Summary
Highlights
President Dallin H. Oaks welcomes members and friends to the Saturday Morning Session of the 191st Annual General Conference, sharing gratitude for technology that allows worldwide participation despite COVID-19 constraints. The session includes music from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, with an invocation by Elder Robert C. Gay.
President Russell M. Nelson welcomes the global family to the general conference. He emphasizes that the Lord directs the Church and hastens His work, even amidst a pandemic. He thanks members for cultivating testimonies at home through increased gospel study and encourages prayer to identify and remove 'debris' from their lives to become more worthy, drawing parallels to the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf shares personal experiences of escaping war and finding divine hope through missionaries. He highlights that God lives, cares for us, and has restored His gospel and prophets. He emphasizes that all can become 'heirs of God' through Christ's Atonement, which allows for repentance and refinement. His message centers on the timeless truths of God's love and the joy found in following Jesus Christ, inviting listeners to let God prevail in their lives.
Sister Joy D. Jones emphasizes that children are 'primary' to Heavenly Father and should be valued, respected, and protected. She encourages parents to be intentional in teaching children the gospel early, helping them develop spiritual resilience through caring conversations and role-playing potential challenges. She stresses that accidental conversion is not a principle and highlights the importance of inviting the Holy Ghost to guide children toward Christ.
Brother Jan E. Newman shares experiences with influential teachers and highlights the vision of "Come, Follow Me" to deepen conversion to Jesus Christ within homes. He provides suggestions for Christlike teaching, including studying the Master Teacher, creating home-centered gospel learning (as exemplified by the miracles families experienced during the pandemic), and recognizing that conversion is a personal, internal journey that cannot be forced but can be nurtured through a supportive environment.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson shares the 'Rabbit Effect' story, demonstrating that kindness can lead to better health outcomes, extending gospel principles to physical well-being. He emphasizes Jesus Christ's commandment to love God and neighbor, and encourages children, youth, and adults to be kind and charitable. He condemns bullying and prejudice, particularly racial discrimination, and urges all to be role models of kindness, citing the historical example of Quincy, Illinois, as a 'city of refuge' for suffering Saints. He concludes by testifying of the Lord's watchcare and healing love.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong reflects on his father and personal experiences, using the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Chartres cathedral stained-glass windows to illustrate our eternal journey. He invites listeners to make the Church an 'inn'—a refuge for all, where each person feels welcomed regardless of background or marital status. He emphasizes finding perfection in Jesus Christ, not in worldly ideals, and becoming part of a gospel community centered on Him, looking forward to His temple and Second Coming.
President Henry B. Eyring shares deeply personal experiences in the temple, including a childhood memory of feeling 'light and hope,' and a revelation that prepared him for future service. He testifies that temples are holy places where revelation is easily received when hearts are open and worthy. He explains that sacred ordinances offer assurance of eternal family connections and emphasizes that worthiness is essential to 'see' the Savior in the temple. He encourages families to cultivate a desire for temple experiences in children, highlighting how proxy baptisms can deepen their understanding of Christ's Atonement and His work.
The session concludes with a prayer of gratitude for the general conference, the Easter season, and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The speaker expresses thanks for prophets and asks for strength and courage to act on promptings received, aiming to become kinder and bless others globally. The prayer emphasizes appreciation for all that has been done for humanity's return to God.