counsel of the prophetof God. I testify of the power of ourcovenants and the blessings of thetemple.I know that the Book of Mormonis true! I cannot explain the power ofthis great book. I only know that, coupledwith prayer, the Book of Mormoncarries the power to protect families,str<strong>eng</strong>then relationships, and givepersonal confidence before the Lord.I testify of these things in the holyname of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church:Spencer W. Kimball (2<strong>00</strong>6), 199–2<strong>00</strong>.2. See Clay Olsen, “What Teens Wish ParentsKnew” (address given at Utah CoalitionAgainst Pornography Conference, Mar. 22,<strong>2014</strong>); utahcoalition.org.3. Richard G. Scott, “To Be Free of HeavyBurdens,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2<strong>00</strong>2, 88.4. 2 Nephi 25:26.5. See David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of theChildren Shall Turn,” Ensign or Liahona,Nov. 2011, 24–27; Richard G. Scott, “TheJoy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensignor Liahona, Nov. 2012, 93–95; Neil L.Andersen, “Find Our Cousins!” (addressgiven at RootsTech <strong>2014</strong> Family HistoryConference, Feb. 8, <strong>2014</strong>); lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/find-our-cousins.May <strong>2014</strong>17
By Elder Neil L. AndersenOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesSpiritual WhirlwindsDon’t let the whirlwinds drag you down. These are yourdays—to stand strong as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.Igreet you this morning—especiallythe young people who are bothhere in the Conference Center andthroughout the world. Yours is a chos<strong>eng</strong>eneration of destiny, and I speakespecially to you.Many years ago while we were visitingour family in Florida, a tornadotouched down not too far from us.One woman living in a mobile homewent into her bathroom for safety.The mobile home began to shake. Afew moments passed. Then she heardher neighbor’s voice: “I am here inthe front room.” Coming out of thebathroom, to her great astonishment,she discovered that the tornado hadlifted and carried her mobile homethrough the air, landing it perfectlyupright on the top of her neighbor’smobile home.My young friends, the world willnot glide calmly toward the SecondComing of the Savior. The scripturesdeclare that “all things shall be in commotion.”1 Brigham Young said, “It wasrevealed to me in the commencementof this Church, that the Church wouldspread, prosper, grow and extend, andthat in proportion to the spread of theGospel among the nations of the earth,so would the power of Satan rise.” 2More concerning than the prophesiedearthquakes and wars 3 are thespiritual whirlwinds that can uprootyou from your spiritual foundationsand land your spirit in places younever imagined possible, sometimeswith your barely noticing that youhave been moved.The worst whirlwinds are the temptationsof the adversary. Sin has alwaysbeen part of the world, but it has neverbeen so accessible, insatiable, andacceptable. There is, of course, a powerfulforce that will subdue the whirlwindsof sin. It is called repentance.Not all the whirlwinds in life areof your own making. Some comebecause of the wrong choices of others,and some come just because thisis mortality.Trees that grow up in a windyenvironment become stronger.As a young boy, President Boyd K.Packer suffered from the cripplingdisease of polio. When Elder Dallin H.Oaks was seven years old, his fatherdied suddenly. When Sister Carol F.McConkie of the Young Wom<strong>eng</strong>eneral presidency was a teenager,her parents divorced. Chall<strong>eng</strong>es willcome to you, but as you trust in God,they will str<strong>eng</strong>then your faith.In nature, trees that grow up in awindy environment become stronger.As winds whip around a youngsapling, forces inside the tree do twothings. First, they stimulate the rootsto grow faster and spread farther.Second, the forces in the tree startcreating cell structures that actuallymake the trunk and branches thickerand more flexible to the pressure ofthe wind. These stronger roots andbranches protect the tree from windsthat are sure to return. 4You are infinitely more preciousto God than a tree. You are His sonor His daughter. He made your spiritstrong and capable of being resilientto the whirlwinds of life. The whirlwindsin your youth, like the windagainst a young tree, can increaseyour spiritual str<strong>eng</strong>th, preparing youfor the years ahead.18
How do you prepare for your whirlwinds?“Remember . . . it is upon therock of our Redeemer, who is Christ,the Son of God, that ye must buildyour foundation; that when the devilshall send forth his mighty winds, . . .his shafts in the whirlwind, . . . whenall his hail and his mighty storm shallbeat upon you, it shall have no power. . . to drag you down . . . because ofthe rock upon which ye are built.” 5This is your safety in the whirlwind.President Thomas S. Monson hassaid, “Where once the standards of theChurch and the standards of societywere mostly compatible, now thereis a wide chasm between us, and it’sgrowing ever wider.” 6 This chasm, forsome, stirs strong spiritual whirlwinds.Let me share an example.This past month the FirstPresidency and the Quorum of theTwelve published a letter to leaders ofthe Church across the world. In partit read: “Changes in the civil law donot, indeed cannot, change the morallaw that God has established. Godexpects us to uphold and keep Hiscommandments regardless of divergentopinions or trends in society.His law of chastity is clear: sexualrelations are proper only between aman and a woman who are legallyand lawfully wedded as husband andwife. We urge you to review . . . thedoctrine contained in ‘The Family: AProclamation to the World.’” 7As the world slips away from theLord’s law of chastity, we do not.President Monson said: “The Savior ofmankind described Himself as beingin the world but not of the world. Wealso can be in the world but not of theworld as we reject false concepts andfalse teachings and remain true to thatwhich God has commanded.” 8While many governments and wellmeaningindividuals have redefinedmarriage, the Lord has not. In the verybeginning, God initiated marriagebetween a man and a woman—Adamand Eve. He designated the purposesof marriage to go far beyond thepersonal satisfaction and fulfillment ofadults to, more importantly, advancingthe ideal setting for children to beborn, reared, and nurtured. Familiesare the treasure of heaven. 9Why do we continue to talk aboutthis? As Paul said, “We look not atthe things which are seen, but atthe things which are not seen.” 10 AsApostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, wehave the responsibility to teach ourCreator’s plan for His children and towarn of the consequences of disregardingHis commandments.Recently, I spoke with a Laurelfrom the United States. I quote fromher email:“This past year some of my friendson Facebook began posting their positionon marriage. Many favored samesexmarriage, and several LDS youthindicated they ‘liked’ the postings. Imade no comment.“I decided to declare my belief intraditional marriage in a thoughtfulway.“With my profile picture, I addedthe caption ‘I believe in marriagebetween a man and a woman.’ Almostinstantly I started receiving messages.‘You are selfish.’ ‘You are judgmental.’One compared me to a slave owner.And I received this post from a greatfriend who is a strong member of theChurch: ‘You need to catch up withthe times. Things are changing and soshould you.’May <strong>2014</strong>19
After declaring her belief in traditionalmarriage, a Laurel received severalnegative messages from friends.“I did not fight back,” she said, “butI did not take my statement down.”She concludes: “Sometimes, asPresident Monson said, ‘You have tostand alone.’ Hopefully as youth, wewill stand together in being true toGod and to the teachings of His livingprophets.” 11Of special concern to us shouldbe those who struggle with samesexattraction. It is a whirlwind ofenormous velocity. I want to expressmy love and admiration for thosewho courageously confront this trialof faith and stay true to the commandmentsof God! 12 But everyone,independent of his or her decisionsand beliefs, deserves our kindness andconsideration. 13The Savior taught us to love notonly our friends but also those whodisagree with us—and even thosewho repudiate us. He said: “For ifye love them which love you, whatreward have ye? . . . And if ye saluteyour brethren only, what do ye morethan others?” 14The Prophet Joseph Smith warnedus to “beware of self-righteousness”and to enlarge our hearts toward allmen and women until we feel “to takethem upon our shoulders.” 15 In the20gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no placefor ridicule, bullying, or bigotry.If you have a question about counselfrom the leaders of the Church,please discuss your honest concernswith your parents and leaders. Youneed the str<strong>eng</strong>th that comes fromtrusting the Lord’s prophets. PresidentHarold B. Lee said: “The only safetywe have as members of this church isto . . . learn to give heed to the wordsand commandments that the Lordshall give through His prophet. . . .There will be some things that takepatience and faith. You may not likewhat comes. . . . It may contradictyour political views . . . your socialviews . . . interfere with . . . your sociallife. But if you listen to these things, asif from the mouth of the Lord Himself,. . . ‘the gates of hell shall not prevailagainst you . . . and the Lord God willdisperse the powers of darkness frombefore you . . .’ (D&C 21:6).” 16Another powerful protection fromthe whirlwinds of life is the Book ofMormon.When President Henry B. Eyringwas a teenager, his family moved to anew city. He initially found the moveunpleasant and made few friends.He felt like he didn’t fit in with thestudents in his high school. Thewhirlwinds were swirling. What didhe do? He threw his energy into theBook of Mormon, reading it manytimes. 17 Years later, President Eyringtestified: “I [love to] go back to theBook of Mormon and drink deeplyand often.” 18 “[It] is the most powerfulwritten testimony we have that Jesus isthe Christ.” 19The Lord has given you anotherway to stand firm, a spiritual gift morepowerful than the whirlwinds of theadversary! He said, “Stand . . . in holyplaces, and be not moved.” 20When I was a teenager, there wereonly 13 temples in the Church. Nowthere are 142. Eighty-five percentof Church members live within 2<strong>00</strong>miles (320 km) of a temple. The Lordhas given your generation greateraccess to His holy temples than anyother generation in the history ofthe world.Have you ever stood in the temple,dressed in white, waiting to dobaptisms? How did you feel? Thereis a tangible feeling of holiness in
the temple. The peace of the Saviorsubdues the swirling whirlwinds ofthe world.The way you feel in the temple isa pattern for how you want to feel inyour life. 21Find your grandfathers and grandmothersand your distant cousinswho have gone before you. Take theirnames to the temple with you. 22 Asyou learn about your ancestors, youwill see patterns of life, of marriage,of children; patterns of righteousness;and occasionally patterns that you willwant to avoid. 23Later in the temple you will learnmore about the Creation of the world,about the patterns in the lives of Adamand Eve, and most importantly, aboutour Savior, Jesus Christ.My young brothers and sisters, howwe love you, admire you, and prayfor you. Don’t let the whirlwinds dragyou down. These are your days—tostand strong as disciples of the LordJesus Christ. 24Build more firmly your foundationupon the rock of your Redeemer.Treasure more completely Hisincomparable life and teachings.Follow more diligently His exampleand His commandments.Embrace more deeply His love,His mercy and grace, and the powerfulgifts of His Atonement.As you do, I promise you that youwill see the whirlwinds for what theyare—tests, temptations, distractions,or chall<strong>eng</strong>es to help you grow. Andas you live righteously year after year,I assure you that your experienceswill confirm to you again and againthat Jesus is the Christ. The spiritualrock under your feet will be solid andsecure. You will rejoice that God hasplaced you here to be a part of the finalpreparations for Christ’s glorious return.The Savior said, “I will not leaveyou comfortless: I will come to you.” 25This is His promise to you. I know thispromise is real. I know that He lives,in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Doctrine and Covenants 88:91.2. Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A.Widtsoe (1954), 72.3. See Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for theSecond Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May2<strong>00</strong>4, 7–10.4. See A. Stokes, A. H. Fitter, and M. P. Coutts,“Responses of Young Trees to Wind andShading: Effects on Root Architecture,”Journal of Experimental Botany, vol. 46,no. 290 (Sept. 1995), 1139–46.5. Helaman 5:12.6. Thomas S. Monson, “Priesthood Power,”Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 66.7. First Presidency letter, Mar. 6, <strong>2014</strong>; seealso David A. Bednar, “We Believe in BeingChaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013,41–44; Dallin H. Oaks, “No Other Gods,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 72–75; Forthe Str<strong>eng</strong>th of Youth (booklet, 2011), 35–37.8. Thomas S. Monson, Ensign or Liahona,May 2011, 67.9. Elder Russell M. Nelson said: “Marriageis the foundry for social order. . . . Thatunion is not merely between husband andwife; it embraces a partnership with God”(“Nurturing Marriage,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2<strong>00</strong>6, 36). See also Matthew 19:5–6.10. 2 Corinthians 4:18.11. Personal correspondence and conversation,Mar. 17, <strong>2014</strong>; see also Thomas S.Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone,” Ensign orLiahona, Nov. 2011, 60–67.12. See Jeffrey R. Holland, “Helping ThoseWho Struggle with Same-GenderAttraction,” Ensign, Oct. 2<strong>00</strong>7, 42–45;Liahona, Oct. 2<strong>00</strong>7, 40–43.13. Even when the anti-Christ Korihor soughtto destroy the faith of the people, the lawsof God protected him against retribution:“There was no law against a man’s belief;for it was strictly contrary to the commandsof God that there should be a law whichshould bring men on to unequal grounds.. . . If a man desired to serve God, it washis privilege; . . . but if he did not believein him there was no law to punish him”(Alma 30:7, 9). The eleventh article offaith reads, “We claim the privilege ofworshiping Almighty God according tothe dictates of our own conscience, andallow all men the same privilege, let themworship how, where, or what they may.”14. Matthew 5:46–47.15. Teachings of Presidents of the Church:Joseph Smith (2<strong>00</strong>7), 427, 429.16. Teachings of Presidents of the Church:Harold B. Lee (2<strong>00</strong>0), 84–85; see alsoRobert D. Hales, “General Conference:Str<strong>eng</strong>thening Faith and Testimony,” Ensignor Liahona, Nov. 2013, 6–8.17. See Robert I. Eaton and Henry J. Eyring,I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B.Eyring (2013), 40.18. Henry B. Eyring, Choose Higher Ground(2013), 38.19. Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God(1997), 118.20. Doctrine and Covenants 87:8; see alsoDoctrine and Covenants 45:32.21. See Doctrine and Covenants 52:14.22. See Neil L. Andersen, “Find Our Cousins!”(address given at RootsTech <strong>2014</strong> FamilyHistory Conference, Feb. 8, <strong>2014</strong>); lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/find-our-cousins.23. See David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of theChildren Shall Turn,” Ensign or Liahona,Nov. 2011, 24–27.24. See Helaman 7:9.25. John 14:18.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf3 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.May <strong>2014</strong>21
22By President Henry B. EyringFirst Counselor in the First PresidencyA Priceless Heritageof HopeWhen you choose whether to make or keep a covenant withGod, you choose whether you will leave an inheritanceof hope to those who might follow your example.My dear brothers and sisters,some of you were invited tothis meeting by missionariesof The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterdaySaints. Those missionaries mayhave already invited you to make thechoice of covenanting with God bybeing baptized.Others of you are listening becauseyou accepted the invitation of aparent, a wife, or perhaps a child,extended to you in the hopes that youwill choose to put the covenants youhave already made with God backinto the center of your lives. Some ofyou who are listening have alreadymade the choice to return to followthe Savior and are feeling today thejoy of His welcome.Whoever you are and whereveryou may be, you hold in your handsthe happiness of more people thanyou can now imagine. Every day andevery hour you can choose to make orkeep a covenant with God.Wherever you are on the path toinherit the gift of eternal life, you havethe opportunity to show many peoplethe way to greater happiness. Whenyou choose whether to make or keepa covenant with God, you choosewhether you will leave an inheritanceof hope to those who might followyour example.You and I have been blessed withthe promise of such an inheritance. Iowe much of my happiness in life to aman I never met in mortal life. He wasan orphan who became one of mygreat-grandparents. He left me a pricelessheritage of hope. Let me tell yousome of the part he played in creatingthat inheritance for me.His name was Heinrich Eyring.He was born into great wealth. Hisfather, Edward, had a large estate inCoburg, in what is now Germany. Hismother was Viscountess Charlotte VonBlomberg. Her father was the keeperof the lands of the king of Prussia.Heinrich was Charlotte andEdward’s first son. Charlotte died atthe age of 31, after the birth of herthird child. Edward died soon thereafter,having lost all his property andwealth in a failed investment. He wasonly 40 years of age. He left threeorphaned children.Heinrich, my great-grandfather, hadlost both of his parents and a greatworldly inheritance. He was penniless.He recorded in his history that he felthis best hope lay in going to America.Although he had neither family norfriends there, he had a feeling of hopeabout going to America. He first wentto New York City. Later he moved toSt. Louis, Missouri.In St. Louis one of his co-workerswas a Latter-day Saint. From him heobtained a copy of a pamphlet writtenby Elder Parley P. Pratt. He read it andthen studied every word he couldobtain about the Latter-day Saints.He prayed to know if there reallywere angels that appeared to men,whether there was a living prophet,and whether he had found a true andrevealed religion.After two months of careful studyand prayer, Heinrich had a dreamin which he was told he was to bebaptized. A man whose name andpriesthood I hold in sacred memory,Elder William Brown, was to performthe ordinance. Heinrich was baptizedin a pool of rainwater on March 11,1855, at 7:30 in the morning.I believe that Heinrich Eyring knewthen that what I am teaching you todayis true. He knew that the happinessof eternal life comes through familybonds which continue forever. Evenwhen he had so recently found theLord’s plan of happiness, he knew thathis hope for eternal joy depended onthe free choices of others to follow hisexample. His hope of eternal happinessdepended on people not yet born.As a part of our family’s inheritanceof hope, he left a history to hisdescendants.In that history I can feel his love forthose of us who would follow him.In his words I feel his hope that hisdescendants might choose to followhim on the path back to our heavenlyhome. He knew it would not be one
great choice to make to do so but manysmall choices. I quote from his history:“From the time I first heard ElderAndrus speak . . . I have alwaysattended the meeting of the Latter daySaints and the instances are very rareindeed, when I [have] failed to go tomeeting, it being at the same time myduty to do so.“I name this in my history that mychildren may imitate my example andnever neglect this . . . important duty[to assemble] with the Saints.” 1Heinrich knew that in sacramentmeetings we could renew our promiseto always remember the Savior andhave His Spirit to be with us.It was that Spirit that sustained himon the mission to which he was calledonly a few months after acceptingthe baptismal covenant. He left as hisheritage his example of staying faithfulto his mission for six years in whatwas then called the Indian Territories.To receive his release from his mission,he walked and joined a wagontrain from Oklahoma to Salt Lake City,a distance of approximately 1,1<strong>00</strong> miles(1,770 km).Soon thereafter he was called bythe prophet of God to move to southernUtah. From there he answeredanother call to serve a mission in hisnative Germany. He then acceptedthe invitation of an Apostle of theLord Jesus Christ to help build up theLatter-day Saint colonies in northernMexico. From there he was called toMexico City as a full-time missionaryagain. He honored those calls. He liesburied in a small cemetery in ColoniaJuárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.I recite these facts not to claimgreatness for him or for what he did orfor his descendants. I recite those factsto honor him for the example of faithand hope that was in his heart.He accepted those calls because ofhis faith that the resurrected Christ andour Heavenly Father had appeared toJoseph Smith in a grove of trees in thestate of New York. He accepted thembecause he had faith that the priesthoodkeys in the Lord’s Church hadbeen restored with the power to sealfamilies forever, if only they had sufficientfaith to keep their covenants.Like Heinrich Eyring, my ancestor,you may be the first in your family tolead the way to eternal life along thepath of sacred covenants made andkept with diligence and faith. Eachcovenant brings with it duties andpromises. For all of us, as they werefor Heinrich, those duties are sometimessimple but are often difficult. Butremember, the duties must sometimesbe difficult because their purpose is tomove us along the path to live foreverwith Heavenly Father and His BelovedSon, Jesus Christ, in families.You remember the words from thebook of Abraham:“And there stood one among themthat was like unto God, and he saidunto those who were with him: Wewill go down, for there is space there,and we will take of these materials,and we will make an earth whereonthese may dwell;“And we will prove them herewith,to see if they will do all things whatsoeverthe Lord their God shall commandthem;“And they who keep their firstestate shall be added upon; and theywho keep not their first estate shallnot have glory in the same kingdomwith those who keep their first estate;and they who keep their second estateMay <strong>2014</strong>23
shall have glory added upon theirheads for ever and ever.” 2Keeping our second estate dependson our making covenants with Godand faithfully performing the dutiesthey require of us. It takes faith inJesus Christ as our Savior to keepsacred covenants for a lifetime.Because Adam and Eve did fall, wehave temptation, trials, and death asour universal inheritance. However, ourloving Heavenly Father gave us the giftof His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as ourSavior. That great gift and blessing ofthe Atonement of Jesus Christ brings auniversal inheritance: the promise ofthe Resurrection and the possibility ofeternal life to all who are born.The greatest of all the blessings ofGod, eternal life, will come to us onlyas we make covenants offered in thetrue Church of Jesus Christ by Hisauthorized servants. Because of theFall, we all need the cleansing effectsof baptism and the laying on of handsto receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.These ordinances must be performedby those who possess the proper24priesthood authority. Then, with thehelp of the Light of Christ and the HolyGhost, we can keep all the covenantswe make with God, especially thoseoffered in His temples. Only in thatway, and with that help, can anyoneclaim his or her rightful inheritance asa child of God in a family forever.To some listening to me, that mayseem a nearly hopeless dream.You have seen faithful parents sorrowover children who have rejectedor who have chosen to break theircovenants with God. But those parentscan take heart and hope from otherparental experiences.Alma’s son and King Mosiah’s sonsreturned from fierce rebellion againstthe covenants and the commandmentsof God. Alma the Younger saw his sonCorianton turn from gross sin to faithfulservice. The Book of Mormon alsorecords the miracle of the Lamanitesputting aside traditions of hatingrighteousness to covenanting to dieto maintain peace.An angel was sent to the youngAlma and the sons of Mosiah. Theangel came because of the faith andprayers of their fathers and of God’speople. From those examples of thepower of the Atonement working inhuman hearts, you can receive courageand comfort.The Lord has given us all the sourceof hope as we struggle to help thosewe love accept their eternal inheritance.He has made promises to usas we keep trying to gather peopleto Him, even when they resist Hisinvitation to do so. Their resistancesaddens Him, but He does not quit, norshould we. He sets the perfect examplefor us with His persistent love: “Andagain, how oft would I have gatheredyou as a hen gathereth her chickensunder her wings, yea, O ye people ofthe house of Israel, who have fallen;yea, O ye people of the house of Israel,ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye thathave fallen; yea, how oft would I havegathered you as a hen gathereth herchickens, and ye would not.” 3We can depend on that unfailingdesire of the Savior to bring all ofHeavenly Father’s spirit childrenback to their home with Him. Everyfaithful parent, grandparent, and greatgrandparentshares in that desire.Heavenly Father and the Savior areour perfect examples of what we canand must do. They never force righteousnessbecause righteousness mustbe chosen. They make righteousnessdiscernible to us, and They let us seethat its fruits are delicious.Every person born into the worldreceives the Light of Christ, whichhelps us see and feel what is right andwhat is wrong. God has sent mortalservants who can, by the Holy Ghost,help us recognize what He wouldhave us do and what He forbids. Godmakes it attractive to choose the rightby letting us feel the effects of ourchoices. If we choose the right, we
will find happiness—in time. If wechoose evil, there comes sorrow andregret—in time. Those effects are sure.Yet they are often delayed for a purpose.If the blessings were immediate,choosing the right would not buildfaith. And since sorrow is also sometimesgreatly delayed, it takes faith tofeel the need to seek forgiveness forsin early rather than after we feel itssorrowful and painful effects.Father Lehi sorrowed over thechoices made by some of his sonsand their families. He was a greatand good man—a prophet of God.He often testified of our Savior, JesusChrist, to them. He was an exampleof obedience and service when theLord called him to leave all his worldlypossessions to spare his family fromdestruction. At the very end of his life,he was still testifying to his children.Like the Savior—and despite hispower to discern their hearts and tosee the future both sad and wonderful—Lehi kept his arms outstretched todraw his family toward salvation.Today millions of the descendantsof Father Lehi are justifying his hopefor them.What can you and I do to drawfrom Lehi’s example? We can drawfrom his example by studying scriptureprayerfully and by observation.I suggest that you take both theshort and the long view as you try togive the inheritance of hope to yourfamily. In the short run, there will betroubles and Satan will roar. And thereare things to wait for patiently, in faith,knowing that the Lord acts in His owntime and in His own way.There are things you can do early,when those you love are young.Remember that daily family prayer, familyscripture study, and sharing our testimonyin sacrament meeting are easierand more effective when children areyoung. Young children are often moresensitive to the Spirit than we realize.When they are older, they willremember the hymns they sang withyou. Even more than recalling music,they will remember the words ofscripture and testimony. The HolyGhost can bring all things to theirremembrance, but the words of scripturesand hymns will last the longest.Those memories will exert a pull thatmay bring them back when they wanderfor a time, possibly for years, fromthe pathway home to eternal life.We will need the long view whenthose we love feel the pull of theworld and the cloud of doubt seemsto overwhelm their faith. We havefaith, hope, and charity to guide usand to str<strong>eng</strong>then them.I have seen that as a counselor totwo living prophets of God. They areindividuals with unique personalities.Yet they seem to share a consistentoptimism. When someone raises analarm about something in the Church,their most frequent response is “Oh,things will work out.” They generallyknow more about the problem thanthe people sounding the alarm.They also know the way of theLord, and so they are always hopefulabout His kingdom. They know He isat its head. He is all-powerful and Hecares. If you let Him be the leader ofyour family, things will work out.Some of Heinrich Eyring’s descendantshave seemed to wander. Butmany of his great-great-grandchildr<strong>eng</strong>o to temples of God at 6:<strong>00</strong> in themorning to perform ordinances forancestors they have never met. Theygo out of the heritage of hope he left.He left an inheritance that is beingclaimed by many of his descendants.After all we can do in faith, theLord will justify our hopes for greaterblessings for our families than we canimagine. He wants the best for themand for us, as His children.We are all children of a living God.Jesus of Nazareth is His Beloved Sonand our resurrected Savior. This is HisChurch. In it are the keys of the priesthood,and so families can be forever.This is our priceless heritage of hope.I testify that it is true in the name ofthe Lord Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. See Henry Eyring reminiscences, 1896,typescript, Church History Library, 16–21.2. Abraham 3:24–26.3. 3 Nephi 10:5.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf4 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.May <strong>2014</strong>25
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION | April 5, <strong>2014</strong>Presented by President Dieter F. UchtdorfSecond Counselor in the First PresidencyThe Sustainingof Church OfficersIt is proposed that we sustain ThomasSpencer Monson as prophet, seer,and revelator and President of TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints; Henry Bennion Eyring as FirstCounselor in the First Presidency; andDieter Friedrich Uchtdorf as SecondCounselor in the First Presidency.Those in favor may manifest it.Those opposed, if any, may manifestit.It is proposed that we sustain BoydKenneth Packer as President of theWashington, Utah, USAQuorum of the Twelve Apostles andthe following as members of thatquorum: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry,Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks,M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott,Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland,David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook,D. Todd Christofferson, and Neil L.Andersen.Those in favor, please manifest it.Any opposed may so indicate.It is proposed that we sustain thecounselors in the First Presidency andthe Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asprophets, seers, and revelators.All in favor, please manifest it.Contrary, if there be any, by thesame sign.At this time we release with sincereappreciation Elder Tad R. Callister asa General Authority and member ofthe Presidency of the Quorums of theSeventy.Those who wish to join us in a voteof appreciation, please manifest it.It is proposed that we sustain ElderLynn G. Robbins as a member of thePresidency of the Quorums of theSeventy.All in favor, please manifest it.Those opposed, if any.It is proposed that we release thefollowing as Area Seventies, effectiveon May 1, <strong>2014</strong>: Pedro E. Abularach,Julio A. Angulo, Victor A. Asconavieta,Duck Soo Bae, Juan C. Barros,Colin H. Bricknell, Dennis C. Brimhall,Thomas M. Cherrington, Kim B.Clark, Wynn R. Dewsnup, Rodolfo C.Franco, G. Guillermo Garcia, Julio C.González, Mauro Junot De Maria,Larry S. Kacher, David E. LeSueur,Paulo C. Loureiro, Steven J. Lund,Abraham Martinez, Hugo E. Martinez,Sergey N. Mikulin, Christopher B.Munday, Hirofumi Nakatsuka, ChikaoOishi, Alejandro S. Patanía, Renato M.Petla, Anatoly K. Reshetnikov,Jonathan C. Roberts, J. Craig Rowe,Robert B. Smith, Warren G. Tate,Hesbon O. Usi, Taniela B. Wakolo,Randy W. Wilkinson, and Chi Hong(Sam) Wong.Those who wish to join us inexpressing gratitude for their excellentservice, please manifest it.It is proposed that we release with avote of appreciation Brothers Russell T.Osguthorpe, David M. McConkie, andMatthew O. Richardson as the SundaySchool general presidency.26
We likewise extend a release to allmembers of the Sunday School generalboard.All who wish to join us in expressingappreciation to these brothers andsisters for their remarkable service anddevotion, please manifest it.It is proposed that we sustain asnew members of the First Quorum ofthe Seventy Chi Hong (Sam) Wongand Jörg Klebingat and as new membersof the Second Quorum of theSeventy Larry S. Kacher and Hugo E.Martinez.All in favor, please manifest it.Those opposed, by the same sign.It is proposed that we sustain thefollowing as new Area Seventies:Julio Cesar Acosta, Blake R. Alder,Alain C. Allard, Taiichi Aoba, Carlos F.Arredondo, Vladimir N. Astashov,Jorge T. Becerra, Michael H. Bourne,Romulo V. Cabrera, Jose Claudio F.Campos, Nicolas Castañeda, WalterChatora, Fook Chuen Zeno Chow,J. Kevin Ence, K. Mark Frost,Mauricio G. Gonzaga, Leonard D.Greer, Jose Isaguirre, Michael R.Jensen, Adolf Johan Johansson, TaeGul Jung, Wisit Khanakham, Serhii A.Kovalov, Sergio Krasnoselsky, Milan F.Kunz, Bryan R. Larsen, Geraldo Lima,W. Jean-Pierre Lono, Tasara Makasi,Khumbulani Mdletshe, Dale H.Munk, Eduardo A. Norambuena,Yutaka Onda, Raimundo Pacheco DePinho, Marco Antonio Rais, Steven K.Randall, R. Scott Runia, Alexey V.Samaykin, Edwin A. Sexton, Raul H.Spitale, Carlos Walter Treviño, andJuan A. Urra.All in favor, please manifest it.Those opposed, if any.It is proposed that we sustainTad R. Callister as general presidentof the Sunday School, withJohn S. Tanner as first counselorand Devin G. Durrant as secondcounselor.Those in favor may manifest it.Any opposed may so signify.We note that Brothers Tanner andDurrant are both currently servingas mission presidents and are, therefore,not in attendance here in theConference Center.They will begin their officialservice in the Sunday School generalpresidency following their release asmission presidents in July <strong>2014</strong>.It is proposed that we sustainthe other General Authorities, AreaSeventies, and general auxiliary presidenciesas presently constituted.Those in favor, please manifest it.Any opposed may manifest it.Thank you, brothers and sisters,for your sustaining vote and for yourcontinued faith and prayers in ourbehalf.We invite the newly called GeneralAuthorities to come forward and taketheir places on the stand. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>27
Church Auditing DepartmentReport, 2013Presented by Kevin R. JergensenManaging Director, Church Auditing DepartmentTo the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day SaintsStatisticalReport, 2013Presented by Brook P. HalesSecretary to the First PresidencyFor the information of the membersof the Church, the First Presidencyhas issued the following statisticalreport regarding the growth and statusof the Church as of December 31, 2013.Dear Brethren: As directed byrevelation in section 120 ofthe Doctrine and Covenants,the Council on the Disposition ofthe Tithes—composed of the FirstPresidency, the Quorum of theTwelve Apostles, and the PresidingBishopric—authorizes the expenditureof Church funds. Church entitiesdisburse funds in accordance withapproved budgets, policies, andprocedures.The Church Auditing Department,which consists of credentialed professionalsand is independent of all otherChurch departments, has responsibilityto perform audits for the purposeof providing reasonable assuranceregarding contributions received,expenditures made, and safeguardingof Church assets.Based upon audits performed, theChurch Auditing Department is of theopinion that, in all material respects,contributions received, expendituresmade, and assets of the Church forthe year 2013 have been recordedand administered in accordance withapproved Church budgets, policies,and accounting practices. The Churchfollows the practices taught to itsmembers of living within a budget,avoiding debt, and saving against atime of need.Respectfully submitted,Church Auditing DepartmentKevin R. JergensenManaging Director ◼Church UnitsStakes...................................... 3,<strong>05</strong>0Missions...................................... 4<strong>05</strong>Districts........................................ 571Wards and Branches................ 29,253Church MembershipTotal Membership.............. 15,082,028New Children of Record.......... 115,486Converts Baptized.................. 282,945MissionariesFull-Time Missionaries................ 83,035Church-Service Missionaries....... 24,032TemplesTemples Dedicated during 2013(Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple)............ 1Temples in Operation at Year End..... 14128
By Elder Russell M. NelsonOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesLet Your Faith ShowDay after day, on your path toward your eternal destiny,increase your faith. Proclaim your faith! Let your faith show!Dear brothers and sisters, weexpress our deepest feelingsof love and gratitude for you.We are grateful for our assignmentsamong you.On a recent flight, our pilotannounced that we would encounterturbulence during our descent andthat all pass<strong>eng</strong>ers must fasten theirseat belts securely. Sure enough,turbulence came. It was really rough.Across the aisle and a couple of rowsbehind me, a terrified woman panicked.With each frightening drop andjarring bump, she screamed loudly.Her husband tried to comfort herbut to no avail. Her hysterical shoutspersisted until we passed through thatzone of turbulence to a safe landing.During her period of anxiety, I feltsorry for her. Because faith is theantidote for fear, I silently wished thatI could have str<strong>eng</strong>thened her faith.Later, as pass<strong>eng</strong>ers were leavingthe aircraft, this woman’s husbandspoke to me. He said, “I’m sorry mywife was so terrified. The only way Icould comfort her was to tell her that‘Elder Nelson is on this flight, so youdon’t need to worry.’”I’m not sure that my presence onthat flight should have given her anycomfort, but I will say that one ofthe realities of mortal life is that ourfaith will be tested and chall<strong>eng</strong>ed.Sometimes those tests come as weface what appear to be life-anddeathencounters. For this frightenedwoman, a violently rocking planepresented one of those momentswhen we come face-to-face with thestr<strong>eng</strong>th of our faith.When we speak of faith—the faiththat can move mountains—we arenot speaking of faith in general but offaith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith inthe Lord Jesus Christ can be bolsteredas we learn about Him and live ourreligion. The doctrine of Jesus Christwas designed by the Lord to help usincrease our faith. In today’s vernacular,however, the word religion canmean different things to differentpeople.The word religion literally means“to ligate again” or “to tie back” toGod. 1 The question we might askourselves is, are we securely tiedto God so that our faith shows, orare we actually tied to somethingelse? For example, I have overheardconversations on Monday morningsabout professional athletic games thattook place on the preceding Sunday.For some of these avid fans, I havewondered if their “religion” would “tiethem back” only to some kind of abouncing ball.We might each ask ourselves,where is our faith? Is it in a team? Isit in a brand? Is it in a celebrity? Eventhe best teams can fail. Celebrities canfade. There is only One in whom yourfaith is always safe, and that is in theLord Jesus Christ. And you need to letyour faith show!God declared in the first of HisTen Commandments, “Thou shalthave no other gods before me.” 2 Healso said, “Look unto me in everythought; doubt not, fear not.” 3 Yet somany people look only to their bankbalance for peace or to fellow humanbeings for models to follow.Clinicians, academicians, and politiciansare often put to a test of faith.In pursuit of their goals, will theirreligion show or will it be hidden? Arethey tied back to God or to man?I had such a test decades ago whenone of my medical faculty colleagueschastised me for failing to separate myprofessional knowledge from my religiousconvictions. He demanded that IMay <strong>2014</strong>29
not combine the two. How could I dothat? Truth is truth! It is not divisible,and any part of it cannot be set aside.Whether truth emerges froma scientific laboratory or throughrevelation, all truth emanates fromGod. All truth is part of the gospel ofJesus Christ. 4 Yet I was being asked tohide my faith. I did not comply withmy colleague’s request. I let my faithshow!In all professional endeavors,rigorous standards of accuracy arerequired. Scholars cherish their freedomof expression. But full freedomcannot be experienced if part of one’sknowledge is ruled “out-of-bounds”by edicts of men.Spiritual truth cannot be ignored—especially divine commandments.Keeping divine commandments bringsblessings, every time! Breaking divinecommandments brings a loss of blessings,every time! 5Problems abound in this worldbecause it is populated by imperfectpeople. Their objectives and desiresare heavily influenced by their faithor lack of it. Many put other prioritiesahead of God. Some chall<strong>eng</strong>e therelevance of religion in modern life.As in every age, so today there are30those who mock or decry the freeexercise of religion. Some even blamereligion for any number of the world’sills. Admittedly, there have been timeswhen atrocities have been committedin the name of religion. But living theLord’s pure religion, which meansstriving to become a true disciple ofJesus Christ, is a way of life and adaily commitment that will providedivine guidance. As you practice yourreligion, you are exercising your faith.You are letting your faith show.The Lord knew that His childrenwould need to learn how to find Him.“For strait is the gate,” He said, “andnarrow the way that leadeth unto . . .exaltation . . . , and few there be thatfind it.” 6The scriptures provide one of thebest ways to find our course and stayon it. Scriptural knowledge also providesprecious protection. For example,throughout history, infections like“childbirth fever” claimed the lives ofmany innocent mothers and babies.Yet the Old Testament had the correctprinciples for the handling of infectedpatients, written more than 3,<strong>00</strong>0 yearsago! 7 Many people perished becauseman’s quest for knowledge had failedto heed the word of the Lord!My dear brothers and sisters, whatare we missing in our lives if we are“ever learning, [but] never able tocome to the knowledge of the truth”? 8We can gain great knowledge fromthe scriptures and obtain inspirationthrough prayers of faith.Doing so will help us as we makedaily decisions. Especially when thelaws of man are created and enforced,God’s laws must ever be our standard.In dealing with controversial issues, weshould first search for God’s guidance.We should “liken all scriptures untous . . . for our profit and learning.” 9Danger lurks when we try to divideourselves with expressions such as“my private life” or even “my bestbehavior.” If one tries to segment hisor her life into such separate compartments,one will never rise to the fullstature of one’s personal integrity—never to become all that his or hertrue self could be.The temptation to be popular mayprioritize public opinion above theword of God. Political campaigns andmarketing strategies widely employpublic opinion polls to shape theirplans. Results of those polls are informative.But they could hardly be usedas grounds to justify disobedience to
God’s commandments! Even if “everyoneis doing it,” wrong is never right.Evil, error, and darkness will neverbe truth, even if popular. A scripturalwarning so declares: “Woe unto themthat call evil good, and good evil; thatput darkness for light, and light fordarkness.” 10After World War I, a rather risquésong became popular. In promotingimmorality, it vowed that 50 millionpeople cannot be wrong. But in fact,50 million people can be wrong—totally wrong. Immorality is stillimmorality in the eyes of God, whoone day will judge all of our deedsand desires. 11Contrast the fear and faithlessnessso prevalent in the world today withthe faith and courage of my dearlybeloved daughter Emily, who nowlives on the other side of the veil. Asmortal life was leaving her cancerriddenbody, she could barely speak.But with a smile on her face, she saidto me, “Daddy, don’t worry about me.I know I will be all right!” Emily’s faithwas showing—showing brightly—inthat tender moment, right when weneeded it most.This beautiful young mother of fivehad full faith in her Heavenly Father,in His plan, and in the eternal welfareof her family. She was securely tiedback to God. She was totally faithfulto covenants made with the Lordand with her husband. She loved herchildren but was at peace, despite herimpending separation from them. Shehad faith in her future, and theirs too,because she had faith in our HeavenlyFather and His Son.In 1986, President Thomas S.Monson said: “Of course we will facefear, experience ridicule, and meetopposition. Let us have the courageto defy the consensus, the courageto stand for principle. Courage, notcompromise, brings the smile ofGod’s approval. . . . Remember thatall men have their fears, but thosewho face their fears with [faith] havecourage as well.” 12President Monson’s counsel istimeless! So I plead with you, mydear brothers and sisters: Day afterday, on your path toward your eternaldestiny, increase your faith. Proclaimyour faith! Let your faith show! 13I pray that you will be securelytied back to God, that His eternaltruths will be etched on your heartforever. And I pray that, throughoutyour life, you will let your faithshow! In the name of Jesus Christ,amen. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>31
NOTES1. When a baby is born, the umbilical cord isdoubly ligated and severed between thosetwo ligatures. A ligature is a tie—a securetie. The word religion comes from Latinroots: re, meaning “again” or “back to,” andlikely ligare, meaning “to tie” or “to ligate.”Thus, we understand that religion “tiesbelievers to God.”2. Exodus 20:3. In addition, the Lord said,“Repent, and turn yourselves fromyour idols; and turn . . . from all yourabominations” (Ezekiel 14:6).3. Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.4. See Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings ofSpencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball(1982), 391.5. See Mosiah 2:41; Doctrine and Covenants58:30–33; 82:10. This principle is truefor everyone, for “God is no respecter ofpersons” (Acts 10:34; see also Moroni 8:12).6. Doctrine and Covenants 132:22.7. See Leviticus 15:13.8. 2 Timothy 3:7.9. 1 Nephi 19:23.10. Isaiah 5:20.11. Scripture teaches: “Come unto the Lord,the Holy One. Remember that his pathsare righteous. Behold, the way for manis narrow, but it lieth in a straight coursebefore him, and the keeper of the gate isthe Holy One of Israel; and he employethno servant there; and there is none otherway save it be by the gate; for he cannotbe deceived, for the Lord God is his name”(2 Nephi 9:41).12. Thomas S. Monson, “Courage Counts,”Ensign, Nov. 1986, 41. On another occasion,President Monson gave this inspiringadmonition: “To live greatly, we mustdevelop the capacity to face trouble withcourage, disappointment with cheerfulness,and triumph with humility. . . . We are sonsand daughters of a living God, in whoseimage we have been created. . . . We cannotsincerely hold this conviction withoutexperiencing a profound new sense ofstr<strong>eng</strong>th and power, even the str<strong>eng</strong>th tolive the commandments of God, the powerto resist the temptations of Satan” (“YellowCanaries with Gray on Their Wings,” Ensign,July 1973, 43).13. “Deny yourselves of all ungodliness”(Moroni 10:32). Do not fear man more thanGod (see Doctrine and Covenants 3:7; 59:5).32Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf5 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.As I have pondered my dutyto share the gospel, I havereflected on loved ones whosetender influence helped me find thedivinely appointed path that aidedmy spiritual progression. At vital timesin my life, Father in Heaven blessedme with someone who cared for meenough to help guide my choicesin an appropriate direction. Theyobserved these words of the Savior:“For I have given you an example, thatye should do as I have done to you.” 1When I was a young child, myfather was not a member of theChurch and my mother had becomeless active. We lived in Washington,D.C., and my mother’s parents lived2,5<strong>00</strong> miles (4,<strong>00</strong>0 km) away in thestate of Washington. Some monthsafter my eighth birthday, GrandmotherWhittle came across the country tovisit us. Grandmother was concernedthat neither I nor my older brotherhad been baptized. I don’t know whatshe said to my parents about this, butI do know that one morning she tookmy brother and me to the park andshared with us her feelings about theimportance of being baptized andattending Church meetings regularly.By Elder Richard G. ScottOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles“I Have Given Youan Example”The greatest example who ever walked the earth is our Savior,Jesus Christ. . . . He invites us to follow His perfect example.I don’t remember the specifics ofwhat she said, but her words stirredsomething in my heart, and soon mybrother and I were baptized.Grandmother continued to supportus. I remember that anytime mybrother or I was assigned to give atalk in church, we would call her onthe telephone for some suggestions.Within a few days a handwritten talkwould arrive by mail. After some timeher suggestions changed to an outlinerequiring more effort on our part.Grandmother used just the rightamount of courage and respect tohelp our father recognize the importanceof his driving us to the churchfor our meetings. In every appropriateway, she helped us to feel a need forthe gospel in our lives.Most importantly, we knewGrandmother loved us and that sheloved the gospel. She was a marvelousexample! How grateful I am forthe testimony she shared with mewhen I was very young. Her influencechanged the direction of my life foreternal good.Later, as I was about to graduatefrom the university, I fell in love witha beautiful young woman named
Jeanene Watkins. I thought she wasbeginning to have some deep feelingsfor me also. One night when we weretalking about the future, she carefullywove into the discussion a statementthat changed my life forever. She said,“When I marry, it will be to a faithfulreturned missionary in the temple.”I hadn’t thought much about a missionbefore then. That night my motivationto consider missionary servicechanged dramatically. I went home,and I could think of nothing else. Iwas awake all night long. I was completelydistracted from my studies thenext day. After many prayers I madethe decision to meet with my bishopand begin my missionary application.Jeanene never asked me to serve amission for her. She loved me enoughto share her conviction and then gaveme the opportunity to work out thedirection of my own life. We bothserved missions and later were sealedin the temple. Jeanene’s courage andcommitment to her faith have made allthe difference in our lives together. Iam certain we would not have foundthe happiness we enjoy without herstrong faith in the principle of servingthe Lord first. She is a wonderful, righteousexample!Both Grandmother Whittle andJeanene loved me enough to sharetheir conviction that the ordinancesof the gospel and serving Father inHeaven would bless my life. Neitherof them coerced me or made me feelbad about the person I was. Theysimply loved me and loved Father inHeaven. Both knew He could do morewith my life than I could on my own.Each courageously helped me in lovingways to find the path of greatesthappiness.How can each of us become sucha significant influence? We must besure to sincerely love those we wantto help in righteousness so they canbegin to develop confidence in God’slove. For so many in the world, thefirst chall<strong>eng</strong>e in accepting the gospelis to develop faith in a Father inHeaven, who loves them perfectly. It iseasier to develop that faith when theyhave friends or family members wholove them in a similar way.Giving them confidence in yourlove can help them develop faith inGod’s love. Then through your loving,thoughtful communication, theirlives will be blessed by your sharinglessons you have learned, experiencesyou have had, and principles you havefollowed to find solutions to your ownstruggles. Show your sincere interestin their well-being; then share yourtestimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.You can help in ways that aregrounded in principle and doctrine.Encourage those you love to seekto understand what the Lord wouldhave them do. One way to do this isto ask them questions that make themthink and then allow them sufficienttime—whether hours, days, months,or more—to ponder and seek to workout the answers for themselves. Youmay need to help them know how topray and how to recognize answersto their prayers. Help them to knowthat the scriptures are a vital sourceof receiving and recognizing answers.In that way you will help themMay <strong>2014</strong>33
prepare for future opportunities andchall<strong>eng</strong>es.God’s purpose is “to bring to passthe immortality and eternal life ofman.” 2 That is fundamental to all wedo. Sometimes we get so wrappedup in things that we find fascinatingor become so consumed by mundaneresponsibilities that we losesight of God’s objectives. As youconsistently focus your life on themost basic principles, you will gainan understanding of what you are todo, and you will produce more fruitfor the Lord and more happiness foryourself.When you focus your life on thebasic principles of the plan of salvation,you will better concentrate onsharing what you know because youunderstand the eternal importance ofthe ordinances of the gospel. You willshare what you know in a way thatencourages your friends to want to bestr<strong>eng</strong>thened spiritually. You will helpyour loved ones want to commit toobey all of His commandments andtake upon themselves the name ofJesus Christ.Remember that the conversion ofindividuals is only part of the work.Always seek to str<strong>eng</strong>then families.Teach with a vision of the importanceof families being sealed in the temple.With some families it may take years.34This was the case with my parents.Many years after I was baptized, myfather was baptized, and later myfamily was sealed in the temple. Myfather served as a sealer in the temple,and my mother served there withhim. When you have the vision of thesealing ordinances of the temple, youwill help build the kingdom of Godon earth.Remember, loving them is the powerfulfoundation for influencing thoseyou want to help. The influence of myGrandmother Whittle and my wife,Jeanene, would have been negligiblehad I not first known that they lovedme and wanted me to have the bestin life.Sydney, AustraliaAs a companion to that love, trustthem. In some cases it may seemdifficult to trust, but find some way totrust them. The children of Father inHeaven can do amazing things whenthey feel trusted. Every child of God inmortality chose the Savior’s plan. Trustthat given the opportunity, they willdo so again.Share principles that help those youlove to press forward along the pathto eternal life. Remember, we all growline upon line. You have followed thatsame pattern in your understanding ofthe gospel. Keep your sharing of thegospel simple.Your personal testimony of theAtonement of Jesus Christ is a powerfultool. Accompanying resourcesare prayer, the Book of Mormon andthe other scriptures, and your commitmentto priesthood ordinances. All ofthese will facilitate the direction of theSpirit, which is so crucially importantfor you to rely upon.To be effective and to do as Christhas done, 3 concentrate on this basicprinciple of the gospel: the Atonementof Jesus Christ makes possible ourbecoming more like our Father inHeaven so that we can live togethereternally in our family units.There is no doctrine more fundamentalto our work than theAtonement of Jesus Christ. At every
appropriate opportunity, testify ofthe Savior and of the power of HisAtoning sacrifice. Use scriptures thatteach of Him and why He is the perfectpattern for everyone in life. 4 Youwill need to study diligently. Do notbecome so absorbed with trivial thingsthat you miss learning the doctrineand teachings of the Lord. With asolid, personal doctrinal foundation,you will be a powerful source forsharing vital truths with others whodesperately need them.We best serve our Father in Heavenby righteously influencing others andserving them. 5 The greatest examplewho ever walked the earth is ourSavior, Jesus Christ. His mortal ministrywas filled with teaching, serving, andloving others. He sat down with individualswho were judged to be unworthyof His companionship. He lovedeach of them. He discerned their needsand taught them His gospel. He invitesus to follow His perfect example.I know that His gospel is the pathto peace and happiness in this life.May we remember to do as He hasdone by sharing our love, trust, andknowledge of truth with others whohave not yet embraced the brilliantlight of the gospel. In the name ofJesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. John 13:15.2. Moses 1:39.3. See John 13:15.4. See, for example, Luke 22:39–46; John8:3–11; Philippians 4:13; James 5:15–16;1 John 1:7; 2 Nephi 1:15; 2; 25:17–30;31; Jacob 4; Alma 7; 42; 3 Nephi 11–30;Moroni 10:32–33; Doctrine and Covenants18:10–16; 19:13–19; 29:3; 88:1–13; 138:2–4;Moses 5:6–12.5. See Matthew 22:35–40; Mosiah 2:17.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf6 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.By Elder Robert D. HalesOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles“If Ye Love Me, KeepMy Commandments”Using our agency to obey means choosing to “do what is right[and letting] the consequence follow.”Brothers and sisters, of all thelessons we learn from the life ofthe Savior, none is more clearand powerful than the lesson ofobedience.The Savior’s ExampleIn the premortal Council in Heaven,Lucifer rebelled against HeavenlyFather’s plan. Those who followedLucifer ended their eternal progression—be careful who you follow!Then Jesus expressed His commitmentto obey, saying, “Father, thywill be done, and the glory be thineforever.” 1 Throughout His ministry,“he suffered temptations but gave[them] no heed.” 2 Indeed, “he [learned]obedience by the things which hesuffered.” 3Because our Savior was obedient,He atoned for our sins, making possibleour resurrection and preparing theway for us to return to our HeavenlyFather, who knew we would makemistakes as we learned obedience inmortality. When we obey, we acceptHis sacrifice, for we believe thatthrough the Atonement of Jesus Christ,all mankind may be saved, by obedienceto the laws, ordinances, andcommandments given in the gospel. 4Jesus taught us to obey in simplelanguage that is easy to understand:“If ye love me, keep my commandments,”5 and “Come, follow me.” 6When we are baptized, we “takeupon [us] the name of Christ” andenter “into the covenant with God that[we will] be obedient unto the end of[our] lives.” 7 Each Sunday we renewthat baptismal covenant by partakingof the sacrament and witnessing thatwe are willing to keep the commandments.We seek forgiveness for anythoughts, feelings, or actions that arenot in harmony with our HeavenlyFather’s will. As we repent by turningaway from disobedience and bybeginning to obey again, we show ourlove for Him.Types of ObedienceAs we live the gospel, we progressin our understanding of obedience. Attimes we may be tempted to practicewhat I call “natural man’s obedience,”in which we disobediently rejectGod’s law in favor of our wisdomor our desires or even popularity.Because this is widely practiced by somany, this perversion of obedienceMay <strong>2014</strong>35
diminishes God’s standards in ourculture and in our laws.At times members may participatein “selective obedience,” claimingto love God and honor God whilepicking and choosing which of Hiscommandments and teachings—andthe teachings and counsel of His36prophets—they will fully follow.Some obey selectively becausethey cannot perceive all the reasonsfor a commandment, just as childrendo not always understand the reasonsfor their parents’ counsel and rules.But we always know the reason wefollow the prophets, for this is theChurch of Jesus Christ, and it is theSavior who directs His prophets in alldispensations.As our understanding of obediencedeepens, we recognize the essentialrole of agency. When Jesus was in theGarden of Gethsemane, He prayedthree times to His Father in Heaven,“O my Father, if it be possible, let thiscup pass from me: nevertheless not asI will, but as thou wilt.” 8 God wouldnot override the Savior’s agency,yet He mercifully sent an angel tostr<strong>eng</strong>then His Beloved Son.The Savior met another test onGolgotha, where He could have calledupon legions of angels to take Himdown from the cross, but He madeHis own choice to obediently endureto the end and complete His atoningsacrifice, even though it meant greatsuffering, even death.Spiritually mature obedience is “theSavior’s obedience.” It is motivatedby true love for Heavenly Father andHis Son. When we willingly obey, asour Savior did, we cherish the wordsof our Heavenly Father: “This is mybeloved Son, in whom I am wellpleased.” 9 And we look forward tohearing, upon entering our HeavenlyFather’s presence, “Well done, thougood and faithful servant: . . . enter. . . into the joy of thy lord.” 10Using our agency to obey meanschoosing to “do what is right [andletting] the consequence follow.” 11 Itrequires self-mastery and brings confidence,eternal happiness, and a senseof fulfillment to us and, by example, tothose around us; and it always includesa deep personal commitment to sustainpriesthood leaders and follow theirteachings and counsel.ConsequencesIn choosing whether we will obey,it is always helpful to remember the
consequences of our choices. DidLucifer and his followers understandthe consequences of choosing to rejectHeavenly Father’s plan? If so, why didthey make such a terrible choice? Wemight ask ourselves a similar question:why do any of us choose to bedisobedient when we know the eternalconsequences of sin? The scripturesprovide an answer: the reason Cainand some of the children of Adam andEve chose to disobey is because “theyloved Satan more than God.” 12Our love of the Savior is the keyto Savior-like obedience. As we striveto be obedient in today’s world, wedeclare our love and respect for allof Heavenly Father’s children. Yet itis impossible for this love for othersto modify God’s commandments,which were given for our good! Forexample, the commandment “thoushalt not . . . kill, nor do anything likeunto it” 13 is founded upon spirituallaw that protects all of God’s children,even the unborn. Long experiencesuggests that when we ignore thislaw, immeasurable sorrow results. Yetmany believe it is acceptable to terminatethe life of an unborn child forreasons of preference or convenience.To rationalize disobedience doesnot change spiritual law or its consequencesbut leads to confusion,instability, wandering in strange paths,being lost, and grief. As disciples ofChrist, we have a sacred obligation touphold His laws and commandmentsand the covenants which we takeupon ourselves.In December 1831 some of thebrethren were called upon to helpallay unfriendly feelings that haddeveloped toward the Church.Through the Prophet Joseph Smith,the Lord directed them in an unusual,even surprising way:“Confound your enemies; call uponthem to meet you both in public andin private. . . .“Wherefore, let them bring forththeir strong reasons against the Lord.“. . . No weapon that is formedagainst you shall prosper;“And if any man lift his voiceagainst you he shall be confounded inmine own due time.“Wherefore, keep my commandments;they are true and faithful.” 14Lessons in the ScripturesThe scriptures are full of examplesof prophets who have learned thelessons of obedience by their ownexperience.Joseph Smith was taught theconsequences for yielding to thepressures of his benefactor, friend,and scribe Martin Harris. In responseto Martin’s pleas, Joseph asked theLord for permission to loan the first116 manuscript pages of the Book ofMormon so that Martin could showthem to his family, but the Lord toldJoseph to say no. Martin pleadedwith Joseph to ask the Lord again.After Joseph’s third request the Lordgave permission for five specificpeople to review the manuscript.“In a most solemn covenant Martinbound himself to this agreement.May <strong>2014</strong>37
When he arrived home, and pressurewas brought to bear upon him, heforgot his solemn oath and permittedothers to view the manuscript,with the result that by stratagem itpassed out of his hands,” 15 and it waslost. As a consequence, Joseph wasrebuked by the Lord and was deniedpermission to continue to translatethe Book of Mormon. Joseph sufferedand repented of his transgression ofyielding to the pressures of others.After a season, Joseph was allowed toresume his translation work. Josephlearned a valuable lesson of obediencethat served him the rest of hislife!The prophet Moses providesanother example. When Mosesobediently took an Ethiopian wife,Miriam and Aaron spoke against him.But the Lord rebuked them, saying,“With [Moses] will I speak mouthto mouth.” 16 The Lord used this38incredible incident to teach membersof the Church in our dispensation.In 1830 Hiram Page claimed toreceive revelation for the Church. TheLord corrected him and taught theSaints, “Thou shalt be obedient untothe things which I shall give unto[ Joseph], even as Aaron,” 17 “for hereceiveth them even as Moses.” 18Obedience brings blessings, “andwhen we obtain any blessing fromGod, it is by obedience to that lawupon which it is predicated.” 19Obedience is taught by example.By how we live, we teach our children,“Learn wisdom in thy youth; yea,learn in thy youth to keep the commandmentsof God.” 20Obedience makes us progressivelystronger, capable of faithfullyenduring tests and trials in the future.Obedience in Gethsemane preparedthe Savior to obey and endure to theend on Golgotha.My beloved brothers and sisters,the words of Alma express the feelingsof my heart:“And now my beloved brethren, Ihave said these things unto you that Imight awaken you to a sense of yourduty to God, that ye may walk blamelessbefore him. . . .“And now I would that ye should behumble, and be submissive and gentle;. . . being diligent in keeping the commandmentsof God at all times.” 21I bear my special witness that ourSavior lives. Because He obeyed, “everyknee shall bow, and every tongue confess. . . that he is [our Savior].” 22 Maywe love Him so deeply and believeHim in faith so completely that we tooobey, keep His commandments, andreturn to live with Him forever in thekingdom of our God is my prayer inthe name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Moses 4:2.2. Doctrine and Covenants 20:22.3. Hebrews 5:8.4. See Articles of Faith 1:3.5. John 14:15.6. Luke 18:22.7. Mosiah 5:8.8. Matthew 26:39; see also verses 42, 44.9. Matthew 3:17; see also 3 Nephi 11:7.10. Matthew 25:21.11. “Do What Is Right,” Hymns, no. 237.12. Moses 5:13.13. Doctrine and Covenants 59:6.14. Doctrine and Covenants 71:7–11.15. Joseph Fielding Smith, Essentials inChurch History (1922), 65; see alsoDoctrine and Covenants 3.16. Numbers 12:8.17. Doctrine and Covenants 28:3.18. Doctrine and Covenants 28:2.19. Doctrine and Covenants 130:21; see alsoverse 20.20. Alma 37:35.21. Alma 7:22–23.22. Mosiah 27:31.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf7 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.
By Elder Claudio D. ZivicOf the SeventyLet’s Not Takethe Wrong WayI pray that we will not lose sight of the way so that wemay always be connected with the heavens.Alittle boy was practicing thepiano, and a salesman, uponseeing him through the window,asked, “Is your mother home?”To which the child replied, “And. . . what do you think?”Our five dear children play thepiano, thanks to the motivation ofmy wife! When the teacher arrived atour home, our son Adrián would runand hide in order to skip his lesson.But one day something marvelousoccurred! He began to love music somuch that he continued practicing onhis own.If we could reach that point in theprocess of our conversion, it wouldbe marvelous. It would be wonderfulto have a desire deep in our heartsto keep the commandments withoutanyone constantly reminding us andto have a firm conviction that if wefollow the right path, we will have theblessings promised in the scriptures.Several years ago I went to ArchesNational Park with my wife; our daughter,Evelin; and a family friend. One ofthe most famous arches there is calledDelicate Arch. We decided to walkabout 1.5 miles (2 km), climbing themountain in order to reach the arch.We started off on our pathway withgreat enthusiasm, but after walking ashort stretch, the others needed to rest.Because of my desire to get there, Idecided to continue on alone. Withoutpaying attention to the path I oughtto take, I followed a man in front ofme who seemed to be moving forwardwith great surety. The pathwaybecame more and more difficult, and Ihad to jump from one rock to another.Because of the difficulty, I was surethe women in my group would nevermake it. Suddenly I saw Delicate Arch,but to my great surprise, I saw that itwas in an area inaccessible to me.With great frustration, I decided togo back. I waited impatiently until wemet up again. My immediate questionwas “Did you reach Delicate Arch?”They happily told me that they had.They explained that they had followedthe signs showing the way, and withcare and effort, they had reached theirdestination.Unfortunately, I had taken thewrong way. What a great lesson Ilearned that day!How often do we make a mistakeabout the right way, letting ourselvesbe led along by the trends of theworld? We need to continually askourselves if we are being doers of thewords of Jesus Christ.A marvelous teaching is found inthe book of John:“Abide in me, and I in you. Asthe branch cannot bear fruit of itself,except it abide in the vine; no moreMay <strong>2014</strong>39
can ye, except ye abide in me.“I am the 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”( John 15:4–5).Using this analogy, we can see thevery close, transcendent relationshipwe have with Jesus Christ and theimportance He places on each one ofus. He is the root and the trunk thatconducts the living water to us, thesap that will allow us to be nourishedso that we can produce muchfruit. Jesus Christ taught us in sucha way that as branches—or beingsdependent upon Him—we wouldnever underestimate the value of Histeachings.There are some mistakes that maybe serious, and if we do not correctthem in time, they can permanentlylead us off the right path. If werepent and accept correction, these40experiences will allow us to humbleourselves, change our actions,and once again draw closer to ourHeavenly Father.I want to give an example of thisconcept by making reference to oneof the most dramatic moments that theProphet Joseph Smith experienced.Through this experience, the Saviorhas given us invaluable teachingsregarding principles that we ought tokeep in mind throughout our lives. Ithappened when Martin Harris lost the116 translated pages of the first part ofthe Book of Mormon.After repenting for not followingGod’s counsel, the Prophet receivedthe revelation that is found in section3 of the Doctrine and Covenants(see Teachings of Presidents of theChurch: Joseph Smith [2<strong>00</strong>7], 69–71).From what is written in verses 1 to 10,I wish to highlight three principles thatwe should always remember:1. The works and the purposes ofGod cannot be frustrated.2. We must not fear man more thanGod.3. There is a need of constantrepentance.In verse 13, the Lord teaches usfour actions that we should never do:1. Set at naught the counsels of God.2. Break the most sacred promisesmade before God.3. Depend upon our own judgment.4. Boast in our own wisdom.I pray that we will not lose sightof the way so that we may alwaysbe connected with the heavens, sothat the currents of the world do notsweep us away.If any one of you reaches the pointof abandoning the Lord’s way—atany point along that way—with great
emorse you will feel the bitterness ofhaving set at naught the counsels ofGod, of having broken the most sacredpromises made before God, of havingtrusted in your own judgment, or ofhaving boasted in your own wisdom.If this is the case, I exhort you torepent and come back to the right way.One time a grandchild called hisgrandfather to wish him a happy birthday.He asked him how old he was.He said that he had reached 70 years.His grandson thought for a momentand then asked, “Grandpa, did youstart all the way back at 1?”During childhood and youth, peoplethink they will never become old;the idea of death never takes root—that is for very, very old people—andreaching that point is still an eternityaway. As time goes on, months andseasons go by until the wrinkles beginto appear, energy is reduced, theneed for doctor visits becomes morefrequent, and so on.The day will come in whichwe shall again meet up with ourRedeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ. Iplead that on that sacred and sublimeoccasion we can recognize Himbecause of the knowledge we have ofHim and because of having followedHis teachings. He will show us themarks in His hands and feet, and wewill join together in a lasting embrace,weeping for joy at having followedHis way.I testify to the four ends of theearth that Jesus Christ lives. He exhortsus, “Hearken, O ye nations of theearth, and hear the words of that Godwho made you” (D&C 43:23). Maywe have the capacity to grasp, giveheed to, comprehend, and correctlyinterpret the message of “that Godwho made [us]” so as not to stray fromHis way, I plead in the name of JesusChrist, amen. ◼By Elder W. Craig ZwickOf the SeventyWhat Are YouThinking?I plead with you to practice asking this question, with tenderregard for another’s experience: “What are you thinking?”Forty-one years ago I climbed intothe driver’s seat of an 18-wheelsemitruck with my beautiful wife,Jan, and our infant son, Scotty. Wewere taking a heavy load of constructionmaterials across several states.In those days there were no seatbeltrestrictions or infant car seats.My wife held our precious son inher arms. Her comment “We sureare high off the ground” should havegiven me a clue about her feelings ofapprehension.As we made our descent over historicDonner Pass, a steep section ofhighway, the cab of the semi suddenlyand unexpectedly filled with thicksmoke. It was difficult to see, and wecould hardly breathe.With a heavy rig, brakes alone arenot enough to rapidly decrease speed.Using the <strong>eng</strong>ine brakes and gearingdown, I frantically attempted to stop.Just as I was pulling to the side ofthe road, but before we had come to afull stop, my wife opened the door ofthe cab and jumped out with our babyin her arms. I watched helplessly asthey tumbled in the dirt.As soon as I had the semi stopped,I bolted from the smoking cab. Withadrenaline pumping, I ran through therocks and weeds and held them in myarms. Jan’s forearms and elbows werebattered and bleeding, but thankfullyshe and our son were both breathing.I just held them close as the dust settledthere on the side of the highway.As my heartbeat normalized and Icaught my breath, I blurted out, “Whatin the world were you thinking? Doyou know how dangerous that was?You could have been killed!”She looked back at me, with tearsrunning down her smoke-smudgedcheeks, and said something thatpierced my heart and still rings in myears: “I was just trying to save our son.”I realized in that moment shethought the <strong>eng</strong>ine was on fire,fearing the truck would explode andwe would die. I, however, knew itwas an electrical failure—hazardousbut not fatal. I looked at my preciouswife, softly rubbing the head of ourinfant son, and wondered what kindof woman would do something socourageous.This situation could have been asemotionally hazardous as our literal<strong>eng</strong>ine failure. Gratefully, afterenduring the silent treatment for aMay <strong>2014</strong>41
easonable amount of time, each of usbelieving the other person was at fault,we finally expressed the emotions thatwere churning beneath our heatedoutbursts. Shared feelings of love andfear for the other’s safety kept thehazardous incident from proving fatalto our cherished marriage.Paul warned, “Let no corruptcommunication proceed out of yourmouth, but [only] that which is good[and] edifying, that it may ministergrace unto the hearers” (Ephesians4:29). His words resonate with a certainpurity.What does the phrase “no corruptcommunication” mean to you?We all regularly experience highlycharged feelings of anger—our ownand others’. We have seen uncheckedanger erupt in public places. We haveexperienced it as a sort of emotional“electrical short” at sporting events,in the political arena, and even in ourown homes.Children sometimes speak tobeloved parents with tongues as sharpas blades. Spouses, who have sharedsome of life’s richest and most tenderexperiences, lose vision and patience42with each other and raise their voices.All of us, though covenant childrenof a loving Heavenly Father, haveregretted jumping headlong from thehigh seat of self-righteous judgmentand have spoken with abrasive wordsbefore we understood a situation fromanother’s perspective. We have all hadthe opportunity to learn how destructivewords can take a situation fromhazardous to fatal.A recent letter from the FirstPresidency states clearly, “The gospelof Jesus Christ teaches us to love andtreat all people with kindness andcivility—even when we disagree”(First Presidency letter, Jan. 10, <strong>2014</strong>).What a masterful reminder that wecan and should participate in continuingcivil dialogue, especially whenwe view the world from differingperspectives.The writer of Proverbs counsels,“A soft answer turneth away wrath:but grievous words stir up anger”(Proverbs 15:1). A “soft answer”consists of a reasoned response—disciplined words from a humbleheart. It does not mean we neverspeak directly or that we compromisedoctrinal truth. Words that may be firmin information can be soft in spirit.The Book of Mormon contains astriking example of affirming languagealso given in the context of a maritaldisagreement. The sons of Sariah andLehi had been sent back to Jerusalemto get the brass plates and had notreturned. Sariah believed her sons werein harm’s way, and she was filled withanger and needed someone to blame.Listen to the story through the eyesof her son Nephi: “For [my mother]had supposed that we had perished inthe wilderness; and she also had complainedagainst my father, telling himthat he was a visionary man; saying:Behold thou hast led us forth from theland of our inheritance, and my sonsare no more, and we perish in thewilderness” (1 Nephi 5:2).Now, let’s consider what Sariah mayhave been thinking. She was filledwith anxiety about her quarrelsomesons returning to the place where herhusband’s life had been threatened.She had traded her lovely home andfriends for a tent in an isolated wildernesswhile still in her childbearingyears. Pushed to the breaking point
of her fears, Sariah seems to havejumped heroically, if not rationally,from the height of a hurtling truck inan attempt to protect her family. Sheexpressed legitimate concerns to herhusband in the language of angerand doubt and blame—a language inwhich the entire human race seems tobe surprisingly proficient.The prophet Lehi listened to thefear that underpinned his wife’s anger.Then he made a disciplined responsein the language of compassion. First,he owned the truth of what thingslooked like from her perspective: “And. . . my father spake unto her, saying:I know that I am a visionary man; . . .but [if I] had tarried at Jerusalem, [wewould have] perished with my brethren”(1 Nephi 5:4).Then her husband addressed herfears concerning the welfare of theirsons, as the Holy Ghost undoubtedlytestified to him, saying:“But behold, I have obtained a landof promise, in the which things I dorejoice; yea, and I know that the Lordwill deliver my sons out of the handsof Laban. . . .“And after this manner of languagedid my father, Lehi, comfort my mother. . . concerning us” (1 Nephi 5:5–6).There exists today a great need formen and women to cultivate respectfor each other across wide distances ofbelief and behavior and across deepcanyons of conflicting agendas. It isimpossible to know all that informsour minds and hearts or even to fullyunderstand the context for the trialsand choices we each face.Nevertheless, what would happento the “corrupt communication”Paul spoke about if our own positionincluded empathy for another’s experiencefirst? Fully owning the limitsof my own imperfections and roughedges, I plead with you to practiceasking this question, with tenderregard for another’s experience: “Whatare you thinking?”Remember when the Lord surprisedSamuel and Saul by choosinga little shepherd boy, David ofBethlehem, as king of Israel? TheLord told His prophet, “For the Lordseeth not as man seeth; for manlooketh on the outward appearance,but the Lord looketh on the heart”(1 Samuel 16:7).When our truck cab filled withsmoke, my wife acted in the bravestmanner she could imagine to protectour son. I too acted as a protectorwhen I questioned her choice.Shockingly, it did not matter who wasmore right. What mattered was listeningto each other and understandingthe other’s perspective.The willingness to see througheach other’s eyes will transform“corrupt communication” into“minister[ing] grace.” The Apostle Paulunderstood this, and on some leveleach of us can experience it too. Itmay not change or solve the problem,but the more important possibilitymay be whether ministering gracecould change us.I bear humble witness that we can“minister grace” through compassionatelanguage when the cultivated giftof the Holy Ghost pierces our heartswith empathy for the feelings andcontext of others. It enables us totransform hazardous situations intoholy places. I testify of a loving Saviorwho “looketh on [our] heart” and careswhat we are thinking. In the name ofJesus Christ, amen. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>43
44By Elder Quentin L. CookOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesRoots and BranchesHastening family history and temple work in our day isessential for the salvation and exaltation of families.Just before his death from cancerin 1981, the controversial writerWilliam Saroyan told the press,“Everybody has to die, but I alwaysbelieved an exception would be madein my case. Now what?” 1The “now what” in the face ofdeath in this life and the “now what”in contemplation of life after deathare at the heart of the questions of thesoul that the restored gospel of JesusChrist answers so beautifully in theFather’s plan of happiness.In this life we laugh, we cry, wework, we play, we live, and then wedie. Job asks the succinct question, “Ifa man die, shall he live again?” 2 Theanswer is a resounding yes because ofthe atoning sacrifice of the Savior. Partof Job’s diverse preamble to the questionis interesting: “Man that is bornof a woman is of few days. . . . Hecometh forth like a flower, and is cutdown. . . . There is hope of a tree, if itbe cut down, that it will sprout again,and that the tender branch thereof willnot cease . . . and bring forth boughslike a plant.” 3Our Father’s plan is about families.Several of our most poignant scripturesuse the concept of the tree withits roots and branches as an analogy.In the closing chapter of the OldTestament, Malachi, in describing theSecond Coming of the Savior, vividlyuses this analogy. Speaking of theproud and wicked, he notes that theyshall be burned as stubble and “thatit shall leave them neither root norbranch.” 4 Malachi closes this chapterwith the Lord’s reassuring promise:“Behold, I will send you Elijah theprophet before the coming of thegreat and dreadful day of the Lord:“And he shall turn the heart of thefathers to the children, and the heartof the children to their fathers, lestI come and smite the earth with acurse.” 5At the dawn of the Restoration,Moroni reemphasized this message inhis initial instruction to young JosephSmith in 1823. 6Christians and Jews the world overaccept the Old Testament accountof Elijah. 7 He was the last prophetto hold the sealing power of theMelchizedek Priesthood before thetime of Jesus Christ. 8Elijah Restores KeysElijah’s return occurred in theKirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. Hedeclared he was fulfilling Malachi’spromise. He committed the priesthoodkeys for sealing families in this dispensation.9 Elijah’s mission is facilitatedby what is sometimes called the spiritof Elijah, which, as Elder Russell M.Nelson has taught, is “a manifestationof the Holy Ghost bearing witness ofthe divine nature of the family.” 10The Savior was emphatic aboutthe necessity of baptism. He taught,“Except a man be born of water andof the Spirit, he cannot enter into thekingdom of God.” 11 The Savior waspersonally baptized to set the example.What about the deceased whohave not been baptized?Doctrine of Temple andFamily History WorkOn October 11, 1840, in Nauvoo,Vilate Kimball wrote a letter to herhusband, Elder Heber C. Kimball, whowith other members of the Twelvewas serving a mission in Great Britain.The October general conference hadbeen held a few days before.I quote from parts of Vilate’s personalletter: “We had the largest andmost interesting conference that everhas been since the Church was organized.. . . President [ Joseph] Smith hasopened a new and glorious subject. . . .That is, being baptized for the dead.
Paul speaks of it, in First Corinthians15th chapter 29th verse. Joseph hasreceived a more full explanation of itby revelation. He says it is the privilegeof [members of] this Church to bebaptized for all their kinsfolk that havedied before this gospel came forth. . . .By so doing, we act as agents for them,and give them the privilege of comingforth in the First Resurrection. He saysthey will have the gospel preached tothem in prison.”Vilate added: “I want to be baptizedfor my mother. . . . Is not this a gloriousdoctrine?” 12The essential doctrine of unitingfamilies came forth line upon lineand precept upon precept. Vicariousordinances are at the heart of weldingtogether eternal families, connectingroots to branches.The doctrine of the family in relationto family history and temple workis clear. The Lord in initial revelatoryinstructions referred to “baptism foryour dead.” 13 Our doctrinal obligationis to our own ancestors. This isbecause the celestial organization ofheaven is based on families. 14 TheFirst Presidency has encouragedmembers, especially youth and youngsingle adults, to emphasize familyhistory work and ordinances for theirown family names or the names ofancestors of their ward and stakemembers. 15 We need to be connectedto both our roots and branches. Thethought of being associated in theeternal realm is indeed glorious.TemplesWilford Woodruff indicated thatthe Prophet Joseph Smith lived longenough to lay the foundation fortemple work. By the last time he,Joseph Smith, ever met with theQuorum of the Twelve, he had giventhem their endowments. 16After the Prophet’s martyrdom, theSaints completed the Nauvoo Temple,and the sealing power was used tobless thousands of faithful membersbefore the exodus to the MountainWest. Thirty years later, at the completionof the St. George Temple,President Brigham Young notedthe eternal significance of savingordinances finally being available forboth the living and the dead. 17This is simply stated by PresidentWilford Woodruff: “There is hardlyany principle the Lord has revealedthat I have rejoiced more in than inthe redemption of our dead; that wewill have our fathers, our mothers,our wives and our children with us inMay <strong>2014</strong>45
the family organization, in the morningof the first resurrection and in theCelestial Kingdom. These are grandprinciples. They are worth everysacrifice.” 18What a great time to be alive. Thisis the last dispensation, and we canfeel the hastening of the work ofsalvation in every area where a savingordinance is involved. 19 We now havetemples across much of the worldto provide these saving ordinances.Attending the temple for spiritualrenewal, peace, safety, and directionin our lives is also a great blessing. 20Less than a year after PresidentThomas S. Monson was called as anApostle, he dedicated the Los AngelesTemple Genealogical Library. He spokeof deceased ancestors “waiting [for]the day when you and I will do theresearch which is necessary to clearthe way, . . . [and] likewise go into thehouse of God and perform that work. . . that they . . . cannot perform.” 21When then-Elder Monson deliveredthose dedicatory remarks on June 20,1964, there were only 12 operatingtemples. During the period PresidentMonson has served in the seniorcouncils of the Church, 130 of our142 operating temples have had theirinitial dedication. It is nothing shortof miraculous to see the hasteningof the work of salvation in our day.Twenty-eight more temples have been46announced and are in various stagesof completion. Eighty-five percent ofthe Church members now live within2<strong>00</strong> miles (320 km) of a temple.Family History TechnologyFamily history technology hasalso advanced dramatically. PresidentHoward W. Hunter declared inNovember 1994: “We have begunusing information technology to hastenthe sacred work of providing ordinancesfor the deceased. The role oftechnology . . . has been acceleratedby the Lord himself. . . . However, westand only on the threshold of whatwe can do with these tools.” 22In the 19 years since this propheticstatement, the acceleration of technologyis almost unbelievable. A 36-yearoldmother of young children recentlyexclaimed to me, “Just think—we havegone from microfilm readers in dedicatedfamily history centers to sittingat my kitchen table with my computerdoing family history after my childrenare finally asleep.” Brothers and sisters,family history centers are now in ourhomes.Temple and family history workis not just about us. Think of thoseon the other side of the veil waitingfor the saving ordinances that wouldfree them from the bondage of spiritprison. Prison is defined as “a stateof confinement or captivity.” 23 Thosein captivity might be asking WilliamSaroyan’s question: “Now what?”One faithful sister shared a specialspiritual experience in the Salt LakeTemple. While in the confirmationroom, after a vicarious confirmationordinance was pronounced, sheheard, “And the prisoner shall gofree!” She felt a great sense of urgencyfor those who were waiting for theirbaptismal and confirmation work.Upon returning home, she searchedthe scriptures for the phrase she hadheard. She found Joseph Smith’s declarationin section 128 of the Doctrineand Covenants: “Let your heartsrejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Letthe earth break forth into singing.Let the dead speak forth anthems ofeternal praise to the King Immanuel,who hath ordained, before the worldwas, that which would enable us toredeem them out of their prison; forthe prisoners shall go free.” 24The question is, what do we needto do? The Prophet Joseph’s counselwas to present in the temple “therecords of our dead, which shall beworthy of all acceptation.” 25The leadership of the Churchhas issued a clarion call to the risinggeneration to lead the way in the useof technology to experience the spiritof Elijah, to search out their ancestors,and to perform temple ordinances forthem. 26 Much of the heavy lifting inhastening the work of salvation forboth the living and the dead will bedone by you young people. 27If the youth in each ward will notonly go to the temple and do baptismsfor their dead but also work with theirfamilies and other ward membersto provide the family names for theordinance work they perform, boththey and the Church will be greatlyblessed. Don’t underestimate theinfluence of the deceased in assisting
your efforts and the joy of ultimatelymeeting those you serve. The eternallysignificant blessing of unitingour own families is almost beyondcomprehension. 28In the worldwide membershipof the Church, fifty-one percent ofadults currently do not have bothparents in the Family Tree section ofthe Church’s FamilySearch Internetsite. Sixty-five percent of adults donot have all four grandparents listed. 29Remember, we without our roots andbranches cannot be saved. Churchmembers need to obtain and inputthis vital information.We finally have the doctrine, thetemples, and the technology for familiesto accomplish this glorious workof salvation. I suggest one way thismight be done. Families could hold a“Family Tree Gathering.” This shouldbe a recurring effort. Everyonewould bring existing family histories,stories, and photos, includingcherished possessions of grandparentsand parents. Our young peopleare excited to learn about the lives offamily members—where they camefrom and how they lived. Many havehad their hearts turned to the fathers.They love the stories and photos, andthey have the technological expertiseto scan and upload these stories andphotos to Family Tree and connectsource documents with ancestors topreserve these for all time. Of course,the main objective is to determinewhat ordinances still need to bedone and make assignments for theessential temple work. The My Familybooklet can be utilized to help recordfamily information, stories, andphotos that can then be uploaded toFamily Tree.Family commitments and expectationsshould be at the top of ourpriorities to protect our divine destiny.For those who are looking formore fruitful use of the Sabbath dayfor the family as a whole, the hasteningof this work is fertile ground.One mother glowingly tells how her17-year-old son gets on the computerafter church on Sunday to do familyhistory work and her 10-year-old sonloves to hear the stories and see picturesof his ancestors. This has blessedtheir entire family to experience thespirit of Elijah. Our precious roots andbranches must be nourished.Jesus Christ gave His life as avicarious atonement. He resolvedMay <strong>2014</strong>47
the ultimate question raised by Job.He overcame death for all mankind,which we could not do for ourselves.We can, however, perform vicariousordinances and truly become saviorson Mount Zion 30 for our own familiesin order that we, with them, might beexalted as well as saved.I bear witness of the Savior’s atoningsacrifice and the certainty of theFather’s plan for us and our families.In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. William Saroyan, in Henry Allen, “Ragingagainst Aging,” Wall Street Journal, Dec. 31,2011–Jan. 1, 2012, C9.2. Job 14:14.3. Job 14:1, 2, 7, 9.4. Malachi 4:1. Recently several articles havereported that an increasingly significantnumber of people are choosing not to havechildren in order to improve their standardof living (see Abby Ellin, “The ChildlessPlan for Their Fading Days,” New YorkTimes, Feb. 15, <strong>2014</strong>, B4). Many countriesare decreasing in population as a result ofthese individual choices. This is sometimesreferred to as the “demographic winter” (seeThe New Economic Reality: DemographicWinter [documentary], byutv.org/shows).5. Malachi 4:5–6.6. See History of the Church, 1:12; Doctrineand Covenants 2.7. The Jews have been waiting for Elijah’sreturn for 2,4<strong>00</strong> years. To this day, at theirannual Passover Seders, or dinners, they seta place for him and go to the door hopinghe has arrived to herald the coming of theMessiah.488. See Bible Dictionary, “Elijah.”9. See Doctrine and Covenants 110:14–16; seealso Doctrine and Covenants 2.10. Russell M. Nelson, “A New Harvest Time,”Ensign, May 1998, 34.11. John 3:5.12. Vilate M. Kimball to Heber C. Kimball,Oct. 11, 1840, Vilate M. Kimball letters,Church History Library; spelling andcapitalization standardized.13. Doctrine and Covenants 127:5; emphasisadded.14. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church:Joseph Fielding Smith (2013), 68.15. See First Presidency letter, Oct. 8, 2012.16. See The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff,sel. G. Homer Durham (1946), 147.17. Brigham Young stated, “All I want is tosee this people devote their means andinterests to the building up of the kingdomof God, erecting temples, and inthem officiate for the living and the dead. . . that they may be crowned sonsand daughters of the Almighty” (DeseretNews, Sept. 6, 1876, 498). Baptisms forthe dead commenced on January 9, 1877,and endowments for the dead were performedtwo days later. The joy of this wasexpressed by Lucy B. Young, who saidthat “her heart was full in the prospectof being received by [her dead relatives]with open arms, as all would be by thosewho could not do the work for themselves”(in Richard E. Bennett, “‘Which Isthe Wisest Course?’ The Transformation inMormon Temple Consciousness, 1870–1898,” BYU Studies Quarterly, vol. 52,no. 2 [2013], 22).18. Teachings of Presidents of the Church:Wilford Woodruff (2<strong>00</strong>4), 192–93.19. President Wilford Woodruff (whois known to be one of the greatestmissionaries of all time to the living),speaking of work for the dead, said: “Ilook upon this portion of our ministryas a mission of as much importance aspreaching to the living; the dead will hearthe voice of the servants of God in thespirit-world, and they cannot come forthin the morning of the [first] resurrection,unless certain ordinances are performed,for [them].” He also said, “It takes just asmuch to save a dead man . . . as a livingman” (Teachings of Presidents of theChurch: Wilford Woodruff, 188).20. President Howard W. Hunter invitedChurch members to go to the templeoften “for the personal blessing of templeworship, for the sanctity and safety whichis provided within those hallowed andconsecrated walls. . . . It is holy unto theLord. It should be holy unto us” (“TheGreat Symbol of Our Membership,” Ensign,Oct. 1994, 5; Tambuli, Nov. 1994, 6).21. “Messages of Inspiration from PresidentThomas S. Monson,” Church News, Dec. 29,2013, 2.22. Howard W. Hunter, “We Have a Work toDo,” Ensign, Mar. 1995, 65.23. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary,11th ed. (2<strong>00</strong>3), “prison.”24. Doctrine and Covenants 128:22; see alsoDoctrine and Covenants 138:42. “Before[the] world was, the Lord ordainedthat which enables spirits in [prison]to be redeemed” (index to the triplecombination, “Prison”).25. Doctrine and Covenants 128:24.26. See First Presidency letter, Oct. 8, 2012; seealso David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of theChildren Shall Turn,” Ensign or Liahona,Nov. 2011, 24–27; R. Scott Lloyd, “‘Find OurCousins’: Apostle [Neil L. Andersen] CounselsLDS Youth at RootsTech Conference,” ChurchNews, Feb. 16, <strong>2014</strong>, 8–9.27. One recent study indicated that a majoremphasis for this generation is living ameaningful life where they “give to others,and orient themselves to a larger purpose”(Emily Esfahani Smith and Jennifer L.Aaker, “Millennial Searchers,” New YorkTimes Sunday Review, Dec. 1, 2013, 6).28. See Howard W. Hunter, “A Temple-Motivated People,” Ensign, Feb. 1995, 2–5;Liahona, May 1995, 2–7.29. Statistics provided by Family HistoryDepartment.30. See Obadiah 1:21.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf8 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.
PRIESTHOOD SESSION | April 5, <strong>2014</strong>By Elder Dallin H. OaksOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesThe Keys and Authorityof the PriesthoodPriesthood keys direct women as well as men, and priesthoodordinances and priesthood authority pertain to women aswell as men.I.At this conference we have seenthe release of some faithful brothers,and we have sustained the callings ofothers. In this rotation—so familiar inthe Church—we do not “step down”when we are released, and we do not“step up” when we are called. There isno “up or down” in the service of theLord. There is only “forward or backward,”and that difference dependson how we accept and act upon ourreleases and our callings. I once presidedat the release of a young stakepresident who had given fine servicefor nine years and was now rejoicingin his release and in the new callinghe and his wife had just received.They were called to be the nurseryleaders in their ward. Only in thisChurch would that be seen as equallyhonorable!II.While addressing a women’sconference, Relief Society generalpresident Linda K. Burton said, “Wehope to instill within each of us agreater desire to better understand thepriesthood.” 1 That need applies to allof us, and I will pursue it by speakingof the keys and authority of thepriesthood. Since these subjects are ofequal concern to men and to women,I am pleased that these proceedingsare broadcast and published for allmembers of the Church. Priesthoodpower blesses all of us. Priesthoodkeys direct women as well as men,and priesthood ordinances and priesthoodauthority pertain to women aswell as men.III.President Joseph F. Smith describedthe priesthood as “the power of Goddelegated to man by which man canact in the earth for the salvation of thehuman family.” 2 Other leaders havetaught us that the priesthood “is theconsummate power on this earth. Itis the power by which the earth wascreated.” 3 The scriptures teach that“this same Priesthood, which was inthe beginning, shall be in the end ofthe world also” (Moses 6:7). Thus, thepriesthood is the power by which wewill be resurrected and proceed toeternal life.The understanding we seek beginswith an understanding of the keysof the priesthood. “Priesthood keysare the authority God has given topriesthood [holders] to direct, control,and govern the use of His priesthoodon earth.” 4 Every act or ordinanceperformed in the Church is doneunder the direct or indirect authorizationof one holding the keys for thatfunction. As Elder M. Russell Ballardhas explained, “Those who havepriesthood keys . . . literally make itpossible for all who serve faithfullyunder their direction to exercise priesthoodauthority and have access topriesthood power.” 5In the controlling of the exerciseof priesthood authority, the functionof priesthood keys both enlarges andlimits. It enlarges by making it possiblefor priesthood authority and blessingsto be available for all of God’s children.It limits by directing who will begiven the authority of the priesthood,who will hold its offices, and how itsMay <strong>2014</strong>49
ights and powers will be conferred.For example, a person who holdsthe priesthood is not able to conferhis office or authority on anotherunless authorized by one who holdsthe keys. Without that authorization,the ordination would be invalid. Thisexplains why a priesthood holder—regardless of office—cannot ordaina member of his family or administerthe sacrament in his own home withoutauthorization from the one whoholds the appropriate keys.With the exception of the sacredwork that sisters do in the templeunder the keys held by the templepresident, which I will describe hereafter,only one who holds a priesthoodoffice can officiate in a priesthoodordinance. And all authorized priesthoodordinances are recorded on therecords of the Church.Ultimately, all keys of the priesthoodare held by the Lord JesusChrist, whose priesthood it is. He isthe one who determines what keys50are delegated to mortals and howthose keys will be used. We are accustomedto thinking that all keys of thepriesthood were conferred on JosephSmith in the Kirtland Temple, but thescripture states that all that was conferredthere were “the keys of this dispensation”(D&C 110:16). At generalconference many years ago, PresidentSpencer W. Kimball reminded us thatthere are other priesthood keys thathave not been given to man on theearth, including the keys of creationand resurrection. 6The divine nature of the limitationsput upon the exercise of priesthoodkeys explains an essential contrastbetween decisions on matters ofChurch administration and decisionsaffecting the priesthood. The FirstPresidency and the Council of theFirst Presidency and Quorum of theTwelve, who preside over the Church,are empowered to make manydecisions affecting Church policiesand procedures—matters such asthe location of Church buildings andthe ages for missionary service. Buteven though these presiding authoritieshold and exercise all of the keysdelegated to men in this dispensation,they are not free to alter the divinelydecreed pattern that only men willhold offices in the priesthood.IV.I come now to the subject of priesthoodauthority. I begin with the threeprinciples just discussed: (1) priesthoodis the power of God delegatedto man to act for the salvation ofthe human family, (2) priesthoodauthority is governed by priesthoodholders who hold priesthood keys,and (3) since the scriptures state that“all other authorities [and] offices inthe church are appendages to this[Melchizedek] priesthood” (D&C107:5), all that is done under the directionof those priesthood keys is donewith priesthood authority.How does this apply to women?In an address to the Relief Society,President Joseph Fielding Smith,then President of the Quorum of theTwelve Apostles, said this: “Whilethe sisters have not been given thePriesthood, it has not been conferredupon them, that does not mean thatthe Lord has not given unto themauthority. . . . A person may haveauthority given to him, or a sister toher, to do certain things in the Churchthat are binding and absolutely necessaryfor our salvation, such as thework that our sisters do in the Houseof the Lord. They have authority givenunto them to do some great and wonderfulthings, sacred unto the Lord,and binding just as thoroughly as arethe blessings that are given by themen who hold the Priesthood.” 7In that notable address, PresidentSmith said again and again that
women have been given authority. Tothe women he said, “You can speakwith authority, because the Lord hasplaced authority upon you.” He alsosaid that the Relief Society “[has] be<strong>eng</strong>iven power and authority to do agreat many things. The work whichthey do is done by divine authority.”And, of course, the Church work doneby women or men, whether in thetemple or in the wards or branches, isdone under the direction of those whohold priesthood keys. Thus, speakingof the Relief Society, President Smithexplained, “[The Lord] has given tothem this great organization where theyhave authority to serve under the directionsof the bishops of the wards . . . ,looking after the interest of our peopleboth spiritually and temporally.” 8Thus, it is truly said that ReliefSociety is not just a class for womenbut something they belong to—adivinely established appendage to thepriesthood. 9We are not accustomed to speakingof women having the authority of thepriesthood in their Church callings,but what other authority can it be?When a woman—young or old—isset apart to preach the gospel as afull-time missionary, she is givenpriesthood authority to perform apriesthood function. The same is truewhen a woman is set apart to functionas an officer or teacher in a Churchorganization under the directionof one who holds the keys of thepriesthood. Whoever functions in anoffice or calling received from onewho holds priesthood keys exercisespriesthood authority in performing heror his assigned duties.Whoever exercises priesthoodauthority should forget about theirrights and concentrate on their responsibilities.That is a principle needed insociety at large. The famous Russianwriter Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is quotedas saying, “It is time . . . to defendnot so much human rights as humanobligations.” 10 Latter-day Saints surelyrecognize that qualifying for exaltationis not a matter of asserting rights but amatter of fulfilling responsibilities.V.The Lord has directed that onlymen will be ordained to offices in thepriesthood. But, as various Churchleaders have emphasized, men arenot “the priesthood.” 11 Men hold thepriesthood, with a sacred duty to useit for the blessing of all of the childrenof God.The greatest power God has givento His sons cannot be exercisedwithout the companionship of oneof His daughters, because only to Hisdaughters has God given the power“to be a creator of bodies . . . so thatGod’s design and the Great Plan mightmeet fruition.” 12 Those are the wordsof President J. Reuben Clark.He continued: “This is the placeof our wives and of our mothers inthe Eternal Plan. They are not bearersof the Priesthood; they are notcharged with carrying out the dutiesand functions of the Priesthood; norare they laden with its responsibilities;they are builders and organizersunder its power, and partakers of itsblessings, possessing the complementof the Priesthood powers and possessinga function as divinely called, aseternally important in its place as thePriesthood itself.” 13In those inspired words, PresidentClark was speaking of the family. Asstated in the family proclamation, thefather presides in the family and heand the mother have separate responsibilities,but they are “obligated tohelp one another as equal partners.” 14Some years before the family proclamation,President Spencer W. Kimballgave this inspired explanation: “Whenwe speak of marriage as a partnership,let us speak of marriage as a fullpartnership. We do not want our LDSwomen to be silent partners or limitedpartners in that eternal assignment!Please be a contributing and fullpartner.” 15May <strong>2014</strong>51
In the eyes of God, whether inthe Church or in the family, womenand men are equal, with differentresponsibilities.I close with some truths about theblessings of the priesthood. Unlikepriesthood keys and priesthood ordinations,the blessings of the priesthoodare available to women and tomen on the same terms. The gift ofthe Holy Ghost and the blessings ofthe temple are familiar illustrations ofthis truth.In his insightful talk at BYUEducation Week last summer,Elder M. Russell Ballard gave theseteachings:“Our Church doctrine placeswomen equal to and yet different frommen. God does not regard either genderas better or more important thanthe other. . . .“When men and women go to thetemple, they are both endowed withthe same power, which is priesthoodpower. . . . Access to the power andthe blessings of the priesthood is availableto all of God’s children.” 1652I testify of the power and blessingsof the priesthood of God, available forHis sons and daughters alike. I testifyof the authority of the priesthood,which functions throughout all of theoffices and activities of The Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Itestify of the divinely directed functionof the keys of the priesthood,held and exercised in their fulnessby our prophet/president, Thomas S.Monson. Finally and most important,I testify of our Lord and Savior, JesusChrist, whose priesthood this is andwhose servants we are, in the name ofJesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Linda K. Burton, “Priesthood: ‘A SacredTrust to Be Used for the Benefit ofMen, Women, and Children’” (BrighamYoung University Women’s Conferenceaddress, May 3, 2013), 1; ce.byu.edu/cw/womensconference/transcripts.php.2. Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed.(1939), 139.3. Boyd K. Packer, “Priesthood Power in theHome” (worldwide leadership trainingmeeting, Feb. 2012); lds.org/broadcasts;see also James E. Faust, “Power of thePriesthood,” Ensign, May 1997, 41–43.4. Handbook 2: Administering the Church(2010), 2.1.1.5. M. Russell Ballard, “Men and Women in theWork of the Lord,” New Era, Apr. <strong>2014</strong>, 4;Liahona, Apr. <strong>2014</strong>, 48; see also Daughtersin My Kingdom: The History and Work ofRelief Society (2011), 138.6. See Spencer W. Kimball, “Our GreatPotential,” Ensign, May 1977, 49.7. Joseph Fielding Smith, “Relief Society—an Aid to the Priesthood,” Relief SocietyMagazine, Jan. 1959, 4.8. Joseph Fielding Smith, “Relief Society—an Aid to the Priesthood,” 4, 5; see alsoTeachings of Presidents of the Church:Joseph Fielding Smith (2013), 302.9. See Boyd K. Packer, “The Relief Society,”Ensign, May 1998, 72; see also Daughtersin My Kingdom, 138.10. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, “A World SplitApart” (commencement address delivered atHarvard University, June 8, 1978); see alsoPatricia T. Holland, “A Woman’s Perspectiveon the Priesthood,” Ensign, July 1980, 25;Tambuli, June 1982, 23; Dallin H. Oaks,“Rights and Responsibilities,” Mercer LawReview, vol. 36, no. 2 (winter 1985), 427–42.11. See James E. Faust, “You Are All HeavenSent,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2<strong>00</strong>2, 113;M. Russell Ballard, “This Is My Work andGlory,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 19;Dallin H. Oaks, “Priesthood Authority inthe Family and the Church,” Ensign orLiahona, Nov. 20<strong>05</strong>, 26. We sometimessay that the Relief Society is a “partnerwith the priesthood.” It would be moreaccurate to say that in the work of the Lordthe Relief Society and the women of theChurch are “partners with the holders ofthe priesthood.”12. J. Reuben Clark Jr., “Our Wives and OurMothers in the Eternal Plan,” Relief SocietyMagazine, Dec. 1946, 8<strong>00</strong>.13. J. Reuben Clark Jr., “Our Wives and OurMothers,” 801.14. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129.15. Spencer W. Kimball, “Privileges andResponsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, Nov.1978, 106.16. M. Russell Ballard, New Era, Apr. <strong>2014</strong>, 4;Liahona, Apr. <strong>2014</strong>, 48; see also Sheri L.Dew, Women and the Priesthood (2013),especially chapter 6, for a valuableelaboration of the doctrines stated here.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf9 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.
By Elder Donald L. HallstromOf the Presidency of the SeventyWhat Manner of Men?What changes are required of us to become the manner ofmen we ought to be?As we visualize this worldwidemeeting, we are reminded thatthere is nothing comparableto this gathering—anywhere. Thepurpose of the priesthood session ofgeneral conference is to teach priesthoodholders what manner of men weought to be (see 3 Nephi 27:27) and toinspire us to reach that ideal.In my Aaronic Priesthood yearsin Hawaii half a century ago and asa missionary in England, we wouldgather in meetinghouses and (withintense effort) listen to the priesthoodsession using a telephone connection.In later years satellites allowedbroadcasts to selected Churchlocations with those enormous dishreceivers so we could both hear andview the proceedings. We were inawe of that technology! Few couldhave imagined today’s world, whereanyone who has access to theInternet with a smartphone, tablet, orcomputer can receive the messagesof this meeting.However, this vastly increasedaccessibility to the voices of the Lord’sservants, which are the same as theLord’s own voice (see D&C 1:38),has little value unless we are willingto receive the word (see D&C 11:21)and then follow it. Simply stated, thepurpose of general conference andof this priesthood session is fulfilledonly if we are willing to act—if we arewilling to change.Several decades ago I was servingas a bishop. Over an extendedperiod I met with a man in our wardwho was many years my senior. Thisbrother had a troubled relationshipwith his wife and was estranged fromtheir children. He struggled to keepemployment, had no close friends,and found interaction with wardmembers so difficult he finally wasunwilling to serve in the Church.During one intense discussion aboutthe chall<strong>eng</strong>es in his life, he leanedtoward me—as his conclusion to ournumerous talks—and said, “Bishop, Ihave a bad temper, and that’s just theway I am!”That statement stunned me thatnight and has haunted me ever since.Once this man decided—once any ofus conclude—“That’s just the way Iam,” we give up our ability to change.We might as well raise the white flag,put down our weapons, concedethe battle, and just surrender—anyprospect of winning is lost. Whilesome of us may think that does notdescribe us, perhaps every one of usdemonstrates by at least one or twobad habits, “That’s just the way I am.”Well, we meet in this priesthoodmeeting because who we are is notwho we can become. We meet heretonight in the name of Jesus Christ.We meet with the confidence thatHis Atonement gives every one ofus—no matter our weaknesses, ourfrailties, our addictions—the ability tochange. We meet with the hope thatMay <strong>2014</strong>53
our future, no matter our history, canbe better.When we participate in this meetingwith the “real intent” to change(Moroni 10:4), the Spirit has fullaccess to our hearts and minds. As theLord revealed to the Prophet JosephSmith, “And it shall come to pass, thatinasmuch as they . . . exercise faith inme”—remember, faith is a principle ofpower and of action—“I will pour outmy Spirit upon them in the day thatthey assemble themselves together”(D&C 44:2). That means tonight!If you think your chall<strong>eng</strong>es areinsurmountable, let me tell you of a54man we met in a small village outsideof Hyderabad, India, in 2<strong>00</strong>6. Thisman exemplified a willingness tochange. Appa Rao Nulu was born inrural India. When he was three yearsold, he contracted polio and was leftphysically disabled. His society taughthim that his potential was severelylimited. However, as a young adulthe met our missionaries. They taughthim of a greater potential, both in thislife and in the eternity to come. Hewas baptized and confirmed a memberof the Church. With a significantlyraised vision, he set a goal to receivethe Melchizedek Priesthood and toserve a full-time mission. In 1986 hewas ordained an elder and calledto serve in India. Walking was noteasy—he did his best, using a canein each hand, and he fell often—butquitting was never an option. Hemade a commitment to honorablyand devotedly serve a mission, andhe did.When we met Brother Nulu, nearly20 years after his mission, he cheerfullygreeted us where the road endedand led us down an uneven dirt pathto the two-room home he shared withhis wife and three children. It was anextremely hot and uncomfortable day.He still walked with great difficulty,but there was no self-pity. Throughpersonal diligence, he has become ateacher, providing schooling for thevillage children. When we entered hismodest house, he immediately tookme to a corner and pulled out a boxthat contained his most importantpossessions. He wanted me to see apiece of paper. It read, “With goodwishes and blessings to Elder Nulu,a courageous and happy missionary;[dated] June 25, 1987; [signed] Boyd K.Packer.” On that occasion, when then-Elder Packer visited India and spoketo a group of missionaries, he affirmedto Elder Nulu his potential. In essence,what Brother Nulu was telling me thatday in 2<strong>00</strong>6 was that the gospel hadchanged him—permanently!On this visit to the Nulu home, wewere accompanied by the missionpresident. He was there to interviewBrother Nulu, his wife, and his children—for the parents to receive theirendowments and be sealed and for thechildren to be sealed to their parents.We also presented the family witharrangements for them to travel to theHong Kong China Temple for theseordinances. They wept with joy as theirlong-awaited dream was to be realized.
What is expected of a holder of thepriesthood of God? What changes arerequired of us to become the mannerof men we ought to be? I make threesuggestions:1. We need to be priesthood men!Whether we are young menholding the Aaronic Priesthoodor men bearing the MelchizedekPriesthood, we need to be priesthoodmen, showing spiritualmaturity because we have madecovenants. As Paul said, “When Iwas a child, I spake as a child, Iunderstood as a child, I thoughtas a child: but when I became aman, I put away childish things”(1 Corinthians 13:11). We shouldbe different because we hold thepriesthood—not arrogant or pridefulor patronizing but humble andteachable and meek. Receiving thepriesthood and its various officesshould mean something to us. Itshould not be a perfunctory “rite ofpassage” that automatically happensat certain ages but a sacredact of covenant thoughtfully made.We should feel so privileged and sograteful that our every action showsit. If we seldom even think aboutthe priesthood, we need to change.2. We need to serve! The essence ofholding the priesthood is to magnifyour calling (see D&C 84:33)by serving others. Avoiding ourmost important duty to serve ourwives and children, not acceptingor passively fulfilling callings in theChurch, or not caring about othersunless it is convenient is not whowe should be. The Savior declared,“Thou shalt love the Lord thy Godwith all thy heart, and with allthy soul, and with all thy mind”(Matthew 22:37) and later added,“If thou lovest me thou shalt serveme” (D&C 42:29). Selfishness is theantithesis of priesthood responsibility,and if it is a trait of our character,we need to change.3. We need to be worthy! I may nothave the ability of Elder Jeffrey R.Holland when he spoke in a priesthoodsession a few years ago to“get in your face . . . , nose tonose, with just enough fire . . . tosinge your eyebrows” (“We Are AllEnlisted,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.2011, 45); but, dear brethren, weneed to wake up to how commonlyaccepted practices in the worldchoke our power in the priesthood.If we think we can even flirt withpornography or violations of chastityor dishonesty in any form andnot have it negatively affect usand our families, we are deceived.Moroni stated, “See that ye do allthings in worthiness” (Mormon9:29). The Lord powerfully directed,“And I now give unto you a commandmentto beware concerningyourselves, to give diligent heedto the words of eternal life” (D&C84:43). If there are any unresolvedsins preventing our worthiness, weneed to change.The only complete response to thequestion posed by Jesus Christ “Whatmanner of men ought ye to be?” isthe one He succinctly and profoundlygave: “Even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27).The invitation to “come unto Christ,and be perfected in him” (Moroni10:32) both requires and expectschange. Mercifully, He has not left usalone. “And if men come unto me Iwill show unto them their weakness.. . . Then will I make weak thingsbecome strong” (Ether 12:27). Relyingupon the Savior’s Atonement, we canchange. Of this I am certain. In thename of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>55
56By Randall L. RiddSecond Counselor in the Young Men General PresidencyThe Choice GenerationYou were chosen to participate in His work at this timebecause He trusts you to make the right choices.Young men, you have probablyheard before that you are a “chos<strong>eng</strong>eneration,” meaning thatGod chose and prepared you to cometo earth at this time for a great purpose.I know this to be true. But thisevening I would like to address you asthe “choice generation” because neverbefore in history have individualsbeen blessed with so many choices.More choices mean more opportunities;more opportunities mean morepotential to do good and, unfortunately,evil. I believe that God sentyou here at this time because He trustsyou to successfully discern among themind-boggling choices available.In 1974, President Spencer W.Kimball said, “I believe that the Lord isanxious to put into our hands inventionsof which we laymen have hardlyhad a glimpse” (“When the World WillBe Converted,” Ensign, Oct. 1974, 10).And He has! You are growing upwith one of the greatest tools for goodin the history of man: the Internet. Withit comes an elaborate buffet of choices.The abundance of choice, however,carries with it an equal portion ofaccountability. It facilitates your accessto both the very best and the veryworst the world has to offer. With ityou can accomplish great things in ashort period of time, or you can getcaught up in endless loops of trivialitythat waste your time and degrade yourpotential. With the click of a button,you can access whatever your heartdesires. That’s the key—what does yourheart desire? What do you gravitatetoward? Where will your desires lead?Remember that God “granteth untomen according to their desire” (Alma29:4) and that He “will judge all menaccording to their works, according tothe desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:9;see also Alma 41:3).Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: “In areal though figurative sense, the book oflife is the record of the acts of men assuch record is written in their own bodies.. . . That is, every thought, word,and deed has an [effect] on the humanbody; all these leave their marks, markswhich can be read by Him who isEternal as easily as the words in a bookcan be read” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nded. [1966], 97).The Internet also records yourdesires, expressed in the form ofsearches and clicks. There are legionswaiting to fill those desires. As yousurf the Internet, you leave tracks—what you communicate, where youhave been, how long you have beenthere, and the kinds of things thatinterest you. In this way, the Internetcreates a cyber profile for you—in asense, your “cyber book of life.” As inlife, the Internet will give you moreand more of what you seek. If yourdesires are pure, the Internet canmagnify them, making it ever easierto <strong>eng</strong>age in worthy pursuits. But theopposite is also true.Elder Neal A. Maxwell put it this way:“What we insistently desire, overtime, is what we will eventuallybecome and what we will receive ineternity. . . .“. . . Only by educating and trainingour desires can they become our alliesinstead of our enemies!” (“Accordingto the Desire of [Our] Hearts,” Ensign,Nov. 1996, 21, 22).My young brothers, if you are notproactive in educating your desires,the world will do it for you. Everyday the world seeks to influenceyour desires, enticing you to buysomething, click on something, playsomething, read or watch something.Ultimately, the choice is yours. Youhave agency. It is the power to notonly act on your desires but also torefine, purify, and elevate your desires.Agency is your power to become.
Each choice takes you closer to orfurther from what you are meant tobecome; each click has meaning.Always ask yourself, “Where will thischoice lead?” Develop the ability tosee beyond the moment.Satan wants to control your agencyso he can control what you become.He knows that one of the best ways todo this is by trapping you with addictivebehavior. Your choices determinewhether technology will empoweryou or enslave you.May I offer four principles to helpyou, the choice generation, educateyour desires and guide your use oftechnology.First: Knowing Who You Really AreMakes Decisions EasierI have a friend who learned this truthin a very personal way. His son wasraised in the gospel, but he seemed tobe wandering spiritually. He frequentlydeclined opportunities to exercise thepriesthood. His parents were disappointedwhen he declared that he haddecided not to serve a mission. Myfriend prayed earnestly for his son,hoping that he would have a changeof heart. Those hopes were dashedwhen his son announced that he was<strong>eng</strong>aged to be married. The fatherpleaded with his son to get his patriarchalblessing. The son finally agreed butinsisted on visiting the patriarch alone.When he returned after the blessing,he was very emotional. He tookhis girlfriend outside, where he couldtalk to her privately. The father peekedout the window to see the young couplewiping away each other’s tears.Later the son shared with hisfather what had happened. With greatemotion he explained that during theblessing, he had a glimpse of who hewas in the premortal world. He sawhow valiant and influential he was inpersuading others to follow Christ.Knowing who he really was, howcould he not serve a mission?Young men, remember who youreally are. Remember that you hold theholy priesthood. This will inspire youto make correct choices as you use theInternet and throughout your life.Second: Plug In to the Source of PowerRight in the palm of your hand youhave the wisdom of the ages—moreimportantly, the words of the prophets,from Old Testament days toPresident Thomas S. Monson. But ifyou don’t regularly recharge your cellphone, it is useless, and you feel lostand out of touch. You wouldn’t thinkof going a single day without chargingyour battery.As important as it is to leave homeevery day with a full charge on yourcell phone, it is far more importantto be fully charged spiritually. Everytime you plug in your phone, useit as a reminder to ask yourself ifyou have plugged in to the mostimportant source of spiritual power—prayer and scripture study, which willcharge you with inspiration throughthe Holy Ghost (see D&C 11:12–14).It will help you know the mind andwill of the Lord to make the smallbut important daily choices thatdetermine your direction. Many of usimmediately stop whatever we aredoing to read a text message—shouldwe not place even more importanceon messages from the Lord?Neglecting to connect to this powershould be unthinkable to us (see2 Nephi 32:3).May <strong>2014</strong>57
Third: Owning a Smartphone Does NotMake You Smart, but Using It Wisely CanYoung men, don’t do dumb thingswith your smartphone. You all knowwhat I mean (see Mosiah 4:29). Thereare countless ways technology candistract you from what is most important.Follow the adage “Be whereyou are when you are there.” Whenyou are driving, drive. When you arein class, focus on the lesson. Whenyou are with your friends, give themthe gift of your attention. Your braincannot concentrate on two things atonce. Multitasking amounts to quicklyshifting your focus from one thing toanother. An old proverb says, “If youchase two rabbits, you won’t catcheither one.”Fourth: The Lord Provides Technology toAccomplish His PurposesThe divine purpose of technologyis to hasten the work of salvation. Asmembers of the choice generation,you understand technology. Use itto accelerate your progress towardperfection. Because you have be<strong>eng</strong>iven much, you too must give (see“Because I Have Been Given Much,”Hymns, no. 219). The Lord expectsyou to use these great tools to takeHis work to the next level, to sharethe gospel in ways that are beyondmy generation’s wildest imagination.Where generations past influencedtheir neighbors and their town, youhave the power through the Internetand social media to reach beyondborders and influence the wholeworld.I testify that this is the Lord’sChurch. You were chosen to participatein His work at this time becauseHe trusts you to make the rightchoices. You are the choice generation.In the name of Jesus Christ,amen. ◼58Nearly 2<strong>00</strong> years ago, theAmerican short story “Rip VanWinkle” became an instantclassic. The main character, Rip, isan unambitious man who is verygood at avoiding two things: workand his wife.One day, while wandering in themountains with his dog, he discoversa group of strangely dressed mendrinking and playing games. Afteraccepting some of their liquor, Ripbecomes drowsy and closes his eyesfor a moment. When he opens hiseyes again, he is surprised to find thathis dog is gone, his rifle has rusted,and he now has a long beard.Rip makes his way back to hisvillage only to discover that everythinghas changed. His wife has died, hisBy President Dieter F. UchtdorfSecond Counselor in the First PresidencyAre You Sleepingthrough the Restoration?There is too much at stake for us as individuals, as families,and as Christ’s Church to give only a halfhearted effort to thissacred work.friends are gone, and the portrait ofKing George III in the tavern has beenreplaced by a portrait of someonehe does not recognize—by GeneralGeorge Washington.Rip Van Winkle had been sleepingfor 20 years! And in the process, hehad missed one of the most excitingperiods in the history of his country—he had slept through the AmericanRevolution.In May 1966, Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. used this story as an illustrationfor his speech “Don’t SleepThrough the Revolution.” 1Today, I would like to take thesame theme and propose a questionto all of us who hold God’s priesthood:are you sleeping through theRestoration?
We Are Living in the Time of theRestorationSometimes we think of theRestoration of the gospel as somethingthat is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book ofMormon, he received priesthood keys,the Church was organized. In reality,the Restoration is an ongoing process;we are living in it right now. It includes“all that God has revealed, all thatHe does now reveal,” and the “manygreat and important things” that “Hewill yet reveal.” 2 Brethren, the excitingdevelopments of today are part of thatlong-foretold period of preparation thatwill culminate in the glorious SecondComing of our Savior, Jesus Christ.This is one of the most remarkableperiods of the world’s history! Ancientprophets yearned to see our day.When our time in mortality is complete,what experiences will we be ableto share about our own contribution tothis significant period of our lives andto the furthering of the Lord’s work?Will we be able to say that we rolledup our sleeves and labored with all ourheart, might, mind, and str<strong>eng</strong>th? Orwill we have to admit that our role wasmostly that of an observer?I suppose there are a variety ofreasons why it is easy to become abit sleepy with regard to building thekingdom of God. Let me mentionthree major ones. As I do, I invite youto ponder if any might apply. If yousee room for improvement, I ask youto consider what could be done tochange for the better.SelfishnessFirst, selfishness.Those who are selfish seek theirown interests and pleasure above allelse. The central question for the selfishperson is “What’s in it for me?”Brethren, I am sure you can seethat this attitude is clearly contraryto the spirit required to build God’skingdom.When we seek self-service overselfless-service, our priorities becomecentered on our own recognition andpleasure.Past generations had their strugglewith variations of egotism andnarcissism, but I think today we aregiving them serious competition. Isit any coincidence that the OxfordDictionary recently proclaimed “selfie”as the word of the year? 3Naturally, we all have a desirefor recognition, and there is nothingwrong with relaxing and enjoyingourselves. But when seeking the “gainand praise of the world” 4 is a centralpart of our motivation, we will missthe redemptive and joyful experiencesthat come when we give generouslyof ourselves to the work of the Lord.What is the remedy?The answer, as always, lies in thewords of Christ:“Whosoever will come after me,let him deny himself, and take up hiscross, and follow me.“For whosoever will save his lifeshall lose it; but whosoever shall losehis life for my sake and the gospel’s,the same shall save it.” 5Those who wholeheartedly turntheir lives over to our Savior and serveGod and fellowman discover a richnessand fulness to life that the selfishor egotistic will never experience. Theunselfish give of themselves. Thesemay be small gifts of charity that havea grand impact for good: a smile,a handshake, a hug, time spent inlistening, a soft word of encouragement,or a gesture of caring. All theseacts of kindness can change heartsand lives. When we take advantageof the unlimited opportunities to loveand serve our fellowmen, includingour spouse and family, our capacityto love God and to serve others willgreatly increase.May <strong>2014</strong>59
Those who serve others will notsleep through the Restoration.AddictionsAnother thing that may cause usto sleepwalk through this significantseason of the world is addiction.Addictions often begin subtly.Addictions are thin threads of repeatedaction that weave themselves intothick bonds of habit. Negative habitshave the potential to become consumingaddictions.These binding chains of addictioncan have many forms, like pornography,alcohol, sex, drugs, tobacco,gambling, food, work, the Internet,or virtual reality. Satan, our commonenemy, has many favorite tools heuses to rob us of our divine potentialto accomplish our mission in theLord’s kingdom.It saddens our Heavenly Father tosee how willingly some of His noblesons extend their wrists to accept thechains of devastating addictions.Brethren, we bear the eternal60priesthood of Almighty God. We aretruly sons of the Most High and areendowed with unspeakable potential.We are designed to soar freely throughthe heavens. We are not meant to beshackled to the earth, imprisoned instraitjackets of our own making.What is the remedy?The first thing we must understandis that addictions are so much easierto prevent than to cure. In the Savior’swords, “Suffer none of these things toenter into your heart.” 6Several years ago, PresidentThomas S. Monson and I were offeredan opportunity to tour Air ForceOne—the magnificent aircraft thattransports the president of the UnitedStates. There were painstaking securitychecks by the Secret Service, and Ismiled a little as agents searched ourdear prophet prior to boarding.Then the pilot in command invitedme to take the captain’s seat. It wasa remarkable experience to againsit at the helm of a wonderful flyingmachine like the kind I had flown forso many years. Memories of flightsacross oceans and continents filled myheart and mind. I envisioned excitingtakeoffs and landings at airports allover the world.Almost unconsciously, I placed myhands on the four throttles of the 747.Just then, a beloved and unmistakablevoice came from behind—the voice ofThomas S. Monson.“Dieter,” he said, “don’t even thinkabout it.”I’m not admitting to anything, butit just may be that President Monsonread my mind.When we are tempted to do thingswe should not do, let us listen to theloving warning of trusted family andfriends, our beloved prophet, andalways the Savior.The best defense against addictionis never to start.But what of those who find themselvesin the grip of addiction?Please know, first of all, thatthere is hope. Seek help from lovedones, Church leaders, and trained
counselors. The Church providesaddiction recovery help through localChurch leaders, the Internet, 7 and insome areas, LDS Family Services.Always remember, with the Savior’shelp, you can break free from addiction.It may be a long, difficult path,but the Lord will not give up on you.He loves you. Jesus Christ suffered theAtonement to help you change, to freeyou from the captivity of sin.The most important thing is to keeptrying—sometimes it takes severalattempts before people find success.So don’t give up. Don’t lose faith.Keep your heart close to the Lord, andHe will give you the power of deliverance.He will make you free.My dear brethren, always keep faraway from habits that could lead toaddiction. Those who do so will beable to devote their heart, might, mind,and str<strong>eng</strong>th to the service of God.They will not sleep through theRestoration.Competing PrioritiesA third obstacle that prevents usfrom fully <strong>eng</strong>aging in this work is themany competing priorities we face.Some of us are so busy that we feellike a cart pulled by a dozen workanimals—each straining in a differentdirection. A lot of energy is expended,but the cart doesn’t go anywhere.Often we devote our best efforts inpursuit of a hobby, a sport, vocationalinterests, and community or politicalissues. All these things may be goodand honorable, but are they leaving ustime and energy for what should beour highest priorities?What is the remedy?Once again, it comes from thewords of the Savior:“Thou shalt love the Lord thy Godwith all thy heart, and with all thysoul, and with all thy mind.“This is the first and greatcommandment.“And the second is like unto it, Thoushalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 8Everything else in life should besecondary to these two great priorities.Even in Church service, it is easy tospend a lot of time just going throughthe motions without the heart or thesubstance of discipleship.Brethren, we as priesthood bearershave committed to be a people wholove God and our neighbor and whoare willing to demonstrate that lovethrough word and deed. That is theessence of who we are as disciples ofJesus Christ.Those who live up to theseprinciples will not sleep through theRestoration.A Call to AwakenThe Apostle Paul wrote, “Awakethou that sleepest, and arise fromthe dead, and Christ shall give theelight.” 9My dear friends, know that you aresons of light.Don’t allow selfishness! Don’t allowhabits that could lead to addiction!Don’t allow competing priorities to lullyou into indifference or detachmentfrom blessed discipleship and ennoblingpriesthood service!There is too much at stake for us asindividuals, as families, and as Christ’sChurch to give only a halfheartedeffort to this sacred work.Being a disciple of Jesus Christis not an effort of once a week oronce a day. It is an effort of once andfor all.The Lord’s promise to His truepriesthood holders is almost too grandto comprehend.Those who are faithful unto theAaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoodsand magnify their callings “areMay <strong>2014</strong>61
sanctified by the Spirit unto therenewing of their bodies.” Therefore,all that our Father has will be givenunto them. 10I testify that the cleansing powerof the Atonement of Jesus Christ andthe transformative power of the HolyGhost can heal and rescue mankind.It is our privilege, our sacred duty,and our joy to heed the Savior’s call tofollow Him with a willing mind andfull purpose of heart. Let us “shake offthe chains with which [we] are bound,and come forth out of obscurity, andarise from the dust.” 11Let us be awake and not be wearyof well-doing, for we “are layingthe foundation of a great work,” 12even preparing for the return of theSavior. Brethren, when we add thelight of our example as a witness tothe beauty and power of restoredtruth, we will not sleep through theRestoration. Of this I testify and leaveyou my blessing in the sacred nameof our Master, even Jesus Christ,amen. ◼NOTES1. See Martin Luther King Jr., “Don’t SleepThrough the Revolution” (1966 WareLecture, Unitarian Universalist AssociationGeneral Assembly, Hollywood, Florida,May 18, 1966).2. Articles of Faith 1:9.3. See blog.oxforddictionaries.com/press-releases/oxford-dictionaries-wordof-the-year-2013.4. 2 Nephi 26:29.5. Mark 8:34–35.6. 3 Nephi 12:29.7. See, for example, lds.org/topics/addiction.8. Matthew 22:37–39.9. Ephesians 5:14.10. See Doctrine and Covenants 84:33, 38.11. 2 Nephi 1:23.12. See Doctrine and Covenants 64:33.We all have heroes, particularlywhen we are young.I was born and grew up inPrinceton, New Jersey, in the UnitedStates. The most famous sports teamsnear where we lived were headquarteredin New York City. It was thehome of three professional baseballteams in those faraway days: theBrooklyn Dodgers, the New YorkGiants, and the New York Yankees.Philadelphia was even closer toour home and was the home of theAthletics and the Phillies baseballteams. There were many potentialbaseball heroes for me on thoseteams.Joe DiMaggio, who played forthe New York Yankees, became mybaseball hero. When my brothersBy President Henry B. EyringFirst Counselor in the First PresidencyThe Priesthood ManYou can be a great model, an average one, or a bad model.You may think it doesn’t matter to you, but it does to the Lord.and my friends played baseballon the school grounds next to ourhouse, I tried to swing the bat theway I thought Joe DiMaggio did it.That was before the days of television(this is ancient history), so Ionly had pictures from newspapersto use to copy his swing.When I was growing up, my fatherdrove me to Yankee Stadium. Thatwas the only time I saw Joe DiMaggioplay. As if I am still there, in my mindI can see him swing the bat and seethe white baseball fly straight into thestands at center field.Now, my baseball skills never cameclose to those of my childhood hero.But the few times I hit a baseball well,I copied the level of his powerfulswing as closely as I could.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf10 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.62
When we choose heroes, we beginto copy, consciously or unconsciously,what we admire most in them.Happily, my wise parents put greatheroes in my path as a boy. My dadtook me to Yankee Stadium only onceto observe my baseball hero play, butevery Sunday he let me observe apriesthood man who became a hero.That hero shaped my life. My fatherwas the branch president of the littlebranch which met in our home. Bythe way, if you came down to the firstfloor on Sunday morning, you were inchurch. Our branch never had morethan 30 people in attendance.There was a young man who drovehis mother to our house for meetings,but he never came into the house. Hewas not a member. It was my fatherwho succeeded by going out to himwhere he parked the car and invitinghim into our home. He was baptizedand became my first and only AaronicPriesthood leader. He became mypriesthood hero. I still rememberthe wooden statue he gave me as areward after we had completed a projectto cut firewood for a widow. I havetried to be like him whenever I givejustified praise to a servant of God.I chose another hero in thatlittle branch of the Church. He wasa United States Marine who cameto our meetings wearing his greenmarine uniform. It was wartime, sothat alone made him my hero. Hehad been sent to Princeton Universityby the marines to further his education.But far more than admiring hismilitary uniform, I watched him playin Palmer Stadium as captain of thePrinceton University football team.I saw him play on the universitybasketball team and also watchedhim play as the star catcher on theirbaseball team.But even more, he came to myhome during the week to show mehow to shoot a basketball with bothmy left and my right hand. He told methat I would need that skill becauseI would someday play basketball ongood teams. I did not realize it then,but for years he was, for me, a modelof a true priesthood man.Each of you will be a model of apriesthood man whether you wantto be or not. You became a lightedcandle when you accepted thepriesthood. The Lord put you onthe candlestick to light the way foreveryone who surrounds you. Thatis especially true for those in yourpriesthood quorum. You can be agreat model, an average one, or abad model. You may think it doesn’tmatter to you, but it does to the Lord.He said it this way:“Ye are the light of the world. A citythat is set on an hill cannot be hid.“Neither do men light a candle,and put it under a bushel, but on acandlestick; and it giveth light unto allthat are in the house.“Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works,and glorify your Father which is inheaven.” 1I have been blessed by examples ofgreat priesthood holders in quorumswhere I was fortunate to serve. Youcan do what they have done for me bybeing an example for others to follow.I have observed three commoncharacteristics of the priesthoodholders who are my heroes. One is apattern of prayer, the second is a habitof service, and the third is a rock-harddecision to be honest.We all pray, but the priesthoodholder you want to be prays often andwith real intent. In the evening youwill get on your knees and thank Godfor the blessings of the day. You willthank Him for parents, for teachers,and for great examples to follow. Youwill describe in your prayers specificallywho has blessed your life andMay <strong>2014</strong>63
how, during that day. That will takemore than a few minutes and morethan a little thought. It will surpriseyou and change you.As you pray for forgiveness, youwill find yourself forgiving others. Asyou thank God for His kindness, youwill think of others, by name, whoneed your kindness. Again, that experiencewill surprise you every day, andover time it will change you.One way you will be changed bysuch fervent prayer is, I promise you,that you will feel truly that you are achild of God. When you know thatyou are a child of God, you will alsoknow that He expects much of you.Because you are His child, He willexpect you to follow His teachingsand the teachings of His dear Son,Jesus Christ. He will expect you to begenerous and kind to others. He willbe disappointed if you are proud andself-centered. He will bless you tohave the desire to put the interests ofothers above your own.64Some of you are already modelsof unselfish priesthood service. Intemples across the world, priesthoodholders arrive before sunrise. Andsome serve long after sunset. Thereis no recognition or public acclaim inthis world for that sacrifice of time andeffort. I have gone with young peopleas they serve those in the spirit world,who are not able to claim templeblessings for themselves.As I see happiness rather thanfatigue in the faces of those who servethere early and late, I know there aregreat rewards in this life for that typeof unselfish priesthood service, butit is only a token of the joy they willshare with those whom they served inthe spirit world.I have seen that same happinessin the faces of those who speak toothers about the blessings which comefrom belonging to the kingdom ofGod. I know of a branch presidentwho almost every day brings peopleto the missionaries for them to teach.Just a few months ago he was not yeta member of the Church. Now thereare missionaries teaching and a branchgrowing in numbers and str<strong>eng</strong>thbecause of him. But more than that, heis a light to others who will open theirmouths and so hasten the Lord’s gatheringof the children of Heavenly Father.As you pray and serve others, yourknowledge that you are a child ofGod and your feelings about Him willgrow. You will become more awarethat He is saddened if you are dishonestin any way. You will be moredetermined to keep your word toGod and to others. You will be moreaware of taking anything that does notbelong to you. You will be more honestwith your employers. You will bemore determined to be on time and tocomplete every task you are given bythe Lord that you have accepted to do.Rather than wondering if theirhome teachers will come, children inthe families you are called to teachwill look forward with anticipation toyour visit. My children have receivedthat blessing. As they grew, they hadpriesthood heroes help them set theirown courses in serving the Lord. Thatblessed example is now passing intothe third generation.My message is also one of thanks.I thank you for your prayers. Ithank you for getting on your kneesin recognition of the fact that youdon’t have all the answers. You prayto the God of heaven to express yourgratitude and to invoke His blessingsupon your lives and your families. Ithank you for your service to othersand for the times you felt no need foracknowledgment of your service.We have accepted the Lord’s warningthat if we seek credit in this worldfor our service, we may forfeit greaterblessings. You will remember thesewords:
“Take heed that ye do not youralms before men, to be seen of them:otherwise ye have no reward of yourFather which is in heaven.“Therefore when thou doest thinealms, do not sound a trumpet beforethee, as the hypocrites do in the synagoguesand in the streets, that theymay have glory of men. Verily I sayunto you, They have their reward.“But when thou doest alms, letnot thy left hand know what thy righthand doeth:“That thine alms may be in secret:and thy Father which seeth in secrethimself shall reward thee openly.” 2Those who have been my modelsof great priesthood holders do noteasily recognize that they possessheroic qualities. In fact, they seemto have difficulty seeing those thingsthat I so much admire in them. Imentioned my father was a faithfulpresident of a tiny branch of theChurch in New Jersey. He later wasa member of the Sunday Schoolgeneral board for the Church. Yet Iam careful today to speak modestlyabout his priesthood service, becausehe was modest.The same is true for the marinewho was my childhood hero. Henever spoke to me of his priesthoodservice or of his accomplishments. Hejust gave service. I learned about hisfaithfulness from others. If he evensaw the characteristics in himself that Iadmired, I could not tell.So my counsel to you who want tobless others with your priesthood hasto do with your life which is private toall but God.Pray to Him. Thank Him for allthat is good in your life. Ask Him toknow what individuals He has placedin your way for you to serve. Pleadthat He will help you give that service.Pray so that you can forgive and sothat you can be forgiven. Then servethem, love them, and forgive them.Above all, remember that of allthe service you give, none is greaterthan to help people choose to qualifyfor eternal life. God has given thatoverarching direction to us on how touse our priesthood. He is the perfectexample of it. This is the example wesee in small part in the best of Hismortal servants:“And the Lord God spake untoMoses, saying: The heavens, they aremany, and they cannot be numberedunto man; but they are numberedunto me, for they are mine.“And as one earth shall pass away,and the heavens thereof even so shallanother come; and there is no end tomy works, neither to my words.“For behold, this is my work andmy glory—to bring to pass the immortalityand eternal life of man.” 3We are to help in that work. Eachof us can make a difference. We havebeen prepared for our time and placein the last days of that sacred work.Each of us has been blessed withexamples of those who have madethat work the overriding purpose oftheir time on earth.I pray that we may help each otherrise to that opportunity.God the Father lives and willanswer your prayers for the helpyou need to serve Him well. JesusChrist is the risen Lord. This is HisChurch. The priesthood you hold isthe power to act in His name in Hiswork to serve the children of God.As you give your whole heart tothis work, He will magnify you. I sopromise in the name of Jesus Christ,our Savior, amen. ◼NOTES1. Matthew 5:14–16.2. Matthew 6:1–4.3. Moses 1:37–39.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf11 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.May <strong>2014</strong>65
By President Thomas S. MonsonBe Strong andof a Good CourageLet us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus,the courage to stand for principle.My beloved brethren, howgood it is to be with you onceagain. I pray for heavenlyhelp as I respond to the opportunityto address you.Beyond this Conference Centerare additional thousands assembledin chapels and in other settingsthroughout much of the world.A common thread binds all of ustogether, for we have been entrustedto bear the priesthood of God.We are here upon the earth at aremarkable period in its history. Ouropportunities are almost limitless,and yet we also face a multitude ofchall<strong>eng</strong>es, some of them unique toour time.We live in a world where moralvalues have, in great measure, beentossed aside, where sin is flagrantlyon display, and where temptations tostray from the strait and narrow pathsurround us. We are faced with persistentpressures and insidious influencestearing down what is decent andattempting to substitute the shallowphilosophies and practices of a secularsociety.Because of these and other chall<strong>eng</strong>es,decisions are constantly beforeus which can determine our destiny.In order for us to make the correctdecisions, courage is needed—thecourage to say no when we should,the courage to say yes when that isappropriate, the courage to do theright thing because it is right.Inasmuch as the trend in societytoday is rapidly moving away fromthe values and principles the Lord hasgiven us, we will almost certainly becalled upon to defend that which webelieve. Will we have the courage todo so?Said President J. Reuben Clark Jr.,who for many years was a member ofthe First Presidency: “Not unknownare cases where [those] of presumedfaith . . . have felt that, since byaffirming their full faith they might calldown upon themselves the ridiculeof their unbelieving colleagues, theymust either modify or explain awaytheir faith, or destructively dilute it, oreven pretend to cast it away. Such arehypocrites.” 1 None of us would wishto wear such a label, and yet are wereluctant to declare our faith in somecircumstances?We can help ourselves in our desireto do what is right if we put ourselvesin places and participate in activitieswhere our thoughts are influenced forgood and where the Spirit of the Lordwill be comfortable.I recall reading some time ago thecounsel a father gave to his son whenhe went away to school: “If you everfind yourself where you shouldn’t66
ought to be, get out!” I offer to each ofyou the same advice: “If you ever findyourself where you shouldn’t ought tobe, get out!”The call for courage comes constantlyto each of us. Every day of ourlives courage is needed—not just forthe momentous events but more oftenas we make decisions or respondto circumstances around us. SaidScottish poet and novelist Robert LouisStevenson: “Everyday courage has fewwitnesses. But yours is no less noblebecause no drum beats for you and nocrowds shout your name.” 2Courage comes in many forms.Wrote the Christian author CharlesSwindoll: “Courage is not limited tothe battlefield . . . or bravely catchinga thief in your house. The realtests of courage are much quieter.They are inner tests, like remainingfaithful when no one’s looking, . . .like standing alone when you’remisunderstood.” 3 I would add thatthis inner courage also includesdoing the right thing even though wemay be afraid, defending our beliefsat the risk of being ridiculed, andmaintaining those beliefs even whenthreatened with a loss of friends or ofsocial status. He who stands steadfastlyfor that which is right must riskbecoming at times disapproved andunpopular.While serving in the United StatesNavy in World War II, I learned ofbrave deeds, instances of valor, andexamples of courage. One which Ishall never forget was the quiet courageof an 18-year-old seaman—notof our faith—who was not too proudto pray. Of 250 men in the company,he was the only one who each nightknelt down by the side of his bunk, attimes amidst the jeers of bullies andthe jests of unbelievers. With bowedhead, he prayed to God. He neverwavered. He never faltered. He hadcourage.I listened not long ago to an exampleof one who surely seemed to lackthis inner courage. A friend told of aspiritual and faith-promoting sacramentmeeting she and her husbandhad attended in their ward. A youngman who held the office of priest inthe Aaronic Priesthood touched thehearts of the entire congregation as hespoke of gospel truths and of the joysof keeping the commandments. Hebore a fervent, touching testimony ashe stood at the pulpit, appearing cleanand neat in his white shirt and tie.Later that same day, as this womanand her husband drove out of theirneighborhood, they saw this sameyoung man who had so inspired themjust a few hours earlier. Now, however,he presented a completely differentpicture as he walked down the sidewalkdressed in scruffy clothes—andsmoking a cigarette. My friend and herhusband were not only greatly disappointedand saddened, but they werealso confused by how he could soconvincingly seem to be one person insacrament meeting and then so quicklyseem to be someone else entirely.Brethren, are you the same personwherever you are and whatever youare doing—the person our HeavenlyFather wants you to be and the personyou know you should be?May <strong>2014</strong>67
In an interview published in anational magazine, well-knownAmerican NCAA basketball playerJabari Parker, a member of the Church,was asked to share the best advice hehad received from his father. RepliedJabari, “[My father] said, Just be thesame person you are in the darkthat you are in the light.” 4 Importantadvice, brethren, for all of us.Our scriptures are filled with examplesof the type of courage neededby each of us today. The prophetDaniel exhibited supreme courage bystanding up for that which he knewto be right and by demonstrating thecourage to pray, though threatenedwith death were he to do so. 5Courage characterized the life ofAbinadi, as shown by his willingness68to offer his life rather than to denythe truth. 6Who can help but be inspired bythe lives of the 2,<strong>00</strong>0 stripling sonsof Helaman, who taught and demonstratedthe need for courage to followthe teachings of parents, to be chasteand pure? 7Perhaps each of these scripturalaccounts is crowned by the exampleof Moroni, who had the courage topersevere in righteousness to thevery end. 8Throughout his life, the ProphetJoseph Smith provided countlessexamples of courage. One of the mostdramatic occurred as he and otherbrethren were chained together—imagine, chained together—and heldin an unfinished cabin next to thecourthouse in Richmond, Missouri.Parley P. Pratt, who was among thoseheld captive, wrote of one particularnight: “We had lain as if in sleep tillthe hour of midnight had passed, andour ears and hearts had been pained,while we had listened for hours tothe obscene jests, the horrid oaths,the dreadful blasphemies and filthylanguage of our guards.”Continued Elder Pratt:“I had listened till I became sodisgusted, shocked, horrified, and sofilled with the spirit of indignant justicethat I could scarcely refrain fromrising upon my feet and rebuking theguards; but [I] had said nothing toJoseph, or any one else, although I laynext to him and knew he was awake.On a sudden he arose to his feet, andspoke in a voice of thunder, or as theroaring lion, uttering, as near as I canrecollect, the following words:“‘SILENCE. . . . In the name of JesusChrist I rebuke you, and commandyou to be still; I will not live anotherminute and hear such language.Cease such talk, or you or I die THISINSTANT!’”Joseph “stood erect in terriblemajesty,” as described by Elder Pratt.He was chained, without a weapon,and yet he was calm and dignified.He looked down upon the quailingguards, who were shrinking into acorner or crouching at his feet. Theseseemingly incorrigible men begged hispardon and remained quiet. 9Not all acts of courage bring suchspectacular or immediate results, andyet all of them do bring peace of mindand a knowledge that right and truthhave been defended.It is impossible to stand uprightwhen one plants his roots in theshifting sands of popular opinionand approval. Needed is the courageof a Daniel, an Abinadi, a Moroni,
or a Joseph Smith in order for us tohold strong and fast to that which weknow is right. They had the courageto do not that which was easy but thatwhich was right.We will all face fear, experienceridicule, and meet opposition. Letus—all of us—have the courage todefy the consensus, the courage tostand for principle. Courage, not compromise,brings the smile of God’sapproval. Courage becomes a livingand an attractive virtue when it isregarded not only as a willingness todie manfully but also as the determinationto live decently. As we moveforward, striving to live as we should,we will surely receive help from theLord and can find comfort in Hiswords. I love His promise recorded inthe book of Joshua:“I will not fail thee, nor forsakethee. . . .“. . . Be strong and of a goodcourage; be not afraid, neither be thoudismayed: for the Lord thy God is withthee whithersoever thou goest.” 10My beloved brethren, with thecourage of our convictions, may wedeclare, with the Apostle Paul, “I amnot ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” 11And then, with that same courage,may we follow Paul’s counsel: “Bethou an example of the believers, inword, in conversation, in charity, inspirit, in faith, in purity.” 12Catastrophic conflicts come andgo, but the war waged for the soulsof men continues without abatement.Like a clarion call comes the word ofthe Lord to you, to me, and to priesthoodholders everywhere: “Wherefore,now let every man learn his duty,and to act in the office in which he isappointed, in all diligence.” 13 Then wewill be, as the Apostle Peter declared,even “a royal priesthood,” 14 united inpurpose and endowed with powerfrom on high. 15May each one leave here tonightwith the determination and the courageto say, with Job of old, “While mybreath is in me, . . . I will not removemine integrity from me.” 16 That this maybe so is my humble prayer in the nameof Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen. ◼NOTES1. J. Reuben Clark Jr., The Charted Course ofthe Church in Education, rev. ed. (1994), 7.2. Robert Louis Stevenson, in Hal Urban,Choices That Change Lives (2<strong>00</strong>6), 122.3. Charles Swindoll, in Urban, Choices ThatChange Lives, 122.4. Jabari Parker, in “10 Questions,” Time,Mar. 17, <strong>2014</strong>, 76.5. See Daniel 6.6. See Mosiah 11:20; 17:20.7. See Alma 53:20–21; 56.8. See Moroni 1–10.9. See Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, ed.Parley P. Pratt Jr. (1938), 210–11.10. Joshua 1:5, 9.11. Romans 1:16.12. 1 Timothy 4:12.13. Doctrine and Covenants 107:99.14. 1 Peter 2:9.15. See Doctrine and Covenants 1<strong>05</strong>:11.16. Job 27:3, 5.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf12 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.May <strong>2014</strong>69
SUNDAY MORNING SESSION | April 6, <strong>2014</strong>70By President Dieter F. UchtdorfSecond Counselor in the First PresidencyGrateful in AnyCircumstancesHave we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardlessof the circumstances in which we find ourselves?Over the years, I have had thesacred opportunity to meetwith many people whosesorrows seem to reach the very depthsof their soul. In these moments, I havelistened to my beloved brothers andsisters and grieved with them overtheir burdens. I have pondered whatto say to them, and I have struggledto know how to comfort and supportthem in their trials.Often their grief is caused by whatseems to them as an ending. Some arefacing the end of a cherished relationship,such as the death of a loved oneor estrangement from a family member.Others feel they are facing the endof hope—the hope of being marriedor bearing children or overcoming anillness. Others may be facing the endof their faith, as confusing and conflictingvoices in the world tempt themto question, even abandon, what theyonce knew to be true.Sooner or later, I believe that all ofus experience times when the veryfabric of our world tears at the seams,leaving us feeling alone, frustrated,and adrift.It can happen to anyone. No one isimmune.We Can Be GratefulEveryone’s situation is different,and the details of each life areunique. Nevertheless, I have learnedthat there is something that wouldtake away the bitterness that maycome into our lives. There is onething we can do to make life sweeter,more joyful, even glorious.We can be grateful!It might sound contrary to thewisdom of the world to suggest thatone who is burdened with sorrowshould give thanks to God. But thosewho set aside the bottle of bitternessand lift instead the goblet of gratitudecan find a purifying drink of healing,peace, and understanding.As disciples of Christ, we arecommanded to “thank the Lord [our]God in all things,” 1 to “sing unto theLord with thanksgiving,” 2 and to “let[our] heart be full of thanks untoGod.” 3Why does God command us to begrateful?All of His commandments aregiven to make blessings available tous. Commandments are opportunitiesto exercise our agency and to receiveblessings. Our loving Heavenly Fatherknows that choosing to develop aspirit of gratitude will bring us true joyand great happiness.Being Grateful for ThingsBut some might say, “What do Ihave to be grateful for when my worldis falling apart?”Perhaps focusing on what we aregrateful for is the wrong approach. Itis difficult to develop a spirit of gratitudeif our thankfulness is only proportionalto the number of blessingswe can count. True, it is important tofrequently “count our blessings”—andanyone who has tried this knowsthere are many—but I don’t believethe Lord expects us to be less thankfulin times of trial than in times ofabundance and ease. In fact, mostof the scriptural references do notspeak of gratitude for things but rathersuggest an overall spirit or attitude ofgratitude.
General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsTHE FIRST PRESIDENCYHenry B. EyringFirst CounselorThomas S. MonsonPresidentDieter F. UchtdorfSecond CounselorTHE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLESBoyd K. PackerL. Tom PerryRussell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks M. Russell Ballard Richard G. ScottRobert D. Hales Jeffrey R. Holland David A. Bednar Quentin L. Cook D. Todd Christofferson Neil L. AndersenTHE PRESIDENCY OF THE SEVENTYRonald A. Rasband L. Whitney Clayton Donald L. Hallstrom Richard J. Maynes Craig C. Christensen Ulisses SoaresLynn G. Robbins
THE FIRST QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY(in alphabetical order)THE SECOND QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY(in alphabetical order)Marcos A. Aidukaitis Jose L. Alonso Carlos H. Amado Ian S. ArdernMervyn B. ArnoldDavid S. BaxterShayne M. BowenCraig A. Cardon Yoon Hwan Choi Don R. Clarke Carl B. Cook Lawrence E. Corbridge Wilford W. Andersen Koichi Aoyagi Randall K. BennettBruce A. CarlsonClaudio R. M. Costa LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. Benjamín De Hoyos Edward Dube Kevin R. Duncan Larry J. Echo Hawk Stanley G. Ellis David F. Evans Enrique R. Falabella Eduardo Gavarret Robert C. Gay Carlos A. Godoy J. Devn Cornish Timothy J. Dyches Bradley D. Foster Randy D. FunkChristoffel Golden Gerrit W. Gong Walter F. González C. Scott Grow James J. Hamula Daniel L. Johnson Paul V. Johnson Patrick Kearon Jörg Klebingat Erich W. Kopischke Marcus B. Nash S. Gifford Nielsen O. Vincent Haleck Kevin S. Hamilton Larry S. Kacher Larry R. LawrenceBrent H. Nielson Allan F. Packer Kevin W. Pearson Anthony D. Perkins Paul B. Pieper Rafael E. Pino Bruce D. Porter Dale G. Renlund Michael T. Ringwood Joseph W. Sitati Steven E. Snow Michael John U. Teh Per G. Malm Hugo E. Martinez James B. Martino Jairo MazzagardiJosé A. TeixeiraJuan A. UcedaArnulfo ValenzuelaFrancisco J. Viñas W. Christopher Waddell William R. Walker Scott D. Whiting Chi Hong (Sam) Wong Kazuhiko Yamashita Jorge F. Zeballos Claudio D. Zivic W. Craig ZwickAdrián Ochoa Kent F. Richards Gregory A. Schwitzer Terence M. VinsonTHE PRESIDING BISHOPRICLarry Y. WilsonGérald CausséFirst CounselorGary E. StevensonPresiding BishopDean M. DaviesSecond CounselorGENERAL OFFICERSSUNDAY SCHOOLYOUNG WOMEN RELIEF SOCIETYPRIMARYYOUNG MENJohn S. TannerFirst CounselorTad R. CallisterPresidentDevin G. DurrantSecond CounselorCarol F. McConkieFirst CounselorBonnie L. OscarsonPresidentNeill F. MarriottSecond CounselorCarole M. StephensFirst CounselorLinda K. BurtonPresidentLinda S. ReevesSecond CounselorJean A. StevensFirst CounselorRosemary M. WixomPresidentCheryl A. EsplinSecond CounselorLarry M. GibsonFirst CounselorDavid L. BeckPresidentRandall L. RiddSecond CounselorApril <strong>2014</strong>
Latter-day Saints throughout theworld gather for the 184th AnnualGeneral Conference. Pictured clockwisefrom top left are Church membersand missionaries in Vienna,Austria; São Paulo, Brazil; MexicoCity, Mexico; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia;Highlands Ranch, Colorado, USA;Sydney, Australia; Saint Petersburg,Russia; and Norcross, Georgia, USA.
It is easy to be grateful for thingswhen life seems to be going our way.But what then of those times whenwhat we wish for seems to be far outof reach?Could I suggest that we see gratitudeas a disposition, a way of life thatstands independent of our currentsituation? In other words, I’m suggestingthat instead of being thankful forthings, we focus on being thankfulin our circumstances—whatever theymay be.There is an old story of a waiterwho asked a customer whether hehad enjoyed the meal. The guestreplied that everything was fine, butit would have been better if they hadserved more bread. The next day,when the man returned, the waiterdoubled the amount of bread, givinghim four slices instead of two, but stillthe man was not happy. The next day,the waiter doubled the bread again,without success.On the fourth day, the waiter wasreally determined to make the manhappy. And so he took a nine-footlong(3-m) loaf of bread, cut it in half,and with a smile, served that to thecustomer. The waiter could scarcelywait for the man’s reaction.After the meal, the man looked upand said, “Good as always. But I seeyou’re back to giving only two slicesof bread.”Being Grateful in Our CircumstancesMy dear brothers and sisters, thechoice is ours. We can choose to limitour gratitude, based on the blessingswe feel we lack. Or we can choose tobe like Nephi, whose grateful heartnever faltered. When his brothers tiedhim up on the ship—which he hadbuilt to take them to the promisedland—his ankles and wrists were sosore “they had swollen exceedingly,”and a violent storm threatened toswallow him up in the depths of thesea. “Nevertheless,” Nephi said, “I didlook unto my God, and I did praisehim all the day long; and I did notmurmur against the Lord because ofmine afflictions.” 4We can choose to be like Job, whoseemed to have everything but thenlost it all. Yet Job responded by saying,“Naked came I out of my mother’swomb, and naked shall I return . . . :the Lord gave, and the Lord hath takenaway; blessed be the name of theLord.” 5We can choose to be like theMormon pioneers, who maintaineda spirit of gratitude during their slowand painful trek toward the Great SaltLake, even singing and dancing andglorying in the goodness of God. 6Many of us would have been inclinedto withdraw, complain, and agonizeabout the difficulty of the journey.We can choose to be like theProphet Joseph Smith, who, while aprisoner in miserable conditions inLiberty Jail, penned these inspiredwords: “Dearly beloved brethren, letus cheerfully do all things that lie inour power; and then may we standstill, with the utmost assurance, to seethe salvation of God, and for his armto be revealed.” 7We can choose to be grateful, nomatter what.This type of gratitude transcendswhatever is happening around us. Itsurpasses disappointment, discouragement,and despair. It blooms justas beautifully in the icy landscapeof winter as it does in the pleasantwarmth of summer.When we are grateful to God in ourcircumstances, we can experience gentlepeace in the midst of tribulation. Ingrief, we can still lift up our hearts inpraise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’sAtonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow,we can experience the closenessand warmth of heaven’s embrace.We sometimes think that beinggrateful is what we do after ourproblems are solved, but how terriblyMay <strong>2014</strong>75
shortsighted that is. How much oflife do we miss by waiting to see therainbow before thanking God thatthere is rain?Being grateful in times of distressdoes not mean that we are pleasedwith our circumstances. It does meanthat through the eyes of faith we lookbeyond our present-day chall<strong>eng</strong>es.This is not a gratitude of the lipsbut of the soul. It is a gratitude thatheals the heart and expands themind.Gratitude as an Act of FaithBeing grateful in our circumstancesis an act of faith in God. Itrequires that we trust God and hopefor things we may not see but whichare true. 8 By being grateful, we followthe example of our beloved Savior,who said, “Not my will, but thine, bedone.” 9True gratitude is an expressionof hope and testimony. It comesfrom acknowledging that we do notRaymond, Alberta, Canada76always understand the trials of lifebut trusting that one day we will.In any circumstance, our sense ofgratitude is nourished by the manyand sacred truths we do know: thatour Father has given His children thegreat plan of happiness; that throughthe Atonement of His Son, JesusChrist, we can live forever with ourloved ones; that in the end, we willhave glorious, perfect, and immortalbodies, unburdened by sicknessor disability; and that our tears ofsadness and loss will be replacedwith an abundance of happiness andjoy, “good measure, pressed down,and shaken together, and runningover.” 10It must have been this kind oftestimony that transformed the Savior’sApostles from fearful, doubting meninto fearless, joyful emissaries of theMaster. In the hours following HisCrucifixion, they were consumed withdespair and grief, unable to understandwhat had just happened. Butone event changed all of that. TheirLord appeared to them and declared,“Behold my hands and my feet, that itis I myself.” 11When the Apostles recognized therisen Christ—when they experiencedthe glorious Resurrection of theirbeloved Savior—they became differentmen. Nothing could keep themfrom fulfilling their mission. Theyaccepted with courage and determinationthe torture, humiliation, andeven death that would come to thembecause of their testimony. 12 Theywere not deterred from praising andserving their Lord. They changed thelives of people everywhere. Theychanged the world.You do not need to see the Savior,as the Apostles did, to experience thesame transformation. Your testimonyof Christ, born of the Holy Ghost, canhelp you look past the disappointingendings in mortality and see the brightfuture that the Redeemer of the worldhas prepared.We Are Not Made for EndingsIn light of what we know aboutour eternal destiny, is it any wonderthat whenever we face the bitter endingsof life, they seem unacceptableto us? There seems to be somethinginside of us that resists endings.Why is this? Because we are madeof the stuff of eternity. We are eternalbeings, children of the AlmightyGod, whose name is Endless 13 and
who promises eternal blessingswithout number. Endings are not ourdestiny.The more we learn about thegospel of Jesus Christ, the more werealize that endings here in mortalityare not endings at all. They are merelyinterruptions—temporary pauses thatone day will seem small compared tothe eternal joy awaiting the faithful.How grateful I am to my HeavenlyFather that in His plan there areno true endings, only everlastingbeginnings.Those Who Are Grateful Will Be MadeGloriousBrothers and sisters, have we notreason to be filled with gratitude,regardless of the circumstances inwhich we find ourselves?Do we need any greater reason tolet our hearts “be full of thanks untoGod”? 14“Have we not great reason torejoice?” 15How blessed we are if we recognizeGod’s handiwork in the marveloustapestry of life. Gratitude toour Father in Heaven broadens ourperception and clears our vision. Itinspires humility and fosters empathytoward our fellowmen and all of God’screation. Gratitude is a catalyst to allChristlike attributes! A thankful heart isthe parent of all virtues. 16The Lord has given us His promisethat those “who [receive] all thingswith thankfulness shall be madeglorious; and the things of this earthshall be added unto [them], even anhundred fold, yea, more.” 17May we “live in thanksgivingdaily” 18 —especially during theseemingly unexplainable endings thatare part of mortality. May we allowour souls to expand in thankfulnesstoward our merciful Heavenly Father.May we ever and constantly raiseour voices and show by word anddeed our gratitude to our Father inHeaven and to His Beloved Son,Jesus Christ. For this I pray, and leaveyou my testimony and blessing, inthe name of our Master, Jesus Christ,amen. ◼NOTES1. Doctrine and Covenants 59:7; see alsoEphesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18;Mosiah 26:39; Alma 7:23; Doctrine andCovenants 98:1.2. Psalm 147:7.3. Alma 37:37.4. See 1 Nephi 18:10–16.5. Job 1:21.6. For examples of pioneers who maintaineda cheerful attitude despite intense difficulty,see Andrew D. Olsen, The Price We Paid:The Extraordinary Story of the Willie andMartin Handcart Pioneers (2<strong>00</strong>6), 10,366–67.7. Doctrine and Covenants 123:17.8. See Alma 32:21.9. Luke 22:42.10. Luke 6:38.11. Luke 24:39.12. See Romans 5:3; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 12:10.13. See Moses 1:3.14. Alma 37:37.15. Alma 26:13.16. See Marcus Tullius Cicero, Oratio ProCnæo Plancio, XXXIII, section 80; quotedin Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Live in ThanksgivingDaily,” Ensign, Sept. 2<strong>00</strong>1, 8.17. Doctrine and Covenants 78:19; emphasisadded.18. Alma 34:38.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf13 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.May <strong>2014</strong>77
78By Elder M. Russell BallardOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesFollowing UpWe can all be more consistently involved in missionary workby replacing our fear with real faith.Sixty-four years ago this September,I returned home from my missionin England. Three daysafter returning, I attended a HelloDay dance at the University of Utahwith a friend of mine. He told meabout a beautiful sophomore namedBarbara Bowen, whom he thought Iought to meet. He brought her overand introduced us, and we startedto dance.Unfortunately, this was what weused to call a “tag dance,” whichmeant that you got to dance with thegirl only until somebody else taggedyou out. Barbara was vivacious andpopular, so I got to dance with herfor less than a minute before anotheryoung man tagged me out.That was just not acceptable tome. Having learned the importanceof follow-up on my mission, I gother telephone number and called herthe very next day to ask her out, butshe was busy with school and socialcommitments. Thankfully, my missiontaught me to be persistent even in theface of discouragement, and I waseventually able to make a date. Andthat date led to others. Somehow duringthose dates I was able to convinceher that I was the only true and livingreturned missionary—at least as faras she should be concerned. Now, 64years later, there are seven childrenand many grandchildren and greatgrandchildrenwho stand as evidenceof the significant truth that no matterhow good your message is, you maynot get a chance to deliver it withoutconsistent, persistent follow-up.This may be why I have felt theclear impression to follow up today ontwo of my previous general conferencemessages.In the October 2011 conference, Iurged that we remember these importantwords of the Lord: “For thus shallmy church be called in the last days,even The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints.” 1With these words, the Lord makesclear that this is not only a formaltitle but also the name by which HisChurch is to be called. Given His cleardeclaration, we should not refer to theChurch by any other name, such as“Mormon Church” or “LDS Church.”The term Mormon can be appropriatelyused in some contexts to referto members of the Church, such asMormon pioneers, or to institutions,such as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.Church members are widely knownas Mormons, and in interactionswith those not of our faith, we mayfittingly refer to ourselves as Mormons,provided we couple this with the fullname of the Church.If members learn to use the correctname of the Church in connectionwith the word Mormon, it will underscorethat we are Christians, membersof the Savior’s Church.Brothers and sisters, let us followup and develop the habit of alwaysmaking it clear that we belong to TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints.The second message that I feel Ishould follow up on was deliveredjust last general conference, when I
encouraged members to pray to beled to at least one person to whomthey could extend an invitation tolearn about the restored gospel beforeChristmas. Many Church membershave shared with me some specialexperiences as a consequence oftheir asking the Lord for missionaryopportunities.One returned missionary, for example,specifically prayed to be led to“the one” he could reach. The nameof a former college classmate cameinto his mind. He reached out to herover Facebook, and he learned thatshe had been praying for purpose andmeaning in her life. He followed upjust at the time she was searching forthe truth, and in December she wasbaptized.Many similar invitations werereported to me, but only a few peoplehave followed up like this brother did.I’m a great believer in the principleof follow-up. As it says in the missionaryguide Preach My Gospel, “extendingan invitation without following upis like beginning a journey withoutfinishing it or buying a ticket to aconcert without going into the theater.Without the completed action, thecommitment is hollow.” 2Preach My Gospel teaches everyonenot only how to invite but also how tofollow up on our invitations. The purposeof missionary work is defined asinviting “others to come unto Christ byhelping them receive the restored gospelthrough faith in Jesus Christ andHis Atonement, repentance, baptism,receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost,and enduring to the end.” 3Inviting is certainly part of theprocess. But notice that there is muchmore to missionary work for membersthan simply extending invitations topeople to listen to the missionaries.It also includes follow-up with themissionaries in the cultivation of faith,the motivation to repentance, thepreparation for making covenants, andenduring to the end.This follow-up principle is illustratedin the book of Acts:“Now Peter and John went uptogether into the temple. . . .“And a certain man lame from hismother’s womb was carried, whomthey laid daily at the gate of thetemple which is called Beautiful, toask alms of them that entered into thetemple;“Who seeing Peter and John aboutto go into the temple asked an alms.“And Peter, fastening his eyes uponhim with John, said, Look on us.“And he gave heed unto them,expecting to receive something ofthem.“Then Peter said, Silver and goldhave I none; but such as I have giveI thee: In the name of Jesus Christ ofNazareth rise up and walk.”That’s a powerful invitation from aservant of the Lord, isn’t it? But Peterdidn’t stop with the invitation. Thescriptural narrative next tells us that“he took him by the right hand, andlifted him up: and immediately his feetand ankle bones received str<strong>eng</strong>th.“And he leaping up stood, andwalked, and entered with them intothe temple, walking, and leaping, andpraising God.” 4In other words, Peter didn’t simplyinvoke his priesthood authority andinvite the man to rise up and walk. Healso followed up on his invitation byreaching out to the man, taking him bythe right hand, lifting him up, and thenwalking with him into the temple.In the spirit of Peter’s example,may I suggest that we can all be moreconsistently involved in missionarywork by replacing our fear with realfaith, inviting someone at least once aquarter—or four times every year—tobe taught by the full-time missionaries.They are prepared to teach bythe Spirit, with sincere and heartfeltinspiration from the Lord. Togetherwe can follow up on our invitations,May <strong>2014</strong>79
take others by the hand, lift them up,and walk with them on their spiritualjourney.To help you in this process, I inviteall members, regardless of your currentcalling or level of activity in the Church,to obtain a copy of Preach My Gospel.It is available through our distributioncenters and also online. The onlineversion can be read or downloaded atno cost. It is a guidebook for missionarywork—which means it is a guidebookfor all of us. Read it, study it, andthen apply what you learn to help youunderstand how to bring souls to Christthrough invitation and follow-up. AsPresident Thomas S. Monson has said,“Now is the time for members andmissionaries to come together, to worktogether, to labor in the Lord’s vineyardto bring souls unto Him.” 5Jesus Christ taught His disciples:“The harvest truly is plenteous, butthe labourers are few;“Pray ye therefore the Lord of theharvest, that he will send forth labourersinto his harvest.” 680The Lord has answered that prayerin our day with the greatest numberof full-time missionaries in the historyof the world. With this new wave offaithful laborers, the Lord has given usanother opportunity to assist Him inthat great harvest of souls.There are practical ways formembers to help and support ourremarkable missionaries. For example,you can tell the missionaries that youare studying Preach My Gospel andask them to show you what they arelearning in their studies. As you sharewith each other, increased confidencebetween members and full-time missionarieswill surely develop, just asthe Lord commanded:“But that every man [and woman]might speak in the name of God theLord, even the Savior of the world.” 7And “Behold, I sent you out totestify and warn the people, and itbecometh every man who hath beenwarned to warn his neighbor.” 8Brothers and sisters, can you imaginethe impact if family and friendsincluded things they are learningfrom their personal study of PreachMy Gospel in their letters and emailsto their full-time missionaries? Canyou picture the blessings that willcome to families when they knowand understand better what their sonsand daughters will be studying andteaching on their missions? Can youeven begin to fathom the extraordinaryoutpouring of atoning gracethat will be ours, individually andcollectively, according to the Savior’spromise to all who bear testimony inthe process of inviting souls to comeunto Him—and then following up onthose invitations?“Ye are blessed,” the Lord saidthrough the Prophet Joseph Smith, “forthe testimony which ye have borne isrecorded in heaven for the angels tolook upon; and they rejoice over you,and your sins are forgiven you.” 9“For I will forgive you of your sinswith this commandment—that youremain steadfast . . . in bearing testimonyto all the world of those thingswhich are communicated unto you.” 10If we follow up, the Lord will not letus down. I have seen the unspeakablejoy that accompanies testimony-driveninviting and faithful follow-up amongmembers of the Church the world over.While in Argentina recently, I encouragedmembers to invite someone tochurch before this general conference.An eight-year-old by the name ofJoshua listened and invited his bestfriend and his friend’s family to anopen house at their ward in BuenosAires. Let me read from a letter I justreceived that explained Joshua’s invitationand his faithful follow-up:“Every few minutes [ Joshua] wouldrun out to the gate to see if they were
coming. He said that he knew theywould [come].“The evening wore on and Joshua’sfriend did not come, but Joshua didnot give up. He faithfully checked thefront gate every few minutes. It wastime to start putting things away whenJoshua started to jump up and downannouncing, ‘They are here! They arehere!’ I looked up to see an entirefamily approaching the church. Joshuaran out to greet them and hugged hisfriend. They all came in and seemedto enjoy the open house very much.They took some pamphlets and spentlots of time getting acquainted withsome new friends. It was great to seethe faith of this little boy and to knowthat Primary children can be missionariestoo.” 11It is my testimony that as we worktogether, seeking the one, inviting,and following up with trust and faith,the Lord will smile upon us and hundredsof thousands of God’s childrenwill find purpose and peace in TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints. May the Lord bless all of usin our efforts to hasten the work ofsalvation, I humbly pray in the nameof Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Doctrine and Covenants 115:4.2. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to MissionaryService (2<strong>00</strong>4), 2<strong>00</strong>.3. Preach My Gospel, 1.4. Acts 3:1–8; emphasis added.5. Thomas S. Monson, “Welcome to Conference,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 4.6. Matthew 9:37–38.7. Doctrine and Covenants 1:20.8. Doctrine and Covenants 88:81.9. Doctrine and Covenants 62:3.10. Doctrine and Covenants 84:61.11. Personal letter, Mar. 10, <strong>2014</strong>.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf14 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.Few feelings compare with thetender emotions of becoming aparent. There is nothing sweeterthan receiving a precious baby, directfrom heaven. One of my brothers experiencedthis feeling in an especiallypoignant way. His first little son wasborn prematurely and weighed only2 pounds 14 ounces (1.3 kg). Hunterspent his first two months of life inthe neonatal intensive care unit of thehospital. Those months were a tendertime for all the family as we hoped andpetitioned the Lord for His help.Little Hunter was so dependent.He struggled to gain the str<strong>eng</strong>thnecessary to live. The strong handof his loving father often reached forhis son’s tiny hand to encourage hisvulnerable little child.And so it is for all of God’s children.Our Father in Heaven reaches out foreach of us with His infinite love. Hehas power over all things and desiresto help us learn, grow, and return toHim. This defines our Father’s purpose:“to bring to pass the immortalityand eternal life of man.” 1As we develop greater faith andtrust in the Lord, we can access Hispower to bless and deliver us.By Jean A. StevensFirst Counselor in the Primary General Presidency“Fear Not;I Am with Thee”As we develop greater faith and trust in the Lord, we canaccess His power to bless and deliver us.The Book of Mormon weaves thisbeautiful theme of the Lord’s powerto deliver His children throughout itspages. Nephi introduced it in the veryfirst chapter of the book. In verse 20,we read, “Behold, I, Nephi, will showunto you that the tender mercies ofthe Lord are over all those whom hehath chosen, because of their faith,to make them mighty even unto thepower of deliverance.” 2Many years ago I came to knowin a very personal way the truthsexpressed in this verse. I came toknow just how near our Father inHeaven really is and just how muchHe desires to help us.One evening as night was falling, Iwas driving with my children when Inoticed a boy walking along a lonelyroad. After passing him, I had adistinct impression I should go backand help him. But worried it couldfrighten him to have a stranger pullup beside him at night, I continueddriving. The strong impression cameagain with the words in my mind:“Go help that boy!”I drove back to him and asked, “Doyou need some help? I had a feeling Ishould help you.”May <strong>2014</strong>81
He turned toward us and withtears streaming down his cheeks said,“Would you? I’ve been praying someonewould help me.”His prayer for help was answeredwith the inspiration that came to me.This experience of receiving such cleardirection from the Spirit left an unforgettableimprint that is still in my heart.And now after 25 years andthrough a tender mercy, I connectedagain with this boy for the first timejust a few months ago. I discoveredthat the experience isn’t just mystory—it is his story too. Deric Nanceis now a father with a family of hisown. He too has never forgotten thisexperience. It helped us lay a foundationof faith that God hears andanswers our prayers. Both of us haveused it to teach our children that Godis watching over us. We are not alone.On that night, Deric had stayedafter school for an activity and hadmissed the last bus. As a young teenager,he felt confident he could makeit home, so he started walking.82An hour and a half had passed ashe walked the lonely road. Still milesfrom home and with no houses insight, he was scared. In despair, hewalked behind a pile of gravel, got onhis knees, and asked Heavenly Fatherfor help. Just minutes after Dericreturned to the road, I stopped toprovide the help he prayed for.And now these many years later,Deric reflects: “The Lord was mindfulof me, a skinny, shortsighted boy. Anddespite everything else going on in theworld, He was aware of my situationand loved me enough to send help.The Lord has answered my prayersmany times since that abandonedroadside. His answers aren’t always asimmediate and clear, but His awarenessof me is just as evident today asit was that lonely night. Wheneverthe dark shadows of life blanket myworld, I know He always has a plan tosee me safely home again.”As Deric expressed, not everyprayer is answered so quickly. Buttruly our Father knows us and hearsthe pleadings of our hearts. Heaccomplishes His miracles one prayerat a time, one person at a time.We can trust that He will help us,not necessarily in the way we wantbut in the way that will best help usto grow. Submitting our will to Hismay be difficult, but it is essential tobecoming like Him and finding thepeace He offers us.We can come to feel, as C. S. Lewisdescribed: “I pray because I can’t helpmyself. . . . I pray because the needflows out of me all the time, wakingand sleeping. It doesn’t change God. Itchanges me.” 3There are many accounts in thescriptures of those who have puttheir trust in the Lord and who havebeen helped and delivered by Him.Think of young David, who escapedcertain death at the hand of themighty Goliath by relying on the Lord.Consider Nephi, whose pleadingsto God in faith brought deliverancefrom his brothers who sought to takehis life. Remember young JosephSmith, who prayerfully sought theLord’s help. He was delivered fromthe power of darkness and receiveda miraculous answer. Each faced realand difficult chall<strong>eng</strong>es. Each acted infaith and put his trust in the Lord. Eachreceived His help. And still in our day,God’s power and love are manifest inthe lives of His children.I have seen it recently in the livesof faith-filled Saints in Zimbabwe andBotswana. In a fast and testimonymeeting in a small branch, I was humbledand inspired by the testimoniesshared by many—children, youth, andadults alike. Each conveyed a powerfulexpression of faith in the LordJesus Christ. With chall<strong>eng</strong>es and difficultcircumstances surrounding them,they live each day by putting theirtrust in God. They acknowledge His
hand in their lives and often express itwith the phrase “I am so much gratefulto God.”A few years ago a faithful familyexemplified for members of our wardthat same trust in the Lord. Arn andVenita Gatrell were living a happylife when Arn was diagnosed withan aggressive cancer. The prognosiswas devastating—he had just a fewweeks to live. The family wanted tobe together one last time. So all thechildren gathered, some from distantlocations. They had only 48 precioushours to spend together. The Gatrellscarefully chose what mattered mostto them—a family picture, a familydinner, and a session in the SaltLake Temple. Venita said, “When wewalked out of the temple doors, itwas the last time we would ever betogether in this life.”But they left with the assurancethat there is so much more for themthan just this life. Because of sacredtemple covenants, they have hope inGod’s promises. They can be togetherforever.The next two months were filledwith blessings too numerous torecount. Arn and Venita’s faith andtrust in the Lord were growing, asevidenced in Venita’s words: “I wascarried. I learned that you can feelpeace in the midst of turmoil. I knewthe Lord was watching over us. If youtrust in the Lord, truly you can overcomeany of life’s chall<strong>eng</strong>es.”One of their daughters added: “Wewatched our parents and saw theirexample. We saw their faith and howthey handled it. I would never haveasked for this trial, but I would nevergive it away. We were surroundedwith God’s love.”Of course, Arn’s passing was notthe outcome the Gatrells had hopedfor. But their crisis was not a crisisof faith. The gospel of Jesus Christ isnot a checklist of things to do; rather,it lives in our hearts. The gospel “isnot weight; it is wings.” 4 It carriesus. It carried the Gatrells. They feltpeace in the midst of the storm. Theyheld fast to each other and to templecovenants they had made and kept.They grew in their ability to trust inthe Lord and were str<strong>eng</strong>thened bytheir faith in Jesus Christ and in Hisatoning power.Wherever we find ourselves on thepath of discipleship, whatever ourworries and chall<strong>eng</strong>es may be, weare not alone. You are not forgotten.Like Deric, the Saints of Africa, and theGatrell family, we can choose to reachfor God’s hand in our need. We canface our chall<strong>eng</strong>es with prayer andtrust in the Lord. And in the processwe become more like Him.Speaking to each of us, the Lordsays, “Fear . . . not; . . . I am with thee:be not dismayed; for I am thy God:I will str<strong>eng</strong>then thee; . . . I will helpthee; yea, I will uphold thee with theright hand of my righteousness.” 5I share my humble but certainwitness that God our Father knowsus personally and reaches out to helpus. Through His Beloved Son, JesusChrist, we may overcome the chall<strong>eng</strong>esof this world and be safelydelivered home. May we have faithto trust in Him, I pray in the name ofJesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Moses 1:39.2. 1 Nephi 1:20.3. Spoken by the character of C. S. Lewisas portrayed in William Nicholson,Shadowlands (1989), 103.4. Harry Emerson Fosdick, Twelve Tests ofCharacter (1923), 88.5. Isaiah 41:10.May <strong>2014</strong>83
84By Bishop Gary E. StevensonPresiding BishopYour Four MinutesThe miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfectionsin our performance.The recent Olympic WinterGames enthralled the world asathletes representing 89 countriescompeted in 98 different events.Remarkably, 10 of these athletes weremembers of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints, 3 of whom earnedmedals recently highlighted in theChurch News: Christopher Fogt, NoellePikus-Pace, and Torah Bright. 1 We offerour congratulations to all of the athleteswho competed. Well done!I speak of these games this morningdirecting my thoughts to youngmen, young women, and young singleadults—you who are in your criticalyears which set the course for yourlife. I feel a great sense of urgency inaddressing you.For you to feel that urgency, I firstshare the story of Noelle Pikus-Pace,one of those Latter-day Saint athletes.In Noelle’s event, the skeleton, athletesbuild momentum as they sprint andthen plunge headfirst on a small sled.With their faces inches above theground, they race down a winding, icytrack at speeds that top 90 miles (145km) an hour.Remarkably, years of preparationwould be considered either a successor a disappointment based on whathappened in the space of four intense60-second runs.Noelle’s previous 2<strong>00</strong>6 Olympicdreams were dashed when a terribleaccident left her with a broken leg.In the 2010 Olympics her dreams fellshort again when just over one-tenthof a second kept her from the medalstand. 2Can you imagine the anxiety shefelt as she waited to begin her first runin the <strong>2014</strong> Olympics? Years of preparationwould culminate in only a sliverof time. Four minutes total. She spentyears preparing for those four minutesand would spend a lifetime afterwardreflecting on them.Noelle’s final runs were virtuallyflawless! We will never forget her leapinto the stands to embrace her familyafter crossing the finish line, exclaiming,“We did it!” Years of preparationhad paid off. We saw her YoungWomen medallion around her neckas the silver medal was placed therebeside it. 3It may seem unfair that Noelle’sentire Olympic dreams hinged onwhat she did during just four briefminutes. But she knew it, and that iswhy she prepared so diligently. Shesensed the magnitude, the urgencyof her four minutes, and what theywould mean for the rest of her life.We also remember ChristopherFogt, a member of the team that wonthe bronze medal in the four-manbobsled race. While he could havegiven up after a devastating crashin the 2010 Olympics, he chose topersevere. After a fantastic, redemptiverun, he won the prize he so diligentlysought. 4Now, consider how your pathwayto eternal life is similar to these athletes’“four-minute performance.” Youare an eternal being. Before you wereborn, you existed as a spirit. In thepresence of a loving Heavenly Father,you trained and prepared to come toearth for a brief moment and, well,perform. This life is your four minutes.While you are here, your actions willdetermine whether you win the prizeof eternal life. The prophet Amulekdescribed, “This life is the time . . .to prepare to meet God; yea, beholdthe day of this life is the day . . . toperform [your] labors.” 5In a sense, your four minutes havealready begun. The clock is ticking.
The words of the Apostle Paul seemso fitting: to run the race, that you mayobtain the prize. 6In the same way that certain stepsare essential in the very brief performanceof an Olympic athlete—jumpsor maneuvers for ice skaters andsnowboarders, negotiating the turns ofa bobsled run, or carving through thegates of a downhill slalom course—soit is in our lives, where certain thingsare absolutely essential—checkpointswhich move us through our spiritualperformance on earth. These spiritualmarkers are the essential God-givenordinances of the gospel: baptism,receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost,priesthood ordinations, temple ordinances,and partaking of the sacramenteach week.“In the[se] ordinances . . . , thepower of godliness is manifest.” 7And in the same way that the disciplineof training prepares an athlete toperform elements in his or her sport atthe highest level, keeping the commandmentswill qualify you to receivethese saving ordinances.Do you sense the urgency?My young friends, wherever youare in your “four-minute performance,”I urge you to ponder, “What do Ineed to do next to ensure my medal?”Perhaps during this conference, theSpirit has whispered to you what thatmay be: to prepare more thoughtfullyfor an ordinance in your futureor to receive an ordinance that youshould have received a long time ago.Whatever it may be, do it now. Don’twait. Your four minutes will passquickly, and you’ll have eternity tothink about what you did in this life. 8Self-discipline is needed. Dailyprayer, scripture study, and churchattendance must be the foundation ofyour training. A consistent pattern ofobeying the commandments, keepingthe covenants you have made,and following the Lord’s standardfound in For the Str<strong>eng</strong>th of Youth isrequired.Perhaps you’re aware of things inyour life that are threatening to slowor stop your spiritual progress. If so,follow this scriptural counsel: “Let uslay aside every weight, and the sinwhich doth so easily beset us, and letus run with patience the race that isset before us.” 9It is not yet too late to repent. Butit soon may be, because no one reallyknows when your four minutes willbe over.Now, you may be thinking to yourself,“I already blew it. My four minutesare already a disaster. I may aswell give up.” If so, stop thinking that,and never think it again. The miracleof the Atonement can make up forimperfections in our performance. AsElder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught:“To those of you . . . who may stillbe hanging back, . . . I testify of therenewing power of God’s love and themiracle of His grace. . . .“. . . It is never too late so long asthe Master . . . says there is time. . . .Don’t delay.” 10Remember, you are not alone. TheSavior has promised that He will notleave you comfortless. 11 You also havefamily, friends, and leaders who arecheering you on.May <strong>2014</strong>85
Although my remarks have beendirected to the youth of the Church,for parents and grandparents, I offerthe following:Recently, Elder David A. Bednardescribed a simple way to conduct afamily assessment to mark progress onthe covenant path by essential ordinances.All that is needed is a piece ofpaper with two columns: “name” and“plan for next or needful ordinance.”I did this recently, listing each familymember. Among them, I noted aninfant grandson, soon to be blessed; asix-year-old grandson, whose preparationfor baptism was essential; and ason turning 18, whose preparation forthe priesthood and temple endowmentwas imminent. Everyone on the listneeded the sacrament ordinance. Thissimple exercise assisted Lesa and me infulfilling our role to help each memberof our family along the covenant path,with an action plan for each of them.Perhaps this is an idea for you whichwill lead to family discussions, familyhome evening lessons, preparation,and even invitations for essential ordinancesin your family. 12As a skier and a snowboardermyself, I was deeply impressed withthe “four-minute” silver medal-winning86performance of Australian LDS athleteand snowboarder Torah Brightin the half-pipe competition. Shedazzled the world as she finished avirtually flawless run culminating in abackside rodeo 720. However, evenmore impressive and surprising tothe world was the way she reachedout and demonstrated Christlike loveto her competitors. She noticed thatAmerican snowboarder Kelly Clark,who had a bad first run in her finalround, appeared to be nervous abouther second run. “She gave me a hug,”Clark recalls. “She just held me until Iactually calmed down enough and Islowed my breathing. It was good tohave a hug from a friend.” Kelly Clarkwould later join Torah on the winners’podium as a bronze medalist.When asked about this unusualact of kindness toward her opponent,which could have put her own silvermedal at risk, Torah simply said, “I ama competitor—I want to do my best—but I want my fellow competitors todo their best, too.” 13With that in mind, is there someonewho needs your encouragement? afamily member? a friend? a classmateor fellow quorum member? How canyou help them with their four minutes?Dear friends, you are in the midst ofan exhilarating journey. In some ways,you are racing down the half-pipe orsled track, and it can be chall<strong>eng</strong>ing toperform each element or navigate eachturn along the way. But remember,you’ve prepared for this for millennia.This is your moment to perform. This isyour four minutes! The time is now!I express my utmost confidence inyour abilities. You have the Savior ofthe world on your side. If you seekHis help and follow His directions,how can you fail?I conclude with my testimonyof the blessing we have in a livingprophet, President Thomas S. Monson,and of Jesus Christ and His role asour Savior and Redeemer, in His holyname, Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. See Christine Rappleye, “Mormons in theOlympics: 3 Medals for LDS Athletesat the Winter Games,” deseretnews.com/article/865597546/Mormons-in-the-Olympics-3-medals-for-LDS-athletes-atthe-Winter-Games.html.2. See Christine Rappleye, “Mormons in theOlympics.”3. See Sarah Petersen, “Noelle Pikus-PaceWears LDS Young Women Necklacethroughout Olympics,” deseretnews.com/article/865596771/Noelle-Pikus-Pace-wears-LDS-Young-Women-necklacethroughout-Olympics.html.4. See Amy Donaldson, “Army, Faith HelpedPush Mormon Bobsledder Chris Fogtto Olympic Success,” deseretnews.com/article/865597390/Army-faith-helped-push-Mormon-bobsledder-Chris-Fogt-to-Olympic-success.html.5. Alma 34:32.6. See 1 Corinthians 9:24.7. Doctrine and Covenants 84:20.8. See Alma 34:31–33.9. Hebrews 12:1.10. Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in theVineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 33.11. See John 14:18.12. David A. Bednar, conversation with theauthor.13. Vidya Rao, “Snowboarder Kelly Clark: Hugfrom Competitor Helped Me Win Bronze,”today.com/sochi/snowboarder-kelly-clark-hug-competitor-helped-me-win-bronze-2D12108132.
By Elder David A. BednarOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesBear Up Their Burdenswith EaseThe unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely uponthe merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah.Ihave a dear friend who, in the earlyyears of his marriage, was convincedhe and his family neededa four-wheel-drive pickup truck. Hiswife was sure that he did not needbut merely wanted the new vehicle.A playful conversation betweenthis husband and wife initiated theirconsideration of the advantages anddisadvantages of such a purchase.“Sweetheart, we need a four-wheeldrivetruck.”She asked, “Why do you think weneed a new truck?”He answered her question withwhat he believed was the perfectresponse: “What if we needed milkfor our children in a terrible storm,and the only way I could get to thegrocery store was in a pickup?”His wife replied with a smile, “Ifwe buy a new truck, we will not havemoney for milk—so why worry aboutgetting to the store in an emergency!”Over time they continued to counseltogether and ultimately decidedto acquire the truck. Shortly aftertaking possession of the new vehicle,my friend wanted to demonstrate theutility of the truck and validate hisreasons for wanting to purchase it. Sohe decided he would cut and haul asupply of firewood for their home. Itwas in the autumn of the year, andsnow already had fallen in the mountainswhere he intended to find wood.As he drove up the mountainside,the snow gradually became deeperand deeper. My friend recognized theslick road conditions presented a risk,but with great confidence in the newtruck, he kept going.Sadly, my friend went too faralong the snowy road. As he steeredthe truck off of the road at the placehe had determined to cut wood, hegot stuck. All four of the wheels onthe new truck spun in the snow. Hereadily recognized that he did notknow what to do to extricate himselffrom this dangerous situation. He wasembarrassed and worried.My friend decided, “Well, I will notjust sit here.” He climbed out of thevehicle and started cutting wood. Hecompletely filled the back of the truckwith the heavy load. And then myfriend determined he would try drivingout of the snow one more time.As he put the pickup into gear andapplied power, he started to inch forward.Slowly the truck moved out ofthe snow and back onto the road. Hefinally was free to go home, a happyand humbled man.Our Individual LoadI pray for the assistance of theHoly Ghost as I emphasize vitallessons that can be learned from thisstory about my friend, the truck, andthe wood. It was the load. It wasthe load of wood that provided thetraction necessary for him to get outof the snow, to get back on the road,and to move forward. It was the loadthat enabled him to return to his familyand his home.Each of us also carries a load.Our individual load is comprised ofdemands and opportunities, obligationsand privileges, afflictionsand blessings, and options andMay <strong>2014</strong>87
constraints. Two guiding questionscan be helpful as we periodicallyand prayerfully assess our load: “Isthe load I am carrying producing thespiritual traction that will enable meto press forward with faith in Christon the strait and narrow path andavoid getting stuck? Is the load I amcarrying creating sufficient spiritualtraction so I ultimately can returnhome to Heavenly Father?”Sometimes we mistakenly maybelieve that happiness is the absenceof a load. But bearing a load is a necessaryand essential part of the planof happiness. Because our individualload needs to generate spiritualtraction, we should be careful to nothaul around in our lives so many nicebut unnecessary things that we aredistracted and diverted from the thingsthat truly matter most.The Str<strong>eng</strong>thening Powerof the AtonementThe Savior said:“Come unto me, all ye that labourand are heavy laden, and I will giveyou rest.“Take my yoke upon you, andlearn of me; for I am meek and lowly88in heart: and ye shall find rest untoyour souls.“For my yoke is easy, and my burdenis light” (Matthew 11:28–30).A yoke is a wooden beam, normallyused between a pair of oxenor other animals that enables them topull together on a load. A yoke placesanimals side-by-side so they can movetogether in order to accomplish a task.Consider the Lord’s uniquelyindividual invitation to “take my yokeupon you.” Making and keepingsacred covenants yokes us to and withthe Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, theSavior is beckoning us to rely uponand pull together with Him, eventhough our best efforts are not equalto and cannot be compared with His.As we trust in and pull our load withHim during the journey of mortality,truly His yoke is easy and His burdenis light.We are not and never need bealone. We can press forward inour daily lives with heavenly help.Through the Savior’s Atonement wecan receive capacity and “str<strong>eng</strong>thbeyond [our] own” (“Lord, I WouldFollow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220). As theLord declared, “Therefore, continueyour journey and let your heartsrejoice; for behold, and lo, I am withyou even unto the end” (D&C 1<strong>00</strong>:12).Consider the example in the Bookof Mormon as Amulon persecutedAlma and his people. The voice of theLord came to these disciples in theirafflictions: “Lift up your heads and beof good comfort, for I know of thecovenant which ye have made untome; and I will covenant with my peopleand deliver them out of bondage”(Mosiah 24:13).Note the centrality of covenantsto the promise of deliverance.Covenants received and honoredwith integrity and ordinances performedby proper priesthood authorityare necessary to receive all of theblessings made available throughthe Atonement of Jesus Christ. For inthe ordinances of the priesthood, thepower of godliness is manifest untomen and women in the flesh, includingthe blessings of the Atonement(see D&C 84:20–21).Recall the Savior’s statement “Formy yoke is easy, and my burden islight” (Matthew 11:30) as we considerthe next verse in the account of Almaand his people.
“And I will also ease the burdenswhich are put upon your shoulders,that even you cannot feel them uponyour backs” (Mosiah 24:14).Many of us may assume thisscripture is suggesting that a burdensuddenly and permanently will betaken away. The next verse, however,describes how the burden was eased.“And now it came to pass that theburdens which were laid upon Almaand his brethren were made light;yea, the Lord did str<strong>eng</strong>then them thatthey could bear up their burdens withease, and they did submit cheerfullyand with patience to all the will ofthe Lord” (Mosiah 24:15; emphasisadded).The chall<strong>eng</strong>es and difficultieswere not immediately removed fromthe people. But Alma and his followerswere str<strong>eng</strong>thened, and theirincreased capacity made the burdenslighter. These good people wereempowered through the Atonementto act as agents (see D&C 58:26–29)and impact their circumstances. And“in the str<strong>eng</strong>th of the Lord” (Wordsof Mormon 1:14; Mosiah 9:17; 10:10;Alma 20:4), Alma and his peoplewere directed to safety in the land ofZarahemla.Not only does the Atonement ofJesus Christ overcome the effects ofthe Fall of Adam and make possiblethe remission of our individual sinsand transgressions, but His Atonementalso enables us to do good andbecome better in ways that stretch farbeyond our mortal capacities. Mostof us know that when we do thingswrong and need help to overcome theeffects of sin in our lives, the Saviorhas made it possible for us to becomeclean through His redeeming power.But do we also understand that theAtonement is for faithful men andwomen who are obedient, worthy,and conscientious and who arestriving to become better and servemore faithfully? I wonder if we fail tofully acknowledge this str<strong>eng</strong>theningaspect of the Atonement in our livesand mistakenly believe we must carryour load all alone—through sheer grit,willpower, and discipline and with ourobviously limited capacities.It is one thing to know that JesusChrist came to the earth to die for us.But we also need to appreciate that theLord desires, through His Atonementand by the power of the Holy Ghost,to enliven us—not only to guide butalso to str<strong>eng</strong>then and heal us.The Savior Succors His PeopleAlma explains why and how theSavior can enable us:“And he shall go forth, sufferingpains and afflictions and temptationsof every kind; and this that the wordmight be fulfilled which saith he willtake upon him the pains and the sicknessesof his people.“And he will take upon him death,that he may loose the bands of deathwhich bind his people; and he willtake upon him their infirmities, thathis bowels may be filled with mercy,according to the flesh, that he mayknow according to the flesh how tosuccor his people according to theirinfirmities” (Alma 7:11–12).Thus, the Savior has suffered notjust for our sins and iniquities—but also for our physical pains andanguish, our weaknesses and shortcomings,our fears and frustrations,our disappointments and discouragement,our regrets and remorse, ourdespair and desperation, the injusticesMay <strong>2014</strong>89
and inequities we experience, and theemotional distresses that beset us.There is no physical pain, nospiritual wound, no anguish of soul orheartache, no infirmity or weaknessyou or I ever confront in mortality thatthe Savior did not experience first. Ina moment of weakness we may cryout, “No one knows what it is like. Noone understands.” But the Son of Godperfectly knows and understands, forHe has felt and borne our individualburdens. And because of His infiniteand eternal sacrifice (see Alma34:14), He has perfect empathy andcan extend to us His arm of mercy.He can reach out, touch, succor, heal,and str<strong>eng</strong>then us to be more than wecould ever be and help us to do thatwhich we could never do relying onlyupon our own power. Indeed, Hisyoke is easy and His burden is light.An Invitation, a Promise,and a TestimonyI invite you to study, pray, ponder,and strive to learn more about theSavior’s Atonement as you assess yourindividual load. Many things about theAtonement we simply cannot comprehendwith our mortal minds. Butmany aspects of the Atonement wecan and need to understand.For my friend, the load of woodprovided life-saving traction. The90empty truck could not move throughthe snow, even equipped with fourwheeldrive. A heavy load was necessaryto produce traction.It was the load. It was the load thatprovided the traction that enabledmy friend to get unstuck, to get backon the road, to press forward, and toreturn to his family.The unique burdens in each of ourlives help us to rely upon the merits,mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah(see 2 Nephi 2:8). I testify and promisethe Savior will help us to bear up ourburdens with ease (see Mosiah 24:15).As we are yoked with Him throughsacred covenants and receive theenabling power of His Atonement inour lives, we increasingly will seek tounderstand and live according to Hiswill. We also will pray for the str<strong>eng</strong>thto learn from, change, or accept ourcircumstances rather than prayingrelentlessly for God to change ourcircumstances according to our will.We will become agents who act ratherthan objects that are acted upon (see2 Nephi 2:14). We will be blessed withspiritual traction.May each of us do and becomebetter through the Savior’s Atonement.Today is April 6. We know by revelationthat today is the actual and accuratedate of the Savior’s birth. April 6also is the day on which The Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wasorganized. (See D&C 20:1; Harold B.Lee, “Str<strong>eng</strong>then the Stakes of Zion,”Ensign, July 1973, 2; Spencer W.Kimball, “Why Call Me Lord, Lord,and Do Not the Things Which I Say?”Ensign, May 1975, 4; Spencer W.Kimball, “Remarks and Dedicationof the Fayette, New York, Buildings,”Ensign, May 1980, 54; Discoursesof President Gordon B. Hinckley,Volume 1: 1995–1999 [20<strong>05</strong>], 409.)On this special and sacred Sabbathday, I declare my witness that Jesusthe Christ is our Redeemer. He livesand will cleanse, heal, guide, protect,and str<strong>eng</strong>then us. Of these things Ijoyfully testify in the sacred name ofJesus Christ, amen. ◼Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf15 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.
By President Thomas S. MonsonLove—the Essenceof the GospelWe cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelerson this mortal journey.My beloved brothers and sisters,when our Savior ministeredamong men, He was asked bythe inquiring lawyer, “Master, which isthe great commandment in the law?”Matthew records that Jesusresponded:“Thou shalt love the Lord thy Godwith all thy heart, and with all thysoul, and with all thy mind.“This is the first and greatcommandment.“And the second is like unto it,Thou shalt love thy neighbour asthyself.” 1Mark concludes the account with theSavior’s statement: “There is none othercommandment greater than these.” 2We cannot truly love God if we donot love our fellow travelers on thismortal journey. Likewise, we cannotfully love our fellowmen if we do notlove God, the Father of us all. TheApostle John tells us, “This commandmenthave we from him, That he wholoveth God love his brother also.” 3 Weare all spirit children of our HeavenlyFather and, as such, are brothersand sisters. As we keep this truth inmind, loving all of God’s children willbecome easier.Actually, love is the very essenceof the gospel, and Jesus Christ isour Exemplar. His life was a legacyof love. The sick He healed; thedowntrodden He lifted; the sinnerHe saved. At the end the angry mobtook His life. And yet there rings fromGolgotha’s hill the words: “Father,forgive them; for they know not whatthey do” 4 —a crowning expression inmortality of compassion and love.There are many attributes whichare manifestations of love, such askindness, patience, selflessness,understanding, and forgiveness. In allour associations, these and other suchattributes will help make evident thelove in our hearts.Usually our love will be shown inour day-to-day interactions one withanother. All important will be ourability to recognize someone’s needand then to respond. I have alwayscherished the sentiment expressed inthe short poem:I have wept in the nightFor the shortness of sightThat to somebody’s need mademe blind;But I never have yetFelt a tinge of regretFor being a little too kind. 5I recently was made aware of atouching example of loving kindness—one that had unforeseen results. Theyear was 1933, when because of theGreat Depression, employment opportunitieswere scarce. The location wasthe eastern part of the United States.Arlene Biesecker had just graduatedfrom high school. After a l<strong>eng</strong>thysearch for employment, she was finallyable to obtain work at a clothing millas a seamstress. The mill workers werepaid only for each of the correctlycompleted pieces they sewed togetherdaily. The more pieces they produced,the more they were paid.One day shortly after starting atthe mill, Arlene was faced with aprocedure that had her confusedand frustrated. She sat at her sewingmachine trying to unpick her unsuccessfulattempt to complete the pieceon which she was working. Thereseemed to be no one to help her, forall of the other seamstresses werehurrying to complete as many piecesas they could. Arlene felt helpless andhopeless. Quietly, she began to cry.Across from Arlene sat BerniceRock. She was older and more experiencedas a seamstress. ObservingArlene’s distress, Bernice left herown work and went to Arlene’s side,kindly giving her instruction andhelp. She stayed until Arlene gainedconfidence and was able to successfullycomplete the piece. Bernicethen went back to her own machine,having missed the opportunity tocomplete as many pieces as shecould have, had she not helped.With this one act of loving kindness,Bernice and Arlene became lifelongfriends. Each eventually marriedand had children. Sometime in theMay <strong>2014</strong>91
1950s, Bernice, who was a memberof the Church, gave Arlene and herfamily a copy of the Book of Mormon.In 1960, Arlene and her husband andchildren were baptized members ofthe Church. Later they were sealed ina holy temple of God.As a result of the compassionshown by Bernice as she went out ofher way to help one whom she didn’tknow but who was in distress andneeded assistance, countless individuals,both living and dead, now enjoythe saving ordinances of the gospel.Every day of our lives we aregiven opportunities to show love andkindness to those around us. SaidPresident Spencer W. Kimball: “Wemust remember that those mortals wemeet in parking lots, offices, elevators,and elsewhere are that portionof mankind God has given us to loveand to serve. It will do us little goodto speak of the general brotherhood92of mankind if we cannot regard thosewho are all around us as our brothersand sisters.” 6Often our opportunities to showour love come unexpectedly. Anexample of such an opportunityappeared in a newspaper article inOctober 1981. So impressed was Iwith the love and compassion relatedtherein that I have kept the clipping inmy files for over 30 years.The article indicates that anAlaska Airlines nonstop flight fromAnchorage, Alaska, to Seattle,Washington—a flight carrying 150pass<strong>eng</strong>ers—was diverted to a remoteAlaskan town in order to transport agravely injured child. The two-yearoldboy had severed an artery in hisarm when he fell on a piece of glasswhile playing near his home. Thetown was 450 miles (725 km) southof Anchorage and was certainly noton the flight path. However, medicsat the scene had sent out a franticrequest for help, and so the flight wasdiverted to pick up the child and takehim to Seattle so that he could betreated in a hospital.When the flight touched down nearthe remote town, medics informedthe pilot that the boy was bleeding sobadly he could not survive the flightto Seattle. A decision was made to flyanother 2<strong>00</strong> miles (320 km) out of theway to Juneau, Alaska, the nearest citywith a hospital.After transporting the boy to Juneau,the flight headed for Seattle, now hoursbehind schedule. Not one pass<strong>eng</strong>ercomplained, even though most of themwould miss appointments and connectingflights. In fact, as the minutes andhours ticked by, they took up a collection,raising a considerable sum for theboy and his family.As the flight was about to land inSeattle, the pass<strong>eng</strong>ers broke into acheer when the pilot announced thathe had received word by radio thatthe boy was going to be all right. 7To my mind come the words of thescripture: “Charity is the pure love ofChrist, . . . and whoso is found possessedof it at the last day, it shall bewell with him.” 8Brothers and sisters, some of ourgreatest opportunities to demonstrateour love will be within the walls ofour own homes. Love should be thevery heart of family life, and yet sometimesit is not. There can be too muchimpatience, too much arguing, toomany fights, too many tears. LamentedPresident Gordon B. Hinckley: “Whyis it that the [ones] we love [most]become so frequently the targets ofour harsh words? Why is it that [we]sometimes speak as if with daggersthat cut to the quick?” 9 The answers tothese questions may be different foreach of us, and yet the bottom line is
that the reasons do not matter. If wewould keep the commandment tolove one another, we must treat eachother with kindness and respect.Of course there will be timeswhen discipline needs to be metedout. Let us remember, however, thecounsel found in the Doctrine andCovenants—namely, that when it isnecessary for us to reprove another,we afterward show forth an increaseof love. 10I would hope that we would strivealways to be considerate and to besensitive to the thoughts and feelingsand circumstances of those around us.Let us not demean or belittle. Rather,let us be compassionate and encouraging.We must be careful that we do notVienna, Austriadestroy another person’s confidencethrough careless words or actions.Forgiveness should go hand inhand with love. In our families, as wellas with our friends, there can be hurtfeelings and disagreements. Again, itdoesn’t really matter how small theissue was. It cannot and should not beleft to canker, to fester, and ultimatelyto destroy. Blame keeps wounds open.Only forgiveness heals.A lovely lady who has since passedaway visited with me one day andunexpectedly recounted some regrets.She spoke of an incident which hadtaken place many years earlier andinvolved a neighboring farmer, oncea good friend but with whom she andher husband had disagreed on multipleoccasions. One day the farmer askedif he could take a shortcut across herproperty to reach his own acreage. Atthis point she paused in her narrativeto me and, with a tremor in her voice,said, “Brother Monson, I didn’t let himcross our property then or ever butrequired him to take the long wayaround on foot to reach his property.I was wrong, and I regret it. He’s gonenow, but oh, I wish I could say to him,‘I’m so sorry.’ How I wish I had a secondchance to be kind.”As I listened to her, there came tomy mind the doleful observation ofJohn Greenleaf Whittier: “Of all sadwords of tongue or pen, the saddestare these: ‘It might have been! ’” 11Brothers and sisters, as we treat otherswith love and kind consideration, wewill avoid such regrets.Love is expressed in many recognizableways: a smile, a wave, akind comment, a compliment. Otherexpressions may be more subtle, suchas showing interest in another’s activities,teaching a principle with kindnessand patience, visiting one who isill or homebound. These words andactions and many others can communicatelove.Dale Carnegie, a well-knownAmerican author and lecturer,believed that each person has withinhimself or herself the “power toincrease the sum total of [the] world’shappiness . . . by giving a few wordsof sincere appreciation to someoneMay <strong>2014</strong>93
SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION | April 6, <strong>2014</strong>who is lonely or discouraged.” Saidhe, “Perhaps you will forget tomorrowthe kind words you say today,but the recipient may cherish themover a lifetime.” 12May we begin now, this very day, toexpress love to all of God’s children,whether they be our family members,our friends, mere acquaintances, ortotal strangers. As we arise each morning,let us determine to respond withlove and kindness to whatever mightcome our way.Beyond comprehension, my brothersand sisters, is the love of God forus. Because of this love, He sent HisSon, who loved us enough to give Hislife for us, that we might have eternallife. As we come to understand thisincomparable gift, our hearts will befilled with love for our Eternal Father,for our Savior, and for all mankind.That such may be so is my earnestprayer in the sacred name of JesusChrist, amen. ◼NOTES1. Matthew 22:36–39.2. Mark 12:31.3. 1 John 4:21.4. Luke 23:34.5. Author unknown, in Richard L. Evans, “TheQuality of Kindness,” Improvement Era,May 1960, 340.6. The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed.Edward L. Kimball (1982), 483.7. See “Injured Boy Flown to Safety,” DailySitka Sentinel (Alaska), Oct. 22, 1981.8. Moroni 7:47.9. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Let Love Be theLodestar of Your Life,” Ensign, May 1989, 67.10. See Doctrine and Covenants 121:43.11. “Maud Muller,” in The Complete PoeticalWorks of John Greenleaf Whittier (1878),206; emphasis added.12. Dale Carnegie, in, for example, LarryChang, Wisdom for the Soul (2<strong>00</strong>6), 54.94Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf16 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.The WitnessTimes of war or uncertainty have away of sharpening our focus onthings that really matter.World War II was a time of greatspiritual turmoil for me. I had left myhome in Brigham City, Utah, with onlyembers of a testimony, and I felt theneed for something more. Virtuallyour whole senior class in a matter ofweeks was on its way to the war zone.While stationed on the island of IeShima, just north of Okinawa, Japan, Istruggled with doubt and uncertainty.I wanted a personal testimony of thegospel. I wanted to know!During one sleepless night, I left mytent and entered a bunker which hadbeen formed by lining up 50-gallonfuel drums filled with sand and placedone on top of the other to form anenclosure. There was no roof, and so Icrawled in, looked up at the star-filledsky, and knelt to pray.Almost mid-sentence it happened.I could not describe to you what happenedif I were determined to do so.It is beyond my power of expression,but it is as clear today as it was thatnight more than 65 years ago. I knewit to be a very private, very individualmanifestation. At last I knew formyself. I knew for a certainty, for itBy President Boyd K. PackerPresident of the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesI wish to share with you those truths which arethe most worth knowing.had been given to me. After sometime, I crawled from that bunker andwalked, or floated, back to my bed. Ispent the rest of the night in a feelingof joy and awe.Far from thinking I was someonespecial, I thought that if such a thingcame to me, that it could come toanyone. I still believe that. In the yearsthat have followed, I have come tounderstand that such an experience isat once a light to follow and a burdento carry.I wish to share with you thosetruths which are the most worthknowing, the things that I havelearned and experienced in nearly90 years of life and over 50 years asa General Authority. Much of what Ihave come to know falls into the categoryof things which cannot be taughtbut can be learned.Like most things of great worth,knowledge which is of eternal valuecomes only through personal prayerand pondering. These, joined withfasting and scripture study, will inviteimpressions and revelations and thewhisperings of the Holy Spirit. Thisprovides us with instruction fromon high as we learn precept uponprecept.
The revelations promise that “whateverprinciple of intelligence we attainunto in this life, it will rise with us inthe resurrection” and that “knowledgeand intelligence [are gained] through. . . diligence and obedience” (D&C130:18–19).One eternal truth that I have cometo know is that God lives. He is ourFather. We are His children. “Webelieve in God, the Eternal Father, andin His Son, Jesus Christ, and in theHoly Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:1).Of all the other titles that He couldhave used, He chose to be called“Father.” The Savior commanded,“After this manner therefore prayye: Our Father who art in heaven”(3 Nephi 13:9; see also Matthew 6:9).His use of the name “Father” is a lessonfor all as we come to understandwhat it is that matters most in this life.Parenthood is a sacred privilege,and depending upon faithfulness, itcan be an eternal blessing. The ultimateend of all activity in the Churchis that a man and his wife and theirchildren can be happy at home.Those who do not marry or thosewho cannot have children are notexcluded from the eternal blessingsthey seek but which, for now, remainbeyond their reach. We do not alwaysknow how or when blessings willpresent themselves, but the promiseof eternal increase will not be deniedany faithful individual who makes andkeeps sacred covenants.Your secret yearnings and tearfulpleadings will touch the heart ofboth the Father and the Son. You willbe given a personal assurance fromThem that your life will be full andthat no blessing that is essential willbe lost to you.As a servant of the Lord, actingin the office to which I have beenordained, I give those in such circumstancesa promise that there will benothing essential to your salvationand exaltation that shall not in duetime rest upon you. Arms now emptywill be filled, and hearts now hurtingfrom broken dreams and yearningwill be healed.Another truth I have come toknow is that the Holy Ghost isreal. He is the third member of theGodhead. His mission is to testify oftruth and righteousness. He manifestsHimself in many ways, includingfeelings of peace and reassurance.He can also bring comfort, guidance,and correction when needed. Thecompanionship of the Holy Ghost ismaintained throughout our lives byrighteous living.The gift of the Holy Ghost is conferredthrough an ordinance of thegospel. One with authority lays hishands on the head of a new memberof the Church and says words such asthese: “Receive the Holy Ghost.”This ordinance alone does notchange us in a noticeable way, but ifwe listen and follow the promptings,we will receive the blessing of theHoly Ghost. Each son or daughterof our Heavenly Father can come toknow the reality of Moroni’s promise:“By the power of the Holy Ghostye may know the truth of all things”(Moroni 10:5; emphasis added).A supernal truth that I have gainedin my life is my witness of the LordJesus Christ.May <strong>2014</strong>95
Mexico City, MexicoForemost and underpinning allthat we do, anchored throughout therevelations, is the Lord’s name, whichis the authority by which we act in theChurch. Every prayer offered, evenby little children, ends in the nameof Jesus Christ. Every blessing, everyordinance, every ordination, everyofficial act is done in the name ofJesus Christ. It is His Church, and itis named for Him—The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (seeD&C 115:4).There is that great incident in theBook of Mormon where the Nephites“were praying unto the Father in [theLord’s] name.” The Lord appeared andasked:“What will ye that I shall giveunto you?“And they said unto him: Lord, wewill that thou wouldst tell us the namewhereby we shall call this church;for there are disputations among the96people concerning this matter.“And the Lord said unto them:Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is itthat the people should murmur anddispute because of this thing?“Have they not read the scriptures,which say ye must take upon you thename of Christ, which is my name? Forby this name shall ye be called at thelast day;“And whoso taketh upon him myname, and endureth to the end, thesame shall be saved. . . .“Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do,ye shall do it in my name; therefore yeshall call the church in my name; andye shall call upon the Father in myname that he will bless the church formy sake” (3 Nephi 27:2–7).It is His name, Jesus Christ, “forthere is none other name underheaven given among men, wherebywe must be saved” (Acts 4:12).In the Church we know who Heis: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He isthe Only Begotten of the Father. He isHe who was slain and He who livethagain. He is our Advocate with theFather. “Remember that it is upon therock of our Redeemer, who is Christ,the Son of God, that [we] must build[our] foundation” (Helaman 5:12). Heis the anchor that holds us and protectsus and our families through thestorms of life.Each Sunday across the worldwhere congregations gather of anynationality or tongue, the sacrament isblessed with the same words. We takeupon ourselves the name of Christand always remember Him. That isimprinted upon us.The prophet Nephi declared, “Wetalk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, wepreach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ,and we write according to our prophecies,that our children may know towhat source they may look for a remissionof their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).Each of us must come to our ownpersonal testimony of the Lord JesusChrist. We then share that testimonywith our family and others.In all of this, let us remember thatthere is an adversary who personallyseeks to disrupt the work of the Lord.We must choose whom to follow.Our protection is as simple as decidingindividually to follow the Savior,making certain that we faithfully willremain on His side.In the New Testament, John recordsthat there were some who wereunable to commit to the Savior andHis teachings, and “from that timemany of his disciples went back, andwalked no more with him.“Then said Jesus unto the twelve,Will ye also go away?“Then Simon Peter answered him,Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hastthe words of eternal life.
“And we believe and are sure thatthou art that Christ, the Son of theliving God” ( John 6:66–69).Peter had gained that which canbe learned by each follower of theSavior. To be faithfully devoted toJesus Christ, we accept Him as ourRedeemer and do all within our powerto live His teachings.After all the years that I have livedand taught and served, after the millionsof miles I have traveled aroundthe world, with all that I have experienced,there is one great truth that Iwould share. That is my witness of theSavior Jesus Christ.Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdonrecorded the following after a sacredexperience:“And now, after the many testimonieswhich have been given of him,this is the testimony, last of all, whichwe give of him: That he lives!“For we saw him” (D&C 76:22–23).Their words are my words.I believe and I am sure thatJesus is the Christ, the Son of God,and that He lives. He is the OnlyBegotten of the Father, and “by him,and through him, and of him, theworlds are and were created, andthe inhabitants thereof are begottensons and daughters unto God” (D&C76:24).I bear my witness that the Saviorlives. I know the Lord. I am Hiswitness. I know of His great sacrificeand eternal love for all of HeavenlyFather’s children. I bear my specialwitness in all humility but with absolutecertainty, in the name of JesusChrist, amen. ◼Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf17 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.By Elder William R. WalkerOf the SeventyLive True to the FaithEach of us will be greatly blessed if we know the stories of faithand sacrifice that led our forefathers to join the Lord’s Church.Ilove Church history. Perhaps likemany of you, my own faith is fortifiedwhen I learn of the remarkablededication of our forefathers whoaccepted the gospel and lived true tothe faith.One month ago, 12,<strong>00</strong>0 wonderfulyouth from the Gilbert ArizonaTemple District celebrated the completionof their new temple with aninspiring performance, demonstratingtheir commitment to live righteously.The theme of their celebration was“Live True to the Faith.”Just as those faithful Arizona youthhave done, each Latter-day Saint shouldcommit to “live true to the faith.”The words of the hymn say,“True to the faith that our parentshave cherished” (“True to the Faith,”Hymns, no. 254).We could add, “True to the faiththat our grandparents have cherished.”I wondered if each of those enthusiasticArizona youth knew their ownChurch history—if they knew thehistory of how their family came tobe members of the Church. It wouldbe a wonderful thing if every LatterdaySaint knew the conversion storiesof their forefathers.Whether or not you are a descendantof pioneers, the Mormon pioneerheritage of faith and sacrifice isyour heritage. It is the noble heritageof The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints.One of the most wonderful chaptersin the history of the Church occurredwhen Wilford Woodruff, an Apostleof the Lord, was teaching the restoredgospel of Jesus Christ throughout GreatBritain in 1840—just 10 years after theestablishment of the Church.Wilford Woodruff and otherApostles had focused their work inthe Liverpool and Preston areas ofEngland, with considerable success.Elder Woodruff, who later becamePresident of the Church, was constantlypraying to God to guide him inthis very important work. His prayersled to the inspiration to go to a differentplace to teach the gospel.President Monson has taught usthat when we get the inspiration fromheaven to do something, we do itnow—we don’t procrastinate. That isexactly what Wilford Woodruff did.With clear direction from the Spiritto “go . . . south,” Elder Woodruff leftalmost immediately and traveled to apart of England called Herefordshire—farming country in the southwestof England. Here he met a prosperousfarmer named John Benbow,where he was welcomed “with gladhearts and thanksgiving” (WilfordMay <strong>2014</strong>97
Woodruff, in Matthias F. Cowley,Wilford Woodruff: History of His Lifeand Labors as Recorded in His DailyJournals [1909], 117).A group of over 6<strong>00</strong> people, whocalled themselves the United Brethren,had been “praying for light and truth”(Wilford Woodruff, in Teachings ofPresidents of the Church: WilfordWoodruff [2<strong>00</strong>4], 91). The Lord sentWilford Woodruff as an answer totheir prayers.98Elder Woodruff’s teaching borefruit immediately, and many werebaptized. Brigham Young and WillardRichards joined him in Herefordshire,and the three Apostles had remarkablesuccess.In only a few months, they organized33 branches for the 541 memberswho had joined the Church.Their remarkable work continued,and ultimately almost every one of themembers of the United Brethren werebaptized into The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints.My great-great-grandmotherHannah Maria Eagles Harris wasone of the first to listen to WilfordWoodruff. She informed her husband,Robert Harris Jr., that she hadheard the word of God and that sheintended to be baptized. Robert wasnot pleased to hear his wife’s report.He told her he would accompanyher to the next sermon given by theMormon missionary, and he wouldstraighten him out.Sitting near the front of the assembly,with a firm resolve to not beswayed, and perhaps to heckle thevisiting preacher, Robert was immediatelytouched by the Spirit, just as hiswife had been. He knew the messageof the Restoration was true, and heand his wife were baptized.Their story of faith and devotion issimilar to thousands of others: whenthey heard the gospel message, theyknew it was true!As the Lord says, “My sheep hearmy voice, and I know them, and theyfollow me” ( John 10:27).Having heard the voice of theShepherd, they fully committed theirlives to living the gospel and followingthe direction of the Lord’s prophet.Responding to the call to gather toZion, they left behind their home inEngland, crossed the Atlantic, andgathered with the Saints in Nauvoo,Illinois.They embraced the gospel with alltheir hearts. While trying to get establishedin their new land, they assistedin the building of the Nauvoo Templeby tithing their labor—spending every10th day working on the constructionof the temple.They were brokenhearted at thenews of the death of their belovedprophet, Joseph Smith, and his brother
Hyrum. But they carried on! Theystayed true to the faith.When the Saints were persecutedand driven from Nauvoo, Robert andMaria felt greatly blessed to receivetheir endowments in the templeshortly before they crossed theMississippi River and headed west.Although they were uncertain of whattheir future held, they were certain oftheir faith and their testimonies.With six children, they sloggedthrough mud as they crossed Iowaon their way west. They built forthemselves a lean-to on the side ofthe Missouri River at what came to beknown as Winter Quarters.These intrepid pioneers were waitingfor apostolic direction on how andwhen they would be heading furtherwest. Everyone’s plans were alteredwhen Brigham Young, the Presidentof the Quorum of the Twelve, issueda call for men to volunteer to serve inthe United States Army in what cameto be known as the Mormon Battalion.Robert Harris Jr. was one of over5<strong>00</strong> Mormon pioneer men whoresponded to that call from BrighamYoung. He enlisted, even though itmeant he would leave behind hispregnant wife and six little children.Why would he and the other mendo such a thing?The answer can be given in mygreat-great-grandfather’s own words.In a letter that he wrote to his wifewhen the battalion was on its wayto Santa Fe, he wrote, “My faith is sostrong as ever [and when I think of thethings that Brigham Young told us],I believe it about the same as if theGreat God had told me.”In short, he knew he was listeningto a prophet of God, as did the othermen. That is why they did it! Theyknew they were led by a prophetof God.In that same letter, he expressed histender feelings for his wife and childrenand told of his constant prayersthat she and the children would beblessed.Later in the letter, he made thispowerful statement: “We must not forgetthe things which you and I heardand [experienced] in the Temple ofthe Lord.”Combined with his earlier testimonythat “we are led by a Prophet ofGod,” these two sacred admonitionshave become like scripture to me.Eighteen months after departingwith the battalion, Robert Harriswas safely reunited with his belovedMaria. They stayed true and faithfulto the restored gospel throughouttheir lives. They had 15 children, 13 ofwhom lived to maturity. My grandmotherFannye Walker, of Raymond,Alberta, Canada, was one of their 136grandchildren.Grandma Walker was proud of thefact that her grandfather had servedin the Mormon Battalion, and shewanted all of her grandchildren toknow it. Now that I am a grandfather,I understand why it was so importantto her. She wanted to turn the heartsof the children to the fathers. Shewanted her grandchildren to know oftheir righteous heritage—because sheknew it would bless their lives.The more connected we feel to ourrighteous forefathers, the more likelywe are to make wise and righteouschoices.And so it is. Each of us will begreatly blessed if we know the storiesof faith and sacrifice that led our forefathersto join the Lord’s Church.From the first time Robert and Mariaheard Wilford Woodruff teach andtestify of the Restoration of the gospel,they knew the gospel was true.They also knew that no matterwhat trials or hardships would cometo them, they would be blessed forstaying true to the faith. It almostseems that they had heard the wordsMay <strong>2014</strong>99
of our prophet today, who said, “Nosacrifice is too great . . . in order toreceive [the] blessings [of the temple]”(Thomas S. Monson, “The HolyTemple—a Beacon to the World,”Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 92).The two-pound coin of the UnitedKingdom has inscribed on its side“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants.”When I think of our great pioneerforefathers, I feel that we are all standingon the shoulders of giants.Although the admonition camefrom a letter from Robert Harris, Ibelieve that countless forefatherswould send the same message totheir children and grandchildren:First, we must not forget the experienceswe have had in the temple, andwe must not forget the promises andthe blessings that come to each of usbecause of the temple. Secondly, wemust not forget that we are led by aprophet of God.I testify that we are led by aprophet of God. The Lord restoredHis Church in the latter days throughthe Prophet Joseph Smith, and wemust not forget that we have been ledby an unbroken chain of prophetsof God, from Joseph to Brigham andthrough each succeeding Presidentof the Church to our prophet today—Thomas S. Monson. I know him, Ihonor him, and I love him. I testifythat he is the Lord’s prophet on theearth today.It is the desire of my heart that,along with my children and grandchildren,we will honor the legacy of ourrighteous forefathers—those faithfulMormon pioneers who were willing toput everything on the altar to sacrificefor and defend their God and theirfaith. I pray that each of us will livetrue to the faith that our parents havecherished. In the holy and sacredname of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼1<strong>00</strong>The family home evenings SisterPerry and I have been holdingeach Monday night have suddenlyincreased in size. My brother,his daughter, Barbara’s brother, and aniece and her husband have movedinto our condominium complex. Itis the only time I have been blessedhaving family live near me since Iwas a boy. Then, my family lived onthe same block with several membersof my mother’s extended family.Grandfather Sonne’s home was nextdoor to ours on the north, and AuntEmma’s home was next door to ourson the south. On the south side of theblock lived Aunt Josephine, and onthe east side of the block was whereUncle Alma lived.During my boyhood, we interactedwith members of our extended familydaily and shared moments of working,playing, and visiting together.We could not get in a great deal ofmischief without a report reachingour mothers very rapidly. Our world isdifferent now—the members of mostfamilies spread out. Even if they liverelatively close to each other, theydo not often live next door. Still, Ihave to believe that my boyhood andBy Elder L. Tom PerryOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesObedience throughOur FaithfulnessObedience is an emblem of our faith in the wisdom and powerof the highest authority, even God.my current situation are a little likeheaven, with beloved family membersliving close to each other. It servesas a constant reminder to me of theeternal nature of the family unit.When I was growing up, I had aspecial relationship with my grandfather.I was the oldest son in thefamily. I removed the snow from thewalks in the winter and cared for thelawns in the summer for our home,Grandfather’s home, and the homesof my two aunts. Grandfather usuallysat on the front porch as I mowed hislawn. When I had finished, I would siton the front steps and visit with him.Those moments are treasured memoriesfor me.One day I asked my grandfatherhow I would know if I was alwaysdoing the right thing, given that lifepresents so many choices. As mygrandfather usually did, he answeredme with an experience from farm life.He taught me about breaking ina team of horses so that they wouldwork together. He explained that ateam of horses must always knowwho is in charge. One of the keys toasserting control and directing a horseis a harness and bit. If a member of
the team ever believes that it does notneed to obey the will of the driver,the team will never pull and worktogether to maximize their ability.Now let’s examine the lesson mygrandfather taught me using thisexample. Who is the driver of the teamof horses? My grandfather believed it isthe Lord. He is the one who has a purposeand a plan. He is also the trainerand builder of the team of horses and,in turn, each individual horse. Thedriver knows best, and the only wayfor a horse to know it is always doingthe right thing is to be obedient andfollow the driver’s lead.What was my grandfather likeningto a harness and bit? I believed then,as I believe now, that my grandfatherwas teaching me to follow thepromptings of the Holy Ghost. In hismind’s eye, the harness and bit werespiritual. An obedient horse which ispart of a well-trained team of horsesneeds little more than a gentle tugfrom the driver to do exactly whathe wants it to do. This gentle tug isequivalent to the still, small voice withwhich the Lord speaks to us. Out ofrespect for our agency, it is never astrong, forceful tug.Men and women who ignore thegentle promptings of the Spirit willoften learn, as the prodigal son learned,through the natural consequences ofdisobedience and riotous living. It wasonly after natural consequences humbledthe prodigal son that “he cameto himself” and heard the whisperingsof the Spirit telling him to return to hisfather’s house (see Luke 15:11–32).So the lesson my grandfathertaught me was always to be ready toreceive the gentle tug of the Spirit. Hetaught me that I would always receivesuch a prompting if I ever veered offcourse. And I would never be guilty ofmore serious wrongdoings if I allowedthe Spirit to guide me in my decisions.As James 3:3 states, “Behold, weput bits in the horses’ mouths, thatthey may obey us; and we turn abouttheir whole body.”We must be sensitive to our spiritualbits. Even with the slightest tugfrom the Master, we must be willingto completely alter our course. Tosucceed in life, we must teach ourspirit and body to work together inobedience to God’s commandments. Ifwe heed the gentle promptings of theHoly Ghost, it can unite our spirits andbodies in a purpose that will guide usback to our eternal home to live withour eternal Father in Heaven.Our third article of faith teachesus about the importance of obedience:“We believe that through theAtonement of Christ, all mankind maybe saved, by obedience to the lawsand ordinances of the Gospel.”The kind of obedience my grandfatherdescribed in his example of ateam of horses also requires a specialtrust—that is, an absolute faith in thedriver of the team. The lesson mygrandfather taught me, therefore, alsoalluded to the first principle of thegospel—faith in Jesus Christ.The Apostle Paul taught, “Nowfaith is the substance of things hopedfor, the evidence of things not seen”(Hebrews 11:1). Then Paul used theexamples of Abel, Enoch, Noah, andAbraham to teach about faith. Hedwelled on the story of Abraham, forAbraham is the father of the faithful:May <strong>2014</strong>101
“By faith Abraham, when he wascalled to go out into a place which heshould after receive for an inheritance,obeyed; and he went out, not knowingwhither he went.“By faith he sojourned in the landof promise, as in a strange country. . . .“Through faith also Sara herselfreceived str<strong>eng</strong>th to conceive seed,and was delivered of a child when shewas past age, because she judged himfaithful who had promised” (Hebrews11:8–9, 11).We know that through Abrahamand Sarah’s son, Isaac, a promisewas given to Abraham and Sarah—a promise of posterity “so many asthe stars of the sky in multitude,and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable” (see verse 12;see also Genesis 17:15–16). Andthen Abraham’s faith was tested in a102way that many of us would considerunimaginable.I have contemplated on many occasionsthe story of Abraham and Isaac,and I still do not believe I fully comprehendAbraham’s faithfulness andobedience. Perhaps I can imagine himfaithfully packing up to leave early onemorning, but how did he take all thosesteps alongside his son Isaac over thethree-day journey to the base of MountMoriah? How did they carry the woodfor the fire up the mountain? How didhe build the altar? How did he bindIsaac and lay him on the altar? Howdid he explain to him that he wouldbe the sacrifice? And how did he havethe str<strong>eng</strong>th to lift the knife to slayhis son? Abraham’s faith empoweredhim to follow God’s lead with exactnessup until the miraculous momentwhen an angel called out from heaven,announcing to Abraham that he hadpassed his agonizing test. And then theangel of the Lord repeated the promiseof the Abrahamic covenant.I recognize that the chall<strong>eng</strong>esassociated with having faith in JesusChrist and obedience will be moredifficult for some than others. I havehad enough years of experience toknow that the personalities of horsescan be very different and, therefore,some horses can be easier or moredifficult to train and that the variety ofpeople is far greater. Each of us is ason or daughter of God, and we havea unique premortal and mortal story.Accordingly, there are very few onesize-fits-allsolutions. And so I fullyrecognize the trial-and-error natureof life and, most importantly, the constantneed of the second principle ofthe gospel, even repentance.It is also true that the time duringwhich my grandfather lived wasa simpler time, especially regardingthe choices between right andwrong. While some very intelligentand insightful people might believeour more complex time demandsever more complex solutions, I amfar from convinced they are right.Rather, I am of the frame of mind thattoday’s complexity demands greatersimplicity, like the answer my grandfathergave to my sincere questionabout how to know the differencebetween right and wrong. I knowwhat I have to offer today is a simpleformula, but I can testify about howwell it works for me. I recommendit to you and even chall<strong>eng</strong>e you toexperiment upon my words, and ifyou do, I promise that they will leadyou to clarity of choice when youare bombarded with choices and thatthey will lead to simple answers toquestions that confuse the learnedand those who think they are wise.
Too often we think of obedienceas the passive and thoughtlessfollowing of the orders or dictatesof a higher authority. Actually, at itsbest, obedience is an emblem of ourfaith in the wisdom and power of thehighest authority, even God. WhenAbraham demonstrated his unwaveringfaithfulness and obedienceto God, even when commanded tosacrifice his son, God rescued him.Similarly, when we demonstrate ourfaithfulness through obedience, Godwill ultimately rescue us.Those who rely solely on themselvesand follow only their owndesires and self-inclinations are solimited when compared to those whofollow God and tap into His insight,power, and gifts. It has been said thatsomeone who is all wrapped up inhimself or herself makes a very smallpackage. Strong, proactive obedience isanything but weak or passive. It is themeans by which we declare our faithin God and qualify ourselves to receivethe powers of heaven. Obedience is achoice. It is a choice between our ownlimited knowledge and power andGod’s unlimited wisdom and omnipotence.According to the lesson mygrandfather gave to me, it is a choiceto sense the spiritual bit in our mouthsand follow the driver’s lead.May we become heirs to thecovenant and the seed of Abrahamthrough our faithfulness and byreceiving the ordinances of therestored gospel. I promise you that theblessings of eternal life are available toeveryone who is faithful and obedient.In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf18 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.By Elder Lawrence E. CorbridgeOf the SeventyThe ProphetJoseph SmithThe revelations poured out upon Joseph Smith affirmthat he was a prophet of God.The First VisionA young boy reads the Bible, andhis eyes pause on a singular passageof scripture. This is a moment that willchange the world.He is anxious to know whichchurch can lead him to truth andsalvation. He has tried almost everythingelse, and now he turns to theBible and reads these words: “If anyof you lack wisdom, let him ask ofGod, that giveth to all men liberally,and upbraideth not; and it shall begiven him.” 1He reflects on them over andover again. The first glimmer of lightpenetrates the darkness. Is this theanswer, the way out of confusionand darkness? Can it be this simple?Ask God and He will answer? Atl<strong>eng</strong>th he decides he must either askGod or ever remain in darkness andconfusion.And yet as anxious as he is, hedoesn’t run to a quiet corner andrattle off a hurried prayer. He is only14, but in his haste to know, he isnot hasty. This is not to be just anyprayer. He decides where to go andwhen to make the attempt. He preparesto talk to God.And then the day comes. It is “themorning of a beautiful, clear day, earlyin the spring of [1820].” 2 He walksalone into the stillness of the nearbywoods, beneath the trees that towerabove him. He reaches the placewhere he previously designed to go.He kneels and offers up the desires ofhis heart.Describing what happens next,he says:May <strong>2014</strong>103
“I saw a pillar of light exactly overmy head, above the brightness of thesun, which descended gradually untilit fell upon me.“. . . When the light rested upon meI saw two Personages, whose brightnessand glory defy all description,standing above me in the air. One ofthem spake unto me, calling me byname and said, pointing to the other—[ Joseph,] This is My Beloved Son. HearHim! ” 3Only 24 years later, Joseph Smithand his brother Hyrum will diebecause of what began here.OppositionJoseph said that when he was17, an angel told him that his “name[would] be had for good and evilamong all nations, . . . among allpeople.” 4 This amazing prophecy iscontinuing to be fulfilled today asThe Church of Jesus Christ of LatterdaySaints has spread throughout theworld.Opposition, criticism, and antagonismare companions to the truth.104Whenever the truth with regard tothe purpose and destiny of man isrevealed, there will always be a forceto oppose it. Beginning with Adamand Eve in the Garden of Eden, downto the ministry of Christ, and on downto our day, there has always beenand will ever be an effort to deceive,derail, oppose, and frustrate the planof life.Look for the biggest dust cloudbillowing above the most dirt thatis kicked at One who was mostopposed, chall<strong>eng</strong>ed, and rejected,beaten, abandoned, and crucified,One who descended below all things,and there you will find the truth, theSon of God, the Savior of all mankind.Why did they not leave Him alone?Why? Because He is the truth, andthe truth will always be opposed.And then look for one who broughtforth another testament of Jesus Christand other scripture, look for one whowas the instrument by which the fulnessof the gospel and the Church ofJesus Christ were restored to the earth,look for him and expect to find thedirt flying. Why not leave him alone?Why? Because he taught the truth,and the truth will always be opposed.The Flood of RevelationThe revelations poured out uponJoseph Smith affirm that he was aprophet of God. Let’s just look at someof them—just look at some of the lightand truth revealed through him thatshines in stark contrast to the commonbeliefs of his day and ours:• God is a personal, exalted being,an Eternal Father. He is our Father.• God the Father, Jesus Christ, and theHoly Ghost are separate beings. 5• You are more than human. You area child of God the Eternal Fatherand may become like Him 6 if youwill have faith in His Son, repent,receive ordinances, receive the HolyGhost, and endure to the end. 7• The Church of Jesus Christ todayis fundamentally the same ChurchHe organized during His mortalministry, with prophets and apostles,Melchizedek and Levitical
Priesthoods, elders, high priests,deacons, teachers, bishops, and theseventy, all as described in the Bible.• Priesthood authority was withheldfrom the earth following the deathsof the Savior and His Apostles andwas restored again in our day.• Revelation has not ceased, and theheavens are not closed. God speaksto prophets today, and He willspeak to you and me as well. 8• There is more after this life thanonly heaven and hell. There aredegrees of glory, and it matters agreat deal what we do in this life. 9• More than having a mere passivebelief in Christ, we should “lookunto [Him] in every thought,” 10 “doall that [we do] in the name of theSon,” 11 and “always remember himand keep his commandments . . .that [we] may always have his Spiritto be with [us].” 12• The billions who live and die withoutthe gospel and the ordinancesnecessary for salvation are not lost.“Through the Atonement of Christ,all mankind may be saved, by obedienceto the laws and ordinancesof the Gospel,” 13 administered forboth the living and the dead. 14• Everything did not begin at birth.You lived before in the presenceof God as His son or daughter andprepared for this mortal life. 15• Marriage and family are not conventionsof men until only deathdo us part. They are intended to bemade eternal through covenants wemake with God. The family is thepattern of heaven. 16And this is only a part of the floodof revelation poured out upon JosephSmith. Where did it all come from,these revelations which give light todarkness, clarity to doubt, and whichhave inspired, blessed, and improvedmillions of people? Which is morelikely, that he dreamed it all up onhis own or that he had the help ofheaven? Do the scriptures he producedsound like the words of man orthe words of God?ConclusionThere is no dispute about whatJoseph Smith accomplished, only howhe did what he did and why. Andthere are not many options. He waseither pretender or prophet. Either hedid what he did alone, or he had thehelp of heaven. Look at the evidence,but look at all of the evidence, theentire mosaic of his life, not any singlepiece. Most importantly, do as youngJoseph and “ask . . . God, that givethto all men liberally, and upbraidethnot; and it shall be given [you].” 17 Thisis not only how you may learn thetruth about the Book of Mormon andJoseph Smith; it is also the pattern toknow the truth of all things. 18Joseph Smith was a prophet ofGod, as is Thomas S. Monson today.Through Joseph Smith, “the keys ofthe kingdom of God are [again] committedunto man on the earth, and . . .the gospel [will] roll forth . . . as thestone which is cut out of the mountainwithout hands . . . , until it has filledthe whole earth.” 19God is our Eternal Father, andJesus is the Christ. We worship Them.Nothing compares with Their creations,the plan of salvation, and theatoning sacrifice of the Lamb of God.In this dispensation, we fulfill the planof the Father and partake of the fruitsof the Atonement only by obedienceto the laws and ordinances of thegospel, restored through the ProphetJoseph Smith. I bear testimony ofThem—God the Eternal Father andJesus Christ, the Savior of the world.And I do so in the name of JesusChrist, amen. ◼NOTES1. James 1:5.2. Joseph Smith—History 1:14.3. Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17.4. Joseph Smith—History 1:33.5. See Doctrine and Covenants 130:22.6. See Doctrine and Covenants 50:24.7. See 2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 27.8. See Moroni 10:3–5.9. See Doctrine and Covenants 76.10. Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.11. Moses 5:8.12. Doctrine and Covenants 20:77.13. Articles of Faith 1:3.14. See Doctrine and Covenants 76; 128; 138.15. See Doctrine and Covenants 49:17; 138;Moses 3:5; 6:36.16. See Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–2;132:5–33.17. James 1:5.18. See Moroni 10:3–5.19. Doctrine and Covenants 65:2.May <strong>2014</strong>1<strong>05</strong>
106By Elder Michael John U. TehOf the SeventyWhere Your Treasure IsIf we are not careful, we will begin to chase after the temporalmore than the spiritual.Shortly after general conference inOctober 2<strong>00</strong>7, one of my brethrentold me that it would be aboutseven years before I got this harrowingexperience again. I was relievedand told him that I would consider itmy “seven years of plenty.” Well, hereI am; my seven years of plenty havecome to an end.Last January my sweetheart, Grace,and I received an assignment to visitthe members in the Philippines whowere devastated by a major earthquakeand a super typhoon. Werejoiced because the assignment wasan answer to our prayers and a testamentto the mercy and goodness of aloving Father in Heaven. It providedsome closure to our longing to personallyexpress to them our love andconcern.Most of the members we metwere still living in temporary shelterslike tents, community centers, andChurch meetinghouses. The homeswe visited had either partial roofing orno roofing at all. The people did nothave much to begin with, and whatlittle they had was swept away. Therewas mud and debris everywhere.However, they were full of gratitudefor the little help they received andwere in good spirits despite their verydifficult circumstances. When weasked them how they were coping,everyone responded with a resounding,“We’re OK.” Obviously, their faithin Jesus Christ gave them hope thateverything would work out eventually.Home after home, tent after tent, SisterTeh and I were being taught by thesefaithful Saints.In times of calamity or tragedy, theLord has a way of refocusing us andour priorities. All of a sudden, all thematerial things we worked so hard toacquire do not matter. All that mattersis our family and our relationshipswith others. One good sister put itthis way: “After the water receded andit was time to begin cleaning up, Ilooked around my home and thought,‘Wow, I have accumulated a lot ofgarbage these many years.’”I suspect that this sister hasgained a better perspective andhenceforth will be very cautious indeciding which things are necessaryand which ones she really can livewithout.
In working with many membersover the years, we have been pleasedto observe an abundance of spiritualstr<strong>eng</strong>th. We have also seen both anabundance and a lack of materialpossessions among these faithfulmembers.Out of necessity, most of us areinvolved in earning money andacquiring some of the world’s goodsto be able to sustain our families. Itrequires a good part of our time andattention. There is no end to whatthe world has to offer, so it is criticalthat we learn to recognize when wehave enough. If we are not careful, wewill begin to chase after the temporalmore than the spiritual. Our pursuitfor the spiritual and eternal will thentake a backseat, instead of the otherway around. Sadly, there appears tobe a strong inclination to acquire moreand more and to own the latest andthe most sophisticated.How do we make sure that we arenot drawn down this path? Jacob givesthis counsel: “Wherefore, do not spendmoney for that which is of no worth,nor your labor for that which cannotsatisfy. Hearken diligently unto me,and remember the words which I havespoken; and come unto the Holy Oneof Israel, and feast upon that whichperisheth not, neither can be corrupted,and let your soul delight in fatness.” 1I hope none of us spend money forthat which is of no worth nor labor forthat which does not satisfy.The Savior taught the following toboth the Jews and the Nephites:“Lay not up for yourselves treasuresupon earth, where moth and rustdoth corrupt, and where thieves breakthrough and steal:“But lay up for yourselves treasuresin heaven, where neither moth norrust doth corrupt, and where thievesdo not break through nor steal:“For where your treasure is, therewill your heart be also.” 2In another setting, the Savior gavethis parable:“The ground of a certain rich manbrought forth plentifully:“And he thought within himself,saying, What shall I do, because I haveno room where to bestow my fruits?“And he said, This will I do: Iwill pull down my barns, and buildgreater; and there will I bestow all myfruits and my goods.“And I will say to my soul, Soul,thou hast much goods laid up formany years; take thine ease, eat, drink,and be merry.“But God said unto him, Thou fool,this night thy soul shall be requiredof thee: then whose shall those thingsbe, which thou hast provided?“So is he that layeth up treasure forhimself, and is not rich toward God.” 3President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave thefollowing counsel not too long ago:“Our Heavenly Father sees ourreal potential. He knows things aboutus that we do not know ourselves.He prompts us during our lifetime tofulfill the measure of our creation, tolive a good life, and to return to Hispresence.“Why, then, do we devote so muchof our time and energy to things thatare so fleeting, so inconsequential,and so superficial? Do we refuse tosee the folly in the pursuit of the trivialand transient?” 4We all know that our list of earthlytreasures consists of pride, wealth,material things, power, and the honorsof men. They do not merit any moretime and attention, so I will focusinstead on the things that will constituteour treasures in heaven.What are some treasures in heaventhat we can lay up for ourselves? Forstarters, it will be well for us to acquirethe Christlike attributes of faith, hope,humility, and charity. We have beencounseled repeatedly to “[put] off thenatural man and . . . [become] as achild.” 5 The Savior’s admonition is forus to strive to be perfect like Him andour Heavenly Father. 6Second, we need to put morequality time and effort into str<strong>eng</strong>theningfamily relationships. After all,“the family is ordained of God. It isthe most important unit in time and ineternity.” 7Third, serving others is a hallmarkof a true follower of Christ. He said,“Inasmuch as ye have done it untoone of the least of these my brethren,ye have done it unto me.” 8Fourth, understanding the doctrineof Christ and str<strong>eng</strong>thening ourtestimony is a labor that will bring realjoy and satisfaction. We need to consistentlystudy the words of Christ asfound in the scriptures and the wordsMay <strong>2014</strong>107
of living prophets. “For behold, thewords of Christ will tell you all thingswhat ye should do.” 9May I conclude with the story ofa 73-year-old widow whom we metduring our trip to the Philippines:When the earthquake struck theisland of Bohol, the home that sheand her late husband had worked sohard to build crumbled to the ground,killing her daughter and grandson.Now alone, she needs to work tosupport herself. She has started takingin laundry (which she does by hand)and has to go up and down a goodsizedhill several times a day to fetchwater. When we visited her, she wasstill living in a tent.These are her words: “Elder, Iaccept everything that the Lord hasasked me to pass through. I have nohard feelings. I treasure my templerecommend and keep it under mypillow. Please know that I pay a fulltithing on my meager income fromdoing laundry. No matter what happens,I will always pay tithing.”I bear testimony that our priorities,tendencies, inclinations, desires,appetites, and passions will have adirect bearing on our next estate. Letus always remember the words of theSavior: “For where your treasure is,there will your heart be also.” May ourhearts be found in the right place ismy prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ,amen. ◼NOTES1. 2 Nephi 9:51.2. Matthew 6:19–21; see also 3 Nephi13:19–21.3. Luke 12:16–21.4. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Regrets andResolutions,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.2012, 22–23.5. Mosiah 3:19.6. See 3 Nephi 12:48.7. Handbook 2: Administering the Church(2010), 1.1.1.8. Matthew 25:40.9. 2 Nephi 32:3.108The other day my 10-year-old sonwas studying about the humanbrain on the Internet. He wantsto be a surgeon one day. It’s not difficultto note that he is a lot smarterthan I am.We like the Internet. At home wecommunicate with family and friendsthrough social media, by email, and inother ways. My children do much oftheir schoolwork through the Internet.Whatever the question is, if weneed more information, we search itonline. In seconds we have a lot ofmaterial. This is marvelous.The Internet provides manyopportunities for learning. However,Satan wants us to be miserable, andhe distorts the real purpose of things.He uses this great tool to promotedoubt and fear and to destroy faithand hope.With so much available on theInternet, we must carefully considerwhere to apply our efforts. Satan cankeep us busy, distracted, and infectedby sifting through information, muchof which can be pure garbage.One should not roam throughgarbage.Listen to this guidance, provided bythe scriptures: “The Spirit of Christ isgiven to every man, that he may knowgood from evil; wherefore, I show untoBy Elder Marcos A. AidukaitisOf the SeventyIf Ye Lack WisdomGod will reveal truth to those who seek for it as prescribed inthe scriptures.you the way to judge; for every thingwhich inviteth to do good, and to persuadeto believe in Christ, is sent forthby the power and gift of Christ; whereforeye may know . . . it is of God.” 1In a real sense, we face the samedilemma that Joseph Smith faced inhis youth. We too often find ourselveslacking wisdom.In the kingdom of God, the searchfor truth is appreciated, encouraged,and in no way repressed or feared.Church members are strongly counseledby the Lord Himself to seekfor knowledge. 2 He said, “Seek yediligently . . . ; yea, seek ye out of thebest books words of wisdom; seeklearning, even by study and also byfaith.” 3 However, how can we recognizetruth in a world that is increasinglyblunt in its attacks on the thingspertaining to God?The scriptures teach us how:First, we can know the truth byobserving its fruits.During His great Sermon on theMount, the Lord said:“Even so every good tree bringethforth good fruit; but a corrupt treebringeth forth evil fruit. . . .“Wherefore by their fruits ye shallknow them.” 4The prophet Mormon taught thissame principle when he said, “By
their works ye shall know them; forif their works be good, then they aregood also.” 5We invite all to study the fruits andthe works of this Church.Those who are interested in thetruth will be able to recognize the differencethat the Church and its membersmake in the communities wherethey are established. They will alsonote the improvement in the lives ofthose who follow its teachings. Thosewho examine these fruits will discoverthat the fruits of The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints are deliciousand desirable.Second, we can find truth by experimentingon the word ourselves.The prophet Alma taught:“We will compare the word unto aseed. . . . If ye give place, that a seedmay be planted in your heart, behold,if it be a true seed, [and] . . . if ye donot cast it out by your unbelief, . . .behold, it will begin to swell withinyour breasts; and . . . ye will beginto say within yourselves—It must . . .be that this is a good seed, . . . for itbeginneth to enlarge my soul; yea,it beginneth to enlighten my understanding,yea, it beginneth to be deliciousto me. . . .“. . . And now, . . . will not thisstr<strong>eng</strong>then your faith? Yea, it willstr<strong>eng</strong>then your faith. . . .“. . . For every seed bringeth forthunto its own likeness.” 6What a superb invitation by aprophet of the Lord! This could becompared to a scientific experiment.We are invited to test the word, we aregiven parameters, and we are told theoutcome of the test if we follow theinstructions.Thus the scriptures teach us thatwe can know the truth by observingits fruits or by experimenting with itpersonally, giving place for the wordin our hearts and cultivating it likeunto a seed.However, there is yet a third way toknow the truth, and that is by personalrevelation.Doctrine and Covenants section 8teaches that revelation is knowledge—“knowledge of whatsoever things[we] ask in faith, with an honest heart,believing that [we] shall receive.” 7And the Lord tells us how we willreceive this revelation. He says, “Iwill tell you in your mind and in yourheart, by the Holy Ghost, which shallcome upon you and which shall dwellin your heart.” 8Thus we are taught that revelationcan be obtained by asking in faith,May <strong>2014</strong>109
Pleasant Grove, Utah, USAwith an honest heart, and believingwe will receive.But notice that the Lord madeit very clear when He warned,“Remember that without faith you cando nothing; therefore ask in faith.” 9Faith requires work, such as studyingit out in your mind, then asking inprayer if it is right.The Lord said:“If it is right I will cause that yourbosom shall burn within you; therefore,you shall feel that it is right.“But if it be not right you shall haveno such feelings, but you shall have astupor of thought that shall cause youto forget the thing which is wrong.” 10Faith without works is dead. 11 Thus,“ask in faith, nothing wavering.” 12I have a friend, not of our faith,who indicated to me that he is not aspiritual person. He will not study thescriptures or pray because he says hecannot understand the words of God,nor is he sure that God exists. Thisattitude explains his lack of spiritualityand will lead to the opposite of revelation,as explained by Alma. He said,“And therefore, he that will harden hisheart, the same receiveth the lesserportion of the word.”110But, Alma added, “he that will notharden his heart, to him is given thegreater portion of the word, until it isgiven unto him to know the mysteriesof God until he know them in full.” 13Alma and the sons of Mosiahare examples of the principle thatfaith requires works. In the Book ofMormon we read:“They had searched the scripturesdiligently, that they might know theword of God.“But this is not all; they hadgiven themselves to much prayer,and fasting; therefore they had thespirit of prophecy, and the spirit ofrevelation.” 14Asking with an honest heart isequally important in this process. Ifwe are sincerely seeking the truth,we will do all in our power to find it,which can include reading the scriptures,going to church, and doing ourbest to keep the commandments ofGod. It also means that we are willingto do God’s will when we find it.Joseph Smith’s actions when hewas seeking for wisdom are a perfectexample of what it means to have anhonest heart. He said he wanted toknow which of the sects was true so“that [he] might know which to join.” 15Even before he prayed, he was readyto act upon the answer he wouldreceive.We must ask in faith and with anhonest heart. But that is not all. Wemust also believe that we will receivethe revelation. We must trust theLord and have hope in His promises.Remember what is written: “If any ofyou lack wisdom, let him ask of God,that giveth to all men liberally, andupbraideth not; and it shall be givenhim.” 16 What a wonderful promise!I invite all to seek truth from anyof these methods but especially fromGod through personal revelation. Godwill reveal truth to those who seekfor it as prescribed in the scriptures. Itrequires more effort than to just searchthe Internet, but it is worth it.I bear my testimony that this is thetrue Church of Jesus Christ. I haveseen its fruits in communities and inthe lives of many thousands, includingfamily members; thus I know itis true. I have also tried the word inmy life for many years, and I have feltits effects on my soul; thus I knowit is true. But most important, I havelearned of its truthfulness for myselfby revelation through the power ofthe Holy Ghost; thus I know it is true.I invite all of you to do the same. Inthe name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Moroni 7:16.2. See Doctrine and Covenants 88:78.3. Doctrine and Covenants 88:118.4. Matthew 7:17, 20.5. Moroni 7:5.6. Alma 32:28, 30–31.7. Doctrine and Covenants 8:1.8. Doctrine and Covenants 8:2.9. Doctrine and Covenants 8:10.10. Doctrine and Covenants 9:8–9.11. See James 2:17.12. James 1:6.13. Alma 12:10.14. Alma 17:2–3.15. Joseph Smith—History 1:18.16. James 1:5.
By Elder D. Todd ChristoffersonOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesThe Resurrectionof Jesus ChristJesus of Nazareth is the resurrected Redeemer, and I testify ofall that follows from the fact of His Resurrection.Acrushing sense of defeat anddespair enveloped His disciplesas Jesus suffered anddied on the cross and His body wasplaced lifeless in the tomb. Despitewhat the Savior had repeatedly saidof His death and subsequent risingagain, they had not understood. Thedark afternoon of His Crucifixion,however, was soon followed by thejoyous morning of His Resurrection.But that joy came only as the disciplesbecame eyewitnesses of theResurrection, for even the declarationof angels that He had risen wasat first incomprehensible—it wassomething so totally unprecedented.Mary Magdalene and a few otherfaithful women came early to theSavior’s tomb that Sunday morning,bringing spices and ointments tocomplete the anointing begun whenthe Lord’s body was hastily laid inthe sepulchre before the approachingSabbath. On this morning of mornings,they were greeted by an opensepulchre, the covering stone havingbeen rolled away, and two angels whodeclared:“Why seek ye the living amongthe dead?“He is not here, but is risen:remember how he spake unto youwhen he was yet in Galilee,“Saying, The Son of man must bedelivered into the hands of sinful men,and be crucified, and the third day riseagain.” 1“Come, see the place where theLord lay.“And go quickly, and tell his disciplesthat he is risen from the dead.” 2As bidden by the angels, MaryMagdalene looked into the tomb, butit seems that all that registered in hermind was that the body of the Lordwas gone. She hurried to report to theApostles and, finding Peter and John,said to them, “They have taken awaythe Lord out of the sepulchre, andwe know not where they have laidhim.” 3 Peter and John ran to the placeand verified that indeed the tombwas empty, seeing “the linen clotheslying . . . and the napkin, that wasabout his head, . . . wrapped togetherin a place by itself.” 4 John apparentlywas the first to comprehend themagnificent message of resurrection.He writes that “he saw, and believed,”whereas the others to that point “knewnot the scripture, that [ Jesus] must riseagain from the dead.” 5Peter and John left, but Maryremained behind, still in mourning. Inthe meantime the angels had returnedMay <strong>2014</strong>111
and tenderly asked her, “Woman, whyweepest thou? She saith unto them,Because they have taken away myLord, and I know not where they havelaid him.” 6 At that moment the resurrectedSavior, now standing behindher, spoke, “Woman, why weepestthou? whom seekest thou? She, supposinghim to be the gardener, saithunto him, Sir, if thou have borne himhence, tell me where thou hast laidhim, and I will take him away.” 7Elder James E. Talmage wrote: “Itwas Jesus to whom she spake, herbeloved Lord, though she knew itnot. One word from His living lipschanged her agonized grief intoecstatic joy. ‘Jesus saith unto her,Mary.’ The voice, the tone, the tenderaccent she had heard and loved inthe earlier days lifted her from thedespairing depths into which she hadsunk. She turned, and saw the Lord.In a transport of joy she reached outher arms to embrace Him, utteringonly the endearing and worshipfulword, ‘Rabboni,’ meaning My belovedMaster.” 8And so this blessed woman becamethe first mortal to see and speak tothe resurrected Christ. Later that sameday He appeared to Peter in or nearJerusalem; 9 to two disciples on theroad to Emmaus; 10 and in the eveningto 10 of the Apostles and others,appearing suddenly in their midst,saying, “Behold my hands and myfeet, that it is I myself: handle me,112and see; for a spirit hath not flesh andbones, as ye see me have.” 11 Then tofurther convince them “while they yetbelieved not for joy, and wondered,” 12He ate broiled fish and honeycombbefore them. 13 Later He instructedthem, “Ye shall be witnesses unto meboth in Jerusalem, and in all Judea,and in Samaria, and unto the uttermostpart of the earth.” 14Beyond these confirmed witnessesin Jerusalem, we have the incomparableministry of the risen Lord toancient inhabitants of the WesternHemisphere. In the land Bountiful, Hedescended from heaven and invitedthe assembled throng, some 2,5<strong>00</strong>, tocome forward one by one until theyhad all gone forth, thrusting theirhands into His side and feeling theprints of the nails in His hands and inHis feet. 15“And when they had all gone forthand had witnessed for themselves,they did cry out with one accord,saying:“Hosanna! Blessed be the nameof the Most High God! And they didfall down at the feet of Jesus, and didworship him.” 16Christ’s Resurrection shows that Hisexistence is independent and everlasting.“For as the Father hath life inhimself; so hath he given to the Son tohave life in himself.” 17 Jesus said:“Therefore doth my Father loveme, because I lay down my life, thatI might take it again.“No man taketh it from me, but Ilay it down of myself. I have power tolay it down, and I have power to takeit again.” 18The Savior is not dependent onfood or water or oxygen or any othersubstance or power or person for life.Both as Jehovah and Messiah, He isthe great I Am, the self-existing God. 19He simply is and ever will be.By His Atonement and Resurrection,Jesus Christ has overcome allaspects of the Fall. Physical death willbe temporary, and even spiritual deathhas an end, in that all come back intothe presence of God, at least temporarily,to be judged. We can haveultimate trust and confidence in Hispower to overcome all else and grantus everlasting life.“For since by man came death, byman came also the resurrection ofthe dead.“For as in Adam all die, even so inChrist shall all be made alive.” 20In the words of Elder Neal A.Maxwell: “Christ’s victory over deathended the human predicament. Nowthere are only personal predicaments,and from these too we may berescued by following the teachingsof him who rescued us from generalextinction.” 21Having satisfied the demands ofjustice, Christ now steps into the placeof justice; or we might say He is justice,just as He is love. 22 Likewise, besidesbeing a “perfect, just God,” He is a perfect,merciful God. 23 Thus, the Saviormakes all things right. No injustice inmortality is permanent, even death,for He restores life again. No injury,disability, betrayal, or abuse goesuncompensated in the end becauseof His ultimate justice and mercy.By the same token, we are allaccountable to Him for our lives, ourchoices, and our actions, even our
thoughts. Because He redeemed usfrom the Fall, our lives are in realityHis. He declared:“Behold I have given unto you mygospel, and this is the gospel which Ihave given unto you—that I came intothe world to do the will of my Father,because my Father sent me.“And my Father sent me that Imight be lifted up upon the cross; andafter that I had been lifted up uponthe cross, that I might draw all menunto me, that as I have been lifted upby men even so should men be liftedup by the Father, to stand before me,to be judged of their works.” 24Consider for a moment the significanceof the Resurrection in resolvingonce and for all the true identityof Jesus of Nazareth and the greatphilosophical contests and questionsof life. If Jesus was in fact literally resurrected,it necessarily follows that Heis a divine being. No mere mortal hasthe power in himself to come to lifeagain after dying. Because He was resurrected,Jesus cannot have been onlya carpenter, a teacher, a rabbi, or aprophet. Because He was resurrected,Jesus had to have been a God, eventhe Only Begotten Son of the Father.Therefore, what He taught is true;God cannot lie. 25Therefore, He was the Creator ofthe earth, as He said. 26Therefore, heaven and hell are real,as He taught. 27Therefore, there is a world of spirits,which He visited after His death. 28Therefore, He will come again, asthe angels said, 29 and “reign personallyupon the earth.” 30Therefore, there is a resurrectionand a final judgment for all. 31Given the reality of the Resur rectionof Christ, doubts about the omnipotence,omniscience, and benevolenceof God the Father—who gave HisOnly Begotten Son for the redemptionof the world—are groundless. Doubtsabout the meaning and purpose oflife are unfounded. Jesus Christ is infact the only name or way by whichsalvation can come to mankind. Thegrace of Christ is real, affording bothforgiveness and cleansing to therepentant sinner. Faith truly is morethan imagination or psychologicalinvention. There is ultimate and universaltruth, and there are objectiveand unchanging moral standards, astaught by Him.Given the reality of the Resurrectionof Christ, repentance of any violationof His law and commandments isboth possible and urgent. The Savior’smiracles were real, as is His promiseto His disciples that they might do thesame and even greater works. 32 Hispriesthood is necessarily a real powerthat “administereth the gospel andholdeth the key of the mysteries of theMay <strong>2014</strong>113
kingdom, even the key of the knowledgeof God. Therefore, in the ordinancesthereof, the power of godlinessis manifest.” 33 Given the reality of theResurrection of Christ, death is not ourend, and though “skin worms destroy[our bodies], yet in [our] flesh shall [we]see God.” 34President Thomas S. Monsontells of a Robert Blatchford who,1<strong>00</strong> years ago “in his book God andMy Neighbor, attacked with vigoraccepted Christian beliefs, such asGod, Christ, prayer, and immortality.He boldly asserted, ‘I claim tohave proved everything I set out toprove so fully and decisively that noChristian, however great or able hemay be, can answer my argumentsor shake my case.’ He surroundedhimself with a wall of skepticism.Then a surprising thing happened. Hiswall suddenly crumbled to dust. . . .Slowly he began to feel his way backto the faith he had scorned and ridiculed.What had caused this profoundchange in his outlook? His wife [had]died. With a broken heart, he wentinto the room where lay all that wasmortal of her. He looked again at theface he loved so well. Coming out,he said to a friend: ‘It is she, and yetit is not she. Everything is changed.Something that was there before istaken away. She is not the same. Whatcan be gone if it be not the soul?’” 35Did the Lord in reality die andrise again? Yes. “The fundamentalprinciples of our religion are the114testimony of the Apostles andProphets, concerning Jesus Christ,that He died, was buried, and roseagain the third day, and ascendedinto heaven; and all other thingswhich pertain to our religion areonly appendages to it.” 36As the prophesied birth of Jesusdrew near, there were those amongthe ancient Nephite and Lamanitepeoples who believed, though mostdoubted. In due course, the sign ofHis birth arrived—a day and a nightand a day without darkness—and allknew. 37 Even so today, some believein the literal Resurrection of Christ,and many doubt or disbelieve. Butsome know. In due course, all willsee and all will know; indeed, “everyknee shall bow, and every tongueconfess before him.” 38Until then, I believe the manywitnesses of the Savior’s Resurrectionwhose experiences and testimoniesare found in the New Testament—Peter and his companions of theTwelve and dear, pure Mary ofMagdala, among others. I believethe testimonies found in the Book ofMormon—of Nephi the Apostle withthe unnamed multitude in the landBountiful, among others. And I believethe testimony of Joseph Smith andSidney Rigdon who, after many othertestimonies, proclaimed the greatwitness of this last dispensation “thathe lives! For we saw him.” 39 Underthe glance of His all-seeing eye, Istand myself as a witness that Jesus ofNazareth is the resurrected Redeemer,and I testify of all that follows fromthe fact of His Resurrection. May youreceive the conviction and comfort ofthat same witness, I pray in the nameof Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Luke 24:5–7.2. Matthew 28:6–7.3. John 20:2.4. John 20:5, 7.5. John 20:8, 9.6. John 20:13.7. John 20:15.8. James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed.(1916), 681.9. See Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5.10. See Mark 16:12; Luke 24:13–35.11. Luke 24:39.12. Luke 24:41.13. See Luke 24:42–43.14. Acts 1:8.15. See 3 Nephi 11:14–15.16. 3 Nephi 11:16–17.17. John 5:26.18. John 10:17–18.19. See Exodus 3:14.20. 1 Corinthians 15:21–22.21. The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book, ed.Cory H. Maxwell (1997), 287.22. See 1 John 4:8.23. Alma 42:15; see also Mosiah 15:8–9.24. 3 Nephi 27:13–14.25. See Enos 1:6.26. See, for example, 3 Nephi 9:15.27. See, for example, Doctrine and Covenants76.28. See Doctrine and Covenants 138.29. See Acts 1:10–11.30. Articles of Faith 1:10; see also TopicalGuide, “Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign.”31. See, for example, 2 Nephi 9:15.32. See John 14:12.33. Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–20.34. Job 19:26.35. Thomas S. Monson, “I Know That MyRedeemer Lives!” Ensign or Liahona, May2<strong>00</strong>7, 23.36. Teachings of Presidents of the Church:Joseph Smith (2<strong>00</strong>7), 49.37. See 3 Nephi 1:15–20.38. Mosiah 27:31.39. Doctrine and Covenants 76:22–23.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf19 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.
By President Thomas S. MonsonUntil We Meet AgainMay the Spirit we have felt during these past two days be andabide with us as we go about those things which occupy useach day.My brothers and sisters, whata wonderful conference thishas been. We have beenfed spiritually as we have listened tothe inspired words of the men andwomen who have addressed us. Themusic has been superb, the messageshave been prepared and deliveredunder the promptings of the HolySpirit, and the prayers have drawnus nearer to heaven. We have beenuplifted in every way as we have participatedtogether.I hope that we will take the time toread the conference messages whenthey become available on LDS.orgwithin the next few days and whenthey are printed in coming issues ofthe Ensign and Liahona magazines,for they are deserving of our carefulreview and study.I know you join with me in expressingour sincere gratitude to thosebrethren and sisters who were releasedduring this conference. They haveserved well and have made significantcontributions to the work of the Lord.Their dedication has been complete.We have also sustained, by upliftedhands, brethren who have been calledto new positions of responsibility.We welcome them and want them toknow that we look forward to servingwith them in the cause of the Master.As we ponder the messages wehave heard, may we resolve to do alittle better than we have done in thepast. May we be kind and loving tothose who do not share our beliefsand our standards. The Savior broughtto this earth a message of love andgoodwill to all men and women. Maywe ever follow His example.We face many serious chall<strong>eng</strong>es inthe world today, but I assure you thatour Heavenly Father is mindful of us.He will guide and bless us as we putour faith and trust in Him and will seeus through whatever difficulties comeour way.May heaven’s blessings be witheach of us. May our homes be filledwith love and courtesy and with theSpirit of the Lord. May we constantlynourish our testimonies of the gospel,that they will be a protection for usagainst the buffetings of the adversary.May the Spirit we have felt duringthese past two days be and abide withus as we go about those things whichoccupy us each day, and may we everbe found doing the work of the Lord.I bear testimony that this work istrue, that our Savior lives, and that Heguides and directs His Church hereupon the earth. I leave with you mywitness and my testimony that Godour Eternal Father lives and loves us.He is indeed our Father, and He ispersonal and real. May we realize howclose to us He is willing to come, howfar He is willing to go to help us, andhow much He loves us.My brothers and sisters, may Godbless you. May His promised peace bewith you now and always.I bid you farewell until we meetagain in six months’ time, and I do soin the name of Jesus Christ, our Lordand Savior, amen. ◼Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf20 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.May <strong>2014</strong>115
GENERAL WOMEN’S MEETING | March 29, <strong>2014</strong>116By Rosemary M. WixomPrimary General PresidentKeeping CovenantsProtects Us, PreparesUs, and Empowers UsWe are covenant-making women of all ages walking the pathof mortality back to His presence.Oh, sisters, we love you. Whilevisiting Mexico recently, I hada glimpse of the sisterhoodwe are all feeling tonight. Imagine thisscene: We had just finished Primaryon Sunday morning, and the children,teachers, and I were spilling outinto the crowded hallway. Just thenthe door to the Young Women classopened, and I saw the young womenand their leaders. We all reached outfor a hug. With the children holdingonto my skirt and the women closearound me, I wanted to express thefeelings I felt at that very moment.I do not speak Spanish, so onlyEnglish words came into my mind. Ilooked into all of their faces and said,“We are daughters of our HeavenlyFather, who loves us, and we loveHim.” Everyone immediately joinedin, in Spanish. There we were in acrowded hallway, reciting togetherthe Young Women theme as we said,“We will stand as witnesses of God atall times and in all things, and in allplaces.”Tonight we gather together all overthe world as His disciples, with adesire to defend and sustain the kingdomof God. We are daughters of ourHeavenly Father. We are covenantmakingwomen of all ages walkingMexico City, Mexicothe path of mortality back to Hispresence. Keeping covenants protectsus, prepares us, and empowers us.There are girls among us tonightwho are Primary age. Some of youhave recently taken that first step onthe path to eternal life with the ordinanceof baptism.Look around you. The future isbright as you see women who havealso made covenants and are readyto show you the way along the pathahead.If you are 8, 9, 10, or 11 years old,whether in the Conference Center,in your home, or in a meetinghousearound the world, would you pleasestand up? Welcome to the generalwomen’s meeting. Now, please staystanding because we want to inviteyou tonight to participate. I am goingto hum a Primary song. And as soonas you recognize the tune, will youbegin singing with me? Now, you mustsing out so all can hear.Teach me to walk in the light of his love;Teach me to pray to my Father above;Teach me to know of the things thatare right;Teach me, teach me to walk in the light.
Stay standing, girls, while everyone12 and older now sings the secondverse.Come, little child, and together we’lllearnOf his commandments, that we mayreturnHome to his presence, to live in hissight—Always, always to walk in the light. 1That was beautiful. You may sitdown. Thank you.As women of all ages, we walk inHis light. Our journey on the path ispersonal and well lit with the Savior’slove.We enter the gate to the path ofeternal life with the ordinance andcovenant of baptism, and then wereceive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Elder Robert D. Hales asks us, “Do[we] understand and do [our] childrenunderstand that when [we] are baptized[we] are changed forever?”He also explained that “when weunderstand our baptismal covenantand the gift of the Holy Ghost, it willchange our lives and will establishour total allegiance to the kingdomof God. When temptations come ourway, if we will listen, the Holy Ghostwill remind us that we have promisedto remember our Savior and obey thecommandments of God.” 2Each week as we partake ofthe emblems of the sacrament, werenew our baptismal covenant. ElderDavid A. Bednar said: “As we standin the waters of baptism, we lookto the temple. As we partake of thesacrament, we look to the temple.We pledge to always remember theSavior and to keep His commandmentsas preparation to participatein the sacred ordinances of thetemple.” 3Temple ordinances lead to thegreatest blessings available throughthe Atonement of Jesus Christ. Theyare those ordinances necessaryfor our exaltation in the celestialkingdom. As we strive to keep ourcovenants, our feelings of inadequacyand imperfection begin to fade, whilethe ordinances and the covenantsof the temple come alive. Everyoneis welcome to walk that path to eternallife.I am in awe at the str<strong>eng</strong>th of thegirls, young women, and women Ihave met around the world whose feetare firmly planted on this path. Let meshare some examples of covenant girlsand women I have met.Luana was 11 years old when Ivisited her family in Buenos Aires,Argentina. Because of a traumaticevent in her childhood, Luana couldnot speak. She had not spokenfor years. She sat silently as we allconversed. I kept hoping for even awhisper from her. She looked at meintently as if uttering words were notnecessary for me to know her heart.After a prayer, we stood up to leave,and Luana handed me a drawing. Shehad drawn Jesus Christ in the Gardenof Gethsemane. I then recognizedher witness loud and clear. Luanahad made a covenant at baptism tostand as a witness of God “at all timesand in all things, and in all places.” 4She understood the Atonement ofJesus Christ, as witnessed throughher drawing. Had she come to knowthat, through the str<strong>eng</strong>thening andenabling power of the Atonement,she could be healed and speak again?Since that day three years ago, Luanahas progressed in her effort to speak.She is now participating in YoungWomen with her friends. Faithful tothe covenant she made at baptism,she continues to share her witness ofthe Savior.Youth all over the world are drawnto temples. In Lima, Peru, I met afather and three of his daughtersoutside the entrance of the temple.I saw the light in their faces. Two ofthe daughters were severely disabledand sitting in wheelchairs. The thirdMay <strong>2014</strong>117
daughter, while attending to hersisters’ needs, explained she had twomore sisters at home. They too werein wheelchairs. They were unable totravel the 14 hours to the temple. Thetemple meant so much to this fatherand his daughters that four of themhad come to the temple that day—twoof them simply to observe the onewho could be baptized for the deadand perform that sacred ordinance.Like Nephi, they “[delighted] in thecovenants of the Lord.” 5A single woman I know values theweekly ordinance of the sacrament118and its sacred promise “that [she]may always have his Spirit to be with[her].” 6 That constant companionshipis a promise that softens the waves ofher loneliness. It gives her str<strong>eng</strong>thto immerse herself in developingher talents and a desire to serve theLord. She has discovered great joy inadoring all the children in her life, andwhen she seeks serene peace, youwill find her in the temple.Lastly, an elderly woman in her 90shas watched her children and grandchildr<strong>eng</strong>row up and her great-grandchildrencome into the world. Likemany of us, she has had a life filledwith sorrows, afflictions, and incomprehensiblejoy. She confesses that ifshe were rewriting her life story, shewould not choose to include some ofthe chapters that have been written.Yet, with a smile, she says, “I just mustlive a little longer and see how it allturns out!” She continues to hold fastto the covenants on the path.Nephi taught:“After ye have gotten into this straitand narrow path, I would ask if all isdone? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. . . .“Wherefore, ye must press forwardwith a steadfastness in Christ, having aperfect brightness of hope, and a loveof God and of all men. Wherefore, ifye shall press forward, feasting uponthe word of Christ, and endure to theend, behold, thus saith the Father: Yeshall have eternal life.” 7Each one of us is on that path.Tonight we sang about walking thepath in the light. As individuals, weare strong. Together with God, we areunstoppable.The Lord said to Emma Smith, “Liftup thy heart and rejoice, and cleaveunto the covenants which thou hastmade.” 8We do rejoice that through keepingour covenants, we may feel the love ofour Heavenly Father and our Savior,Jesus Christ. I testify that They live. Inthe name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. “Teach Me to Walk in the Light,” Hymns,no. 304; or Children’s Songbook, 177.2. Robert D. Hales, “The Covenant ofBaptism: To Be in the Kingdom and ofthe Kingdom,” Ensign, Nov. 2<strong>00</strong>0, 8, 7;Liahona, Jan. 2<strong>00</strong>1, 8, 7.3. David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Nameand Standing,” Ensign or Liahona, May2<strong>00</strong>9, 98.4. Mosiah 18:9.5. 2 Nephi 11:5.6. Doctrine and Covenants 20:77.7. 2 Nephi 31:19–20.8. Doctrine and Covenants 25:13.
By Bonnie L. OscarsonYoung Women General PresidentSisterhood: Oh, HowWe Need Each OtherWe must stop concentrating on our differences and look forwhat we have in common.In that video we saw eight countriesand heard nine different languages.Imagine how many more languageswere added on that final verse. It isthrilling to know that as a worldwidesisterhood we were able to raise ourvoices in testimony of the eternaltruth that we are daughters of a lovingHeavenly Father.What a great privilege it is to behere on this historic occasion andaddress all the women of the Churchages eight and above. There is tremendousstr<strong>eng</strong>th in our unity thisevening. As I see all of us gatheredtogether in the Conference Center andcontemplate the thousands of otherswho are viewing this broadcast fromlocations around the world, the combinedpower of our testimonies andfaith in Jesus Christ surely constitutesone of the most faith-filled and powerfulassemblies of women in the historyof the Church, if not the world.Tonight we rejoice in our many differentroles as women in the Church.Though in many ways we are differentand unique, we also acknowledgethat we are all daughters of the sameHeavenly Father, which makes ussisters. We are unified in building thekingdom of God and in the covenantswhich we have made, no matter whatour circumstances. This combinedassembly is, without a doubt, the mostglorious sisterhood upon the face ofthe earth! 1To be sisters implies that there isan unbreakable bond between us.Sisters take care of each other, watchout for each other, comfort each other,and are there for each other throughthick and thin. The Lord has said, “ISydney, Australiasay unto you, be one; and if ye are notone ye are not mine.” 2The adversary would have us becritical or judgmental of one another.He wants us to concentrate on ourdifferences and compare ourselves toone another. You may love to exercisevigorously for an hour each daybecause it makes you feel so good,while I consider it to be a majorathletic event if I walk up one flightof stairs instead of taking the elevator.We can still be friends, can’t we?We as women can be particularlyhard on ourselves. When we compareourselves to one another, we willalways feel inadequate or resentful ofothers. Sister Patricia T. Holland oncesaid, “The point is, we simply cannotcall ourselves Christian and continueto judge one another—or ourselves—so harshly.” 3 She goes on to say thatthere is nothing that is worth us losingour compassion and sisterhood over.We just need to relax and rejoice inour divine differences. We need torealize that we all desire to serve inthe kingdom, using our unique talentsand gifts in our own ways. Then weMay <strong>2014</strong>119
can enjoy our sisterhood and ourassociations and begin to serve.The fact of the matter is, we reallyand truly need each other. Womennaturally seek friendship, support, andcompanionship. We have so muchto learn from one another, and weoften let self-imposed barriers keepus from enjoying associations whichcould be among the greatest blessingsin our lives. For example, we womenwho are a little older need what youPrimary-age girls have to offer. We canlearn much from you about Christlikeservice and love.I recently heard a wonderful storyabout a little girl named Sarah, whosemother had the opportunity to helpanother woman in her ward namedBrenda, who had multiple sclerosis.Sarah loved to go with her mother tohelp Brenda. She would put lotionon Brenda’s hands and massage herfingers and arms because she wasoften in pain. Sarah then learned togently stretch Brenda’s arms over herhead to exercise her muscles. Sarahbrushed Brenda’s hair and visitedwith her while her mother took careof her other needs. Sarah learned theimportance and joy of serving anotherperson and came to understand thateven a child can make a big differencein someone’s life.120I love the example we have in thefirst chapter of Luke which describesthe sweet relationship between Mary,the mother of Jesus, and her cousinElisabeth. Mary was a young womanwhen she was informed of herremarkable mission to be the motherof the Son of God. Initially it musthave seemed to be a heavy responsibilityto bear alone. It was the LordHimself who provided Mary withsomeone to share her load. Throughthe message of the angel Gabriel,Mary was given the name of a trustedand sympathetic woman to whomshe could turn for support—hercousin Elisabeth.This young maiden and hercousin, who was “well stricken inyears,” 4 shared a common bond intheir miraculous pregnancies, and Ican only imagine how very importantthe three months they spent togetherwere to both of them as they wereable to talk together, empathize witheach other, and support one anotherin their unique callings. What a wonderfulmodel they are of femininenurturing between generations.Those of us who are a little moremature can have a tremendous influenceon the younger generations.When my mother was just a little girl,neither of her parents was active inthe Church. Even at the young ageof five, she would walk by herself tochurch and attend her meetings—Primary, Sunday School, and sacramentmeeting—all at different times.I recently asked my mother whyin the world she did that week afterweek when she had no support orencouragement at home. Her answerwas: “I had Primary teachers wholoved me.” These teachers cared abouther and taught her the gospel. Theytaught her that she had a Father inHeaven, who loved her, and it wastheir concern for her that kept hercoming week after week. My mothersaid to me, “That was one of the mostimportant influences in my early life.” Ihope I can thank those wonderful sisterssomeday! There is no age barrierwhen it comes to Christlike service.A couple of weeks ago, I met astake Young Women president inCalifornia who told me that her81-year-old mother had recently beencalled to be a Mia Maid adviser. I wasso intrigued I gave her mother a call.When Sister Val Baker’s bishop askedto meet with her, she was lookingforward to being called as a librarianor ward historian. When he asked herto serve as a Mia Maid adviser to theYoung Women, her reaction was, “Areyou sure?”
Her bishop solemnly replied, “SisterBaker, make no mistake; this call isfrom the Lord.”She said she had no other answerto that except, “Of course.”I love the inspiration this bishopfelt that the four Mia Maids in his wardhave much to learn from the wisdom,experience, and lifelong example ofthis mature sister. And guess whomSister Baker will go to when she needshelp setting up her Facebook page?I think of the great help that thesisters in Relief Society can be inwelcoming young sisters who haverecently been in Young Women. Ouryoung sisters frequently feel as if theydon’t have a place or anything incommon with those in Relief Society.Before they turn 18, they need YoungWomen leaders and mothers who willjoyfully testify of the great blessingsof Relief Society. They need to feelenthusiastic about becoming part ofsuch a glorious organization. Whenyoung women begin attending ReliefSociety, what they need most is afriend to sit next to, an arm aroundtheir shoulders, and an opportunity toteach and serve. Let us all reach out tohelp one another through the transitionsand milestones of our lives.Thank you to all the women of theChurch who are reaching out acrossage and cultural lines to bless andserve others. Young women are servingPrimary children and the elderly.Single sisters of all ages spend countlesshours watching out for the needsof those around them. We recognizethe thousands of young women whoare giving up 18 months of their livesto share the gospel with the world. Allof these things are evidence that, asour beloved hymn states, “The errandof angels is given to women.” 5If there are barriers, it is becausewe ourselves have created them. WeVienna, Austriamust stop concentrating on our differencesand look for what we have incommon; then we can begin to realizeour greatest potential and achievethe greatest good in this world. SisterMarjorie P. Hinckley once said, “Oh,how we need each other. Those of uswho are old need you who are young.And, hopefully, you who are youngneed some of us who are old. It is asociological fact that women needwomen. We need deep and satisfyingand loyal friendships with eachother.” 6 Sister Hinckley was right; oh,how we need each other!Sisters, there is no other group ofwomen in the world who have accessto greater blessings than we do asLatter-day Saint women. We are membersof the Lord’s Church, and regardlessof our individual circumstances,we can all enjoy the full blessings ofpriesthood power through keepingthe covenants we have made at baptismand in the temple. We have livingprophets to lead and teach us, and weenjoy the great gift of the Holy Ghost,which serves as a comfort and guidein our lives. We are blessed to workhand in hand with righteous brothersas we str<strong>eng</strong>then homes and families.We have access to the str<strong>eng</strong>th andpower of temple ordinances and somuch more.In addition to enjoying all of thesemagnificent blessings, we have eachother—sisters in the gospel of JesusChrist. We have been blessed withtender and charitable natures whichenable us to render Christlike love andservice to those around us. As we lookbeyond our differences in age, culture,and circumstance to nurture and serveone another, we will be filled with thepure love of Christ and the inspirationwhich leads us to know when andwhom to serve.I extend to you an invitation thatwas issued once before by a ReliefSociety general president who said, “Iinvite you to not only love each othermore but love each other better.” 7 Maywe realize just how much we needeach other, and may we all love oneanother better, is my prayer in thename of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. See Barbara B. Smith, “The Bonds ofSisterhood,” Ensign, Mar. 1983, 20–23.2. Doctrine and Covenants 38:27.3. Patricia T. Holland, “‘One Thing Needful’:Becoming Women of Greater Faith inChrist,” Ensign, Oct. 1987, 29.4. Luke 1:7.5. “As Sisters in Zion,” Hymns, no. 309.6. Glimpses into the Life and Heart ofMarjorie Pay Hinckley, ed. Virginia H.Pearce (1999), 254–55.7. Bonnie D. Parkin, “Choosing Charity:That Good Part,” Ensign or Liahona,Nov. 2<strong>00</strong>3, 106.May <strong>2014</strong>121
122By Linda K. BurtonRelief Society General PresidentWanted: Handsand Hearts to Hastenthe WorkWe can offer hands to help and hearts to hasten HeavenlyFather’s wonderful work.Dear sisters, how we love you! Aswe watched that beautiful video,did you see your own handreaching out to help someone alongthat covenant path? I was thinkingabout a young Primary girl namedBrynn who has only one hand, andyet she uses that hand to reach outto bless her family and her friends—Latter-day Saints and those of otherfaiths. Isn’t she beautiful? And so areyou! Sisters, we can offer hands tohelp and hearts to hasten HeavenlyFather’s wonderful work.Just as our faithful sisters in thescriptures, such as Eve, Sarah, Mary,and many others, knew their identityand purpose, Brynn knows that she isa daughter of God. 1 We too can knowof our own divine heritage as beloveddaughters of God and the vital workHe has for us to do.The Savior taught, “If any manwill do his will, he shall know of thedoctrine.” 2 What do we need to knowand do “to live with him someday”? 3We can learn from the story of the richyoung man who asked Jesus whathe needed to do in order to receiveeternal life.Jesus answered him, “If thouwilt enter into life, keep thecommandments.”The young man asked Him whichones he should keep. Jesus thenreminded him of several of the TenCommandments we are all familiar with.The young man responded, “Allthese things have I kept from myyouth up: what lack I yet?”Jesus said, “If thou wilt be perfect,go and sell that thou hast, and give tothe poor, and thou shalt have treasurein heaven: and come and follow me.” 4Jesus called him to become a partof His work—the work of a disciple.Our work is the same. We are to “layaside the things of [the] world, . . .cleave unto [our] covenants,” 5 andcome unto Christ and follow Him.That’s what disciples do!Now, sisters, let’s not start beatingourselves up because the Savior spoketo the rich young man about becomingperfect. The word perfect in thisaccount was translated from a Greekword that means “complete.” As wetry our best to move forward alongthe covenant path, we become morecomplete and perfect in this life.Like the rich young man in Jesus’sday, sometimes we are tempted togive up or turn back because maybewe think we can’t do it alone. And weare right! We cannot do the difficultthings we have been asked to dowithout help. Help comes throughthe Atonement of Jesus Christ, theguidance of the Holy Ghost, and thehelping hands of others.A faithful single sister recentlytestified that through the Atonement,she found str<strong>eng</strong>th to use her helpinghands and willing heart to raisethe four children her sister had leftbehind when she died of cancer. Thatreminded me of something ElderNeal A. Maxwell said: “All the easythings that the Church has had to dohave been done. From now on, it’shigh adventure, and followership isgoing to be tested in some interestingways.” 6 You have been sent to earthin this dispensation of time becauseof who you are and what you have
een prepared to do! Regardless ofwhat Satan would try to persuade usto think about who we are, our trueidentity is that of a disciple of JesusChrist!Mormon was a true disciple wholived in a day when “every heart washardened, . . . and there never hadbeen so great wickedness among allthe children of Lehi.” 7 How would youlike to have lived in that day? And yetMormon boldly declared, “Behold, Iam a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Sonof God.” 8Don’t you love Mormon? He knewwho he was and what his mission wasand was not distracted by the evil thatsurrounded him. In fact, he consideredhis calling to be a gift. 9Think what a blessing it is to becalled to give our gift of daily discipleshipto the Lord, declaring in wordand deed, “Behold, I am a disciple ofJesus Christ!”I love the story President Boyd K.Packer told of a dear sister who wasridiculed for following the prophet’sGilbert, Arizona, USAcounsel to store food. The one whocriticized suggested that if timesbecame desperate, her leaders wouldask her to share her food storagewith others. Her simple and resoluteresponse as a true disciple was,“At least I will have something tobring.” 10I love the women of the Church,young and old. I have seen yourstr<strong>eng</strong>th. I have seen your faith.You have something to give and arewilling to give it. You do this withoutfanfare or publicity, drawingattention to the God we worship, notyourselves, and with no thought ofwhat you will receive. 11 That’s whatdisciples do!I recently met a young woman inthe Philippines whose family becameless active in the Church when shewas only 7 years old, leaving heralone to walk a dangerous road tochurch week after week. She toldhow at age 14 she decided that shewould stay true to her covenants soshe would be worthy to raise herfuture family in a home “blessed bythe str<strong>eng</strong>th of priesthood pow’r.” 12The best way to str<strong>eng</strong>then a home,current or future, is to keep covenants,promises we’ve made to each otherand to God.That’s what disciples do!A faithful Japanese sister and herhusband visited our mission in Korea.She didn’t speak Korean and waslimited in her ability to speak English,but she had a willing heart to use herunique gifts and helping hands to dothe Lord’s work. That’s what disciplesdo! She taught our missionaries howto do a simple piece of origami—amouth that could open and shut. Shethen used the few English words sheknew to teach the missionaries to“open their mouths” to share thegospel—a lesson they will never forget,nor will I.May <strong>2014</strong>123
Visualize for a minute you andme standing together with the othermillions of sisters and brothers in HisChurch, going forth boldly, doingwhat disciples do—serving and lovinglike the Savior. What does it mean toyou to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?Mormon Helping Hands vests andshirts have been worn by hundredsof thousands of selfless disciples ofJesus Christ who have embraced theopportunity to provide temporal service.But there are other ways to serveas devoted disciples. Imagine with mesome of the possible spiritual “helpwanted” signs related to the work ofsalvation:• Help wanted: parents to bring uptheir children in light and truth• Help wanted: daughters and sons,sisters and brothers, aunts anduncles, cousins, grandparents, andtrue friends to serve as mentorsand offer helping hands along thecovenant path• Help wanted: those who listen tothe promptings of the Holy Ghostand act on impressions received• Help wanted: those who live the124gospel daily in small and simpleways• Help wanted: family history andtemple workers to link familieseternally• Help wanted: missionaries andmembers to spread the “goodnews”—the gospel of Jesus Christ• Help wanted: rescuers to find thosewho have lost their way• Help wanted: covenant keepers tostand firm for truth and right• Help wanted: true disciples of theLord Jesus ChristYears ago, Elder M. Russell Ballardissued a clarion call to the sisters ofthe Church when he said:“Between now and the day theLord comes again, He needs womenin every family, in every ward, in everycommunity, in every nation who willstep forward in righteousness and sayby their words and their actions, ‘Heream I, send me.’“My question is, ‘Will you be one ofthose women?’” 13I hope each of us can answer witha resounding “Yes!” I close with thewords of a Primary song:We are cov’nant [daughters] witha gift to give.We will teach the gospel by the waywe live.With each word and action, we willtestify:We believe, and we serve Jesus Christ. 14As true disciples, may we offerour willing hearts and our helpinghands to hasten His work. It doesnot matter if, like Brynn, we haveonly one hand. It does not matter ifwe are not yet perfect and complete.We are devoted disciples who reachout and help each other along theway. Our sisterhood reaches acrossthe generations to those faithfulsisters who have walked before.Together, as sisters and in unity withliving prophets, seers, and revelatorswith restored priesthood keys, wecan walk as one, as disciples, as servantswith willing hearts and handsto hasten the work of salvation. Aswe do so, we will become like theSavior. I so testify in the name ofJesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. See “Brynn,” lds.org/media-library/video/2011-01-<strong>00</strong>7-brynn.2. John 7:17.3. “I Am a Child of God,” Hymns, no. 301; orChildren’s Songbook, 2–3.4. See Matthew 19:16–22.5. Doctrine and Covenants 25:10, 13.6. Neal A. Maxwell, “The Old Testament:Relevancy within Antiquity” (addressto Church Educational System religiouseducators, Aug. 16, 1979), 4; si.lds.org.7. Mormon 4:11–12.8. 3 Nephi 5:13.9. See Moroni 7:2.10. In Boyd K. Packer, “The Circle of Sisters,”Ensign, Nov. 1980, 111.11. See 2 Nephi 26:29–30.12. “Love Is Spoken Here,” Children’sSongbook, 190–91.13. M. Russell Ballard, “Women of Righteousness,”Ensign, Apr. 2<strong>00</strong>2, 70; Liahona, Dec.2<strong>00</strong>2, 39.14. “Holding Hands around the World,” Friend,July 2<strong>00</strong>2, 44–45; Liahona, Oct. 2<strong>00</strong>3,F12–13.
By President Henry B. EyringFirst Counselor in the First PresidencyDaughtersin the CovenantThe path . . . we must take on our journey back to ourHeavenly Father . . . is marked by sacred covenants with God.We have been taught with spiritualpower tonight. I praythat the words spoken bythese great sister leaders will go downinto your heart as they have into mine.This is an historic meeting. All thewomen of the Church eight years ofage and older have been invited tojoin with us tonight. Many of us haveprayed that the Holy Ghost would bewith us. That blessing was grantedas we heard these sisters speak andlistened to the uplifting music. I praythat the Spirit will continue to be withus as I offer some words of encouragementand testimony in additionto what has already been said—andparticularly to testify that what wehave been told is what the Lord wouldhave us hear.I will speak tonight about thepath—which in such beautiful wayshas been described today—that wemust take on our journey back to ourHeavenly Father. That path is markedby sacred covenants with God. I willtalk with you about the joy of makingand keeping those covenants andhelping others keep them.A number of you were baptizedrecently and received the gift of theHoly Ghost by the laying on of hands.To you that memory is fresh. Otherswere baptized long ago, so the memoryof your feelings of that covenantexperience may be less clear, butsome of those feelings come backwhenever you listen to the sacramentalprayers.No two of us will have the samememories of the day when we madethat sacred baptismal covenant andreceived the gift of the Holy Ghost.But we each felt God’s approval. AndRaymond, Alberta, Canadawe felt a desire to forgive and to beforgiven and an increased determinationto do right.How deeply those feelings wentdown into your heart was determinedlargely by the way you were preparedby loving people. I hope that thoseof you who came into the kingdomrecently are blessed to be sitting nearyour mother. If you are, you mightsend her a smile of thanks right now.I can remember the feeling of joy andgratitude as I sat behind my motheron the drive home from my baptism inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania.My mother was the one who hadcarefully prepared me for making thatcovenant and all the others that wouldfollow. She had been faithful to thischarge from the Lord:“And again, inasmuch as parentshave children in Zion, or in any of herstakes which are organized, that teachthem not to understand the doctrineof repentance, faith in Christ the Sonof the living God, and of baptism andthe gift of the Holy Ghost by the layingon of the hands, when eight yearsold, the sin be upon the heads of theparents.May <strong>2014</strong>125
Palmyra, New York, USA“For this shall be a law unto theinhabitants of Zion, or in any of herstakes which are organized.“And their children shall be baptizedfor the remission of their sinswhen eight years old, and receive the[Holy Ghost].” 1My mother had done her part. Shehad prepared her children with wordsmuch like those of Alma, as recordedin the Book of Mormon:“And it came to pass that he saidunto them: Behold, here are thewaters of Mormon (for thus were theycalled) and now, as ye are desirous tocome into the fold of God, and to becalled his people, and are willing tobear one another’s burdens, that theymay be light;“Yea, and are willing to mourn withthose that mourn; yea, and comfortthose that stand in need of comfort,and to stand as witnesses of God atall times and in all things, and in allplaces that ye may be in, even untildeath, that ye may be redeemed ofGod, and be numbered with those ofthe first resurrection, that ye may haveeternal life—“Now I say unto you, if this be thedesire of your hearts, what have youagainst being baptized in the nameof the Lord, as a witness before himthat ye have entered into a covenantwith him, that ye will serve him and126keep his commandments, that hemay pour out his Spirit more abundantlyupon you?“And now when the people hadheard these words, they clapped theirhands for joy, and exclaimed: This isthe desire of our hearts.” 2You may not have clapped yourhands when you first heard that invitationto covenant by baptism, but yousurely felt the love of the Savior and agreater commitment to nurture othersfor Him. I can say “surely” becausethose feelings are placed deep inthe hearts of all of Heavenly Father’sdaughters. That is part of your divineheritage from Him.You were tutored by Him beforeyou came into this life. He helpedyou understand and accept thatyou would have trials, tests, andopportunities perfectly chosen justfor you. You learned that our Fatherhad a plan of happiness to get yousafely through those trials and thatyou would help bring others safelythrough theirs. This plan is markedby covenants with God.It is our free choice whether wemake and keep those covenants.Only a few of His daughters have theopportunity in this life to even learnof those covenants. You are one of thefavored few. You dear sisters, each ofyou is a daughter in the covenant.Heavenly Father taught you beforeyou were born about the experiencesyou would have as you left Him andcame to earth. You were taught thatthe way back home to Him wouldnot be easy. He knew that it would betoo hard for you to make the journeywithout help.You have been blessed not only tofind the way to make those covenantsin this life but also to be surroundedby others who will help—who,like you, are covenant daughters ofHeavenly Father.You all have felt the blessing ofbeing in the company tonight ofdaughters of God who are also undercovenant to help and direct you asthey promised to do. I have seen whatyou have seen as covenant sisterskeep that commitment to comfort andhelp—and do it with a smile.I remember the smile of SisterRuby Haight. She was the wife ofElder David B. Haight, who was amember of the Quorum of the TwelveApostles. As a young man he servedas the president of the Palo Alto stakein California. He prayed over, andworried about, the girls in the MiaMaid class in his own ward.So President Haight was inspiredto ask the bishop to call Ruby Haightto teach those young girls. He knewshe would be a witness of God whowould lift, comfort, and love the girlsin that class.Sister Haight was at least 30 yearsolder than the girls she taught. Yet40 years after she taught them, eachtime she would meet my wife, whohad been one of the girls in her class,she would put out her hand, smile,and say to Kathy, “Oh! My Mia Maid.”I saw more than her smile. I felt herdeep love for a sister she still caredfor as if she were her own daughter.Her smile and warm greeting came
from seeing that a sister and daughterof God was still on the covenantpath home.Heavenly Father smiles on youas well whenever He sees you helpa daughter of His move along thecovenant path toward eternal life.And He is pleased every time you tryto choose the right. He sees not onlywhat you are but also what you maybecome.You may have had an earthlyparent who thought that you could bebetter than you thought you could be.I had such a mother.What I didn’t know when I wasyoung was that my Heavenly Father,your Heavenly Father, sees greaterpotential in His children than we oreven our earthly mothers see in us.And whenever you move upwardon that path toward your potential, itbrings Him happiness. And you canfeel His approval.He sees that glorious potential inall of His daughters, wherever theyare. Now, that puts a great responsibilityon each of you. He expects youto treat every person you meet as achild of God. That is the reason Hecommands us to love our neighborsas we love ourselves and to forgivethem. Your feelings of kindness andforgiveness toward others come asyour divine inheritance from Him asHis daughter. Each person you meet isHis loved spiritual child.As you feel of that great sisterhood,what we thought divides usfalls away. For instance, younger andolder sisters share their feelings withthe expectation of being understoodand accepted. You are more alikeas daughters of God than you aredifferent.With that view, young womenshould look forward to their entryinto Relief Society as an opportunityto enlarge their circle of sisters whomthey will come to know, admire, andlove.That same capacity to see whatwe can be is increasing in familiesand in Primary. It is happening infamily home evenings and in Primaryprograms. Little children are beinginspired to say great and marvelousthings, as they did when the Saviorloosed their tongues when He taughtthem after He was resurrected. 3While Satan may be attacking sistersat earlier ages, the Lord is liftingsisters to higher and higher levelsof spirituality. For example, youngwomen are teaching their mothershow to use FamilySearch to find andsave ancestors. Some young sistersthat I know are choosing to go earlyin the morning to perform proxy baptismsin temples without any urgingbeyond the spirit of Elijah.In missions across the earth,sisters are being called to serve asleaders. The Lord created the needfor their service by touching thehearts of sisters in greater numbersto serve. More than a few missionpresidents have seen the sister missionariesbecome ever more powerfulas proselyters and particularly asnurturing leaders.Whether or not you serve as afull-time missionary, you can gain thesame ability to enrich your marriageMay <strong>2014</strong>127
and the capacity to raise noble childrenby following the examples ofgreat women.Consider Eve, the mother of allliving. Elder Russell M. Nelson saidthis of Eve: “We and all mankind areforever blessed because of Eve’s greatcourage and wisdom. By partaking ofthe fruit first, she did what needed tobe done. Adam was wise enough todo likewise.” 4Every daughter of Eve has thepotential to bring the same blessingto her family that Eve brought to hers.She was so important in the establishmentof families that we have thisreport of her creation: “And the Godssaid: Let us make an help meet for theman, for it is not good that the manshould be alone, therefore we willform an help meet for him.” 5We don’t know all the help Evewas to Adam and to their family. Butwe do know of one great gift that she128gave, which each of you can also give:she helped her family see the pathhome when the way ahead seemedhard. “And Eve, his wife, heard allthese things and was glad, saying:Were it not for our transgression wenever should have had seed, andnever should have known good andevil, and the joy of our redemption,and the eternal life which God givethunto all the obedient.” 6You have her example to follow.By revelation, Eve recognized theway home to God. She knew thatthe Atonement of Jesus Christ madeeternal life possible in families. Shewas sure, as you can be, that as shekept her covenants with her HeavenlyFather, the Redeemer and the HolyGhost would see her and her familythrough whatever sorrows and disappointmentswould come. She knewshe could trust in Them.“Trust in the Lord with all thineheart; and lean not unto thine ownunderstanding.“In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he shall direct thy paths.” 7I know that Eve faced sorrows anddisappointments, but I also know thatshe found joy in the knowledge thatshe and her family could return to livewith God. I know that many of youwho are here face sorrows and disappointments.I leave you my blessingthat, like Eve, you may feel the samejoy that she felt as you journey backhome.I have a sure witness that Godthe Father watches over you in love.He loves each of you. You are Hisdaughters in the covenant. BecauseHe loves you, He will provide the helpthat you need to move yourself andothers upward along the way back toHis presence.I know that the Savior paid theprice of all of our sins and that theHoly Ghost testifies of truth. Youhave felt that comfort in this meeting.I have a testimony that all thekeys which bind sacred covenantshave been restored. They are heldand exercised today by our livingprophet, President Thomas S.Monson. I leave these words of comfortand hope with you, His belovedcovenant daughters, in the sacredname of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼NOTES1. Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–27.2. Mosiah 18:8–11.3. See 3 Nephi 26:14.4. Russell M. Nelson, “Constancy amidChange,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 34.5. Abraham 5:14.6. Moses 5:11.7. Proverbs 3:5–6.Shareable Video and QuoteScan this QR code or visit lds.org/go/Apr14Conf21 to watch this talkor to find a shareable picture quoteand short video from the talk.
Conference Story IndexThe following list of selected experiences related during general conference can be used in personal study, family homeevening, and other teaching. The number refers to the first page of the talk.SPEAKERNeil L. AndersenSTORY(18) A Laurel stands up for traditional marriage despite being ridiculed and called names.M. Russell Ballard (78) M. Russell Ballard “follows up” with Barbara Bowen, whom he meets at a college dance, begins dating, and eventually marries. An eight-year-oldboy invites his friend and his friend’s family to a ward open house in Buenos Aires.David A. BednarLinda K. BurtonQuentin L. CookHenry B. EyringDonald L. HallstromJeffrey R. HollandThomas S. MonsonRussell M. NelsonBonnie L. OscarsonBoyd K. PackerRonald A. RasbandLinda S. ReevesRandall L. RiddRichard G. ScottJean A. StevensGary E. StevensonMichael John U. TehWilliam R. WalkerClaudio D. Zivic(87) A truck gains traction in the snow after it is filled with a heavy load of firewood.(122) A young woman in the Philippines stays true to her covenants. A Japanese sister visiting Korea teaches the missionaries.(44) Vilate Kimball writes her husband about the “glorious doctrine” of baptism for the dead, as revealed by Joseph Smith.(22) Heinrich Eyring immigrates to America, joins the Church, serves three faithful missions, and leaves his family a heritage of hope.(62) Henry B. Eyring is shaped by boyhood heroes: his father, his Aaronic Priesthood leader, a U.S. marine, and baseball player Joe DiMaggio.(125) Forty years after being called to teach Kathy Johnson (future wife of Henry B. Eyring), Ruby Haight still showed love and concern for her.(53) Despite physical limitations, a faithful man in India serves a mission and prepares with his family to be sealed in the Hong Kong China Temple.(6) Two sister missionaries walk away without saying anything to a man who swears at them, throws food at them, and tries to hit one of them.(66) An 18-year-old navy seaman prays nightly despite jeers from others in his company. A young man bears testimony during sacrament meeting but isseen later that day smoking a cigarette.(91) Two women become lifelong friends after one helps the other learn her job as a seamstress in a clothing mill. Pass<strong>eng</strong>ers on an airline flight do notcomplain when their plane is diverted to pick up an injured boy and fly him to the hospital. A woman regrets not allowing a neighbor to take a shortcutacross her property.(29) Russell M. Nelson’s daughter Emily shows courage and faith as she is dying of cancer.(119) A young girl learns the joy of serving others as she and her mother care for a woman with multiple sclerosis. An 81-year-old sister is called toshare her wisdom, experience, and example as the ward’s Mia Maid adviser.(94) Boyd K. Packer receives a spiritual manifestation of the truthfulness of the gospel while praying in a bunker during World War II.(9) A fifth-grade girl is caught in a tornado and is protected by angels.(15) Linda S. Reeves teaches her daughter how to obtain relief through the Savior’s Atonement after the daughter sees disturbing images on television.(56) A young man decides to serve a mission rather than get married after he gains a glimpse of who he was in the premortal world.(32) The love and example of Richard G. Scott’s grandmother and his future wife aid him in his spiritual progression.(81) Jean A. Stevens is prompted to offer a ride to a young man who had missed the bus home from school. Members of the Gatrell family hold fast tothe gospel after Brother Gatrell is diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.(84) LDS Olympian Noelle Pikus-Pace wins a silver medal in the skeleton after years of practice and preparation. LDS Olympian Torah Bright showsChristlike love by hugging a nervous half-pipe competitor.(106) A 73-year-old Filipino woman stays true to the gospel after an earthquake and a typhoon kill her family.(97) Robert and Maria Harris join the Church and remain true and faithful to the gospel despite hardship and separation.(39) Claudio D. Zivic takes a wrong path by following another hiker.W. Craig Zwick (41) W. Craig Zwick and his wife show love for each other after she jumps with their infant son from the smoke-filled cab of their semitruck.May <strong>2014</strong>129
THEY SPOKE TO USMaking ConferencePart of Our LivesConsider using some of these activities and questions as astarting point for family discussion or personal pondering.For Children• President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,Second Counselor in the FirstPresidency, taught that we canchoose to be grateful no matterwhat hard things happen in ourlives (page 70). Being grateful willhelp us be happier and kinder andhave faith and trust in God. Howdo you feel when you are grateful?What can you do to feel gratitudeeach day?• Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Wom<strong>eng</strong>eneral president, told about Sarah,a young girl who went with hermom to help Brenda, a woman130with multiple sclerosis. Sarahbrushed Brenda’s hair, put lotionon her hands, massaged her fingersand arms, and helped her stretch(page 119). Think about waysyou can serve. Even when you’reyoung, there are many things youcan do.• Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorumof the Twelve Apostles taught abouthow a driver uses harnesses andbits to gently guide and lead a teamof horses (page 1<strong>00</strong>). The driverknows best, and the horse followsthe driver’s lead, just like the Lordknows what is best for us, and wecan be happy when we followHim. The harness and bit are likethe promptings of the Holy Ghost.When have you felt the Holy Ghostguide you? What did it feel like?• Jean A. Stevens, first counselor inthe Primary general presidency,told a story about a boy who hadmissed the last bus of the day andwas walking home (page 81). Withmany miles left to go, he got scaredand knelt to pray. Minutes later,Sister Stevens was prompted by theSpirit to stop and help him. Canyou think of times when HeavenlyFather answered your prayers? Howhave you helped answer someoneelse’s prayer?For Youth• President Thomas S. Monson taughtthat we need “the courage to sayno when we should, the courageto say yes when that is appropriate,the courage to do the right thingbecause it is right.” As you studyhis talk (page 66), think about thechall<strong>eng</strong>es you face. What plan canyou make to develop this kind ofcourage?• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of theQuorum of the Twelve Apostlesreminded us that if we love theSavior, we will keep His commandmentsand love others as He did(page 6). Even as we do so, wemust stand ready to defend ourbeliefs “with courtesy and withcompassion.” Do you know anyonewho disagrees with any of yourbeliefs? How can you be respectfulas you discuss and defend thosebeliefs?• Several speakers spoke directlyto the youth. For example, ElderNeil L. Andersen of the Quorum ofthe Twelve Apostles gave severalsuggestions to youth on how to
overcome “spiritual whirlwinds,”such as finding peace in the temple(page 18). As you read his andother general conference talks, considerwriting down ideas on how toremain strong.• One of the great evils of today ispornography. Linda S. Reeves, secondcounselor in the Relief Societygeneral presidency, said the bestfilter against such evil is a deep andabiding testimony of the gospel ofJesus Christ (page 15). How strongis your personal filter? What canyou do to str<strong>eng</strong>then it?For Adults• President Thomas S. Monsontaught that as we come to understandthe “incomparable gift” of theAtonement, we are filled with lovefor Heavenly Father, the Savior,and all of God’s children (page 91).How can this knowledge improveyour study of the Savior’s life andAtonement during personal andfamily scripture study and while inclass at church?• President Henry B. Eyring, FirstCounselor in the First Presidency,said that he owes much of his happinessto a great-grandfather whojoined the Church, served faithfully,and remained steadfast to the end,leaving his family a heritage ofhope (page 22). Consider making alist of everyone in your family andwriting down what covenants andordinances they need to continueon the covenant path. Make aplan to help your family membersreceive their next covenant.You could examine ways for yourcovenants to play a more significantrole in your life so that you cangive your family a heritage of hope.• Elder David A. Bednar of theQuorum of the Twelve Apostlesdeclared that adversity can lead usto rely on “the merits, mercy, andgrace of the Holy Messiah,” who“will help us to bear up our burdenswith ease” (page 87). As youread his talk and the talks beginningon pages 9, 18, 70, 81, and106, look for ways the Savior andHis gospel can help you face life’schall<strong>eng</strong>es.• The youth curriculum in Mayfocuses on prophets and revelation.As part of your gospel discussionswith youth at home and at church,consider studying the talks byElders Lawrence E. Corbridge (page103) and Marcos A. Aidukaitis(page 108) of the Seventy, lookingfor answers to the following questions:Why didn’t the detractors ofJoseph Smith leave him alone? Howcan we recognize truth in a worldthat increasingly attacks gospelteachings? ◼May <strong>2014</strong>131
NEWS OF THE CHURCHProgress on Temples Noted,New Officers Sustained atGeneral ConferenceDuring the past six months, “thework of the Church has movedforward unhindered,” PresidentThomas S. Monson said in his openingremarks at the Church’s 184th AnnualGeneral Conference.Reminiscing about the dedicationof the Gilbert Arizona Temple onMarch 2, <strong>2014</strong>, looking forward to theupcoming Fort Lauderdale FloridaTemple dedication, and anticipatingthe completion and dedication oftemples in many parts of the worldduring <strong>2014</strong> and 2015, PresidentMonson noted that when all previouslyannounced temples are completed,the Church will have 170operating temples throughout theworld.“Although we are currently concentratingour efforts on completingthe previously announced templesand will not be announcing any new132temples in the immediate future,”he said, “we will continue the processof determining needs and of findinglocations for temples yet to come.Announcements will then be madein future general conferences. Weare a temple-building and atemple-attending people.”During the conference, a newmember of the Presidency of theSeventy, four new General Authorities,a new Sunday School general presidency,and 42 Area Seventies weresustained.Elder Lynn G. Robbins was calledto the Presidency of the Seventy.Elder Jörg Klebingat of Kyiv,Ukraine, and Elder Chi Hong (Sam)Wong of Hong Kong, China, weresustained to serve in the First Quorumof the Seventy. Elder Larry S. Kacherof Midway, Utah, and Elder Hugo E.Martinez of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, weresustained as members of the SecondQuorum of the Seventy.Elder Tad R. Callister, who hadbeen serving in the Presidency ofthe Seventy and as a member ofthe Second Quorum of the Seventy,was sustained as the Sunday Schoolgeneral president, with John S. Tannerand Devin G. Durrant as first and secondcounselors.See a complete list of sustainingsand releases on pages 26–27, andfind biographies of Elder Robbins,the newly called Seventies, and theSunday School general presidencystarting on page 141.A week prior to general conference,the first general women’smeeting—for all women, youngwomen, and girls eight years ofage and older—was held in theConference Center. This meetingtakes the place of the previous generalRelief Society and general YoungWomen meetings. All of the messagesfrom the women’s meeting can befound on pages 116–28.Also prior to conference, theYoung Women general board wasreorganized, with sisters called for thefirst time from locations in addition toSalt Lake City, including Peru; SouthAfrica; Japan; Brazil; and Brooklyn,New York, USA. Read biographiesand see photos at lds.org/callings/young-women.“The Savior brought to this eartha message of love and goodwill to allmen and women,” President Monsonsaid at the end of the general conference.“May we ever follow His example.”He assured Church members andothers listening that “Heavenly Fatheris mindful of us. He will guide andbless us as we put our faith and trustin Him.” ◼
ARTISTS INVITED TO ENTERCOMPETITIONThe Church History Museuminvites Latter-day Saint artiststo create new works of artfor the 10th International ArtCompetition. Artists are encouragedto use their talents to createart that reflects the exhibitiontheme, “Tell Me the Stories ofJesus.” For this particular competition,works should focus only onstories from the New Testament.Details and online registrationare available at lds.org/artcomp,and artists who register will receiveinformation updates. Entries willbe accepted from November 3,<strong>2014</strong>, until February 27, 2015. Allartistic media, styles, and culturalapproaches are welcome.Participants must be age 18 orolder. Entries will be juried, andthe works that are chosen will bedisplayed at the Church HistoryMuseum and on the Internet startingOctober 2015. ◼AUXILIARY LEADERSHIPTRAINING TO BE AVAILABLEON LDS.ORGTo better meet the needs ofa growing Church, the generalpresidencies of the Relief Society,Primary, Young Women, YoungMen, and Sunday School intendto provide worldwide trainingannually via the Internet. It isanticipated that this training willbe available on LDS.org mid-yeareach year in many languages.Auxiliary leadership trainingmeetings that were held in SaltLake City in conjunction withApril general conference havebeen discontinued. General auxiliarypresidencies and their boardswill continue to provide in-persontraining at multistake meetings,as assigned. ◼New Movie Will Create Opportunityto Meet the MormonsDo you sometimes find yourselfwishing there was a simple wayto let others know that Latter-daySaints are just normal people who findpurpose and direction as they focustheir lives on Jesus Christ? That’s whata documentary movie soon to bereleased by the Church will helpyou to do.Meet the Mormons starts with alighthearted look at how members ofthe Church are often misperceived byothers. Then it introduces six families,each sharing personal experiencesand describing how the gospel helpsthem in their lives. Those featuredinclude:The Bishop. Jermaine Sullivanand his wife, Kembe, from Atlanta,Georgia, USA, work to create unityin a diverse community while raisingtheir three young sons.The Coach. Ken Niumatalolo, thehead coach of the U.S. Naval Academyfootball team in Annapolis, Maryland,USA, and his wife, Barbara, with thesupport of their children and the coachingstaff, keep the Sabbath day holy.The Candy Bomber. GailHalvorsen, a 93-year-old World War IIveteran, and his wife Lorraine, 90,from Amado, Arizona, USA, remindchildren of the value of service. Still apilot, Brother Halvorsen drops candyfrom an airplane as he did during theBerlin Airlift following the war.The Fighter. Carolina Marin, akickboxer from San José, Costa Rica,and her trainer and husband, Milton,balance their roles as spouses andAt an open house for cast members,President and Sister Uchtdorf greetCarolina Marin of Costa Rica.parents of young children with theirlove of competition.The Humanitarian. Bishnu andMangala Adhikari, of Kathmandu,Nepal, honor the beliefs and heritageof their homeland. Brother Adhikariis an <strong>eng</strong>ineer who has built roads,schools, and clean water systems thathave blessed many small communities.The Missionary Mom. Craigand Dawn Armstrong and their sonAnthony, from Salt Lake City, Utah,USA, tell how Sister Armstrong wasa homeless single mother when shemet the missionaries. The gospelthey shared helped her to turn herlife around. She later married Craig,and the story comes full circle whenAnthony goes on a full-time mission toSouth Africa to share the gospel thatso blessed his mother.Meet the Mormons will be shown inthe Joseph Smith Memorial Building inSalt Lake City, Utah, USA, and at otherlocations yet to be determined. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>133
Teaching at Church Should FollowChrist’s Example“We are trying to follow inthe Savior’s footsteps ofteaching,” said the newSunday School general president,Tad R. Callister, following generalconference.That means asking inspired questionsthat help people to become converted,he said. The goal is “to helpthem to understand and feel the Spiritof the gospel in their lives.”He said that he is impressed withCome, Follow Me, the online curriculumfor youth that includes the latest talksfrom general conference as well asChurch-produced media. Participationhas replaced lectures, he said, and“there is a definite shift from just teachinga lesson to trying to customize it tothe needs of the students in the class.”He added that Come, Follow Mehelps to bring about conversion andnot just pass on information. “I thinkwe’re going to raise up a generationof youth that are the finest teachersin the world, the finest parents inthe world,” he said, “because they’renow getting this experience as youthand not having to wait until [they are]adults . . . to find out how effectiveteaching and understanding can be.”Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher,Brother Callister said, and our teachingat church should bring people toChrist. Emphasizing the need to teachdoctrine clearly and concisely, he saidthat “anytime that we try to emulatethe Savior, we’re on good ground.” ◼MORMON CHANNELAUDIENCE GROWINGMillions of listeners andviewers worldwide enjoythe Mormon Channel, whichis broadcast in English andSpanish 24 hours a day, sevendays a week, from TempleSquare in Salt Lake City, Utah,USA.This official media channelfor the Church was launchedfive years ago. Many LatterdaySaints enjoy sharing itscontent with fellow membersand others. Content is commercialfree and includes threetalk-and-music radio streamsand short Mormon Messagesvideos.Find Mormon Channel atmormonchannel.org and alsoon YouTube, iTunes, Roku,Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter.Free mobile applications foriOS and Android users are alsoavailable. ◼Teachings for Our TimeFrom May <strong>2014</strong> through October <strong>2014</strong>, Melchizedek Priesthood and ReliefSociety lessons on fourth Sundays should be prepared from one or moretalks given in the April <strong>2014</strong> general conference. In October <strong>2014</strong>, talks maybe selected from either the April <strong>2014</strong> or the October <strong>2014</strong> general conference.Stake and district presidents should choose which talks will be used intheir areas, or they may delegate this responsibility to bishops and branchpresidents.Those attending fourth-Sunday lessons are encouraged to study theselected talks beforehand. Conference talks are available in many languagesat conference.lds.org. ◼134
Technology and Social MediaExpand Worldwide Reach ofGeneral ConferenceIn addition to the more than1<strong>00</strong>,<strong>00</strong>0 who participated in thefive sessions of the 184th AnnualGeneral Conference at the ConferenceCenter in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,millions more viewed or listenedto the sessions in 95 languages viatelevision, radio, satellite, and Internetbroadcasts.While the Conference Center inSalt Lake City seats 21,<strong>00</strong>0 people,the audience for general conferenceextends around the globe as millionsof Church members and others tunein. For more than 50 years, the Churchhas interpreted the proceedings innumerous languages. Today, technologymakes live viewing possible inmore than 2<strong>00</strong> countries around theworld.In addition to broadcasts inlocal chapels, the Church streamsthe conference live on LDS.org,BYUtv, BYUtv International, theMormon Channel, Roku, Facebook,and YouTube. Online viewershipduring the October 2013 generalconference increased approximately30 percent compared to the previousconference.Many also participate in generalconference through social media.A flood of tweets with the #ldsconfhashtag are posted on Twitter duringeach of the five conference sessions,making general conference one ofthe most discussed topics on Twitterat those times. For example, duringOctober 2013, 155,<strong>00</strong>0 tweets relatingto general conference were posted.(Each tweet is an individual commentof 140 characters or less.)Through its official social mediachannels, the Church posts messageslive from the conference in multiplelanguages, and it encourages othersto share those messages. Duringgeneral conference in October 2013,many additional viewers watched orlistened to general conference messagesafter seeing a post on socialmedia. Posts have been shared inEnglish, Spanish, and Portuguese.Conference proceedings arenow available to an ever-wideraudience. ◼Conference proceedings are now available to a wide audience, thanks to technology and social media.May <strong>2014</strong> 135
Websites Tell of Service, FaithLatter-day Saints provide serviceand share their faith all over theworld. Reports about such activitiesappear on country newsroom websites,which are regularly summarizedon newsroom.lds.org, the Church’sofficial resource for news media, opinionleaders, and the public.In the Pacific area, Latter-day Saintssupplied water, food, chain saws,water filters, generators, and otheremergency supplies to help Tongansfollowing the devastation of Tropical136Cyclone Ian. In Samoa, LDS youthjoined in a two-day interdenominationalevent with spiritual encouragement,music, dance, and sports.In Brazil, Church memberswearing Mormon Helping Handsshirts assisted in cleanup efforts anddistribution of supplies after floodingdamaged local neighborhoods andbusinesses, leaving many homeless.Elsewhere, members assistedwith distribution when the Church’sHumanitarian Services donated 211In Guatemala, more than 5<strong>00</strong> LDS youth gather to help plant 1,944 trees.wheelchairs to individuals with specialneeds. The ongoing donation inBrazil now totals nearly 7<strong>00</strong> chairs.In Africa, national and globalorganizations joined forces with LDSCharities, the humanitarian arm ofthe Church, in Ghana’s first nationalcampaign to eliminate measles andrubella by immunizing children frominfancy up to age 14. In Nigeria andGhana, a Helping Hands day benefittedthousands of people in 1<strong>00</strong> communitiesas Latter-day Saints of allages pitched in to build bridges, planttrees, weed, paint structures, andclean and beautify neighborhoods.In Zimbabwe, more than 60 LDSyouth volunteered to donate blood.And in South Africa, Latter-day SaintNozibele Makanda, the mother of six,was elected mayor of Queenstown,a city of 2<strong>00</strong>,<strong>00</strong>0.In Central America, more than5<strong>00</strong> LDS youth in Guatemala workedwith the local government to plant1,944 trees. In Costa Rica, LDS meetinghousesbecame collection pointsfor milk, and 370 Church volunteershelped deliver it to supermarkets participatingin an activity to provide forthose in need.And in Canada, Latter-day Saintsworked with the Christian-JewishDialogue of Montreal (Quebec) toprepare video interviews prior togovernment hearings on values.Those interviewed spoke in supportof community commitment to respect,understanding, tolerance, and religiousfreedom, stressing that religion remainsimportant in the lives of many citizensof Quebec.For a list of international countrynewsroom websites in various languages,see mormonnewsroom.org/newsroom-country-sites. ◼
The Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center features many displays that teach gospel truths to str<strong>eng</strong>then families.Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center ReopensIn the month following its reopening,more than 30,<strong>00</strong>0 guests visitedthe Mexico City Temple Visitors’Center, which had undergone twoyears of remodeling and expansion.All exhibits are now in Spanish andinclude original media developedspecifically for a Mexican audience.The remodeled center is also the firstvisitors’ center to include an entireexhibit area designed specificallyfor teaching gospel principles tochildren.This visitors’ center is the thirdlargest of 17 such facilities, mostof them located near a temple ora Church historic site. A visitors’center is currently under constructionnear the temple being built inRome, Italy, and centers are foundin England, New Zealand, Hawaii,and in nine states in the continentalU.S. The centers, designed towelcome active and less-activeLatter-day Saints as well as thoseof other faiths, not only acquaintpeople with the Church but alsohelp them to understand itsbeliefs and prompt a desire tolearn more about the Savior andthe Restoration of the gospel.They also provide messages tostr<strong>eng</strong>then families.Mexico is an anchor in theChurch, with more than 1.2 millionmembers, more than 2<strong>00</strong> stakes,and 12 temples. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>137
During their MTC experience, missionaries receive instruction about teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.Missionary Training Centers Help Hasten the Work of SalvationThroughout the world, 15 missionarytraining centers providetraining for more than 85,<strong>00</strong>0missionaries from 143 countries.Collectively the missionaries learn55 languages from 1,6<strong>00</strong> instructors,then serve up to two years in4<strong>05</strong> missions across more than 150nations.With the growth in the numberof missionaries since age requirementswere changed in October2012, the MTCs are accommodatinga greater number of missionariesthan ever before. With at least oneMTC in every hemisphere, the sunnever sets on training.Missionaries generally arriveat an MTC with a foundation ofreligious knowledge gained frominstruction at home and in theChurch. The centers provide additionaltraining that includes howto teach in the manner that JesusChrist taught and how to invitepeople to follow Him. Missionariespractice teaching situations, receivelanguage training where applicable,listen to weekly devotionaladdresses from Church leadersand MTC staff, and participate inservice opportunities.The largest MTC is located inProvo, Utah, USA. It provides trainingfor thousands of missionaries in 55languages. The second-largest MTC isfound in Mexico City, Mexico. In June2013 it was relocated from a smallerbuilding to a 90-acre campus thatpreviously housed a private Churchhigh school, Benemerito de lasAmericas. The former locationcould accommodate around 125missionaries at a time; the newlocation can accommodate morethan 1,<strong>00</strong>0.Additional MTCs are locatedin Buenos Aires, Argentina;São Paulo, Brazil; Santiago,Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; SantoDomingo, Dominican Republic;Preston, England; Accra, Ghana;Guatemala City, Guatemala;Auckland, New Zealand; Lima,Peru; Manila, Philippines;Johannesburg, South Africa; andMadrid, Spain. ◼138
Church AppliesWelfare Principlesin PhilippinesRecoveryMonths after Typhoon Haiyanstruck the Philippines inNovember 2013, destroyingnearly 1.2 million homes and killingmore than 6,2<strong>00</strong> people, the Churchcontinues to provide relief, shiftingefforts from disaster response tolonger-term relief. One particularlysuccessful effort involves volunteerswho have learned to build homes forthose still without shelter.The following community membersaffected by the storm are amongmany who expressed gratitude forhelp they received from the Church,even though they are not Latter-daySaints:• A woman who took refuge ina Mormon chapel during thetyphoon found out afterward thather home had been destroyedwhen coconut trees fell on it.She and her family did not havethe means to fix it, but volunteershelped her to build a newhouse, and she is now helpinganother family to construct ahome. “I learned to work togetherwith those who are also in needhere, so we can recover from [thetyphoon] together,” she said.• A man who lost his job when thebusiness where he worked wasdestroyed is now learning to buildhomes for his family and others.Volunteers nail plywood to the frame of a new house in Tacloban, Philippines.“We know we need to help oneanother so that work can be completedquicker,” he said, addingthat he is grateful for the Church’srelief efforts.Presiding Bishop Gary E.Stevenson said that, along withcaring for the poor and needy, “weare also seeing the principle of selfreliancein action right now, and it’srather astounding.” He said, “One ofthe things that we’re trying to do isprovide materials while [recipients]provide labor. Anyone who is receivinga shelter is also working to buildthat shelter themselves.”Local Church leaders and humanitarianrepresentatives are meeting withlocal community leaders to give vocationaltraining and certification to peoplewho have learned carpentry skills.Perpetual Education Fund resourceshave been used to bring in 20 mastercarpenters to assist with training, and2,<strong>00</strong>0 of 3,<strong>00</strong>0 projected houses havealready been completed.Local trainees demonstrate theirlearning by building 10 shelters toreceive government certification anda toolbox from the Church, enablingthem to seek gainful employment.There is such an acute need for constructionworkers that Catholic ReliefServices has agreed to hire hundredsof carpenters trained by the LDSChurch.Bishop Stevenson said that 5<strong>00</strong>members of the Church attended ameeting where ecclesiastical leadersdescribed the job training and certification,“and as this was describedto them, they broke out in applauseand tears, knowing that they couldsee a pathway . . . to provide for theirfamilies.”The Church has also worked withseveral other charitable organizationsas well as the Philippine governmentin a continuing effort to deliver food,water, medical supplies, hygiene kits,generators, shelter kits, cooking kits,fishing gear, and seeds for planting.The Church has learned that themost effective way to respond todisasters is to work locally, purchasingneeded supplies in the affectedcountry, as near to the disaster aspossible. Not only does this ensurethat the goods are appropriate forthe area, but it also helps build upimpaired local economies.Members worldwide are encouragedto pray for those in disaster areasdistant from where they live, and toconsider increasing their fast-offeringdonations or donating to the Churchhumanitarian fund. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>139
Clean-WaterInitiative AidsMillions in AfricaFor more than two decades, theChurch has been involved inclean-water projects in morethan 1<strong>00</strong> countries. In Africa alone,these projects have blessed the livesof more than four million peopleby providing wells, water storageand delivery systems, and waterpurification.One such project took placeon Idugo Island, off the coast ofMozambique. Most of the 15,<strong>00</strong>0people who live on the island workon family farms, fish the surroundingwaters of the Indian Ocean, or work atevaporation ponds to gather salt fromseawater. The island has no runningwater, electricity, roads, or vehicles.Access to the island is by handmadeboats or dugout canoes.For centuries, the only drinkingwater sources on Idugo have beenshallow wells dug by hand. Thewells are continually filled with siltand debris. They provide muddy,hard-to-access water. During therainy season, water becomes polluted,causing cholera, diarrhea, and otherdiseases.When Church humanitarian missionariesheard about the conditionson Idugo, they met with communityleaders there. Together they workedout a plan for Church HumanitarianServices to provide materials, tools, andinstructions to build 10 cement-linedwells with steel lids, each capable ofserving 1,<strong>00</strong>0 people. The missionariesOn Idugo Island, Mozambique, villagers and local dignitaries attend a ceremonywhere official community use of a well begins.would provide hygiene and sanitationtraining, and villagers would provideall necessary labor for building andmaintaining the wells.From a staging point on themainland, four dump truck loads ofgravel, 3<strong>00</strong> bags of cement, two loadsof sand, steel rebar, and custom-madesteel cement forms were ferried overto the islands. Supplies were thencarried across the island on foot orby handcart. Several Church membersfrom Quelimane, Mozambique,camped out on the island for threemonths to help with teaching andconstruction.Wells were designed to allowrainwater drainage, eliminating contamination.In some communities,residents built wooden fences andbrick pathways around the wells,using brick they learned to makethemselves with materials donatedby the Church.At official ceremonies, ownershipof the wells was turned over tothe people of each village. Severalresidents who had worked on thewells expressed gratitude that theirnewly learned skills—making bricks,working with cement and reinforcingit with steel, and using tools—wouldenable them to find additional work.Others expressed appreciation for theopportunity to learn leadership skills.Following the next rainy season,no waterborne diseases were reportedin the villages with wells.According to the World HealthOrganization, more than one billionpeople worldwide lack access toclean water. Thanks to the Church’sclean-water initiative, that numberis being reduced through a processthat involves community members inplanning and implementing projects,providing labor to build needed facilities,receiving training, and maintainingcompleted resources.In addition to clean-water projectsthroughout Africa, the Church sponsorsclean-water initiatives in Asia,Central America, Eastern Europe,India, Indonesia, the Pacific Islands,South America, Southeast Asia, andother locations around the world. ◼140
Elder Lynn G.RobbinsPresidency of the SeventyElder JörgKlebingatFirst Quorum of the SeventySince being called as a General Authority in April1997, Elder Lynn G. Robbins has enjoyed the “sweetblessing of becoming acquainted with Saints all overthe world.”“You feel an immediate bond with people whereveryou go,” he says.Elder Robbins hopes to continue to meet Latter-daySaints across the globe while serving as a member of thePresidency of the Seventy.Lynn Grant Robbins was born October 27, 1952, inPayson, Utah, to Joshua Grant and Evelyn R. Robbins.He spent his early life in Springville, Utah, where he metJan Nielson, whom he has known since childhood. Theymarried June 27, 1974, in the Manti Utah Temple and arethe parents of seven children; they have 15 grandchildren.Elder Robbins received a bachelor’s degree in Spanishand political science from Utah State University andan MBA in international management from AmericanGraduate School of International Management inGlendale, Arizona, USA. He was the cofounder andsenior vice president of Franklin Quest.Elder Robbins was serving as president of theUruguay Montevideo Mission when he received his callto the Second Quorum of the Seventy. Three years laterhe became a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy.He has served as president of the South America SouthArea, the Central America Area, and the North AmericaWest Area. He has also served in the North AmericaCentral Area.A great blessing of this service was the chance toreturn to Argentina, where he served as a full-time missionary.While in Argentina as a young elder, he served inJujuy, an area with one branch. When he returned to thearea years later, he found a stake of the Church witha dozen units.“You see that all over the world,” he says. “This is aday of miracles.” ◼Elder Jörg Klebingat has lived life with persistence. Hebelieves in being obedient, keeping the commandments,and following the promptings of the Spirit.Born December 19, 1967, to Klaus-Peter and DorisElke Klebingat, Elder Klebingat grew up in Zweibrücken,Germany, without the influence of the gospel. As a teenager,he met a member of the Church at a music concert,and the two became friends.“When I visited my new friend, I was impressed by hisfamily,” he recalls. “I felt the Spirit in his home and wantedto attend church.”It was at that first Church meeting that he heard of theBook of Mormon. His friend gave him a copy with his testimonythat it was true, and Elder Klebingat left the meetingsdetermined to find out for himself.“I was somewhere in 1 Nephi when I got my witnessthat the book was true,” Elder Klebingat said. “Gaining awitness of the Prophet Joseph Smith was also a definingmoment for me. On my mission, I always asked my companionsif I could tell that part of the story.”Prior to his full-time mission in the Colorado DenverMission, Elder Klebingat served in the German army for18 months. He was sealed to Julia Poltorak in the Salt LakeTemple on December 21, 1992. They have three children.Elder Klebingat earned a degree in Russian languagestudies from Ricks College and later a master’s degree inorganizational behavior from Brigham Young University.He worked as a business management consultant for PriceWaterhouse and Arthur Andersen and in several capacitiesfor the Church.Prior to this call, Elder Klebingat served as a stake youngsingle adult representative, elders quorum president, YoungMen president, high councilor, branch president, andbishop. He will finish serving as president of the UkraineKyiv Mission in June <strong>2014</strong>. He was sustained a member ofthe First Quorum of the Seventy on April 5, <strong>2014</strong>. ◼May <strong>2014</strong>141
Elder Chi Hong(Sam) WongFirst Quorum of the SeventyElder Larry S.KacherSecond Quorum of theSeventyAs a new convert and student at Brigham YoungUniversity-Hawaii, Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wonggained much more than an education—he gaineda sure knowledge that there is a God who knows “thedetails of our lives.”Born on May 25, 1962, in Hong Kong, China, to NganKan and Fat Wong, Elder Wong was one of seven childr<strong>eng</strong>rowing up in a small apartment.At work he met Carol Lu, who introduced him to thegospel. The young investigator was baptized February 14,1982.A year later, on July 9, 1983, he married Carol. Theymoved to Laie, Hawaii, USA, so he could attend school.Because he was on a student visa, Elder Wong could workonly 20 hours a week. “We had to really exercise our faithand prayers,” he said of what it took to sustain his family.He worked hard to earn a scholarship, then he took asmany credit hours as the university would allow. “It wasn’teasy,” he recalls. “Once we had that experience we knewwe could always rely on the power of heaven.”The Wongs were sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple onAugust 9, 1984, and their first child was born; three morechildren would eventually join the family. “Those yearswere very special, very sacred,” Elder Wong said.Elder Wong earned a bachelor of science degree inaccounting and an associate of science degree in computerscience; then he felt the need “to go back to Hong Kongto serve.”He later received an MBA from the Hong Kong OpenUniversity. Elder Wong was the founder and partner of abusiness and quality consulting company and also workedat a materials testing and inspection group where he beganas the senior accountant and left the company as the deputymanaging director.Prior to being sustained on April 5, <strong>2014</strong>, as a memberof the First Quorum of the Seventy, he served as a bishop,stake president, and Area Seventy. ◼After many promptings during his young adult years,Elder Larry S. Kacher began to recognize a greaterpower guiding him in his life. At age 19, sensitivityto the Spirit led him to the gospel of Jesus Christ—a changethat has made all the difference.He was born on February 12, 1952, the second oldest ofthe five children born to Albert and Elaine Kacher; he grewup in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA.After high school he went to Europe to ski, and aftermore than six months there he felt he needed to returnhome. Once home, he felt like he needed to go somewhereelse but didn’t know where. A childhood friend planned tomove to Utah, and Elder Kacher decided to move with him.While in Utah, Elder Kacher enrolled at Brigham YoungUniversity, learned about the Church, and was baptized.“As the missionaries taught us, I felt it was true,” he says.“As I prayed, I felt that the Church was true.”He decided to serve a mission and was called to theTahiti Papeete Mission in 1973. After returning home, hewent back to school at BYU, where he met Pauline Miller.They were married in the Manti Utah Temple on October29, 1976, and are the parents of six children and the grandparentsof 11 grandchildren.Elder Kacher earned a bachelor’s degree in psychologyand a master’s degree in organizational behavior—bothfrom BYU. His career involved consulting to large companiesnationally and internationally.Prior to being sustained on April 5, <strong>2014</strong>, as a memberof the Second Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Kacher servedas a branch president, elders quorum president, bishop,and stake president’s counselor. He presided over theSwitzerland Geneva Mission from 2<strong>00</strong>0 to 2<strong>00</strong>3. A few yearsafter his return from Switzerland, his work took him to AbuDhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he was called to serveas the first Area Seventy in the Middle East. ◼142
Elder Hugo E.MartinezSecond Quorum of theSeventyTad R. CallisterSunday School GeneralPresidentIn 1982, Elder Hugo E. Martinez and his wife, Sister NuriaAlvarez de Martinez, were both in their medical residencytraining in Mississippi, USA, when an unexpected knockcame at their front door.There stood two Mormon missionaries.“We opened our home to them, but we knew nothingabout The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wedidn’t even know about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir,”Elder Martinez says, smiling.Still, the gospel lessons shared by the elders immediatelyresonated with the young couple. They soon accepted themissionaries’ invitation to be baptized.“And we have not looked back ever since.”On April 5, <strong>2014</strong>, Elder Martinez was called to theSecond Quorum of the Seventy, becoming the first GeneralAuthority from the Caribbean. He is understandably “overwhelmed”by his new assignment.“But then a sweet sense of peace comes over me andlets me know that the Lord is in charge,” he says.A year and one month after their baptism, Hugo andNuria Martinez were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple onOctober 3, 1983. They are the parents of five children andhave five granddaughters.Elder Martinez was born on January 10, 1957, inMayagüez, Puerto Rico, to Hugo E. Martinez-Sandin andDaly Morales-Alamo de Martinez. While a young man, hechose to follow his father’s professional path and becomea physician. He received his medical degree from theUniversity of Puerto Rico (1981) and completed his residencyat the University of Mississippi (1984). He practicedmedicine until he retired in 2<strong>00</strong>4.A short time after his baptism, he was called to be ayouth Sunday School teacher. He would later serve as abishop, counselor in the stake presidency, district president,and counselor in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission presidency.He also presided over the Guatemala GuatemalaCity Central Mission and was serving as an Area Seventywhen he was called to be a General Authority. ◼Decades before his recent call as Sunday School generalpresident, Sunday School played a pivotal rolein the life of Tad R. Callister.While Brother Callister was serving as Sunday Schoolpresident in a ward at Brigham Young University, he got toknow his future wife, Kathryn L. Saporiti, whom he marriedon December 20, 1968, in the Los Angeles Temple.They are the parents of two daughters and four sons;they also have 24 grandchildren. “A lot of good thingshappen when you’re the Sunday School president,”Brother Callister says.Born December 17, 1945, in Glendale, California, toReed Eddington and Norinne Callister, he declares thathe—like Nephi—was born of “goodly parents.”“My father was my bishop when I grew up,” saysBrother Callister. “He used to carry around little cards, andhe would memorize vocabulary words and scriptures andShakespeare.”Like his father, Brother Callister pursued a legal career.After graduating in accounting from Brigham YoungUniversity, he attended law school at the University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles, and earned a master’s degree intax law from New York University. He was employed as apracticing attorney with the firm of Callister & Callister.At the time of his call, Brother Callister had just beenreleased from his calling in the Presidency of the Seventyand in the Second Quorum of the Seventy, where he hadserved since 2<strong>00</strong>8.Prior to that, he served as president of the CanadaToronto East Mission, Area Seventy, regional representative,stake president, bishop, stake mission president, eldersquorum president and, as a young man, a missionary inthe Eastern Atlantic States Mission.Commenting on the upcoming changes in the adultSunday School curriculum, Brother Callister says, “Thecurriculum is, of course, very important, but it’s not asimportant as the way people teach. The most importantthing is that we teach in the Savior’s way, that we teach bythe Spirit, and that we teach for conversion.” ◼May <strong>2014</strong>143
John S. TannerFirst Counselor in theSunday School GeneralPresidencyDevin G. DurrantSecond Counselor in theSunday School GeneralPresidencyFrom his childhood, John Sears Tanner has found joy inlearning.That excitement has extended to his education,career, and his many opportunities to teach the gospel: firstas a missionary in the Brazil South Mission and then as abishop, stake president, high councilor, Gospel Doctrineteacher, president of the Brazil São Paulo South Mission(which concludes this summer), and now as first counselorin the Sunday School general presidency.“When [teaching] happens right, the Holy Ghost is thereand you feel the excitement of learning; you feel like you’reon sacred ground,” President Tanner says.Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 27, 1950, to WilliamCoats Tanner Jr. and Athelia Sears Tanner, President Tannergrew up in South Pasadena, California, USA, as the fifth of13 children. His parents created a rich educational environmentin the home, including a strong gospel core. “Idon’t remember learning anything at church that I hadn’talready learned at home,” he says. He also developeda love for literature that was nurtured as he pursued anEnglish degree from Brigham Young University and a doctoratein English at the University of California, Berkeley.While at BYU he met Susan Winder. The two developeda strong friendship from which they later built aromantic relationship. They were married in the Salt LakeTemple in 1974. Together they have raised five children.President Tanner began his academic career as anassistant professor at Florida State University. He becamea member of the faculty at BYU in 1982; he has workedthere ever since as an assistant, associate, and full professorof English, and as department chairman and academicvice president.The most important part of gospel teaching, he says,comes from something he learned early in his career:teaching must come not from a place of fear or ambitionbut from a place of love—from charity, the pure love ofChrist. ◼When Devin G. Durrant was called as the secondcounselor in the Sunday School generalpresidency, it’s possible many Church membersflashed back to his glory days in a Brigham YoungUniversity basketball jersey.Sports, of course, have played an important role inPresident Durrant’s life. He even spent a season competingin the NBA against the top players in the United States.But he’s been much more than a star athlete: a missionaryin Madrid, Spain, a husband, a father, a grandfather, anauthor, a businessman, a faithful member, and the TexasDallas Mission president for the past two and a half years.President Durrant, born October 20, 1960, in BrighamCity, Utah, says his childhood home played a pivotal rolein preparing him for each of those life roles. His parents,George and Marilyn Durrant, were gifted teachers.“Certainly, they taught through their words—but really,the great teachings that I experienced in the home wereby watching them live their lives.”President Durrant and his wife, Julie Mink Durrant,know well the importance of strong teachers in preparingfuture missionaries.“[Future missionaries] are being well taught by theirparents in the home and by their teachers at church andin excellent seminary and institute programs.”The Sunday School program, he added, allows instructorsand students of all ages “to teach in the Savior’s way.”President and Sister Durrant were married in the SaltLake Temple on April 23, 1983, and are the parents of sixchildren and have six grandchildren.Prior to his calling as a mission president, he served asa bishop, stake presidency counselor, stake Sunday Schoolpresidency member, and institute instructor.He earned an undergraduate degree in AmericanStudies from Brigham Young University and an MBA fromthe University of Utah. He is the owner of a real estateinvestment company. ◼144
© ELSPETH YOUNG, MAY NOT BE COPIEDGrowing Light, by Elspeth YoungIn 1830, Isaac Morley let 12-year-old Mary Elizabeth Rollins borrow his brand-new copy of the Book of Mormon.As this was the only copy of the Book of Mormon in Kirtland, Ohio, at the time, newly baptized Mary Elizabethand her family took turns reading it late into the night. Early the next morning, she opened the book again andmemorized the beginning lines of 1 Nephi. The light in the painting symbolizes the lightthat flooded Mary Elizabeth as she read.
“As we ponder the messages we have heard, may we resolve todo a little better than we have done in the past,” said PresidentThomas S. Monson during the closing session of the 184thAnnual General Conference of the Church. “May we be kind andloving to those who do not share our beliefs and our standards.The Savior brought to this earth a message of love and goodwillto all men and women. May we ever follow His example.”