Summary
Highlights
Elder Ronald A. Rasband conducts the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference. A combined choir from Brigham Young University, Idaho, performs 'Press Forward, Saints,' an invocation is offered, and the sustaining vote for General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers is presented, including releases and new callings.
Brother Jared B. Larson, Managing Director of the Church Auditing Department, presents the 2025 report. He affirms that contributions, expenditures, and assets for 2025 were recorded and administered in accordance with Church-approved budgets, accounting practices, and policies, emphasizing the Church's adherence to budget, avoiding debt, and saving for future needs.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson speaks about the concept of 'lost luggage' as a metaphor for Heavenly Father's precious children. He highlights the Kansai International Airport's record of never losing luggage due to its meticulous care, drawing parallels to how the Lord cares for His children. He invites members to be intentional handlers of God's 'precious cargo' through ministering and nurturing the rising generation, helping them develop spiritual skills and walk with Christ.
Elder Eduardo F. Ortega emphasizes that faith is not inherited but begins with a personal decision. He shares his grandmother's conversion story and his own journey to a personal testimony while serving a mission. He encourages new members and all saints to seek a personal testimony, act upon received knowledge, and press forward with steadfastness in Christ on the covenant path, which he likens to climbing a mountain—a firm and safe path, even if it's long and demanding.
Elder Juan Lieng Wu recounts his childhood experience in Chinese temples and his conversion to the Church at age 10. He likens his experience to King Lamoni's conversion in the Book of Mormon, where the king was willing to forsake all his sins to know God. He invites everyone to choose to believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him, emphasizing that knowing God and receiving eternal life comes by continuously repenting and obeying commandments.
Brother David J. Wunderli shares a story about his son carrying a heavy backpack of rocks, refusing to remove a picture of Jesus, highlighting that Jesus Christ is not a burden but relief. He emphasizes that Satan tries to separate us from Christ, but staying connected through daily worship, prayer, scripture study, and covenants eases burdens, strengthens character, and brings joy. He reiterates President Oaks' teaching that 'Jesus Christ is the way.'
Elder D. Todd Christofferson discusses how his ability to love has grown, experiencing the outpouring of love and prayers from saints. He reflects on God's infinite love, both universal ('love all') and individual ('love each'), comparing it to the vastness of the heavens yet the personal knowledge God has of each soul, like a sparrow. He reiterates that through Christlike love and service, we come to love all people, seeing their divine potential, whether they are familiar friends or strangers.
Elder Brian K. Ashton uses the analogy of a blind runner in a marathon guided by a tethered companion to illustrate our need for Jesus Christ as our guide through life's challenges. He emphasizes that Jesus Christ is not only 'the way' but also 'the path' to eternal life, accessible through the covenant path of faith, repentance, and ordinances. He stresses the importance of staying bound to Christ through covenants and following his living prophet to remain steadfast amidst doubts and difficulties.
Elder Clement M. Matswagothata shares the meaning of his surname, 'getting out of a difficult situation,' and how this reminds him of the Savior. He emphasizes that Jesus Christ knows each of us by name, understanding our joys and sorrows through His Atonement. He recounts a personal experience where a primary boy's prayer reminded him of the Savior's love and knowing presence. He invites all to choose to walk with Jesus Christ, reminding us that through faith and taking upon His name through covenants, we gain access to His enabling power for a better tomorrow.
Elder Ulisses Soares, in this sacred Easter season, reflects on the Savior's declaration: 'I am the true vine. Ye are the branches.' He emphasizes that abiding in Christ is a constant, conscious, and sacred choice, crucial for spiritual nourishment and growth. He warns against 'other tangled vines' of worldly philosophies that subtly lead us away from Christ, urging discernment through the Holy Ghost. He testifies that Jesus Christ is the true vine, the source of all light, truth, and genuine hope, urging us to remain connected to Him for eternal happiness.