Summary
Highlights
The 195th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begins with musical performances by the Tabernacle Choir. President Dallin H. Oaks conducts the session, acknowledging President Russell M. Nelson's remote participation. The session includes the sustaining of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities and officers. Several General Authority Seventies and the Young Men General Presidency are also released and new leadership is sustained.
Jared B. Larson, Managing Director of the Church Auditing Department, presents the 2024 Church Audit Report, confirming that Church funds were recorded and administered in accordance with approved budgets and policies. Attendees are informed of upcoming speakers, including President Jeffrey R. Holland, President Camille N. Johnson, and Elder Ronald A. Rasband, with musical performances interspersed.
President Jeffrey R. Holland speaks on the importance of becoming as little children, emphasizing purity, innocence, and humility. He shares a touching story about Easton Darrin Jolley, a young boy with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, who, despite his physical challenges, courageously fulfilled his duty to pass the sacrament, demonstrating profound faith and love.
President Camille N. Johnson discusses gaining spiritual wholeness through faith in Jesus Christ, even while awaiting physical and emotional healing. She uses the parable of the ten lepers and the five wise virgins to illustrate the concept of being made whole by filling one's lamp with the oil of conversion and letting one's light shine brightly.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband highlights the rapid growth and influence of the Church, fulfilling prophecies made by Joseph Smith. He emphasizes the unprecedented pace of temple building, record-breaking missionary work, and increasing enrollment in Church educational programs as evidence of the Lord's work hastening throughout the world. He encourages members to give 'equal time' to the Lord amidst their daily lives.
Elder Quentin L. Cook shares insights from the dedication of the Casper Wyoming Temple, drawing parallels between the pioneer's journey on the Overland Trail and life's challenges. He emphasizes that the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate rescue from trials and encourages members to rescue others, gratefully accept the Atonement, and contemplate it through sacrament meeting and temple attendance.
Elder Ricardo Giménez explores the deeper meaning behind prophetic invitations and traditions, urging members to connect their actions with their love for the Savior rather than simply completing tasks. He emphasizes understanding 'why' we do things as disciples, strengthening our covenantal relationship with God, and recognizing the essential role of the restored Church.
President Henry B. Eyring invites listeners to draw nearer to Jesus Christ by remembering Him, diligently studying scriptures, praying, and serving others. He shares personal experiences of feeling the Savior's love through simple acts of obedience, echoing the account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus who recognized the resurrected Lord. He testifies of the importance of covenants and being a witness of the Savior.
The session concludes with a hymn, 'Come, Come, Ye Saints,' followed by a benediction offered by Elder Jorge F. Zeballos. He expresses gratitude for the General Conference, the messages shared, and the music, and offers prayers for Church leaders, nations of the world, and for all of God's children to be invited to come unto Christ.