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President D. Todd Christofferson, recently appointed as Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited Las Vegas, Nevada, where he addressed thousands over a series of meetings from October 17 to 18.
During a special stake conference for the Las Vegas Nevada Blue Diamond Stake on Sunday, October 18, President Christofferson stated: “I want you to know that I know that He lives. I bless you that it will be your testimony and that you will feel the love and know of His concern and care for you — that you are the sheep of His fold and you can have total confidence and trust in the Resurrected Lord, His Church, His word and His Second Coming.”
His visit included leadership training sessions, a missionary meeting, and a youth devotional. At each event, he conveyed greetings from Church President Dallin H. Oaks. President Christofferson explained that his assignment had been scheduled months earlier; after consulting with President Oaks about whether to proceed following his new appointment, he was told: “Yes, and give them my love.”
President Christofferson reflected on witnessing two occasions where prophets were called and set apart—first with President Russell M. Nelson and now with President Oaks—and said he received direct confirmation each time.
The conference drew large crowds to the chapel and overflow areas. Members of the Blue Diamond stake are preparing for inclusion in the district of the Lone Mountain Nevada Temple—the second temple planned for Las Vegas—after its recent groundbreaking.
Before this temple’s dedication, President Christofferson encouraged members to become more holy and committed disciples.
Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency; Elder Jose L. Alonso (General Authority Seventy/President of United States Southwest Area); Elder Eduardo F. Ortega (General Authority Seventy); and Elder Thomas A. Thomas (Area Seventy) also spoke at meetings during the weekend.
Las Vegas has historical ties to early Latter-day Saint pioneers who settled in 1855 by building a fort near a spring-fed creek in what is now downtown Las Vegas. The first local stake was created in 1954; currently nearly 200,000 Latter-day Saints reside in Nevada across almost 350 congregations.
The Elko Nevada Temple became operational last week as Nevada’s third temple after Reno (dedicated in 2000) and Las Vegas (1989).
At Saturday morning’s combined leadership conferences for ten stakes held at Redrock Stake Center, President Christofferson acknowledged local spiritual strength: “Thank you for what you have done and what you are doing.” He added encouragement: “Just begin; you will find that the Spirit comes.”
Sister Yee emphasized opportunities within church service to experience relief through Jesus Christ: “Opportunities for us to facilitate an experience with the Savior and to feel His Spirit and to know Him better... And as we feel these experiences, we desire a covenant relationship with Him.”
Local leaders described feeling inspired by guidance provided during these meetings.
In an evening youth devotional attended by high school juniors and seniors—even those en route to their homecoming dance—President Christofferson urged them to support one another through prayerful action while participating in sharing their faith globally.
He also invited youth attendees to learn from Church leaders such as President Oaks: “He is anxious to do what the Lord wants him to do.” Sister Yee advised youth participants: “As you put Him first in your life, you will look back and praise the life that He gave you.”
Youth shared reflections on how hearing directly from an Apostle affected them spiritually.
Addressing missionaries serving in Nevada Las Vegas West Mission on Saturday afternoon using teachings from scripture about Jesus Christ’s Atonement, President Christofferson remarked: “You are bringing people to Christ so He can do what no one else can do... You are bringing people to the Savior.” He stressed focusing all teaching efforts on Jesus Christ: “We are witnesses of Him because it all depends upon Him. We teach in His name, we testify of His name... because it is His name that makes it all possible.”
Sister Yee encouraged missionaries regarding faithfulness amid challenges encountered during service: “Trust in the same Savior that you trusted when you came on your mission. He still loves you; He will guide you,” she said.
Elder Alonso reminded missionaries they represent Jesus Christ when visiting both friends outside or inside church membership; Elder Ortega added: “I know that the Lord leads this work, and He is ready to serve side by side with you.”
Missionaries reported intentions to apply these teachings more fully into their daily activities.
