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Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles concluded the Saturday afternoon session of the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by highlighting a recent increase in church membership.
“In the last 36 months, nearly 900,000 converts have joined the Church. These converts constitute approximately 5% of the total Church membership,” Elder Cook said. “In the first six months of this year, conversions have risen by more than 20% over the previous year in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America. In North America, we have seen a 17% increase.”
He encouraged members to welcome new and returning individuals to the faith, referencing remarks made earlier in the session by Elder Gerrit W. Gong.
“As we contemplate the challenges of our day, we must remember that the Savior, during His earthly ministry, also lived in turbulent and violent times. His focus was not on the political challenges of the day; it was on the perfection of the Saints. Following the Savior and His doctrine and teachings has never been easy in a world that is constantly in commotion. It was not easy for the Savior in the volatile world during his mortal sojourn, it was not easy for our early leaders and members, and it is not easy for us. Fortunately, living prophets provide the guidance we respectfully need for our day. President Dallin H. Oaks will continue that spiritually powerful legacy,” Elder Cook said.
The session was conducted by Elder David A. Bednar from Salt Lake City’s Conference Center. He noted President Russell M. Nelson’s passing: his presence “will be greatly missed.”
Elder Ronald A. Rasband focused his address on “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” marking its 30th anniversary this year.
“Everyone belongs to a family, whether you are a mother, father, daughter, son, grandchild, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister or cousin. Most importantly each of us are as [the Family] Proclamation states ‘a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents . . . [with] a divine nature and destiny,’” he said.
He stated that as then President Gordon B. Hinckley declared in 1995, this proclamation is considered doctrine within church teachings.
Addressing feelings of isolation among churchgoers or those who feel they do not belong at church gatherings or activities, Elder Gerrit W. Gong invited all to “worry less, judge less, be less demanding of others — and when needed be less hard on ourselves.”
“On the dusty roads to Jericho each of us has been laughed at embarrassed and hurt perhaps scorned or abused. And with varying degrees of intent each of us has also disregarded not seen or heard perhaps deliberately hurt others,” he added.“It is precisely because we have been hurt and have hurt others that Jesus Christ brings us to His inn.In His Church and through His ordinances and covenants we come to each other and to Jesus Christ.We love and are loved serve and are served forgive and are forgiven.Please remember ‘earth has no sorrow that heav’n can’t heal’; earth burdens lighten — our Savior’s joy is real.”
Brother Chad H.Webb First Counselor in Sunday School General Presidency spoke about learning diligently with help from what he called “a perfect tutor” —the Holy Ghost—when studying gospel principles.“The gospel is not a list of demands; it’s good news that Jesus Christ overcame sin and death,” he said.
Elder Jeremy R.Jaggi,a General Authority Seventy discussed altars’ historical use for worship,and extended an invitation:“Our Savior’s arms are outstretched;His table is spread.Come worship Son God at His holy altars.”
Elder Kevin G.Brown,a General Authority Seventy emphasized three central beliefs from Restoration teachings:God as loving Heavenly Father,the gift agency,and testimony through Holy Ghost.“A testimony through Holy Ghost can come many ways.Like light bulb dark room,it can come dramatically suddenly.It can come like sunrise gradually over time.It can come like rays light intermittent exposure pure intelligence.What matters is it comes through Holy Ghost.”
Elder Michael Cziesla,a General Authority Seventy addressed benefits applying simple doctrine.“Applying doctrine Christ simplified focused way will help find joy daily lives,give guidance callings answer some life’s most complex questions provide strength face greatest challenges,”he said.
Music during session came from combined institute choir Ogden South Jordan Utah,directed Alan Saunders Alan Sackett with Joseph Peeples Linda Margetts organ.Elder Christophe G.Giraud-Carrier Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman offered prayers.
Speakers,in order included:Elder Ronald A.Rasband,Brother Chad H.Webb,Elder Jeremy R.Jaggi,Elder Kevin G.Brown,Elder Gerrit W.Gong,Elder Michael Cziesla,Elder Quentin L.Cook.
