Summary
Highlights
The broadcast begins from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the Saturday afternoon session of the 193rd Semiannual General Conference. President Dallin H. Oaks conducts the session. Music is provided by a multicultural choir from northern Utah, directed by Alyssa Jenks and Kasey Bradbury, with Linda Margetts and Joseph Peeples on organ. The choir performs 'O Thou Rock of Our Salvation'. Elder Moises Villanueva offers the invocation.
President Henry B. Eyring presents the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for a sustaining vote. This includes sustaining Russell M. Nelson as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator; Dallin H. Oaks as First Counselor in the First Presidency; and Henry B. Eyring as Second Counselor. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, including M. Russell Ballard as Acting President, are also sustained, along with other General Authorities and Area Seventies.
The choir performs 'Jesus Once of Humble Birth'. Elder Neil L. Andersen then shares an experience from South America about a bakery owner who was protected during a blackout after consistently paying tithing. He emphasizes that tithing is a matter of faith and brings both temporal and spiritual blessings, including protection and the advancement of the Lord's work globally through missionary efforts, temple building, and educational institutions. He encourages faithful tithing and promises blessings, recounting personal stories of its impact.
Brother Jan E. Newman discusses the importance of children forming their own faith in Jesus Christ, referencing the Savior's visit to the Nephites and the parable of the wise man building on rock. He highlights that faith is not merely inherited but requires personal effort to 'dig deep' and find Christ. He contrasts this with King Benjamin's people, where not all children maintained their parents' covenants. He emphasizes teaching Christ constantly, using scriptures, and encourages parents to utilize teacher council meetings to strengthen families. He reassures parents that the Holy Ghost will touch their children's hearts.
Elder Joaquin E. Costa speaks about coming unto Jesus Christ and the power derived from faith and covenant keeping. He shares stories of individuals who faced extreme suffering but found strength through their faith in Christ, emphasizing that covenants are transformational, not merely transactional. He explains that remembering Christ daily and seeking His influence can ease burdens and provide peace, even amidst immense pain. He refers to the metaphor of being yoked with Christ to lighten life's load, highlighting that this is how we are perfected.
The congregation and choir sing 'There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today'. Elder Gary E. Stevenson discusses spiritual gifts and the importance of inviting and recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost. He provides four guiding principles: 'Stand in holy places' (temples, homes, meetinghouses), 'Stand with holy people' (gatherings, friends), 'Testify of holy truths' (sharing personal testimonies), and 'Listen to the Holy Spirit' (discerning subtle whispers). He cautions against forcing spiritual matters and encourages using personal judgment while seeking guidance.
Elder Yoon Hwan Choi focuses on finding happiness by staying on the covenant path. He explains the covenant path as a series of covenants starting with baptism and progressing through temple ordinances, connecting us to Christ's power. He shares personal anecdotes of returning to the path after struggles and the blessings of serving in callings, even when unexpected. He likens our covenant relationship with Christ to a yoke that enables us to accomplish more and endure challenges, making life happier and easier. He invites all to embrace the Savior’s call to find rest.
Elder Alan T. Phillips shares a personal story of losing his young son Jasper and the joy of reunion, relating it to the Savior's parables of the lost. He emphasizes understanding our 'Children of God' identity, recognizing the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, and acknowledging Heavenly Father's perfect love. He encourages caring for those in need and yoking ourselves with Christ through covenants. He concludes by stressing the importance of knowing our divine identity and Heavenly Father's love, inviting all to turn to Him in prayer for comfort, answers, and direction.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband addresses the gathering of Israel, praising its importance. He makes a heartfelt plea to senior members to serve as missionaries, noting a significant need for them compared to the number currently serving. He shares the inspiring story of Sister Rebecca Guzman, whose family was introduced to the Church by his own parents serving as senior missionaries. He highlights the unique contributions seniors can make, promising joy, spiritual growth, and blessings for their families and future generations. The choir then sings 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty', and Sister Andrea M. Spannaus offers the benediction.