Summary
Highlights
The 195th Annual General Conference Saturday afternoon session begins with organ music, followed by Elder Ulisses Soares conducting. He welcomes attendees, mentions President Russell M. Nelson is viewing remotely, and extends love and blessings. Music is provided by a northern Utah youth choir, directed by Geoff Anderson with Linda Margetts on organ, singing 'Sing Praise to Him.' Elder Alan T. Phillips of the Seventy offers the invocation, expressing gratitude for Jesus Christ's Atonement, current prophets, and praying for those suffering and in need during uncertain times, asking for an outpouring of light and hope.
Elder Andersen emphasizes the Savior's teaching 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.' He shares a story of a young woman who, after becoming pregnant out of wedlock and contemplating abortion, received immense support from her ward and chose to keep her baby, highlighting the Church's opposition to elective abortion. He cites President Nelson on ministering to individuals and notes that the sanctity of unborn life is a moral law. He encourages open discussion of chastity and life's sanctity with youth and shares an adoption story, and a couple who chose to carry their baby despite severe health issues, showcasing faith and courage. He concludes by stressing the diminishing love for unborn children as a grave concern and reiterates the importance of cherishing life as disciples of Jesus Christ.
President Lund speaks on the expansive reach and power of the Aaronic Priesthood, noting the annual ordination of thousands of young men into this lifelong ministry. He explains how the priesthood, restored by John the Baptist, prepares young men for service, teaching them to 'warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.' He shares a poignant story of deacons, teachers, and priests serving an elderly, initially hostile neighbor named Alan, eventually softening him and baptizing him by proxy after his death, demonstrating the profound impact of their ministering. He also recounts a bishop who, after losing his two-year-old daughter, bravely administered the sacrament, illustrating the comforting power of the Aaronic Priesthood covenants during immense grief.
Elder Roman recounts a near-drowning experience where divine power assisted him, illustrating President Russell M. Nelson's teaching that power from Jesus Christ is available to those who seek it intensely. He then discusses faith in Jesus Christ, equating it with trust, nurtured by recognizing His blessings and developing a relationship with Him. He encourages youth to increase this trust by meditating on heavenly experiences, recording spiritual memories, and engaging in sincere prayer. He emphasizes that making and honoring covenants with Christ builds hope and faith, sharing a personal story about a promise to his mother that shaped his conduct. He advises facing challenges undaunted, with faith as a light, and to expect miracles while letting God prevail. He concludes by inviting all to nurture their relationship with Christ, whose loyalty, love, and trust will shape character and lead to joy.
Elder Renlund addresses anxiety about the Second Coming by focusing on Jesus Christ's teachings in Matthew 25. He reviews the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the wisdom of accepting the gospel, seeking the Holy Ghost's guidance, and avoiding deception through trusted counsel and temple worship. He then explains the parable of the talents, highlighting that God expects us to magnify our individual abilities, not compare them to others, and to become our best selves with Christ's help. Lastly, he covers the parable of the sheep and goats, underscoring that serving others—especially the vulnerable—is serving God. He encourages following Christ, trusting the Holy Ghost, relying on loved ones, and using our gifts to help others, fostering joyful optimism and preparing the world for the Savior's return.
Elder Uchtdorf shares an experience of bringing a non-member friend to a humble branch meeting in Germany. Despite his initial embarrassment over the imperfections of the service, his friend was deeply moved by the members' genuine love for each other, recognizing it as Christ's ideal for His Church. Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes that the Church, though true and led by Christ, is made up of imperfect people. He highlights that visitors primarily notice how they feel and how members treat each other. He stresses the importance of changing hearts to align with the Savior, fostering unity not through sameness but through a shared objective and love for God and neighbor. He invites everyone, regardless of background or perceived differences, to participate, proclaiming that 'All are needed in the body of Christ' and that their contributions and striving to follow Christ are what truly belong.
Sister J. Anette Dennis offers the benediction, expressing gratitude for the conference, the Savior's atoning sacrifice, and the hope it provides. She thanks God for a prophet like President Nelson and prays for his strength and for the Church members worldwide, especially those facing difficult trials, asking that they feel the Savior's love and peace. She also prays for missionaries, both young and old, to find those seeking truth and for the conference messages to strengthen everyone in following Jesus Christ more closely, serving as His examples. The session concludes with a final blessing in the name of Jesus Christ.