President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, concluded the opening day of the 191 Semiannual General Conference by inviting his worldwide audience to seek personal revelation by first exercising faith.
“Just as our faith in Jesus Christ will have led us to ask the Father for answers, that faith will also have brought the Savior’s delicate touch enough for us to hear His guidance and be determined to obey,” he said.
President Eyring was joined Saturday night by a variety of leaders from diverse backgrounds and callings.
His longtime friend and fellow Apostle, President M. Russell Ballard, invited Latter-day Saints to do all they can to become better members, neighbors, and children of God.
The Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminded each listener that their Heavenly Father and their Savior, Jesus Christ, know and remember them.
“We cannot lose our love and hope in Jesus, even if we face seemingly overwhelming challenges. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus will never forget us. They love us ”.
Elder Brent H. Nielsen of the Presidency of the Seventy promised that the Savior can lift burdens when he submits to God’s will.
“We can move forward in faith knowing that when difficult times come, and surely they will come, or when sin encompasses our lives, the Savior will be with ‘healing on His wings’ inviting us to come to Him.”
Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, spoke of the Church’s “divine mandate” to care for the poor. It is a key element of Salvation and Exaltation.
“Our individual efforts [para cuidar a los necesitados] they do not necessarily require money or distant locations; they do require the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a heart willing to say to the Lord: ‘Here I am, send me.’
A General Authority Seventy, Elder Alfred Kyungu taught Saturday night that being a follower of Christ requires humility, courage, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
“To be a follower of Christ is to strive to adapt our actions, conduct, and lives to those of the Savior,” he said.
Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela, General Authority Seventy, testified of the power of the scriptures to deepen one’s conversion to the Lord. “The Scriptures and our knowledge of God are gifts. Gifts that we all too often take for granted. Let us appreciate these blessings. “
Elder Valenzuela’s colleague in the Seventy, Elder Marcus B. Nash, invited Latter-day Saints to share the joy of the gospel with others in a normal and natural way.
“The need to sustain our light has never been greater in all of human history. And the truth has never been more accessible – whether online, in person or through social media, ”Elder Nash said.
Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, shared a message that is both timeless and timely: Dignity is not perfection.
“God loves us as we are, but he also loves us too much to leave us this way. Growing up for the Lord is what mortality is all about. Change is what the Atonement of Christ is all about. Christ can not only resurrect, cleanse, comfort and heal us, but, through it all, He can transform us to become more like Him. “
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, led the Saturday evening session, which was open to all. Music was provided by the Temple Square Tabernacle Choir.
Young Men general president Brother Steven J. Lund offered the opening prayer. Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé offered the last prayer of the session.
–
