WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.220 align:middle line:90% 00:00:11.220 --> 00:00:14.550 align:middle line:84% From the Conference Center at Temple Square in Salt Lake 00:00:14.550 --> 00:00:20.440 align:middle line:84% City, this is the Sunday morning session of the 188th Semiannual 00:00:20.440 --> 00:00:24.510 align:middle line:84% General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 00:00:24.510 --> 00:00:28.270 align:middle line:84% Saints, with speakers selected from the General Authorities 00:00:28.270 --> 00:00:30.700 align:middle line:84% and General Officers of the Church. 00:00:30.700 --> 00:00:34.340 align:middle line:84% Music for this session is provided by the Tabernacle 00:00:34.340 --> 00:00:38.030 align:middle line:90% Choir at Temple Square. 00:00:38.030 --> 00:00:40.720 align:middle line:84% This broadcast is furnished as a public service 00:00:40.720 --> 00:00:42.360 align:middle line:90% by Bonneville Distribution. 00:00:42.360 --> 00:00:45.420 align:middle line:84% Any reproduction, recording, transcription, 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:48.632 align:middle line:84% or other use of this program without written consent 00:00:48.632 --> 00:00:49.215 align:middle line:90% is prohibited. 00:00:49.215 --> 00:00:53.030 align:middle line:90% 00:00:53.030 --> 00:00:56.150 align:middle line:84% President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor 00:00:56.150 --> 00:00:58.200 align:middle line:84% in the First Presidency of the Church, 00:00:58.200 --> 00:00:59.660 align:middle line:90% will conduct this session. 00:00:59.660 --> 00:01:08.500 align:middle line:90% 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:25.390 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC PLAYING - "REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING!"] 00:01:25.390 --> 00:01:28.720 align:middle line:84% Brothers and sisters, we welcome you 00:01:28.720 --> 00:01:34.230 align:middle line:84% to the Sunday morning session of the 188th Semiannual General 00:01:34.230 --> 00:01:38.440 align:middle line:84% Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 00:01:38.440 --> 00:01:39.600 align:middle line:90% Saints. 00:01:39.600 --> 00:01:44.410 align:middle line:84% President Russell M. Nelson, who presides at the conference, 00:01:44.410 --> 00:01:48.370 align:middle line:84% has asked me to conduct this session. 00:01:48.370 --> 00:01:51.140 align:middle line:84% We extend our greetings and blessings 00:01:51.140 --> 00:01:53.680 align:middle line:84% to those of you who are participating 00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:56.950 align:middle line:84% in these proceedings throughout the world 00:01:56.950 --> 00:02:01.840 align:middle line:84% by radio, television, the internet, or satellite 00:02:01.840 --> 00:02:03.230 align:middle line:90% transmission. 00:02:03.230 --> 00:02:06.390 align:middle line:84% We acknowledge the General Authorities 00:02:06.390 --> 00:02:12.250 align:middle line:84% and the General Officers who are in attendance this morning. 00:02:12.250 --> 00:02:15.980 align:middle line:84% The music for this session will be provided by the Tabernacle 00:02:15.980 --> 00:02:21.130 align:middle line:84% Choir at Temple Square under the direction of Mack Wilberg, 00:02:21.130 --> 00:02:26.400 align:middle line:84% with Richard Elliott and Andrew Unsworth at the organ. 00:02:26.400 --> 00:02:30.420 align:middle line:84% The choir opened this meeting with "Rejoice, 00:02:30.420 --> 00:02:31.900 align:middle line:90% the Lord Is King!" 00:02:31.900 --> 00:02:36.380 align:middle line:84% and will now favor us with "Redeemer of Israel." 00:02:36.380 --> 00:02:40.170 align:middle line:84% The invocation will then be offered by Elder Allan F. 00:02:40.170 --> 00:02:45.100 align:middle line:84% Packer, who received emeritus status yesterday afternoon. 00:02:45.100 --> 00:02:48.900 align:middle line:84% The choir will then sing "Choose the Right." 00:02:48.900 --> 00:02:56.820 align:middle line:90% 00:02:56.820 --> 00:06:11.078 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC PLAYING - "REDEEMER OF ISRAEL"] 00:06:11.078 --> 00:06:25.491 align:middle line:90% 00:06:25.491 --> 00:06:28.650 align:middle line:84% Our Heavenly Father, we are grateful to be gathered 00:06:28.650 --> 00:06:31.740 align:middle line:84% together this morning in this Sunday morning 00:06:31.740 --> 00:06:33.080 align:middle line:90% session of general conference. 00:06:33.080 --> 00:06:36.540 align:middle line:90% 00:06:36.540 --> 00:06:43.049 align:middle line:84% We acknowledge Thy blessings and the guidance 00:06:43.049 --> 00:06:43.965 align:middle line:90% that we have received. 00:06:43.965 --> 00:06:47.230 align:middle line:90% 00:06:47.230 --> 00:06:51.400 align:middle line:84% We come to worship Thee, Thy Son; 00:06:51.400 --> 00:07:00.350 align:middle line:84% to learn, to be uplifted, motivated, and inspired; 00:07:00.350 --> 00:07:06.910 align:middle line:84% and most of all to learn how we might move Thy work forward. 00:07:06.910 --> 00:07:12.040 align:middle line:84% We're grateful for all who are involved 00:07:12.040 --> 00:07:21.960 align:middle line:84% in preparing for speaking to and blessing 00:07:21.960 --> 00:07:26.590 align:middle line:84% the lives of the members of the Church through this conference. 00:07:26.590 --> 00:07:31.650 align:middle line:84% We pray that Thy Spirit might be here in abundance, 00:07:31.650 --> 00:07:37.410 align:middle line:84% that each of the speakers may be able to express that which 00:07:37.410 --> 00:07:41.810 align:middle line:84% has been prepared, and that we as members 00:07:41.810 --> 00:07:45.200 align:middle line:84% of the Church throughout the world 00:07:45.200 --> 00:07:51.590 align:middle line:84% will be able to hear, remember, understand, and apply 00:07:51.590 --> 00:07:53.150 align:middle line:90% those principles in our lives. 00:07:53.150 --> 00:07:55.770 align:middle line:90% 00:07:55.770 --> 00:07:59.710 align:middle line:84% We ask Thy blessings upon President Nelson, 00:07:59.710 --> 00:08:02.670 align:middle line:84% his counselors, the Quorum of the Twelve, 00:08:02.670 --> 00:08:05.950 align:middle line:84% and all the leaders throughout the world. 00:08:05.950 --> 00:08:09.000 align:middle line:84% We ask Thy blessings to be with those 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:17.870 align:middle line:84% who suffer from the natural disasters which have occurred. 00:08:17.870 --> 00:08:19.790 align:middle line:84% We ask Thee to bless and strengthen 00:08:19.790 --> 00:08:25.280 align:middle line:84% those who are pained through physical, emotional, 00:08:25.280 --> 00:08:31.080 align:middle line:84% or other events that have occurred in their lives. 00:08:31.080 --> 00:08:33.780 align:middle line:84% We express our love and gratitude to Thee, 00:08:33.780 --> 00:08:36.380 align:middle line:84% in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 00:08:36.380 --> 00:08:51.629 align:middle line:90% 00:08:51.629 --> 00:12:25.964 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC PLAYING - "CHOOSE THE RIGHT"] 00:12:25.964 --> 00:12:34.960 align:middle line:90% 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:39.140 align:middle line:84% We will now be pleased to hear from President M. Russell 00:12:39.140 --> 00:12:44.060 align:middle line:84% Ballard, who serves as Acting President of the Quorum 00:12:44.060 --> 00:12:46.430 align:middle line:90% of the Twelve Apostles. 00:12:46.430 --> 00:12:49.450 align:middle line:84% He will be followed by Sister Bonnie H. 00:12:49.450 --> 00:12:54.720 align:middle line:84% Cordon, who serves as Young Women General President. 00:12:54.720 --> 00:13:00.670 align:middle line:84% Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 00:13:00.670 --> 00:13:02.150 align:middle line:90% will then address us. 00:13:02.150 --> 00:13:10.080 align:middle line:90% 00:13:10.080 --> 00:13:14.670 align:middle line:84% My brothers and sisters, my talk was prepared some time 00:13:14.670 --> 00:13:18.030 align:middle line:84% before the passing of my dear wife, Barbara. 00:13:18.030 --> 00:13:23.390 align:middle line:84% My family and I thank you for your love and your outreach 00:13:23.390 --> 00:13:24.600 align:middle line:90% and kindness. 00:13:24.600 --> 00:13:29.940 align:middle line:84% I pray the Lord will bless me as I speak to you this morning. 00:13:29.940 --> 00:13:37.050 align:middle line:84% In October 1918, 100 years ago, President Joseph F. Smith 00:13:37.050 --> 00:13:39.760 align:middle line:90% received a glorious vision. 00:13:39.760 --> 00:13:44.860 align:middle line:84% After almost 65 years of dedicated service to the Lord 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:48.440 align:middle line:84% in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 00:13:48.440 --> 00:13:54.710 align:middle line:84% and just a few weeks before his death on November 19, 1918, 00:13:54.710 --> 00:13:59.730 align:middle line:84% he sat in his room pondering Christ's atoning sacrifice 00:13:59.730 --> 00:14:03.280 align:middle line:84% and reading the Apostle Peter's description 00:14:03.280 --> 00:14:06.660 align:middle line:84% of the Savior's ministry in the spirit world 00:14:06.660 --> 00:14:09.420 align:middle line:90% after His Crucifixion. 00:14:09.420 --> 00:14:14.510 align:middle line:84% He recorded: "As I read I was greatly impressed. 00:14:14.510 --> 00:14:15.010 align:middle line:90% ... 00:14:15.010 --> 00:14:16.910 align:middle line:84% As I pondered over these things ... 00:14:16.910 --> 00:14:19.970 align:middle line:84% the eyes of my understanding were opened, 00:14:19.970 --> 00:14:23.270 align:middle line:84% and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, 00:14:23.270 --> 00:14:26.370 align:middle line:84% and I saw the hosts of the dead." 00:14:26.370 --> 00:14:31.080 align:middle line:84% The full text of the vision is recorded in Doctrine 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:35.620 align:middle line:90% and Covenants section 138. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:39.390 align:middle line:84% Let me provide some background so that we may more fully 00:14:39.390 --> 00:14:43.820 align:middle line:84% appreciate Joseph F.'s lifetime of preparation 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:47.830 align:middle line:84% to receive this remarkable revelation. 00:14:47.830 --> 00:14:50.090 align:middle line:84% When he was President of the Church, 00:14:50.090 --> 00:14:55.570 align:middle line:84% he visited Nauvoo in 1906 and reflected 00:14:55.570 --> 00:14:59.800 align:middle line:84% on a memory he had when he was just five years old. 00:14:59.800 --> 00:15:03.710 align:middle line:84% He said: "This is the exact spot where 00:15:03.710 --> 00:15:08.640 align:middle line:84% I stood when [Joseph, my uncle, and my father, Hyrum] 00:15:08.640 --> 00:15:11.760 align:middle line:84% came riding up on their way to Carthage. 00:15:11.760 --> 00:15:19.620 align:middle line:84% Without getting off his horse father leaned over [from] 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:22.980 align:middle line:84% his saddle and picked me up off the ground. 00:15:22.980 --> 00:15:27.360 align:middle line:84% He kissed me goodbye and put me down again 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:30.630 align:middle line:90% and I saw him ride away." 00:15:30.630 --> 00:15:33.500 align:middle line:84% The next time Joseph F. saw them, 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:37.080 align:middle line:84% his mother, Mary Fielding, lifted him up 00:15:37.080 --> 00:15:39.910 align:middle line:84% to see the martyrs lying side by side 00:15:39.910 --> 00:15:48.590 align:middle line:84% after being brutally murdered in Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844. 00:15:48.590 --> 00:15:51.780 align:middle line:84% Two years later, Joseph F., along with his family 00:15:51.780 --> 00:15:54.490 align:middle line:84% and faithful mother, Mary Fielding Smith, 00:15:54.490 --> 00:15:58.260 align:middle line:84% left his home in Nauvoo for Winter Quarters. 00:15:58.260 --> 00:16:03.020 align:middle line:84% Although not yet 8 years old, Joseph F. 00:16:03.020 --> 00:16:05.950 align:middle line:84% was required to drive one of the ox teams 00:16:05.950 --> 00:16:10.130 align:middle line:84% from Montrose, Iowa, to Winter Quarters 00:16:10.130 --> 00:16:12.860 align:middle line:84% and then later on to the Salt Lake Valley, 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:16.150 align:middle line:90% arriving when he was almost 10. 00:16:16.150 --> 00:16:21.040 align:middle line:84% I hope you boys and young men are listening 00:16:21.040 --> 00:16:25.430 align:middle line:84% and will realize the responsibility and expectation 00:16:25.430 --> 00:16:30.200 align:middle line:84% placed on Joseph F. during his boyhood. 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:35.120 align:middle line:84% Just four years later, in 1852, when he was 13, 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:39.850 align:middle line:84% his beloved mother died--leaving Joseph and his siblings 00:16:39.850 --> 00:16:41.730 align:middle line:90% orphans. 00:16:41.730 --> 00:16:44.360 align:middle line:84% Joseph F. was called to serve a mission 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:50.630 align:middle line:84% in the Hawaiian Islands in 1854 when he was 15 years old. 00:16:50.630 --> 00:16:55.000 align:middle line:84% This mission, which lasted more than three years, 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:59.870 align:middle line:84% was the beginning of a life of service in the Church. 00:16:59.870 --> 00:17:04.760 align:middle line:84% Upon his return to Utah, Joseph F. married in 1859. 00:17:04.760 --> 00:17:07.760 align:middle line:84% For the next few years, his life was 00:17:07.760 --> 00:17:12.540 align:middle line:84% filled with work, family duties, two additional missions. 00:17:12.540 --> 00:17:17.780 align:middle line:84% And on July 1, 1866, at the age of 27, 00:17:17.780 --> 00:17:21.530 align:middle line:84% Joseph F.'s life was forever changed 00:17:21.530 --> 00:17:26.170 align:middle line:84% when he was ordained an Apostle by President Brigham Young. 00:17:26.170 --> 00:17:31.350 align:middle line:84% In October the following year, he filled a vacancy 00:17:31.350 --> 00:17:33.330 align:middle line:90% in the Council of the Twelve. 00:17:33.330 --> 00:17:38.750 align:middle line:84% He served as a counselor to Brigham Young, John Taylor, 00:17:38.750 --> 00:17:42.250 align:middle line:84% Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow 00:17:42.250 --> 00:17:48.600 align:middle line:84% before becoming President himself in 1901. 00:17:48.600 --> 00:17:54.010 align:middle line:84% Joseph F. and his wife Julina welcomed their first child, 00:17:54.010 --> 00:17:56.740 align:middle line:84% Mercy Josephine, into the family. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:18:01.170 align:middle line:84% She was only two and a half years old when she passed away. 00:18:01.170 --> 00:18:04.690 align:middle line:84% Shortly after, Joseph F. recorded: 00:18:04.690 --> 00:18:10.490 align:middle line:84% "It is one month yesterday since my ... darling Josephine died. 00:18:10.490 --> 00:18:11.270 align:middle line:90% O! 00:18:11.270 --> 00:18:14.920 align:middle line:84% that I could have saved her to grow up to womanhood. 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:18.090 align:middle line:84% I miss her every day and I am lonely. ... 00:18:18.090 --> 00:18:21.960 align:middle line:84% God forgive my weakness if it is wrong to love 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:25.660 align:middle line:90% my little ones as I love them." 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:28.010 align:middle line:84% During his lifetime, President Smith 00:18:28.010 --> 00:18:32.910 align:middle line:84% lost his father, his mother, one brother, two sisters, 00:18:32.910 --> 00:18:36.200 align:middle line:90% two wives, and 13 children. 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:41.270 align:middle line:84% He was well acquainted with sorrow and losing loved ones. 00:18:41.270 --> 00:18:46.020 align:middle line:84% When his son Albert Jesse died, Joseph F. 00:18:46.020 --> 00:18:50.300 align:middle line:84% wrote to his sister Martha Ann that he had pled with the Lord 00:18:50.300 --> 00:18:54.010 align:middle line:84% to save him and asked, "Why is it so? 00:18:54.010 --> 00:18:59.350 align:middle line:90% O. God why had it to be?" 00:18:59.350 --> 00:19:03.760 align:middle line:84% Despite his prayers at the time, Joseph F. received no answer 00:19:03.760 --> 00:19:05.190 align:middle line:90% on this matter. 00:19:05.190 --> 00:19:09.090 align:middle line:84% He told Martha Ann that "the heavens [seemed like] 00:19:09.090 --> 00:19:13.930 align:middle line:84% brass over our heads" on the subject of death and the spirit 00:19:13.930 --> 00:19:14.810 align:middle line:90% world. 00:19:14.810 --> 00:19:19.020 align:middle line:84% Nevertheless, his faith in the Lord's eternal promises 00:19:19.020 --> 00:19:22.790 align:middle line:90% was firm and steadfast. 00:19:22.790 --> 00:19:27.200 align:middle line:84% In the Lord's due time, the additional answers, comfort, 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:29.890 align:middle line:84% and understanding about the spirit world 00:19:29.890 --> 00:19:33.470 align:middle line:84% he sought came to President Smith 00:19:33.470 --> 00:19:40.990 align:middle line:84% through a marvelous vision he received in October 1918. 00:19:40.990 --> 00:19:43.820 align:middle line:84% That year was particularly painful for him. 00:19:43.820 --> 00:19:49.270 align:middle line:84% He grieved over the death toll of the Great World War 00:19:49.270 --> 00:19:54.080 align:middle line:84% that continued to climb up over 20 million people that 00:19:54.080 --> 00:19:55.010 align:middle line:90% were killed. 00:19:55.010 --> 00:19:59.810 align:middle line:84% Additionally, a flu pandemic was spreading around the world, 00:19:59.810 --> 00:20:06.230 align:middle line:84% taking the lives of as many as 100 million people. 00:20:06.230 --> 00:20:08.010 align:middle line:84% During this year, President Smith 00:20:08.010 --> 00:20:11.320 align:middle line:84% also lost three more precious family members. 00:20:11.320 --> 00:20:16.760 align:middle line:84% Elder Hyrum Mack Smith of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 00:20:16.760 --> 00:20:20.450 align:middle line:84% his firstborn son and my grandfather, 00:20:20.450 --> 00:20:24.840 align:middle line:84% died suddenly of a ruptured appendix. 00:20:24.840 --> 00:20:30.180 align:middle line:84% President Smith wrote: "I am speechless--[numb] with grief! 00:20:30.180 --> 00:20:30.710 align:middle line:90% ... 00:20:30.710 --> 00:20:34.030 align:middle line:84% My heart is broken; and flutters for life! 00:20:34.030 --> 00:20:34.530 align:middle line:90% ... 00:20:34.530 --> 00:20:35.030 align:middle line:90% O! 00:20:35.030 --> 00:20:36.420 align:middle line:90% I loved him! 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:38.660 align:middle line:90% I will love him forever more. 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:43.900 align:middle line:84% And so it is and ever will be with all my sons and daughters, 00:20:43.900 --> 00:20:48.510 align:middle line:84% but he is my first born son, the first to bring me the joy 00:20:48.510 --> 00:20:52.470 align:middle line:84% and hope of an endless, honorable name among men. ... 00:20:52.470 --> 00:20:57.160 align:middle line:84% From the depths of my soul I thank God for him! 00:20:57.160 --> 00:20:57.880 align:middle line:90% But ... 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:58.610 align:middle line:90% O! 00:20:58.610 --> 00:21:00.120 align:middle line:90% I needed him! 00:21:00.120 --> 00:21:02.060 align:middle line:90% We all needed him! 00:21:02.060 --> 00:21:05.190 align:middle line:84% He was most useful to the Church. 00:21:05.190 --> 00:21:06.100 align:middle line:90% ... 00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:07.030 align:middle line:90% And now ... 00:21:07.030 --> 00:21:07.610 align:middle line:90% O! 00:21:07.610 --> 00:21:09.030 align:middle line:90% what can I do! 00:21:09.030 --> 00:21:09.800 align:middle line:90% O! 00:21:09.800 --> 00:21:12.930 align:middle line:90% God help me!" 00:21:12.930 --> 00:21:15.940 align:middle line:84% The next month, President Smith's son-in-law, 00:21:15.940 --> 00:21:19.740 align:middle line:84% Alonzo Kesler, died in a tragic accident. 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:22.430 align:middle line:84% President Smith noted in his journal, 00:21:22.430 --> 00:21:26.040 align:middle line:84% "This most terrible and heart-rending fatal accident, 00:21:26.040 --> 00:21:32.030 align:middle line:84% has again cast a pall of gloom over all [of] my family." 00:21:32.030 --> 00:21:36.520 align:middle line:84% Seven months later, in September 1918, 00:21:36.520 --> 00:21:38.780 align:middle line:84% President Smith's daughter-in-law 00:21:38.780 --> 00:21:42.360 align:middle line:84% and my grandmother, Ida Bowman Smith, 00:21:42.360 --> 00:21:48.840 align:middle line:84% died after giving birth to her fifth child, my Uncle Hyrum. 00:21:48.840 --> 00:21:54.320 align:middle line:84% And so it was on October 3, 1918, 00:21:54.320 --> 00:21:58.500 align:middle line:84% having experienced intense sorrow over the millions 00:21:58.500 --> 00:22:02.840 align:middle line:84% who had died in the world through war and disease 00:22:02.840 --> 00:22:06.300 align:middle line:84% as well as the deaths of his own family members, 00:22:06.300 --> 00:22:10.450 align:middle line:84% President Smith received the heavenly revelation 00:22:10.450 --> 00:22:16.860 align:middle line:84% known as "the vision of the redemption of the dead." 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:20.600 align:middle line:84% He alluded to the revelation the following day 00:22:20.600 --> 00:22:23.580 align:middle line:84% in the opening session of general conference. 00:22:23.580 --> 00:22:28.560 align:middle line:84% President Smith's health was failing, yet he spoke briefly. 00:22:28.560 --> 00:22:34.480 align:middle line:84% He said: "I will not, I dare not, 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:37.360 align:middle line:84% attempt to enter upon [the] many things 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:40.240 align:middle line:84% that are resting upon my mind this morning, 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:44.190 align:middle line:84% and I shall postpone until some future time, 00:22:44.190 --> 00:22:49.550 align:middle line:84% the Lord be willing, my attempt to tell you some of the things 00:22:49.550 --> 00:22:53.400 align:middle line:84% that are in my mind, and that dwell in my heart. 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:58.210 align:middle line:84% I have not lived alone these [last] five months. 00:22:58.210 --> 00:23:03.220 align:middle line:84% I have dwelt in the spirit of prayer, of supplication, 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:07.160 align:middle line:84% of faith and of determination; and I 00:23:07.160 --> 00:23:10.620 align:middle line:84% have had my communication with the Spirit of the Lord 00:23:10.620 --> 00:23:13.320 align:middle line:90% continuously." 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:17.850 align:middle line:84% The revelation he received on October 3 comforted his heart 00:23:17.850 --> 00:23:22.250 align:middle line:84% and provided answers to many of his questions. 00:23:22.250 --> 00:23:27.840 align:middle line:84% We too can be comforted and learn more about our own future 00:23:27.840 --> 00:23:33.720 align:middle line:84% when we and our loved ones die and go to the spirit world 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:37.320 align:middle line:84% by studying this revelation and pondering 00:23:37.320 --> 00:23:42.940 align:middle line:84% its significance in the way we live our lives each day. 00:23:42.940 --> 00:23:45.070 align:middle line:84% Among the many things President Smith 00:23:45.070 --> 00:23:49.490 align:middle line:84% saw was the Savior's visit to the faithful in the spirit 00:23:49.490 --> 00:23:53.170 align:middle line:84% world after His own death on the cross. 00:23:53.170 --> 00:23:56.930 align:middle line:90% From the vision I quote: 00:23:56.930 --> 00:23:59.440 align:middle line:84% "But behold, from among the righteous, 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:03.880 align:middle line:84% he organized his forces and appointed messengers, 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:06.710 align:middle line:84% clothed with power and authority, 00:24:06.710 --> 00:24:10.660 align:middle line:84% and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:13.950 align:middle line:84% of the gospel to them that were in darkness, 00:24:13.950 --> 00:24:17.150 align:middle line:84% even to all the spirits of men [and women]; 00:24:17.150 --> 00:24:21.690 align:middle line:84% and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. ... 00:24:21.690 --> 00:24:26.060 align:middle line:84% "These were taught faith in God, repentance 00:24:26.060 --> 00:24:30.110 align:middle line:84% from sin, vicarious [baptisms and] remission [for] 00:24:30.110 --> 00:24:35.990 align:middle line:84% sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, 00:24:35.990 --> 00:24:39.170 align:middle line:84% "And all other principles of the gospel 00:24:39.170 --> 00:24:42.720 align:middle line:84% that were necessary for them to know in order 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:46.830 align:middle line:84% to qualify themselves that they might be judged according 00:24:46.830 --> 00:24:51.680 align:middle line:84% to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:53.000 align:middle line:90% ... 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:56.530 align:middle line:84% "For the dead had looked upon the long absence 00:24:56.530 --> 00:25:01.640 align:middle line:84% of their spirits from their bodies as a bondage. 00:25:01.640 --> 00:25:05.260 align:middle line:84% "These the Lord taught, and gave them power 00:25:05.260 --> 00:25:08.940 align:middle line:84% to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:12.100 align:middle line:84% to enter into his Father's kingdom, 00:25:12.100 --> 00:25:17.840 align:middle line:84% there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life, 00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:21.630 align:middle line:84% "And continue thenceforth their labor 00:25:21.630 --> 00:25:24.640 align:middle line:84% as had been promised by the Lord, 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:29.110 align:middle line:84% and be partakers of all blessings which 00:25:29.110 --> 00:25:35.550 align:middle line:84% were held in reserve for them that love him." 00:25:35.550 --> 00:25:39.990 align:middle line:84% In the vision, President Smith saw his father, Hyrum, 00:25:39.990 --> 00:25:43.300 align:middle line:90% and the Prophet Joseph Smith. 00:25:43.300 --> 00:25:48.870 align:middle line:84% It had been 74 years since he had last seen them 00:25:48.870 --> 00:25:51.490 align:middle line:90% as a small boy in Nauvoo. 00:25:51.490 --> 00:25:57.170 align:middle line:84% We can only imagine his joy at seeing his beloved father 00:25:57.170 --> 00:25:58.660 align:middle line:90% and uncle. 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:02.010 align:middle line:84% He must have been inspired and comforted 00:26:02.010 --> 00:26:06.590 align:middle line:84% to know that all spirits retain the likeness 00:26:06.590 --> 00:26:10.190 align:middle line:84% of their mortal body and that they are anxiously 00:26:10.190 --> 00:26:14.180 align:middle line:84% awaiting the day of their promised resurrection. 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:19.070 align:middle line:84% The vision revealed more fully the depth and breadth 00:26:19.070 --> 00:26:22.700 align:middle line:84% of Heavenly Father's plan for His children 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:27.900 align:middle line:84% and Christ's redeeming love and matchless 00:26:27.900 --> 00:26:31.070 align:middle line:90% power of His Atonement. 00:26:31.070 --> 00:26:34.430 align:middle line:84% On this special 100th anniversary, 00:26:34.430 --> 00:26:39.560 align:middle line:84% I invite you to thoroughly read and thoughtfully read 00:26:39.560 --> 00:26:41.300 align:middle line:90% the revelation. 00:26:41.300 --> 00:26:46.700 align:middle line:84% As you do so, may the Lord bless you to more fully 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:53.710 align:middle line:84% understand and appreciate God's love, His plan of salvation 00:26:53.710 --> 00:26:57.470 align:middle line:90% and happiness for His children. 00:26:57.470 --> 00:27:01.380 align:middle line:84% I testify that the vision President Joseph F. 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:03.700 align:middle line:90% Smith received is true. 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:08.530 align:middle line:84% I bear witness that every person can read it and come 00:27:08.530 --> 00:27:10.200 align:middle line:90% to know it is true. 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:15.650 align:middle line:84% Those who do not receive this knowledge in this life 00:27:15.650 --> 00:27:20.730 align:middle line:84% will surely come to know of its truthfulness 00:27:20.730 --> 00:27:26.610 align:middle line:84% when everyone will arrive in the spirit world. 00:27:26.610 --> 00:27:34.070 align:middle line:84% There, all will love and praise God and the Lord Jesus Christ 00:27:34.070 --> 00:27:39.250 align:middle line:84% for the great plan of salvation, the blessing of the promised 00:27:39.250 --> 00:27:42.870 align:middle line:84% resurrection, when body and spirit 00:27:42.870 --> 00:27:46.920 align:middle line:84% will once again be united never to be separated again. 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:50.880 align:middle line:90% 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:54.070 align:middle line:84% How grateful I am today, my brothers and sisters, 00:27:54.070 --> 00:27:56.660 align:middle line:84% to know where my precious Barbara is 00:27:56.660 --> 00:27:59.430 align:middle line:84% and that we will be together again 00:27:59.430 --> 00:28:03.290 align:middle line:84% with our family for all eternity. 00:28:03.290 --> 00:28:07.920 align:middle line:84% May the peace of the Lord sustain all of us 00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:12.600 align:middle line:84% now and forever is my humble prayer, 00:28:12.600 --> 00:28:15.740 align:middle line:84% in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:25.930 align:middle line:90% 00:28:25.930 --> 00:28:28.310 align:middle line:84% President Ballard, we love you, and we are 00:28:28.310 --> 00:28:31.450 align:middle line:90% praying for your dear family. 00:28:31.450 --> 00:28:35.200 align:middle line:84% A year ago, a Primary child I met in Chile 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:37.180 align:middle line:90% brought a smile to my face. 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:39.909 align:middle line:90% "Hello," he said, "I am David. 00:28:39.909 --> 00:28:41.825 align:middle line:84% Will you talk about me in general conference?" 00:28:41.825 --> 00:28:45.020 align:middle line:90% 00:28:45.020 --> 00:28:47.770 align:middle line:84% In quiet moments, however, I have pondered 00:28:47.770 --> 00:28:49.860 align:middle line:90% David's unexpected greeting. 00:28:49.860 --> 00:28:52.720 align:middle line:90% We all want to be recognized. 00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:57.400 align:middle line:84% We want to matter, to be remembered, and to feel loved. 00:28:57.400 --> 00:29:00.740 align:middle line:84% Sisters and brothers, each of you matter. 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:04.010 align:middle line:84% Even if you are not spoken of in general conference, 00:29:04.010 --> 00:29:07.800 align:middle line:84% the Savior knows you and loves you. 00:29:07.800 --> 00:29:10.020 align:middle line:84% If you wonder if that is true, you 00:29:10.020 --> 00:29:13.800 align:middle line:84% need only contemplate that He has "graven [you] 00:29:13.800 --> 00:29:16.530 align:middle line:90% upon the palms of [His] hands." 00:29:16.530 --> 00:29:18.820 align:middle line:84% Knowing that the Savior loves us, 00:29:18.820 --> 00:29:24.550 align:middle line:84% we might then wonder, how can we best show our love for Him? 00:29:24.550 --> 00:29:28.790 align:middle line:84% The Savior asks Peter, "Lovest thou me ...?" 00:29:28.790 --> 00:29:32.100 align:middle line:84% Peter answered, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest ... 00:29:32.100 --> 00:29:33.210 align:middle line:90% I love thee. 00:29:33.210 --> 00:29:38.710 align:middle line:84% He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." 00:29:38.710 --> 00:29:42.370 align:middle line:84% When asked this question both a second and third time, 00:29:42.370 --> 00:29:45.070 align:middle line:90% "Lovest thou me?" 00:29:45.070 --> 00:29:51.100 align:middle line:84% Peter was grieved yet confirmed his love: "Lord, thou knowest 00:29:51.100 --> 00:29:54.050 align:middle line:84% all things; thou knowest that I love thee. 00:29:54.050 --> 00:30:00.120 align:middle line:84% Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." 00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:02.150 align:middle line:84% Hadn't Peter already proven himself 00:30:02.150 --> 00:30:04.140 align:middle line:90% a loving follower of Christ? 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:06.780 align:middle line:84% From their first encounter on the seashore, 00:30:06.780 --> 00:30:08.860 align:middle line:84% he "straightway" left his fishing 00:30:08.860 --> 00:30:10.530 align:middle line:90% nets to follow the Savior. 00:30:10.530 --> 00:30:13.620 align:middle line:84% Peter became a true fisher of men; 00:30:13.620 --> 00:30:17.530 align:middle line:84% he accompanied the Savior during His personal ministry 00:30:17.530 --> 00:30:21.550 align:middle line:84% and helped teach to others the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:30:21.550 --> 00:30:24.110 align:middle line:84% But now the resurrected Lord knew 00:30:24.110 --> 00:30:26.570 align:middle line:84% He would no longer be by Peter's side, 00:30:26.570 --> 00:30:29.550 align:middle line:84% showing him how and when he should serve. 00:30:29.550 --> 00:30:32.540 align:middle line:84% In the Savior's absence, Peter would 00:30:32.540 --> 00:30:35.060 align:middle line:84% need to seek guidance from the Spirit, 00:30:35.060 --> 00:30:39.090 align:middle line:84% receive revelation on his own, and then have 00:30:39.090 --> 00:30:41.830 align:middle line:90% the courage and faith to act. 00:30:41.830 --> 00:30:44.820 align:middle line:84% Focused on His sheep, the Savior desired 00:30:44.820 --> 00:30:48.380 align:middle line:84% Peter to do what He would do if He was there. 00:30:48.380 --> 00:30:52.710 align:middle line:84% He asked Peter to become a shepherd. 00:30:52.710 --> 00:30:55.200 align:middle line:84% Last April, President Russell M. Nelson 00:30:55.200 --> 00:30:57.870 align:middle line:84% extended a similar invitation to us 00:30:57.870 --> 00:31:01.220 align:middle line:84% to feed our Father's sheep in a holier way 00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:04.240 align:middle line:84% and to do so through ministering. 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:06.320 align:middle line:84% To effectively accept this invitation, 00:31:06.320 --> 00:31:08.760 align:middle line:84% we must develop a shepherd's heart 00:31:08.760 --> 00:31:12.540 align:middle line:84% and understand the needs of the Lord's sheep. 00:31:12.540 --> 00:31:15.280 align:middle line:84% So how do we become the shepherds 00:31:15.280 --> 00:31:18.280 align:middle line:90% the Lord needs us to become? 00:31:18.280 --> 00:31:21.480 align:middle line:84% As with all questions, we can look to our Savior, 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:24.350 align:middle line:90% Jesus Christ--the Good Shepherd. 00:31:24.350 --> 00:31:27.840 align:middle line:84% The Savior's sheep were known and numbered, 00:31:27.840 --> 00:31:30.170 align:middle line:84% they were watched over, and they were 00:31:30.170 --> 00:31:33.300 align:middle line:90% gathered into the fold of God. 00:31:33.300 --> 00:31:35.490 align:middle line:84% As we strive to follow the Savior's example, 00:31:35.490 --> 00:31:38.890 align:middle line:84% we must first know and number His sheep. 00:31:38.890 --> 00:31:42.780 align:middle line:84% We have been assigned specific individuals and families 00:31:42.780 --> 00:31:46.540 align:middle line:84% to tend so we are certain that all the Lord's flocks are 00:31:46.540 --> 00:31:51.640 align:middle line:84% accounted for and no one--no one is forgotten. 00:31:51.640 --> 00:31:55.260 align:middle line:84% Numbering, however, is not really about numbers; 00:31:55.260 --> 00:31:58.620 align:middle line:84% it is about making certain each person feels 00:31:58.620 --> 00:32:02.820 align:middle line:84% the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him. 00:32:02.820 --> 00:32:06.160 align:middle line:84% In that way, all can recognize they are known 00:32:06.160 --> 00:32:08.800 align:middle line:90% by a loving Father in Heaven. 00:32:08.800 --> 00:32:10.840 align:middle line:84% I recently met a young woman who has 00:32:10.840 --> 00:32:15.230 align:middle line:84% been assigned to minister to a sister almost five times 00:32:15.230 --> 00:32:16.070 align:middle line:90% her age. 00:32:16.070 --> 00:32:19.570 align:middle line:84% Together, they have discovered a common love for music. 00:32:19.570 --> 00:32:23.140 align:middle line:84% When this young woman visits, they sing songs together 00:32:23.140 --> 00:32:24.970 align:middle line:90% and they share their favorites. 00:32:24.970 --> 00:32:27.390 align:middle line:84% They are forging a friendship that 00:32:27.390 --> 00:32:30.160 align:middle line:90% blesses both of their lives. 00:32:30.160 --> 00:32:32.780 align:middle line:84% I hope those to whom you minister will see you 00:32:32.780 --> 00:32:35.950 align:middle line:84% as a friend and realize that in you, 00:32:35.950 --> 00:32:40.020 align:middle line:84% they have a champion and a confidant--someone who is aware 00:32:40.020 --> 00:32:43.200 align:middle line:84% of their circumstances and supports them in their hopes 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:45.370 align:middle line:90% and aspirations. 00:32:45.370 --> 00:32:47.810 align:middle line:84% Recently I received an assignment to minister 00:32:47.810 --> 00:32:51.630 align:middle line:84% to a sister neither my companion nor I knew well. 00:32:51.630 --> 00:32:55.510 align:middle line:84% As I counseled with Jess, my 16-year-old ministering 00:32:55.510 --> 00:33:02.400 align:middle line:84% companion, she wisely suggested, "We need to get to know her." 00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:04.640 align:middle line:84% Well, we immediately decided that a selfie 00:33:04.640 --> 00:33:07.140 align:middle line:84% and an introductory text were in order. 00:33:07.140 --> 00:33:10.420 align:middle line:84% I held the phone, and Jess pushed the button 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.700 align:middle line:90% to take the photo. 00:33:11.700 --> 00:33:13.940 align:middle line:84% Our first ministering opportunity 00:33:13.940 --> 00:33:16.410 align:middle line:90% was a companionship effort. 00:33:16.410 --> 00:33:18.680 align:middle line:84% On our first visit, we asked our sister 00:33:18.680 --> 00:33:22.620 align:middle line:84% if there was anything we could include in our prayers 00:33:22.620 --> 00:33:24.080 align:middle line:90% on her behalf. 00:33:24.080 --> 00:33:28.610 align:middle line:84% She shared a tender personal challenge 00:33:28.610 --> 00:33:32.640 align:middle line:84% and said she would welcome, so welcome our prayers. 00:33:32.640 --> 00:33:36.370 align:middle line:84% Her honesty and confidence brought an instant bond 00:33:36.370 --> 00:33:38.110 align:middle line:90% of love. 00:33:38.110 --> 00:33:40.680 align:middle line:84% What a sweet privilege to remember her 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:42.530 align:middle line:90% in my daily prayers. 00:33:42.530 --> 00:33:45.960 align:middle line:84% As you pray, you will feel the love of Jesus Christ 00:33:45.960 --> 00:33:48.470 align:middle line:90% for those to whom you minister. 00:33:48.470 --> 00:33:50.670 align:middle line:90% Share that love with them. 00:33:50.670 --> 00:33:54.820 align:middle line:84% What better way is there to feed His sheep than to help them 00:33:54.820 --> 00:33:58.030 align:middle line:90% feel His love--through you? 00:33:58.030 --> 00:34:00.840 align:middle line:84% A second way to develop the heart of a shepherd 00:34:00.840 --> 00:34:02.910 align:middle line:90% is to watch over His sheep. 00:34:02.910 --> 00:34:06.300 align:middle line:84% As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 00:34:06.300 --> 00:34:09.980 align:middle line:84% Saints, we can move, fix, repair, and rebuild 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:11.790 align:middle line:90% just about anything. 00:34:11.790 --> 00:34:14.219 align:middle line:84% We are quick to meet a need with a helping 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:16.730 align:middle line:90% hand or a plate of cookies. 00:34:16.730 --> 00:34:20.060 align:middle line:90% But is there more? 00:34:20.060 --> 00:34:23.360 align:middle line:84% Do our sheep know we are watching over them with love 00:34:23.360 --> 00:34:26.790 align:middle line:90% and we will take action to help? 00:34:26.790 --> 00:34:28.239 align:middle line:90% In Matthew we read: 00:34:28.239 --> 00:34:32.860 align:middle line:84% "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:34.340 align:middle line:90% for you ...: 00:34:34.340 --> 00:34:37.500 align:middle line:84% "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, 00:34:37.500 --> 00:34:40.570 align:middle line:84% and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, 00:34:40.570 --> 00:34:42.889 align:middle line:90% and ye took me in. ... 00:34:42.889 --> 00:34:47.340 align:middle line:84% "Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we 00:34:47.340 --> 00:34:49.600 align:middle line:84% thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, 00:34:49.600 --> 00:34:51.550 align:middle line:90% and gave thee drink? 00:34:51.550 --> 00:34:54.880 align:middle line:84% "When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?" 00:34:54.880 --> 00:34:58.140 align:middle line:84% Brothers and sisters, the key word is saw. 00:34:58.140 --> 00:35:01.830 align:middle line:84% The righteous saw those in need because they 00:35:01.830 --> 00:35:04.840 align:middle line:90% were watching and noticing. 00:35:04.840 --> 00:35:09.340 align:middle line:84% We too can be a watchful eye to aid and comfort, 00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:12.030 align:middle line:90% to celebrate and even dream. 00:35:12.030 --> 00:35:16.930 align:middle line:84% As we act, we can be assured of the promise in Matthew: 00:35:16.930 --> 00:35:20.920 align:middle line:84% "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these 00:35:20.920 --> 00:35:23.880 align:middle line:90% ..., ye have done it unto me." 00:35:23.880 --> 00:35:28.260 align:middle line:84% A friend--we will call him John--shared what can happen 00:35:28.260 --> 00:35:31.530 align:middle line:84% when we see another's less-visible need: 00:35:31.530 --> 00:35:35.950 align:middle line:84% "A sister in my ward attempted suicide. 00:35:35.950 --> 00:35:39.850 align:middle line:84% After two months, I discovered no one in my quorum 00:35:39.850 --> 00:35:41.950 align:middle line:84% had approached her husband to address 00:35:41.950 --> 00:35:43.860 align:middle line:90% this traumatic experience. 00:35:43.860 --> 00:35:46.690 align:middle line:90% Sadly, I had not acted either. 00:35:46.690 --> 00:35:49.270 align:middle line:84% Finally, I asked the husband to lunch. 00:35:49.270 --> 00:35:52.010 align:middle line:84% He was a shy man, often reserved. 00:35:52.010 --> 00:35:57.050 align:middle line:84% And yet when I said, 'Your wife attempted suicide. 00:35:57.050 --> 00:36:00.180 align:middle line:84% That must be overwhelming for you. 00:36:00.180 --> 00:36:02.670 align:middle line:90% Do you want to talk about it?' 00:36:02.670 --> 00:36:05.270 align:middle line:90% he openly wept. 00:36:05.270 --> 00:36:08.470 align:middle line:84% We had a tender and intimate conversation 00:36:08.470 --> 00:36:11.320 align:middle line:84% and developed a remarkable closeness and trust 00:36:11.320 --> 00:36:13.230 align:middle line:90% within minutes." 00:36:13.230 --> 00:36:15.620 align:middle line:84% John added, "I think our tendency is just 00:36:15.620 --> 00:36:18.250 align:middle line:84% to bring brownies rather than figure out 00:36:18.250 --> 00:36:22.620 align:middle line:84% how to walk into [the] moment with honesty and love." 00:36:22.620 --> 00:36:27.330 align:middle line:84% Our sheep may be hurting, lost, or even willfully astray; 00:36:27.330 --> 00:36:30.150 align:middle line:84% as their shepherd, we can be among the first 00:36:30.150 --> 00:36:31.650 align:middle line:90% to see their need. 00:36:31.650 --> 00:36:35.010 align:middle line:84% We can listen and love without judgment and offer hope 00:36:35.010 --> 00:36:39.430 align:middle line:84% and help with the discerning guidance of the Holy Ghost. 00:36:39.430 --> 00:36:44.220 align:middle line:84% Sisters and brothers, the world is more hope-filled and joyful 00:36:44.220 --> 00:36:48.520 align:middle line:84% because of the inspired acts of kindness you perform. 00:36:48.520 --> 00:36:52.330 align:middle line:84% As you seek the Lord's direction on how to convey His love 00:36:52.330 --> 00:36:55.190 align:middle line:84% and see the needs of those to whom you minister, 00:36:55.190 --> 00:36:57.940 align:middle line:90% your eyes will be opened. 00:36:57.940 --> 00:37:00.070 align:middle line:84% Your sacred ministering assignment 00:37:00.070 --> 00:37:02.770 align:middle line:84% gives you a divine right to inspiration. 00:37:02.770 --> 00:37:08.170 align:middle line:84% You can seek that inspiration with confidence. 00:37:08.170 --> 00:37:13.250 align:middle line:84% Third, we want our sheep to be gathered into the fold of God. 00:37:13.250 --> 00:37:17.280 align:middle line:84% To do so, we must consider where they are on the covenant path 00:37:17.280 --> 00:37:22.460 align:middle line:84% and be willing to walk with them on their journey of faith. 00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:26.770 align:middle line:84% Ours is a sacred privilege to come to know their hearts 00:37:26.770 --> 00:37:30.640 align:middle line:90% and point them to their Savior. 00:37:30.640 --> 00:37:36.170 align:middle line:84% Sister Josivini in Fiji had difficulty seeing her way 00:37:36.170 --> 00:37:39.970 align:middle line:84% forward on the covenant path--literally. 00:37:39.970 --> 00:37:43.420 align:middle line:84% Her friend saw that Josivini struggled 00:37:43.420 --> 00:37:46.140 align:middle line:84% to see the scriptures well enough to read. 00:37:46.140 --> 00:37:50.740 align:middle line:84% She provided Josivini with new reading glasses 00:37:50.740 --> 00:37:53.610 align:middle line:84% and a bright yellow pencil to highlight 00:37:53.610 --> 00:37:57.220 align:middle line:84% every mention of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon. 00:37:57.220 --> 00:38:01.290 align:middle line:84% What started as a simple desire to minister and to help with 00:38:01.290 --> 00:38:06.720 align:middle line:84% scripture study has resulted in Josivini attending the temple 00:38:06.720 --> 00:38:13.900 align:middle line:84% for the first time--28 years after she was baptized. 00:38:13.900 --> 00:38:16.960 align:middle line:84% Whether our sheep are strong or weak, 00:38:16.960 --> 00:38:21.020 align:middle line:84% rejoicing or in anguish, we can make certain 00:38:21.020 --> 00:38:23.960 align:middle line:90% that no one walks alone. 00:38:23.960 --> 00:38:26.900 align:middle line:84% We can love them wherever they are spiritually 00:38:26.900 --> 00:38:30.120 align:middle line:84% and offer support and encouragement for the next step 00:38:30.120 --> 00:38:31.090 align:middle line:90% forward. 00:38:31.090 --> 00:38:34.820 align:middle line:84% As we pray and seek to understand their hearts, 00:38:34.820 --> 00:38:39.570 align:middle line:84% I testify that Heavenly Father will direct us 00:38:39.570 --> 00:38:42.950 align:middle line:90% and His Spirit will go with us. 00:38:42.950 --> 00:38:48.890 align:middle line:84% We have the opportunity to be the "angels round about" them 00:38:48.890 --> 00:38:51.405 align:middle line:90% as He goes before their face. 00:38:51.405 --> 00:38:53.990 align:middle line:90% 00:38:53.990 --> 00:38:57.690 align:middle line:84% The Lord invites us to feed His sheep. 00:38:57.690 --> 00:39:00.440 align:middle line:90% 00:39:00.440 --> 00:39:03.180 align:middle line:84% To tend His flocks as He would, He 00:39:03.180 --> 00:39:08.740 align:middle line:84% invites us to be shepherds to every nation, every country; 00:39:08.740 --> 00:39:15.440 align:middle line:84% and yes, Elder Uchtdorf, we love and need German shepherds. 00:39:15.440 --> 00:39:21.130 align:middle line:84% And He desires His young people to join in the cause. 00:39:21.130 --> 00:39:24.310 align:middle line:84% Our youth can be some of the strongest shepherds. 00:39:24.310 --> 00:39:28.500 align:middle line:84% They are, as President Russell M. Nelson said, "among the best 00:39:28.500 --> 00:39:31.060 align:middle line:84% the Lord has ever sent to this world." 00:39:31.060 --> 00:39:35.270 align:middle line:84% They are "noble spirits," our "finest players" 00:39:35.270 --> 00:39:36.980 align:middle line:90% who follow the Savior. 00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:41.590 align:middle line:84% Can you imagine the power such shepherds will bring 00:39:41.590 --> 00:39:44.700 align:middle line:90% as they care for His sheep? 00:39:44.700 --> 00:39:51.290 align:middle line:84% Ministering side by side with these youth, we see wonders. 00:39:51.290 --> 00:39:55.160 align:middle line:84% Young women and young men, we need you. 00:39:55.160 --> 00:39:58.450 align:middle line:84% If you don't have a ministering assignment, 00:39:58.450 --> 00:40:01.850 align:middle line:84% talk with your Relief Society or elders quorum president. 00:40:01.850 --> 00:40:04.570 align:middle line:84% They will rejoice in your willingness 00:40:04.570 --> 00:40:09.540 align:middle line:84% to make certain His sheep are known and numbered, watched 00:40:09.540 --> 00:40:13.940 align:middle line:84% over, and gathered into the fold of God. 00:40:13.940 --> 00:40:17.060 align:middle line:84% When the day comes that we will kneel 00:40:17.060 --> 00:40:19.870 align:middle line:84% at the feet of our beloved Savior, 00:40:19.870 --> 00:40:23.840 align:middle line:84% having nourished His flock, I pray 00:40:23.840 --> 00:40:30.260 align:middle line:84% we can answer as did Peter: "Yea, Lord; thou knowest 00:40:30.260 --> 00:40:31.530 align:middle line:90% that I love thee." 00:40:31.530 --> 00:40:36.980 align:middle line:84% These, Thy sheep, are loved, they are safe, 00:40:36.980 --> 00:40:40.050 align:middle line:90% and they are home. 00:40:40.050 --> 00:40:54.230 align:middle line:84% In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 00:40:54.230 --> 00:40:57.230 align:middle line:84% We all remember last April when President Russell M. 00:40:57.230 --> 00:41:00.123 align:middle line:84% Nelson introduced this concept of ministering. 00:41:00.123 --> 00:41:05.475 align:middle line:84% He stressed that it was a way to keep 00:41:05.475 --> 00:41:10.980 align:middle line:84% the great commandments to love God and love each other. 00:41:10.980 --> 00:41:16.326 align:middle line:84% We as officers of the Church openly applaud and congratulate 00:41:16.326 --> 00:41:19.980 align:middle line:84% you on the tremendous response you 00:41:19.980 --> 00:41:22.785 align:middle line:84% have made and begun in that regard. 00:41:22.785 --> 00:41:26.500 align:middle line:84% We thank you for following our beloved prophet 00:41:26.500 --> 00:41:30.335 align:middle line:84% in this wonderful endeavor and suggest 00:41:30.335 --> 00:41:33.190 align:middle line:84% that you don't wait for many more instructions. 00:41:33.190 --> 00:41:36.576 align:middle line:84% Just jump into the pool and swim. 00:41:36.576 --> 00:41:38.970 align:middle line:90% Head toward those in need. 00:41:38.970 --> 00:41:41.730 align:middle line:84% Don't be immobilized wondering whether you 00:41:41.730 --> 00:41:44.250 align:middle line:84% should do the backstroke or the dog paddle. 00:41:44.250 --> 00:41:47.640 align:middle line:84% If we follow the basic principles that have been 00:41:47.640 --> 00:41:51.010 align:middle line:84% taught, stay aligned with priesthood keys, 00:41:51.010 --> 00:41:55.230 align:middle line:84% and seek the Holy Spirit to guide us, we cannot fail. 00:41:55.230 --> 00:41:59.830 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Sister Cordon, for that great message. 00:41:59.830 --> 00:42:03.830 align:middle line:84% This morning I wish to speak of an even more personal aspect 00:42:03.830 --> 00:42:08.610 align:middle line:84% of ministering that isn't by assignment, that does not 00:42:08.610 --> 00:42:12.850 align:middle line:84% involve a calendared interview, and has no reporting 00:42:12.850 --> 00:42:14.960 align:middle line:90% line except to heaven. 00:42:14.960 --> 00:42:18.805 align:middle line:84% Let me share just one homespun example 00:42:18.805 --> 00:42:22.580 align:middle line:90% of that kind of ministering. 00:42:22.580 --> 00:42:27.090 align:middle line:84% Grant Morrell Bowen was a hardworking, devoted husband 00:42:27.090 --> 00:42:31.007 align:middle line:84% and father who, like many, made their living on the land 00:42:31.007 --> 00:42:34.940 align:middle line:84% and had an economic downturn when the local potato 00:42:34.940 --> 00:42:36.470 align:middle line:90% crop was poor. 00:42:36.470 --> 00:42:40.840 align:middle line:84% He and his wife, Norma, took other employment, 00:42:40.840 --> 00:42:43.400 align:middle line:84% eventually moved to another city, 00:42:43.400 --> 00:42:47.840 align:middle line:84% and started their climb back to economic stability. 00:42:47.840 --> 00:42:53.150 align:middle line:84% However, in a terribly unfortunate incident, 00:42:53.150 --> 00:42:56.750 align:middle line:84% Brother Bowen was deeply hurt when 00:42:56.750 --> 00:42:59.870 align:middle line:84% in a temple recommend interview, the bishop 00:42:59.870 --> 00:43:04.770 align:middle line:84% was a little skeptical regarding Morrell's declaration 00:43:04.770 --> 00:43:07.670 align:middle line:90% that he was a full-tithe payer. 00:43:07.670 --> 00:43:10.290 align:middle line:84% I do not know which of these two men 00:43:10.290 --> 00:43:13.010 align:middle line:84% had the more accurate facts that day, 00:43:13.010 --> 00:43:16.730 align:middle line:84% but I do know Sister Bowen walked out 00:43:16.730 --> 00:43:20.480 align:middle line:84% of that interview with her temple recommend renewed, 00:43:20.480 --> 00:43:25.900 align:middle line:84% while Brother Bowen walked out with an anger that 00:43:25.900 --> 00:43:31.120 align:middle line:84% would take him away from the Church for 15 years. 00:43:31.120 --> 00:43:33.980 align:middle line:84% Regardless of who was right about the tithing, 00:43:33.980 --> 00:43:37.030 align:middle line:84% evidently both Morrell and the bishop 00:43:37.030 --> 00:43:41.690 align:middle line:84% forgot the Savior's injunction to "agree with thine adversary 00:43:41.690 --> 00:43:46.380 align:middle line:84% quickly" and Paul's counsel to "let not 00:43:46.380 --> 00:43:48.890 align:middle line:84% the sun go down upon your wrath." 00:43:48.890 --> 00:43:53.510 align:middle line:84% The fact is they didn't agree, and the sun 00:43:53.510 --> 00:43:58.020 align:middle line:84% did go down on Brother Bowen's wrath for days 00:43:58.020 --> 00:44:01.700 align:middle line:84% and then for weeks and then for years, 00:44:01.700 --> 00:44:07.360 align:middle line:84% proving the point made by one of the wisest of the old Romans 00:44:07.360 --> 00:44:12.110 align:middle line:84% who said, "Anger, if not restrained, 00:44:12.110 --> 00:44:16.330 align:middle line:84% is frequently more [destructive] than the injury that 00:44:16.330 --> 00:44:18.070 align:middle line:90% provoked it." 00:44:18.070 --> 00:44:21.450 align:middle line:84% But the miracle of reconciliation 00:44:21.450 --> 00:44:26.410 align:middle line:84% is always available to us, and out of love for his family 00:44:26.410 --> 00:44:28.860 align:middle line:84% and the Church he knew to be true, 00:44:28.860 --> 00:44:32.700 align:middle line:84% Morrell Bowen came back into full Church activity. 00:44:32.700 --> 00:44:37.070 align:middle line:84% Let me tell you briefly how that happened. 00:44:37.070 --> 00:44:41.050 align:middle line:84% Brother Bowen's son Brad is a good friend of ours 00:44:41.050 --> 00:44:45.100 align:middle line:84% and a devoted Area Seventy serving in southern Idaho. 00:44:45.100 --> 00:44:49.510 align:middle line:84% Brad was 11 years old at the time of this incident, 00:44:49.510 --> 00:44:55.120 align:middle line:84% and for 15 years he watched his father's religious devotion 00:44:55.120 --> 00:44:59.820 align:middle line:84% decline, a witness to the terrible harvest 00:44:59.820 --> 00:45:05.030 align:middle line:84% being reaped where anger and misunderstanding had been sown. 00:45:05.030 --> 00:45:08.100 align:middle line:90% Something needed to be done. 00:45:08.100 --> 00:45:15.390 align:middle line:84% So as the Thanksgiving holiday approached in 1977, Brad, 00:45:15.390 --> 00:45:18.610 align:middle line:84% a 26-year-old student at Brigham Young University; 00:45:18.610 --> 00:45:21.790 align:middle line:84% his wife, Valerie; and new baby son, 00:45:21.790 --> 00:45:24.690 align:middle line:84% Mic, loaded into their student version 00:45:24.690 --> 00:45:29.560 align:middle line:84% of an automobile and, bad weather notwithstanding, 00:45:29.560 --> 00:45:31.800 align:middle line:90% drove to Billings, Montana. 00:45:31.800 --> 00:45:35.760 align:middle line:84% Not even a crash into a snowbank near West Yellowstone 00:45:35.760 --> 00:45:39.680 align:middle line:84% could keep this threesome from making their ministering 00:45:39.680 --> 00:45:44.050 align:middle line:90% contact with Brother Bowen Sr. 00:45:44.050 --> 00:45:47.790 align:middle line:84% Upon arrival, Brad and his sister Pam 00:45:47.790 --> 00:45:51.350 align:middle line:84% asked for a private moment with their father. 00:45:51.350 --> 00:45:57.450 align:middle line:84% "You have been a wonderful dad," Brad began with some emotion, 00:45:57.450 --> 00:46:01.620 align:middle line:84% "and we have always known how much you loved us. 00:46:01.620 --> 00:46:07.590 align:middle line:84% But something is wrong, and it has been for a long time. 00:46:07.590 --> 00:46:12.570 align:middle line:84% Because you were hurt once, this whole family 00:46:12.570 --> 00:46:15.530 align:middle line:90% has been hurting for years. 00:46:15.530 --> 00:46:23.360 align:middle line:84% We are broken, and you are the only one who can fix us. 00:46:23.360 --> 00:46:27.480 align:middle line:84% Please, please, after all this time, 00:46:27.480 --> 00:46:33.790 align:middle line:84% can you find it in your heart to lay aside that unfortunate 00:46:33.790 --> 00:46:38.520 align:middle line:84% incident with that bishop and again lead 00:46:38.520 --> 00:46:42.190 align:middle line:84% this family in the gospel as you once did?" 00:46:42.190 --> 00:46:46.687 align:middle line:90% 00:46:46.687 --> 00:46:47.645 align:middle line:90% There was dead silence. 00:46:47.645 --> 00:46:50.420 align:middle line:90% 00:46:50.420 --> 00:46:54.590 align:middle line:84% Then Brother Bowen looked up at these two--his children, 00:46:54.590 --> 00:47:00.300 align:middle line:84% bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh--and said very 00:47:00.300 --> 00:47:03.730 align:middle line:90% quietly, "Yes. 00:47:03.730 --> 00:47:04.990 align:middle line:90% Yes, I will." 00:47:04.990 --> 00:47:07.740 align:middle line:90% 00:47:07.740 --> 00:47:12.940 align:middle line:84% Thrilled but stunned by the unexpected answer, 00:47:12.940 --> 00:47:16.580 align:middle line:84% Brad Bowen and his family watched 00:47:16.580 --> 00:47:20.480 align:middle line:84% their husband and father go to his current bishop 00:47:20.480 --> 00:47:26.070 align:middle line:84% in a spirit of reconciliation to set things right in his life. 00:47:26.070 --> 00:47:31.730 align:middle line:84% In a perfect response to this courageous but totally 00:47:31.730 --> 00:47:36.520 align:middle line:84% unexpected visit, the bishop, who had extended repeated 00:47:36.520 --> 00:47:39.690 align:middle line:84% invitations to Brother Bowen to come back, 00:47:39.690 --> 00:47:48.320 align:middle line:84% threw his arms around Morrell and just held him--held him 00:47:48.320 --> 00:47:55.680 align:middle line:90% in a long, long, long embrace. 00:47:55.680 --> 00:48:00.130 align:middle line:84% In a matter of only a few weeks--it doesn't take 00:48:00.130 --> 00:48:03.610 align:middle line:84% long--Brother Bowen was fully engaged in Church activity 00:48:03.610 --> 00:48:07.350 align:middle line:84% and had made himself worthy to return to the temple. 00:48:07.350 --> 00:48:11.470 align:middle line:84% Soon enough he accepted the call to preside over 00:48:11.470 --> 00:48:15.170 align:middle line:84% a struggling little branch of 25 and grew it 00:48:15.170 --> 00:48:18.720 align:middle line:84% into a thriving congregation of well over 100. 00:48:18.720 --> 00:48:23.640 align:middle line:84% All of this took place nearly half a century ago, 00:48:23.640 --> 00:48:28.580 align:middle line:84% but the consequence of a son and a daughter's 00:48:28.580 --> 00:48:32.570 align:middle line:84% ministering plea to their own father 00:48:32.570 --> 00:48:39.030 align:middle line:84% and that father's willingness to forgive and move forward 00:48:39.030 --> 00:48:42.210 align:middle line:84% in spite of the imperfections of others 00:48:42.210 --> 00:48:45.980 align:middle line:84% has brought blessings that are still coming 00:48:45.980 --> 00:48:51.800 align:middle line:84% and will come forever to the Bowen family. 00:48:51.800 --> 00:48:55.740 align:middle line:84% Brothers and sisters, Jesus has asked 00:48:55.740 --> 00:49:01.860 align:middle line:84% that we "live together in love" with "no disputations 00:49:01.860 --> 00:49:03.280 align:middle line:90% among you." 00:49:03.280 --> 00:49:08.900 align:middle line:84% "He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me," 00:49:08.900 --> 00:49:11.150 align:middle line:90% He warned the Nephites. 00:49:11.150 --> 00:49:17.740 align:middle line:84% Indeed, to a great degree, our relationship to Christ will be 00:49:17.740 --> 00:49:22.530 align:middle line:84% determined--or at least affected--by our relationship 00:49:22.530 --> 00:49:25.700 align:middle line:90% to each other. 00:49:25.700 --> 00:49:29.280 align:middle line:84% "If ye ... desire to come unto me," He said, 00:49:29.280 --> 00:49:33.780 align:middle line:84% "and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against 00:49:33.780 --> 00:49:34.960 align:middle line:90% thee-- 00:49:34.960 --> 00:49:39.640 align:middle line:84% "Go thy way unto thy brother, and first 00:49:39.640 --> 00:49:45.970 align:middle line:84% be reconciled to [him], and then come unto me 00:49:45.970 --> 00:49:52.540 align:middle line:84% with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you." 00:49:52.540 --> 00:49:58.360 align:middle line:84% Surely each of us could cite an endless array 00:49:58.360 --> 00:50:03.520 align:middle line:84% of old scars and sorrows and painful memories 00:50:03.520 --> 00:50:07.070 align:middle line:84% that this very moment still corrode 00:50:07.070 --> 00:50:12.180 align:middle line:84% the peace in someone's heart or family or neighborhood. 00:50:12.180 --> 00:50:18.100 align:middle line:84% Whether we have caused that pain or been the recipient of it, 00:50:18.100 --> 00:50:23.880 align:middle line:84% those wounds need to be healed so life can be as rewarding 00:50:23.880 --> 00:50:26.300 align:middle line:90% as God intended it to be. 00:50:26.300 --> 00:50:29.280 align:middle line:84% Like the food in your refrigerator 00:50:29.280 --> 00:50:33.890 align:middle line:84% that your grandchildren carefully check in your behalf, 00:50:33.890 --> 00:50:37.740 align:middle line:84% those old grievances have long since 00:50:37.740 --> 00:50:40.780 align:middle line:90% exceeded their expiration date. 00:50:40.780 --> 00:50:45.270 align:middle line:84% Please don't give precious space in your soul 00:50:45.270 --> 00:50:47.680 align:middle line:90% to them any longer. 00:50:47.680 --> 00:50:52.690 align:middle line:84% As Prospero said to the regretful Alonso 00:50:52.690 --> 00:50:58.660 align:middle line:84% in The Tempest, "Let us not burden our remembrance 00:50:58.660 --> 00:51:03.600 align:middle line:90% with a heaviness that is gone." 00:51:03.600 --> 00:51:05.500 align:middle line:84% "Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven," 00:51:05.500 --> 00:51:07.940 align:middle line:84% Christ taught in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:51:07.940 --> 00:51:10.920 align:middle line:84% And in our day: "I, the Lord, will 00:51:10.920 --> 00:51:14.200 align:middle line:84% forgive whom I will forgive, but of you 00:51:14.200 --> 00:51:17.790 align:middle line:84% it is required to forgive all men." 00:51:17.790 --> 00:51:21.660 align:middle line:84% It is, however, important for some of you 00:51:21.660 --> 00:51:25.650 align:middle line:84% living in real anguish to note what He did not say. 00:51:25.650 --> 00:51:29.010 align:middle line:84% He did not say, "You are not allowed 00:51:29.010 --> 00:51:33.540 align:middle line:84% to feel true pain or real sorrow from the shattering experiences 00:51:33.540 --> 00:51:35.520 align:middle line:84% you have had at the hand of another." 00:51:35.520 --> 00:51:39.160 align:middle line:84% Nor did He say, "In order to forgive fully, 00:51:39.160 --> 00:51:42.020 align:middle line:84% you have to reenter a toxic relationship 00:51:42.020 --> 00:51:46.340 align:middle line:84% or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance." 00:51:46.340 --> 00:51:51.280 align:middle line:84% But notwithstanding even the most terrible offenses 00:51:51.280 --> 00:51:56.120 align:middle line:84% that might come to us, we can rise above our pain 00:51:56.120 --> 00:52:01.550 align:middle line:84% only when we put our feet onto the path of true healing. 00:52:01.550 --> 00:52:06.480 align:middle line:84% That path is the forgiving one walked 00:52:06.480 --> 00:52:11.930 align:middle line:84% by Jesus of Nazareth, who calls out to each of us, 00:52:11.930 --> 00:52:16.580 align:middle line:90% "Come, follow me." 00:52:16.580 --> 00:52:22.670 align:middle line:84% In such an invitation to be His disciple and try to do as He 00:52:22.670 --> 00:52:29.110 align:middle line:84% did, Jesus is asking us to be instruments of His grace--to 00:52:29.110 --> 00:52:33.610 align:middle line:84% be, and I quote, "ambassadors for Christ" 00:52:33.610 --> 00:52:37.140 align:middle line:84% in "the ministry of reconciliation." 00:52:37.140 --> 00:52:41.700 align:middle line:84% That's how Paul described it to the Corinthians. 00:52:41.700 --> 00:52:47.740 align:middle line:84% The Healer of every wound, He who rights every wrong, 00:52:47.740 --> 00:52:52.840 align:middle line:84% asks us to labor with Him in the daunting task 00:52:52.840 --> 00:52:58.960 align:middle line:84% of peacemaking in a world that will not find it any other way. 00:52:58.960 --> 00:53:01.540 align:middle line:90% 00:53:01.540 --> 00:53:06.612 align:middle line:84% So, as Phillips Brooks wrote: "You who are letting miserable 00:53:06.612 --> 00:53:12.820 align:middle line:84% [little] misunderstandings run on from year to year [to year], 00:53:12.820 --> 00:53:15.800 align:middle line:84% meaning to clear them up some day; 00:53:15.800 --> 00:53:22.280 align:middle line:84% you who are keeping wretched quarrels alive because you 00:53:22.280 --> 00:53:26.270 align:middle line:84% cannot quite make up your mind that now is the day 00:53:26.270 --> 00:53:29.280 align:middle line:84% to sacrifice your pride and [settle] them; 00:53:29.280 --> 00:53:34.890 align:middle line:84% you who are passing men sullenly upon the street, 00:53:34.890 --> 00:53:38.360 align:middle line:84% not speaking to them out of some silly spite ...; 00:53:38.360 --> 00:53:42.870 align:middle line:84% you who are letting ... [someone's] heart ache 00:53:42.870 --> 00:53:46.560 align:middle line:84% for a word of appreciation or sympathy, 00:53:46.560 --> 00:53:48.690 align:middle line:84% which you mean to give ... some day, ... 00:53:48.690 --> 00:53:52.200 align:middle line:90% 00:53:52.200 --> 00:53:57.970 align:middle line:84% [you] go instantly and do the thing which you might never 00:53:57.970 --> 00:54:00.430 align:middle line:90% have another chance to do." 00:54:00.430 --> 00:54:03.080 align:middle line:90% 00:54:03.080 --> 00:54:06.280 align:middle line:84% My beloved brothers and sisters, I 00:54:06.280 --> 00:54:13.480 align:middle line:84% testify that forgiving and forsaking offenses, old or new, 00:54:13.480 --> 00:54:18.880 align:middle line:84% is central to the grandeur of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 00:54:18.880 --> 00:54:25.550 align:middle line:84% I testify that ultimately such spiritual repair can only 00:54:25.550 --> 00:54:32.170 align:middle line:84% come from our divine Redeemer, He who rushes to our aid 00:54:32.170 --> 00:54:35.490 align:middle line:90% "with healing in his wings." 00:54:35.490 --> 00:54:41.130 align:middle line:84% We thank Him and our Heavenly Father, who sent Him, 00:54:41.130 --> 00:54:48.040 align:middle line:84% that renewal and rebirth--a future free from old sorrows 00:54:48.040 --> 00:54:52.720 align:middle line:84% and past mistakes--are not only possible, 00:54:52.720 --> 00:54:55.190 align:middle line:84% but they've already been purchased, 00:54:55.190 --> 00:55:03.440 align:middle line:84% paid for at an excruciating cost symbolized by the blood 00:55:03.440 --> 00:55:05.320 align:middle line:90% of the Lamb who shed it. 00:55:05.320 --> 00:55:07.990 align:middle line:90% 00:55:07.990 --> 00:55:11.580 align:middle line:84% With the apostolic authority granted me 00:55:11.580 --> 00:55:16.780 align:middle line:84% by the Savior of the world, I testify 00:55:16.780 --> 00:55:22.390 align:middle line:84% of the tranquility to the soul that reconciliation 00:55:22.390 --> 00:55:26.260 align:middle line:84% with God and each other will bring 00:55:26.260 --> 00:55:33.290 align:middle line:84% if we are meek and courageous enough to pursue it. 00:55:33.290 --> 00:55:37.970 align:middle line:84% "Cease to contend one with another," the Savior pled. 00:55:37.970 --> 00:55:46.990 align:middle line:84% So if you know of an old injury, repair it. 00:55:46.990 --> 00:55:52.570 align:middle line:90% Care for one another in love. 00:55:52.570 --> 00:55:58.120 align:middle line:84% My beloved friends, in our shared ministry 00:55:58.120 --> 00:56:06.435 align:middle line:84% of reconciliation, I ask us to be peacemakers, to love peace, 00:56:06.435 --> 00:56:15.320 align:middle line:84% to seek peace, to cherish peace, to create peace. 00:56:15.320 --> 00:56:22.180 align:middle line:84% I make that appeal in the name of the Prince of Peace, 00:56:22.180 --> 00:56:29.070 align:middle line:84% who knows everything about being "wounded in the house of [His] 00:56:29.070 --> 00:56:42.990 align:middle line:84% friends" but who still found the strength to forgive 00:56:42.990 --> 00:56:48.105 align:middle line:84% and forget--and to heal and be happy. 00:56:48.105 --> 00:56:50.360 align:middle line:84% For that I pray for you and for me 00:56:50.360 --> 00:56:52.625 align:middle line:84% in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. 00:56:52.625 --> 00:57:02.630 align:middle line:90% 00:57:02.630 --> 00:57:06.380 align:middle line:84% The congregation will now join the choir 00:57:06.380 --> 00:57:11.660 align:middle line:84% in singing "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet." 00:57:11.660 --> 00:57:15.300 align:middle line:84% After the singing, we will hear from Elder Shayne M. 00:57:15.300 --> 00:57:17.880 align:middle line:90% Bowen of the Seventy. 00:57:17.880 --> 00:57:23.340 align:middle line:84% He will be followed by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum 00:57:23.340 --> 00:57:24.695 align:middle line:90% of the Twelve Apostles. 00:57:24.695 --> 00:57:41.880 align:middle line:90% 00:57:41.880 --> 00:57:46.260 align:middle line:84% This is the 188th Semiannual General Conference 00:57:46.260 --> 00:57:49.295 align:middle line:84% of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 00:57:49.295 --> 00:57:52.020 align:middle line:90% 00:57:52.020 --> 01:00:36.474 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC PLAYING - "WE THANK THEE, O GOD, FOR A PROPHET"] 01:00:36.474 --> 01:00:42.480 align:middle line:90% 01:00:42.480 --> 01:00:45.320 align:middle line:84% Brothers and sisters, my uncle Morrell 01:00:45.320 --> 01:00:48.480 align:middle line:84% comes from a family of 11 children, 01:00:48.480 --> 01:00:52.250 align:middle line:84% and he was always one of my favorites 01:00:52.250 --> 01:00:54.840 align:middle line:84% and always set a wonderful example for me. 01:00:54.840 --> 01:00:58.450 align:middle line:84% And I love him very much and look forward 01:00:58.450 --> 01:01:01.990 align:middle line:84% to the day when I'll see him again. 01:01:01.990 --> 01:01:05.740 align:middle line:84% Many people today wonder about the reality of God 01:01:05.740 --> 01:01:07.920 align:middle line:90% and our relationship to Him. 01:01:07.920 --> 01:01:11.380 align:middle line:84% Many know little or nothing at all about His great plan 01:01:11.380 --> 01:01:12.710 align:middle line:90% of happiness. 01:01:12.710 --> 01:01:16.600 align:middle line:84% More than 30 years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson 01:01:16.600 --> 01:01:19.980 align:middle line:84% observed that "much of the ... world today rejects 01:01:19.980 --> 01:01:21.750 align:middle line:90% the divinity of the Savior. 01:01:21.750 --> 01:01:25.680 align:middle line:84% They question His miraculous birth, His perfect life, 01:01:25.680 --> 01:01:29.300 align:middle line:84% and the reality of His glorious resurrection." 01:01:29.300 --> 01:01:33.070 align:middle line:84% In our day, questions are focused not only on our Savior 01:01:33.070 --> 01:01:36.530 align:middle line:84% but also on His Church--The Church of Jesus Christ 01:01:36.530 --> 01:01:39.770 align:middle line:84% of Latter-day Saints--which He restored through the Prophet 01:01:39.770 --> 01:01:40.900 align:middle line:90% Joseph Smith. 01:01:40.900 --> 01:01:45.300 align:middle line:84% These questions often focus on the history, teachings, 01:01:45.300 --> 01:01:47.530 align:middle line:84% or practices of the Savior's Church. 01:01:47.530 --> 01:01:49.915 align:middle line:90% 01:01:49.915 --> 01:01:51.790 align:middle line:84% From Preach My Gospel we read: "Remember that 01:01:51.790 --> 01:01:54.790 align:middle line:84% our understanding [of Heavenly Father and His plan 01:01:54.790 --> 01:01:59.060 align:middle line:84% of happiness] comes from modern prophets--Joseph Smith and his 01:01:59.060 --> 01:02:02.690 align:middle line:84% successors--who receive direct revelation from God. 01:02:02.690 --> 01:02:05.200 align:middle line:84% Therefore, the first question someone 01:02:05.200 --> 01:02:08.820 align:middle line:84% should answer is whether Joseph Smith was a prophet, 01:02:08.820 --> 01:02:13.280 align:middle line:84% and he or she can answer this question by reading and praying 01:02:13.280 --> 01:02:15.590 align:middle line:90% about the Book of Mormon." 01:02:15.590 --> 01:02:18.940 align:middle line:84% The testimony of the divine calling of the Prophet Joseph 01:02:18.940 --> 01:02:21.940 align:middle line:84% Smith has been strengthened by prayerfully 01:02:21.940 --> 01:02:25.520 align:middle line:84% studying the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus 01:02:25.520 --> 01:02:26.380 align:middle line:90% Christ. 01:02:26.380 --> 01:02:28.830 align:middle line:84% I have acted on Moroni's invitation 01:02:28.830 --> 01:02:32.300 align:middle line:84% to "ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ," 01:02:32.300 --> 01:02:35.090 align:middle line:84% to know of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. 01:02:35.090 --> 01:02:38.050 align:middle line:84% I bear witness that I know it is true. 01:02:38.050 --> 01:02:40.330 align:middle line:84% That knowledge has come to me, as it 01:02:40.330 --> 01:02:44.027 align:middle line:84% can come to you, "by the power of the Holy Ghost." 01:02:44.027 --> 01:02:45.610 align:middle line:84% The introduction to the Book of Mormon 01:02:45.610 --> 01:02:48.520 align:middle line:84% states: "Those who gain this divine witness 01:02:48.520 --> 01:02:50.800 align:middle line:84% [of the Book of Mormon] from the Holy Spirit 01:02:50.800 --> 01:02:53.720 align:middle line:84% will also come to know by the same power 01:02:53.720 --> 01:02:57.570 align:middle line:84% that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph 01:02:57.570 --> 01:03:01.240 align:middle line:84% Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, 01:03:01.240 --> 01:03:04.310 align:middle line:84% and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 01:03:04.310 --> 01:03:07.840 align:middle line:84% is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth, 01:03:07.840 --> 01:03:12.230 align:middle line:84% preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah." 01:03:12.230 --> 01:03:14.330 align:middle line:84% As a young missionary going to Chile, 01:03:14.330 --> 01:03:17.760 align:middle line:84% I learned a life-changing lesson about the conversion power 01:03:17.760 --> 01:03:18.990 align:middle line:90% of the Book of Mormon. 01:03:18.990 --> 01:03:22.300 align:middle line:84% Mr. Gonzalez served in a respected position 01:03:22.300 --> 01:03:24.450 align:middle line:90% in his church for many years. 01:03:24.450 --> 01:03:26.770 align:middle line:84% He had extensive religious training, 01:03:26.770 --> 01:03:29.020 align:middle line:90% including a degree in theology. 01:03:29.020 --> 01:03:32.340 align:middle line:84% He was quite proud of his biblical expertise. 01:03:32.340 --> 01:03:36.689 align:middle line:84% It was obvious to us that he was a religious scholar. 01:03:36.689 --> 01:03:38.230 align:middle line:84% He was well aware of the missionaries 01:03:38.230 --> 01:03:40.341 align:middle line:84% of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 01:03:40.341 --> 01:03:44.780 align:middle line:84% as they went about their work in his home city of Lima, Peru. 01:03:44.780 --> 01:03:48.010 align:middle line:84% He always wanted to meet with them so that he 01:03:48.010 --> 01:03:51.360 align:middle line:90% could school them in the Bible. 01:03:51.360 --> 01:03:54.570 align:middle line:84% One day, almost as a gift from heaven, so he thought, 01:03:54.570 --> 01:03:57.140 align:middle line:84% two missionaries stopped him in the street 01:03:57.140 --> 01:03:59.100 align:middle line:84% and asked if they could come to his home 01:03:59.100 --> 01:04:01.160 align:middle line:84% and share the scriptures with him. 01:04:01.160 --> 01:04:03.220 align:middle line:90% This was his dream come true! 01:04:03.220 --> 01:04:05.020 align:middle line:90% His prayers had been answered. 01:04:05.020 --> 01:04:09.560 align:middle line:84% Finally, he could set these misguided young boys straight. 01:04:09.560 --> 01:04:11.970 align:middle line:84% He told them that he would be delighted to have 01:04:11.970 --> 01:04:15.810 align:middle line:84% them come to his house and discuss the scriptures. 01:04:15.810 --> 01:04:18.370 align:middle line:84% He could hardly wait for his appointment. 01:04:18.370 --> 01:04:21.970 align:middle line:84% He was ready to use the Bible to disprove their beliefs. 01:04:21.970 --> 01:04:25.630 align:middle line:84% He was confident that the Bible would clearly and articulately 01:04:25.630 --> 01:04:28.180 align:middle line:84% point out the error of their ways. 01:04:28.180 --> 01:04:31.180 align:middle line:84% The appointed night came, and the missionaries 01:04:31.180 --> 01:04:32.260 align:middle line:90% knocked on the door. 01:04:32.260 --> 01:04:33.680 align:middle line:90% He was giddy. 01:04:33.680 --> 01:04:36.260 align:middle line:90% The moment had finally arrived. 01:04:36.260 --> 01:04:39.600 align:middle line:84% He opened the door and invited the missionaries into his home. 01:04:39.600 --> 01:04:42.790 align:middle line:84% One of the missionaries handed him a blue book 01:04:42.790 --> 01:04:45.950 align:middle line:84% and bore a sincere testimony that he knew the book contained 01:04:45.950 --> 01:04:47.070 align:middle line:90% the word of God. 01:04:47.070 --> 01:04:51.450 align:middle line:84% The second missionary added his powerful testimony of the book, 01:04:51.450 --> 01:04:53.880 align:middle line:84% testifying that it had been translated 01:04:53.880 --> 01:04:57.420 align:middle line:84% by a modern prophet of God, named Joseph Smith, 01:04:57.420 --> 01:04:59.320 align:middle line:90% and that it taught of Christ. 01:04:59.320 --> 01:05:02.700 align:middle line:84% The missionaries excused themselves and left his home. 01:05:02.700 --> 01:05:05.430 align:middle line:84% Mr. Gonzalez was so disappointed. 01:05:05.430 --> 01:05:07.380 align:middle line:90% [LAUGHTER] 01:05:07.380 --> 01:05:09.670 align:middle line:84% But he opened the book and he started 01:05:09.670 --> 01:05:11.350 align:middle line:90% to leaf though its pages. 01:05:11.350 --> 01:05:13.040 align:middle line:90% He read the first page. 01:05:13.040 --> 01:05:15.900 align:middle line:84% He read page after page after page 01:05:15.900 --> 01:05:19.930 align:middle line:84% and didn't stop until late into the afternoon of the next day. 01:05:19.930 --> 01:05:23.160 align:middle line:84% He read the whole book and knew that it was true. 01:05:23.160 --> 01:05:25.250 align:middle line:90% He knew what he had to do. 01:05:25.250 --> 01:05:28.470 align:middle line:84% He called the missionaries, received the lessons, 01:05:28.470 --> 01:05:30.670 align:middle line:84% and gave up the life that he had known 01:05:30.670 --> 01:05:33.466 align:middle line:84% to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 01:05:33.466 --> 01:05:34.890 align:middle line:90% Saints. 01:05:34.890 --> 01:05:38.940 align:middle line:84% That good man was my MTC teacher in Provo, Utah. 01:05:38.940 --> 01:05:41.292 align:middle line:84% Brother Gonzalez's conversion story 01:05:41.292 --> 01:05:42.750 align:middle line:84% and the power of the Book of Mormon 01:05:42.750 --> 01:05:45.070 align:middle line:90% made a great impression on me. 01:05:45.070 --> 01:05:47.490 align:middle line:84% When I arrived in Chile, my mission president, 01:05:47.490 --> 01:05:50.680 align:middle line:84% President Royden J. Glade, invited us to read 01:05:50.680 --> 01:05:54.340 align:middle line:84% the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded in Joseph 01:05:54.340 --> 01:05:56.730 align:middle line:90% Smith--History every week. 01:05:56.730 --> 01:05:59.560 align:middle line:84% He taught us that a testimony of the First Vision 01:05:59.560 --> 01:06:02.810 align:middle line:84% would have a direct correlation to our own testimony 01:06:02.810 --> 01:06:06.640 align:middle line:84% of the gospel and our testimony of the Book of Mormon. 01:06:06.640 --> 01:06:09.020 align:middle line:90% I took his invitation seriously. 01:06:09.020 --> 01:06:12.300 align:middle line:84% I have read the accounts of the First Vision; 01:06:12.300 --> 01:06:14.030 align:middle line:90% I have read the Book of Mormon. 01:06:14.030 --> 01:06:16.700 align:middle line:84% I have prayed as directed by Moroni 01:06:16.700 --> 01:06:20.690 align:middle line:84% and asked "God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ" 01:06:20.690 --> 01:06:22.530 align:middle line:90% if the Book of Mormon is true. 01:06:22.530 --> 01:06:26.440 align:middle line:84% I bear witness today that I know the Book of Mormon, 01:06:26.440 --> 01:06:29.900 align:middle line:84% as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, is "the most correct 01:06:29.900 --> 01:06:33.220 align:middle line:84% of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, 01:06:33.220 --> 01:06:37.030 align:middle line:84% and a man [will] get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, 01:06:37.030 --> 01:06:38.640 align:middle line:90% than by any other book." 01:06:38.640 --> 01:06:41.940 align:middle line:84% The Prophet Joseph also declared: "Take away 01:06:41.940 --> 01:06:43.890 align:middle line:84% the Book of Mormon and the revelations, 01:06:43.890 --> 01:06:45.320 align:middle line:90% and where is our religion? 01:06:45.320 --> 01:06:46.850 align:middle line:90% We have none." 01:06:46.850 --> 01:06:49.070 align:middle line:84% As we better understand who we are 01:06:49.070 --> 01:06:50.990 align:middle line:84% and the purposes of the Book of Mormon, 01:06:50.990 --> 01:06:53.840 align:middle line:84% our conversion deepens and becomes more certain. 01:06:53.840 --> 01:06:56.070 align:middle line:84% We are strengthened in our commitment 01:06:56.070 --> 01:06:59.190 align:middle line:84% to keep the covenants we have made with God. 01:06:59.190 --> 01:07:01.510 align:middle line:84% A principal purpose of the Book of Mormon 01:07:01.510 --> 01:07:03.680 align:middle line:90% is to gather scattered Israel. 01:07:03.680 --> 01:07:06.560 align:middle line:84% This gathering gives all of God's children 01:07:06.560 --> 01:07:09.200 align:middle line:84% the opportunity to enter into the covenant path 01:07:09.200 --> 01:07:11.490 align:middle line:84% and, by honoring those covenants, 01:07:11.490 --> 01:07:14.070 align:middle line:84% return back to the presence of the Father. 01:07:14.070 --> 01:07:17.750 align:middle line:84% As we teach repentance and baptize converts, 01:07:17.750 --> 01:07:20.490 align:middle line:90% we gather scattered Israel. 01:07:20.490 --> 01:07:23.880 align:middle line:84% The Book of Mormon has 108 references 01:07:23.880 --> 01:07:25.400 align:middle line:90% to the house of Israel. 01:07:25.400 --> 01:07:27.490 align:middle line:84% At the beginning of the Book of Mormon, 01:07:27.490 --> 01:07:31.360 align:middle line:84% Nephi taught, "For the fulness of mine 01:07:31.360 --> 01:07:33.740 align:middle line:84% intent is that I may persuade men 01:07:33.740 --> 01:07:37.190 align:middle line:84% to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, 01:07:37.190 --> 01:07:39.950 align:middle line:84% and the God of Jacob, and be saved." 01:07:39.950 --> 01:07:42.430 align:middle line:84% The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 01:07:42.430 --> 01:07:45.970 align:middle line:84% is Jesus Christ, the God of the Old Testament. 01:07:45.970 --> 01:07:49.030 align:middle line:84% We are saved as we come unto Christ 01:07:49.030 --> 01:07:51.590 align:middle line:90% through living His gospel. 01:07:51.590 --> 01:07:53.590 align:middle line:90% Later, Nephi wrote: 01:07:53.590 --> 01:07:57.280 align:middle line:84% "Yea, even my father spake much concerning the Gentiles, 01:07:57.280 --> 01:07:59.680 align:middle line:84% and also concerning the house of Israel, 01:07:59.680 --> 01:08:02.090 align:middle line:84% that they should be compared like unto an olive tree, 01:08:02.090 --> 01:08:05.340 align:middle line:84% whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered 01:08:05.340 --> 01:08:07.830 align:middle line:84% upon all the face of the earth. ... 01:08:07.830 --> 01:08:10.310 align:middle line:84% "And after the house of Israel should be scattered 01:08:10.310 --> 01:08:13.630 align:middle line:84% they should be gathered together again; or, in fine, 01:08:13.630 --> 01:08:16.819 align:middle line:84% after the Gentiles had received the fulness of the Gospel, 01:08:16.819 --> 01:08:19.080 align:middle line:84% the natural branches of the olive tree, 01:08:19.080 --> 01:08:22.640 align:middle line:84% or the remnants of the house of Israel, should be grafted in, 01:08:22.640 --> 01:08:26.359 align:middle line:84% or come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord 01:08:26.359 --> 01:08:28.220 align:middle line:90% and their Redeemer." 01:08:28.220 --> 01:08:30.279 align:middle line:84% Likewise, at the end of the Book of Mormon, 01:08:30.279 --> 01:08:33.899 align:middle line:84% the prophet Moroni reminds us of our covenants, 01:08:33.899 --> 01:08:37.470 align:middle line:84% saying, "That thou mayest no more be confounded, 01:08:37.470 --> 01:08:40.859 align:middle line:84% that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath 01:08:40.859 --> 01:08:44.740 align:middle line:84% made unto thee, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled." 01:08:44.740 --> 01:08:46.899 align:middle line:84% What are the "covenants of the Eternal Father" 01:08:46.899 --> 01:08:48.529 align:middle line:90% referred to by Moroni? 01:08:48.529 --> 01:08:51.340 align:middle line:90% We read in the book of Abraham: 01:08:51.340 --> 01:08:54.430 align:middle line:84% "My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning; 01:08:54.430 --> 01:08:57.100 align:middle line:84% therefore my hand shall be over thee. 01:08:57.100 --> 01:08:59.080 align:middle line:84% "And I will make of thee a great nation, 01:08:59.080 --> 01:09:01.260 align:middle line:84% and I will bless thee above measure, 01:09:01.260 --> 01:09:04.270 align:middle line:84% and make thy name great among all nations, 01:09:04.270 --> 01:09:07.479 align:middle line:84% and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, 01:09:07.479 --> 01:09:10.899 align:middle line:84% that in their hands they shall bear this ministry 01:09:10.899 --> 01:09:14.069 align:middle line:84% and Priesthood unto all nations." 01:09:14.069 --> 01:09:15.810 align:middle line:84% President Russell M. Nelson taught 01:09:15.810 --> 01:09:19.950 align:middle line:84% in a recent worldwide broadcast that "these surely 01:09:19.950 --> 01:09:21.790 align:middle line:84% are the latter days, and the Lord 01:09:21.790 --> 01:09:24.060 align:middle line:84% is hastening His work to gather Israel. 01:09:24.060 --> 01:09:26.520 align:middle line:84% That gathering is the most important thing 01:09:26.520 --> 01:09:28.390 align:middle line:90% taking place on earth today. 01:09:28.390 --> 01:09:30.930 align:middle line:84% Nothing else compares in magnitude, 01:09:30.930 --> 01:09:34.260 align:middle line:84% nothing else compares in importance, nothing else 01:09:34.260 --> 01:09:35.840 align:middle line:90% compares in majesty. 01:09:35.840 --> 01:09:38.500 align:middle line:84% And if you choose to, if you want to, 01:09:38.500 --> 01:09:40.569 align:middle line:90% you can be a big part of it. 01:09:40.569 --> 01:09:44.310 align:middle line:84% You can be a big part of something big, something grand, 01:09:44.310 --> 01:09:46.310 align:middle line:90% something majestic! 01:09:46.310 --> 01:09:48.830 align:middle line:84% "When we speak of the gathering, we are simply 01:09:48.830 --> 01:09:52.850 align:middle line:84% saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly 01:09:52.850 --> 01:09:55.880 align:middle line:84% Father's children, on both sides of the veil, 01:09:55.880 --> 01:09:58.140 align:middle line:84% deserves to hear the message of the restored 01:09:58.140 --> 01:09:59.940 align:middle line:90% gospel of Jesus Christ. 01:09:59.940 --> 01:10:05.710 align:middle line:84% They decide for themselves if they want to know more." 01:10:05.710 --> 01:10:07.410 align:middle line:84% That is what we are doing as members 01:10:07.410 --> 01:10:10.180 align:middle line:84% of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 01:10:10.180 --> 01:10:12.190 align:middle line:84% we are seeking to bring the world 01:10:12.190 --> 01:10:14.100 align:middle line:84% to an understanding and a conversion 01:10:14.100 --> 01:10:16.780 align:middle line:90% to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 01:10:16.780 --> 01:10:19.770 align:middle line:84% We are the "latter-day gatherers." 01:10:19.770 --> 01:10:21.720 align:middle line:90% Our mission is clear. 01:10:21.720 --> 01:10:24.940 align:middle line:84% Brothers and sisters, let us be known 01:10:24.940 --> 01:10:27.890 align:middle line:84% as those who have taken Moroni's promise to heart, 01:10:27.890 --> 01:10:31.370 align:middle line:84% prayed and received an answer to know that the Book of Mormon 01:10:31.370 --> 01:10:35.520 align:middle line:84% is true, and then shared that knowledge with others in word 01:10:35.520 --> 01:10:37.980 align:middle line:90% and, most importantly, in deed. 01:10:37.980 --> 01:10:41.520 align:middle line:84% The Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus 01:10:41.520 --> 01:10:44.850 align:middle line:84% Christ; it leads us to the covenants of the Father, 01:10:44.850 --> 01:10:49.090 align:middle line:84% which if kept will assure us of His greatest gift--eternal 01:10:49.090 --> 01:10:49.780 align:middle line:90% life. 01:10:49.780 --> 01:10:51.880 align:middle line:84% The Book of Mormon is the keystone 01:10:51.880 --> 01:10:56.230 align:middle line:84% to conversion of all of Heavenly Father's sons and daughters. 01:10:56.230 --> 01:10:59.100 align:middle line:84% Quoting again from President Nelson: "As you ... 01:10:59.100 --> 01:11:01.340 align:middle line:84% read daily ... the Book of Mormon, 01:11:01.340 --> 01:11:03.920 align:middle line:84% you will learn the doctrine of the gathering, 01:11:03.920 --> 01:11:07.180 align:middle line:84% truths about Jesus Christ, His Atonement, 01:11:07.180 --> 01:11:10.800 align:middle line:84% and the fulness of His gospel not found in the Bible. 01:11:10.800 --> 01:11:14.080 align:middle line:84% The Book of Mormon is central to the gathering of Israel. 01:11:14.080 --> 01:11:17.300 align:middle line:84% In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, 01:11:17.300 --> 01:11:22.260 align:middle line:84% the promised gathering of Israel would not occur." 01:11:22.260 --> 01:11:24.250 align:middle line:84% Let me conclude with the words of the Savior 01:11:24.250 --> 01:11:27.200 align:middle line:84% as He taught the Nephites of the promised blessings: 01:11:27.200 --> 01:11:29.580 align:middle line:84% "Ye are the children of the prophets; 01:11:29.580 --> 01:11:31.400 align:middle line:84% and ye are of the house of Israel; 01:11:31.400 --> 01:11:33.920 align:middle line:84% and ye are of the covenant which the Father made 01:11:33.920 --> 01:11:36.190 align:middle line:84% with your fathers, saying unto Abraham: 01:11:36.190 --> 01:11:39.360 align:middle line:84% And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth 01:11:39.360 --> 01:11:40.810 align:middle line:90% be blessed." 01:11:40.810 --> 01:11:44.060 align:middle line:84% I testify that we are sons and daughters of God, 01:11:44.060 --> 01:11:47.170 align:middle line:84% the seed of Abraham, the house of Israel. 01:11:47.170 --> 01:11:51.180 align:middle line:84% We are gathering Israel for the last time and are doing so with 01:11:51.180 --> 01:11:54.970 align:middle line:84% the Book of Mormon--a book that, combined with the Spirit 01:11:54.970 --> 01:11:57.740 align:middle line:84% of the Lord, is the most powerful tool of conversion. 01:11:57.740 --> 01:12:01.320 align:middle line:84% We are led by the prophet of God, President Russell M. 01:12:01.320 --> 01:12:05.740 align:middle line:84% Nelson, who is directing the gathering of Israel in our day. 01:12:05.740 --> 01:12:07.810 align:middle line:90% The Book of Mormon is true. 01:12:07.810 --> 01:12:09.920 align:middle line:90% It has changed my life. 01:12:09.920 --> 01:12:14.150 align:middle line:84% I promise you, as have Moroni and many prophets 01:12:14.150 --> 01:12:17.210 align:middle line:84% through the ages, that it can change yours. 01:12:17.210 --> 01:12:19.420 align:middle line:84% In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 01:12:19.420 --> 01:12:28.700 align:middle line:90% 01:12:28.700 --> 01:12:34.070 align:middle line:84% On March 22, 2016, just before 8:00 in the morning, 01:12:34.070 --> 01:12:37.900 align:middle line:84% two terrorist bombs exploded in the Brussels Airport. 01:12:37.900 --> 01:12:42.550 align:middle line:84% Elder Richard Norby, Elder Mason Wells, and Elder Joseph Empey 01:12:42.550 --> 01:12:45.220 align:middle line:84% had taken Sister Fanny Clain to the airport 01:12:45.220 --> 01:12:48.740 align:middle line:84% for a flight for her mission in Cleveland, Ohio. 01:12:48.740 --> 01:12:51.740 align:middle line:84% Thirty-two people lost their lives, 01:12:51.740 --> 01:12:55.000 align:middle line:84% and all of the missionaries were wounded. 01:12:55.000 --> 01:12:59.260 align:middle line:84% The most seriously wounded was Elder Richard Norby, age 66, 01:12:59.260 --> 01:13:03.130 align:middle line:84% serving with his wife, Sister Pam Norby. 01:13:03.130 --> 01:13:06.450 align:middle line:84% Elder Norby reflected on that moment: 01:13:06.450 --> 01:13:09.130 align:middle line:84% "Instantly, I knew what had happened. 01:13:09.130 --> 01:13:12.440 align:middle line:84% "I tried to run for safety, but I immediately fell down. 01:13:12.440 --> 01:13:12.940 align:middle line:90% ... 01:13:12.940 --> 01:13:16.340 align:middle line:84% I could see that my left leg was badly injured. 01:13:16.340 --> 01:13:21.320 align:middle line:84% I [noticed] black, almost spiderweb-type, soot drooping 01:13:21.320 --> 01:13:22.980 align:middle line:90% from both hands. 01:13:22.980 --> 01:13:25.990 align:middle line:84% I gently pulled at it but realized 01:13:25.990 --> 01:13:30.220 align:middle line:84% it was not soot but my skin that had been burned. 01:13:30.220 --> 01:13:36.800 align:middle line:84% My white shirt was turning red from an injury on my back. 01:13:36.800 --> 01:13:39.750 align:middle line:84% "As the consciousness of what had just happened filled 01:13:39.750 --> 01:13:43.720 align:middle line:84% my mind, I [had] this very strong thought, ... 01:13:43.720 --> 01:13:48.600 align:middle line:84% the Savior knew where I was, what had just transpired, 01:13:48.600 --> 01:13:51.410 align:middle line:84% and [what] I was experiencing at that moment." 01:13:51.410 --> 01:13:54.370 align:middle line:90% 01:13:54.370 --> 01:13:56.740 align:middle line:84% There were difficult days ahead for Richard Norby 01:13:56.740 --> 01:13:58.620 align:middle line:90% and for his wife, Pam. 01:13:58.620 --> 01:14:01.690 align:middle line:84% He was placed in an induced coma, 01:14:01.690 --> 01:14:05.020 align:middle line:84% followed with surgeries, infections, 01:14:05.020 --> 01:14:08.320 align:middle line:90% and great uncertainty. 01:14:08.320 --> 01:14:13.210 align:middle line:84% Richard Norby lived, but his life would never be the same. 01:14:13.210 --> 01:14:17.520 align:middle line:84% Two and a half years later, his wounds are still healing; 01:14:17.520 --> 01:14:20.700 align:middle line:84% a brace replaces the missing part of his leg; 01:14:20.700 --> 01:14:24.640 align:middle line:84% each step is different than before that moment 01:14:24.640 --> 01:14:27.990 align:middle line:90% at the Brussels Airport. 01:14:27.990 --> 01:14:31.270 align:middle line:84% Why would this happen to Richard and Pam Norby? 01:14:31.270 --> 01:14:33.640 align:middle line:84% They had been true to their covenants, 01:14:33.640 --> 01:14:36.430 align:middle line:84% served a previous mission in the Ivory Coast, 01:14:36.430 --> 01:14:39.150 align:middle line:90% and raised a wonderful family. 01:14:39.150 --> 01:14:44.270 align:middle line:84% Someone could understandably say, "It isn't fair! 01:14:44.270 --> 01:14:46.630 align:middle line:90% It just isn't right! 01:14:46.630 --> 01:14:51.600 align:middle line:84% They were giving their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ; how 01:14:51.600 --> 01:14:55.440 align:middle line:90% could this happen?" 01:14:55.440 --> 01:14:59.060 align:middle line:84% Although the details will differ, the tragedies, 01:14:59.060 --> 01:15:02.870 align:middle line:84% the unanticipated tests and trials--both physical 01:15:02.870 --> 01:15:10.880 align:middle line:84% and spiritual--come to each of us because this is mortality. 01:15:10.880 --> 01:15:13.300 align:middle line:84% As I thought of the speakers in just this session 01:15:13.300 --> 01:15:16.500 align:middle line:84% of conference, it occurred to me that two 01:15:16.500 --> 01:15:21.310 align:middle line:84% have had children and three have had grandchildren unexpectedly 01:15:21.310 --> 01:15:23.380 align:middle line:90% return to their heavenly home. 01:15:23.380 --> 01:15:27.520 align:middle line:84% None has been spared sickness and sadness, 01:15:27.520 --> 01:15:31.470 align:middle line:84% and as has been spoken in this very week, 01:15:31.470 --> 01:15:35.770 align:middle line:84% an angel on earth whom we all love, Sister Barbara Ballard, 01:15:35.770 --> 01:15:40.280 align:middle line:90% stepped gently through the veil. 01:15:40.280 --> 01:15:42.690 align:middle line:84% President Ballard, we will never forget your testimony 01:15:42.690 --> 01:15:45.370 align:middle line:90% this morning. 01:15:45.370 --> 01:15:47.140 align:middle line:90% We search for happiness. 01:15:47.140 --> 01:15:48.630 align:middle line:90% We long for peace. 01:15:48.630 --> 01:15:50.040 align:middle line:90% We hope for love. 01:15:50.040 --> 01:15:55.190 align:middle line:84% And the Lord showers us with an amazing abundance of blessings. 01:15:55.190 --> 01:15:59.170 align:middle line:84% But intermingled with the joy and happiness, 01:15:59.170 --> 01:16:05.890 align:middle line:84% one thing is certain: there will be moments, hours, days, 01:16:05.890 --> 01:16:11.930 align:middle line:84% sometimes years when your soul will be wounded. 01:16:11.930 --> 01:16:13.310 align:middle line:84% The scriptures teach that we will 01:16:13.310 --> 01:16:16.190 align:middle line:84% taste the bitter and the sweet and that there will 01:16:16.190 --> 01:16:18.510 align:middle line:90% be "opposition in all things." 01:16:18.510 --> 01:16:22.580 align:middle line:84% Jesus said, "[Your Father] maketh his sun to rise 01:16:22.580 --> 01:16:27.260 align:middle line:84% on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just 01:16:27.260 --> 01:16:30.270 align:middle line:90% and ... the unjust." 01:16:30.270 --> 01:16:34.630 align:middle line:84% Wounds of the soul are not unique to the rich or the poor, 01:16:34.630 --> 01:16:39.690 align:middle line:84% to one culture, one nation, or one generation. 01:16:39.690 --> 01:16:43.100 align:middle line:84% They come to all and are part of the learning 01:16:43.100 --> 01:16:47.950 align:middle line:84% we receive from this mortal experience. 01:16:47.950 --> 01:16:50.410 align:middle line:84% My message today is especially to those 01:16:50.410 --> 01:16:52.670 align:middle line:84% who are keeping the commandments of God, 01:16:52.670 --> 01:16:57.800 align:middle line:84% keeping their promises to God, and, like the Norbys 01:16:57.800 --> 01:17:00.300 align:middle line:84% and many other men, women, and children 01:17:00.300 --> 01:17:04.310 align:middle line:84% in this worldwide audience, are confronted 01:17:04.310 --> 01:17:08.810 align:middle line:84% with trials and challenges that are unexpected and painful. 01:17:08.810 --> 01:17:11.910 align:middle line:90% 01:17:11.910 --> 01:17:14.530 align:middle line:84% Our wounds may come from a natural disaster 01:17:14.530 --> 01:17:16.770 align:middle line:90% or an unfortunate accident. 01:17:16.770 --> 01:17:20.090 align:middle line:84% They may come from an unfaithful husband or wife, 01:17:20.090 --> 01:17:24.410 align:middle line:84% turning life upside down for a righteous spouse and children. 01:17:24.410 --> 01:17:28.110 align:middle line:84% The wounds may come from the darkness and gloom 01:17:28.110 --> 01:17:32.110 align:middle line:84% of depression, from an unanticipated illness, 01:17:32.110 --> 01:17:35.930 align:middle line:84% from the suffering or premature death of someone we love, 01:17:35.930 --> 01:17:40.730 align:middle line:84% the sadness from a family member dismissing his or her faith, 01:17:40.730 --> 01:17:44.310 align:middle line:84% the loneliness when circumstances do not bring 01:17:44.310 --> 01:17:49.030 align:middle line:84% an eternal companion, or a hundred other heart-wrenching, 01:17:49.030 --> 01:17:53.950 align:middle line:84% painful "[sorrows] that the eye can't see." 01:17:53.950 --> 01:17:57.510 align:middle line:84% We each understand that difficulties are part of life, 01:17:57.510 --> 01:18:00.170 align:middle line:84% but when they come to us personally, 01:18:00.170 --> 01:18:02.570 align:middle line:90% they can take our breath away. 01:18:02.570 --> 01:18:06.720 align:middle line:84% Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. 01:18:06.720 --> 01:18:12.470 align:middle line:84% The Apostle Peter said, "Think it not strange 01:18:12.470 --> 01:18:15.960 align:middle line:84% concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, 01:18:15.960 --> 01:18:19.670 align:middle line:84% as though some strange thing happened [to] you." 01:18:19.670 --> 01:18:22.300 align:middle line:90% 01:18:22.300 --> 01:18:25.510 align:middle line:84% Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, 01:18:25.510 --> 01:18:29.510 align:middle line:84% the darker colored threads of trial and tragedy 01:18:29.510 --> 01:18:33.400 align:middle line:84% are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan. 01:18:33.400 --> 01:18:36.400 align:middle line:84% These struggles, although difficult, 01:18:36.400 --> 01:18:40.280 align:middle line:84% often become our greatest teachers. 01:18:40.280 --> 01:18:43.840 align:middle line:84% When telling the miraculous story of Helaman's 2,060 01:18:43.840 --> 01:18:47.400 align:middle line:84% young soldiers, we love this scripture: 01:18:47.400 --> 01:18:49.550 align:middle line:84% "According to the goodness of God, 01:18:49.550 --> 01:18:52.320 align:middle line:84% and to our great astonishment, and also 01:18:52.320 --> 01:18:57.900 align:middle line:84% the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them 01:18:57.900 --> 01:18:59.900 align:middle line:90% who did perish." 01:18:59.900 --> 01:19:04.510 align:middle line:84% But the sentence continues: "And neither 01:19:04.510 --> 01:19:07.230 align:middle line:84% was there one soul among them who 01:19:07.230 --> 01:19:10.970 align:middle line:90% had not received many wounds." 01:19:10.970 --> 01:19:18.320 align:middle line:84% Each of the 2,060 received many wounds, and each one of us 01:19:18.320 --> 01:19:22.570 align:middle line:84% will be wounded in the battle of life, whether physically, 01:19:22.570 --> 01:19:26.730 align:middle line:90% spiritually, or both. 01:19:26.730 --> 01:19:28.420 align:middle line:90% Never give up. 01:19:28.420 --> 01:19:31.640 align:middle line:84% However deep the wounds of your soul, 01:19:31.640 --> 01:19:36.510 align:middle line:84% whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, 01:19:36.510 --> 01:19:40.120 align:middle line:84% and for how short or long they persist, 01:19:40.120 --> 01:19:44.610 align:middle line:84% you are not meant to perish spiritually. 01:19:44.610 --> 01:19:48.960 align:middle line:84% You are meant to survive spiritually, and blossom 01:19:48.960 --> 01:19:52.770 align:middle line:90% in your faith and trust in God. 01:19:52.770 --> 01:19:57.210 align:middle line:84% God did not create our spirits to be independent of Him. 01:19:57.210 --> 01:20:00.390 align:middle line:84% Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, 01:20:00.390 --> 01:20:03.770 align:middle line:84% through the incalculable gift of His Atonement, 01:20:03.770 --> 01:20:08.010 align:middle line:84% not only saves us from death and offers us, 01:20:08.010 --> 01:20:11.250 align:middle line:84% through repentance, forgiveness for our sins, 01:20:11.250 --> 01:20:15.250 align:middle line:84% but He also stands ready to save us from the sorrows 01:20:15.250 --> 01:20:19.670 align:middle line:90% and pains of our wounded souls. 01:20:19.670 --> 01:20:23.170 align:middle line:84% The Savior is our Good Samaritan, sent 01:20:23.170 --> 01:20:25.190 align:middle line:90% "to heal the brokenhearted." 01:20:25.190 --> 01:20:28.740 align:middle line:84% He comes to us when others pass us by. 01:20:28.740 --> 01:20:33.850 align:middle line:84% With compassion He places His healing balm on our wounds 01:20:33.850 --> 01:20:35.630 align:middle line:90% and binds them up. 01:20:35.630 --> 01:20:37.570 align:middle line:90% He carries us. 01:20:37.570 --> 01:20:39.530 align:middle line:90% He cares for us. 01:20:39.530 --> 01:20:47.400 align:middle line:84% He bids us, "Come unto me ... and I shall heal [you]." 01:20:47.400 --> 01:20:50.090 align:middle line:84% "And [Jesus] shall ... [suffer] pains and afflictions 01:20:50.090 --> 01:20:52.260 align:middle line:84% and temptations of every kind; ... 01:20:52.260 --> 01:20:55.010 align:middle line:84% that ... he [might] take upon him the pains and ... 01:20:55.010 --> 01:20:57.710 align:middle line:90% sicknesses of his people ... 01:20:57.710 --> 01:21:01.623 align:middle line:84% [taking upon Himself our] infirmities, [being] 01:21:01.623 --> 01:21:05.750 align:middle line:90% filled with mercy." 01:21:05.750 --> 01:21:10.010 align:middle line:84% Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish; 01:21:10.010 --> 01:21:14.750 align:middle line:84% Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel. 01:21:14.750 --> 01:21:19.590 align:middle line:84% Here bring your wounded hearts; here tell your anguish. 01:21:19.590 --> 01:21:23.520 align:middle line:84% Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal. 01:21:23.520 --> 01:21:26.620 align:middle line:90% 01:21:26.620 --> 01:21:29.580 align:middle line:84% At a time of enormous suffering, the Lord told the Prophet 01:21:29.580 --> 01:21:33.870 align:middle line:84% Joseph, "All these things shall give thee experience, 01:21:33.870 --> 01:21:37.730 align:middle line:90% and shall be for thy good." 01:21:37.730 --> 01:21:41.270 align:middle line:84% How can painful wounds be for our good? 01:21:41.270 --> 01:21:46.271 align:middle line:84% In the crucible of earthly trials, patiently move forward, 01:21:46.271 --> 01:21:50.890 align:middle line:84% and the Savior's healing power will bring you light, 01:21:50.890 --> 01:21:55.940 align:middle line:90% understanding, peace, and hope. 01:21:55.940 --> 01:21:57.720 align:middle line:90% Pray with all your heart. 01:21:57.720 --> 01:22:01.830 align:middle line:84% Strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, in His reality, 01:22:01.830 --> 01:22:03.300 align:middle line:90% in His grace. 01:22:03.300 --> 01:22:08.690 align:middle line:84% Hold on to these words: "My grace is sufficient for thee: 01:22:08.690 --> 01:22:14.840 align:middle line:84% for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 01:22:14.840 --> 01:22:18.880 align:middle line:84% Remember, repentance is powerful spiritual medicine. 01:22:18.880 --> 01:22:22.660 align:middle line:84% Keep the commandments and be worthy of the Comforter, 01:22:22.660 --> 01:22:26.410 align:middle line:84% remembering the Savior promised, "I will not 01:22:26.410 --> 01:22:31.770 align:middle line:84% leave you comfortless: I will come to you." 01:22:31.770 --> 01:22:34.640 align:middle line:84% The peace of the temple is a soothing balm 01:22:34.640 --> 01:22:36.320 align:middle line:90% to the wounded soul. 01:22:36.320 --> 01:22:39.750 align:middle line:84% Return to the Lord's house with your wounded heart 01:22:39.750 --> 01:22:43.840 align:middle line:84% and with your family names as frequently as possible. 01:22:43.840 --> 01:22:48.880 align:middle line:84% The temple projects our brief moment in mortality 01:22:48.880 --> 01:22:53.060 align:middle line:84% onto the wide screen of eternity. 01:22:53.060 --> 01:22:56.290 align:middle line:84% Look backward, remembering that you proved your worthiness 01:22:56.290 --> 01:22:58.030 align:middle line:90% in your premortal state. 01:22:58.030 --> 01:23:02.230 align:middle line:84% You are a valiant child of God, and with His help 01:23:02.230 --> 01:23:06.400 align:middle line:84% you can triumph in the battles of this fallen world. 01:23:06.400 --> 01:23:12.250 align:middle line:84% You have done it before, and you can do it again. 01:23:12.250 --> 01:23:13.400 align:middle line:90% Look forward. 01:23:13.400 --> 01:23:16.520 align:middle line:84% Your troubles and sorrows are very real, 01:23:16.520 --> 01:23:19.580 align:middle line:90% but they will not last forever. 01:23:19.580 --> 01:23:25.034 align:middle line:84% Your dark night will pass because the Son did rise 01:23:25.034 --> 01:23:26.200 align:middle line:90% "with healing in his wings." 01:23:26.200 --> 01:23:28.750 align:middle line:90% 01:23:28.750 --> 01:23:31.280 align:middle line:84% The Norbys told me: "Disappointment 01:23:31.280 --> 01:23:36.120 align:middle line:84% comes to visit on occasion but is never allowed to stay." 01:23:36.120 --> 01:23:40.440 align:middle line:84% The Apostle Paul said, "We are troubled ... 01:23:40.440 --> 01:23:45.880 align:middle line:84% yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 01:23:45.880 --> 01:23:53.150 align:middle line:84% persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 01:23:53.150 --> 01:24:00.860 align:middle line:84% You may be exhausted, but don't ever give up. 01:24:00.860 --> 01:24:03.230 align:middle line:84% Even with your own painful wounds, 01:24:03.230 --> 01:24:07.330 align:middle line:84% you will instinctively reach out to others, trusting 01:24:07.330 --> 01:24:11.120 align:middle line:84% in the Savior's promise: "Whosoever will lose his life 01:24:11.120 --> 01:24:13.700 align:middle line:90% for my sake shall find it." 01:24:13.700 --> 01:24:17.050 align:middle line:84% The wounded who nurse the wounds of others 01:24:17.050 --> 01:24:21.510 align:middle line:90% are God's angels on earth. 01:24:21.510 --> 01:24:24.860 align:middle line:84% In just a few moments we will listen to our beloved prophet, 01:24:24.860 --> 01:24:29.510 align:middle line:84% President Russell M. Nelson, a man of undaunted faith in Jesus 01:24:29.510 --> 01:24:33.490 align:middle line:84% Christ, a man of hope and peace, loved by God 01:24:33.490 --> 01:24:37.780 align:middle line:84% but not spared from the wounds of the soul. 01:24:37.780 --> 01:24:43.590 align:middle line:84% In 1995 his daughter Emily, while expecting a child, 01:24:43.590 --> 01:24:46.200 align:middle line:90% was diagnosed with cancer. 01:24:46.200 --> 01:24:49.600 align:middle line:84% There were days of hope and happiness 01:24:49.600 --> 01:24:52.620 align:middle line:84% as her healthy baby was delivered. 01:24:52.620 --> 01:24:57.390 align:middle line:84% But the cancer returned, and their beloved Emily 01:24:57.390 --> 01:25:00.560 align:middle line:84% would pass from this life just two weeks 01:25:00.560 --> 01:25:06.810 align:middle line:84% after her 37th birthday, leaving her loving husband and five 01:25:06.810 --> 01:25:09.230 align:middle line:90% young children. 01:25:09.230 --> 01:25:12.680 align:middle line:84% In general conference, shortly after her passing, 01:25:12.680 --> 01:25:17.950 align:middle line:84% Elder Nelson confided: "My tears of sorrow have flowed along 01:25:17.950 --> 01:25:21.280 align:middle line:84% with wishes that I could have done more for our daughter. ... 01:25:21.280 --> 01:25:24.540 align:middle line:84% If I had the power of resurrection, 01:25:24.540 --> 01:25:27.840 align:middle line:84% I would have been tempted to bring [her] back. ... 01:25:27.840 --> 01:25:32.280 align:middle line:84% [But] Jesus Christ holds those keys and will use them 01:25:32.280 --> 01:25:38.650 align:middle line:84% for Emily ... and for all people in the Lord's own time." 01:25:38.650 --> 01:25:42.770 align:middle line:84% Last month, while visiting the Saints in Puerto Rico, 01:25:42.770 --> 01:25:46.270 align:middle line:84% and remembering last year's devastating hurricane, 01:25:46.270 --> 01:25:51.600 align:middle line:84% President Nelson spoke with love and compassion: 01:25:51.600 --> 01:25:53.030 align:middle line:90% "[This] is part of life. 01:25:53.030 --> 01:25:55.020 align:middle line:90% It's why we're here. 01:25:55.020 --> 01:25:59.100 align:middle line:84% We are here to have a body and to be tried and tested. 01:25:59.100 --> 01:26:03.440 align:middle line:84% Some of those tests are physical; some are spiritual, 01:26:03.440 --> 01:26:08.620 align:middle line:84% and your trials here have been both physical and spiritual." 01:26:08.620 --> 01:26:10.460 align:middle line:90% "You have not given up. 01:26:10.460 --> 01:26:13.070 align:middle line:90% We are [so] proud of you. 01:26:13.070 --> 01:26:17.450 align:middle line:84% You faithful Saints have lost much, but through it all, 01:26:17.450 --> 01:26:21.950 align:middle line:84% you have fostered your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." 01:26:21.950 --> 01:26:25.470 align:middle line:84% "By keeping God's commandments, we 01:26:25.470 --> 01:26:29.763 align:middle line:84% can find joy even in the midst of our worst circumstances." 01:26:29.763 --> 01:26:32.820 align:middle line:90% 01:26:32.820 --> 01:26:37.600 align:middle line:84% My brothers and sisters, it is my promise to you 01:26:37.600 --> 01:26:41.040 align:middle line:84% that increasing your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 01:26:41.040 --> 01:26:44.560 align:middle line:84% will bring you added strength and greater hope. 01:26:44.560 --> 01:26:49.060 align:middle line:84% For you, the righteous, the Healer of our souls, 01:26:49.060 --> 01:26:54.030 align:middle line:84% in His time and His way, will heal all your wounds. 01:26:54.030 --> 01:26:59.270 align:middle line:84% No injustice, no persecution, no trial, no sadness, 01:26:59.270 --> 01:27:06.840 align:middle line:84% no heartache, no suffering, no wound--however deep, 01:27:06.840 --> 01:27:11.940 align:middle line:84% however wide, however painful--will be excluded from 01:27:11.940 --> 01:27:18.650 align:middle line:84% the comfort, peace, and lasting hope of Him whose open arms 01:27:18.650 --> 01:27:22.590 align:middle line:84% and whose wounded hands will welcome us back into His 01:27:22.590 --> 01:27:23.910 align:middle line:90% presence. 01:27:23.910 --> 01:27:27.540 align:middle line:84% At that day, the Apostle John testifies, 01:27:27.540 --> 01:27:30.690 align:middle line:84% the righteous "which [come] out of great tribulation" 01:27:30.690 --> 01:27:33.200 align:middle line:84% will stand "arrayed in white robes ... 01:27:33.200 --> 01:27:35.200 align:middle line:90% before the throne of God." 01:27:35.200 --> 01:27:38.390 align:middle line:84% The Lamb will "dwell among [us] ... 01:27:38.390 --> 01:27:44.990 align:middle line:84% and God shall wipe away all tears from [your] eyes." 01:27:44.990 --> 01:27:47.220 align:middle line:90% This day will come. 01:27:47.220 --> 01:27:51.915 align:middle line:84% I so witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 01:27:51.915 --> 01:28:01.960 align:middle line:90% 01:28:01.960 --> 01:28:06.430 align:middle line:84% We are grateful to those who have spoken to us thus far, 01:28:06.430 --> 01:28:10.600 align:middle line:84% and to the Tabernacle Choir for the beautiful music 01:28:10.600 --> 01:28:12.700 align:middle line:90% they have provided this morning. 01:28:12.700 --> 01:28:20.020 align:middle line:84% The choir will now favor us with "His Voice as the Sound." 01:28:20.020 --> 01:28:24.360 align:middle line:84% After the singing, we will be pleased to hear 01:28:24.360 --> 01:28:29.330 align:middle line:84% from our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. 01:28:29.330 --> 01:28:31.710 align:middle line:84% Following President Nelson's remarks, 01:28:31.710 --> 01:28:33.950 align:middle line:84% the choir will close this meeting 01:28:33.950 --> 01:28:37.900 align:middle line:84% by singing "It Is Well with My Soul." 01:28:37.900 --> 01:28:42.670 align:middle line:84% The benediction will then be offered by Elder Donald L. 01:28:42.670 --> 01:28:44.670 align:middle line:90% Hallstrom of the Seventy. 01:28:44.670 --> 01:29:01.071 align:middle line:90% 01:29:01.071 --> 01:33:14.138 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC PLAYING - "HIS VOICE AS THE SOUND"] 01:33:14.138 --> 01:33:28.522 align:middle line:90% 01:33:28.522 --> 01:33:31.994 align:middle line:90% Thank you, choir. 01:33:31.994 --> 01:33:36.940 align:middle line:84% My beloved brothers and sisters, on this beautiful Sabbath day 01:33:36.940 --> 01:33:41.520 align:middle line:84% we rejoice together in our many blessings from the Lord. 01:33:41.520 --> 01:33:45.950 align:middle line:84% We are very grateful for your testimonies of the restored 01:33:45.950 --> 01:33:50.340 align:middle line:84% gospel of Jesus Christ, for the sacrifices you've 01:33:50.340 --> 01:33:55.680 align:middle line:84% made to stay on or return to His covenant path, 01:33:55.680 --> 01:33:58.680 align:middle line:84% and for your consecrated service in His Church. 01:33:58.680 --> 01:34:02.630 align:middle line:90% 01:34:02.630 --> 01:34:05.002 align:middle line:84% Today I feel compelled to discuss with you 01:34:05.002 --> 01:34:06.210 align:middle line:90% a matter of great importance. 01:34:06.210 --> 01:34:08.810 align:middle line:90% 01:34:08.810 --> 01:34:10.960 align:middle line:84% Some weeks ago, I released a statement 01:34:10.960 --> 01:34:15.870 align:middle line:84% regarding a course correction for the name of the Church. 01:34:15.870 --> 01:34:19.520 align:middle line:84% I did this because the Lord impressed upon my mind 01:34:19.520 --> 01:34:24.110 align:middle line:84% the importance of the name He decreed for His Church, 01:34:24.110 --> 01:34:27.580 align:middle line:84% even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 01:34:27.580 --> 01:34:30.220 align:middle line:90% 01:34:30.220 --> 01:34:33.590 align:middle line:84% As you would expect, responses to this statement 01:34:33.590 --> 01:34:37.410 align:middle line:84% and to the revised style guide have been mixed. 01:34:37.410 --> 01:34:40.140 align:middle line:84% Many members immediately corrected 01:34:40.140 --> 01:34:45.510 align:middle line:84% the name of the Church on their blogs and social media pages. 01:34:45.510 --> 01:34:48.800 align:middle line:84% Others wondered why, with all that's going on in the world, 01:34:48.800 --> 01:34:51.600 align:middle line:84% it was necessary to emphasize something so "inconsequential." 01:34:51.600 --> 01:34:55.020 align:middle line:90% 01:34:55.020 --> 01:34:58.700 align:middle line:84% And some said it couldn't be done, so why even try? 01:34:58.700 --> 01:35:02.180 align:middle line:90% 01:35:02.180 --> 01:35:11.180 align:middle line:84% Let me explain why we care so deeply about this issue. 01:35:11.180 --> 01:35:17.430 align:middle line:84% But first let me state what this effort is not: 01:35:17.430 --> 01:35:20.580 align:middle line:90% It is not a name change. 01:35:20.580 --> 01:35:22.056 align:middle line:90% It is not rebranding. 01:35:22.056 --> 01:35:24.570 align:middle line:90% 01:35:24.570 --> 01:35:27.970 align:middle line:90% It is not cosmetic. 01:35:27.970 --> 01:35:30.920 align:middle line:90% It is not a whim. 01:35:30.920 --> 01:35:32.753 align:middle line:90% And it is not inconsequential. 01:35:32.753 --> 01:35:35.990 align:middle line:90% 01:35:35.990 --> 01:35:39.230 align:middle line:90% Instead, it is a correction. 01:35:39.230 --> 01:35:43.480 align:middle line:90% It is the command of the Lord. 01:35:43.480 --> 01:35:46.180 align:middle line:90% 01:35:46.180 --> 01:35:49.640 align:middle line:84% Joseph Smith did not name the Church restored through him; 01:35:49.640 --> 01:35:53.320 align:middle line:90% neither did Mormon. 01:35:53.320 --> 01:35:57.210 align:middle line:84% It was the Savior Himself who said, "For thus shall 01:35:57.210 --> 01:35:59.460 align:middle line:84% my church be called in the last days, 01:35:59.460 --> 01:36:02.650 align:middle line:84% even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." 01:36:02.650 --> 01:36:07.060 align:middle line:90% 01:36:07.060 --> 01:36:14.790 align:middle line:84% Even earlier, in AD 34, our resurrected Lord 01:36:14.790 --> 01:36:17.490 align:middle line:84% gave similar instruction to members of His Church 01:36:17.490 --> 01:36:20.270 align:middle line:84% when He visited them in the Americas. 01:36:20.270 --> 01:36:24.100 align:middle line:90% At that time He said: 01:36:24.100 --> 01:36:28.430 align:middle line:84% "Ye shall call the church in my name. 01:36:28.430 --> 01:36:29.080 align:middle line:90% ... 01:36:29.080 --> 01:36:34.410 align:middle line:84% "And how be it my church save it be called in my name? 01:36:34.410 --> 01:36:38.400 align:middle line:84% For if a church be called in Moses' name 01:36:38.400 --> 01:36:41.960 align:middle line:84% then it be Moses' church; or if it 01:36:41.960 --> 01:36:46.760 align:middle line:84% be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; 01:36:46.760 --> 01:36:53.410 align:middle line:84% but if it be called in my name then it is my church." 01:36:53.410 --> 01:36:57.415 align:middle line:84% Thus, the name of the Church is not negotiable. 01:36:57.415 --> 01:37:00.490 align:middle line:90% 01:37:00.490 --> 01:37:03.330 align:middle line:84% When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church 01:37:03.330 --> 01:37:06.940 align:middle line:84% should be and even precedes His declaration 01:37:06.940 --> 01:37:11.990 align:middle line:84% with "Thus shall my church be called," He is serious. 01:37:11.990 --> 01:37:15.760 align:middle line:90% 01:37:15.760 --> 01:37:19.550 align:middle line:84% And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even 01:37:19.550 --> 01:37:24.045 align:middle line:84% sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended. 01:37:24.045 --> 01:37:27.290 align:middle line:90% 01:37:27.290 --> 01:37:30.530 align:middle line:84% What's in a name or, in this case, a nickname? 01:37:30.530 --> 01:37:33.260 align:middle line:90% 01:37:33.260 --> 01:37:38.450 align:middle line:84% When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as "LDS 01:37:38.450 --> 01:37:44.590 align:middle line:84% Church," the "Mormon Church," or the "Church of the Latter-day 01:37:44.590 --> 01:37:48.190 align:middle line:84% Saints," the most glaring omission 01:37:48.190 --> 01:37:51.020 align:middle line:84% is the absence of the Savior's name. 01:37:51.020 --> 01:37:54.240 align:middle line:90% 01:37:54.240 --> 01:37:57.250 align:middle line:84% To remove the Lord's name from the Lord's Church 01:37:57.250 --> 01:37:59.720 align:middle line:90% is a major victory for Satan. 01:37:59.720 --> 01:38:02.950 align:middle line:90% 01:38:02.950 --> 01:38:05.600 align:middle line:84% When we discard the Savior's name, 01:38:05.600 --> 01:38:09.820 align:middle line:84% we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did 01:38:09.820 --> 01:38:12.330 align:middle line:90% for us--even His Atonement. 01:38:12.330 --> 01:38:15.860 align:middle line:90% 01:38:15.860 --> 01:38:19.530 align:middle line:84% Consider this from His perspective: 01:38:19.530 --> 01:38:25.790 align:middle line:84% Premortally He was Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. 01:38:25.790 --> 01:38:28.050 align:middle line:84% Under the direction of His Father, 01:38:28.050 --> 01:38:31.450 align:middle line:84% He was the Creator of this and other worlds. 01:38:31.450 --> 01:38:34.920 align:middle line:84% He chose to submit to the will of His Father 01:38:34.920 --> 01:38:37.480 align:middle line:84% and do something for all of God's children 01:38:37.480 --> 01:38:40.060 align:middle line:90% that no one else could do! 01:38:40.060 --> 01:38:44.070 align:middle line:84% Condescending to come to earth as the Only Begotten 01:38:44.070 --> 01:38:49.050 align:middle line:84% of the Father in the flesh, He was brutally reviled, 01:38:49.050 --> 01:38:54.940 align:middle line:90% mocked, spit upon, and scourged. 01:38:54.940 --> 01:38:56.820 align:middle line:84% In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior 01:38:56.820 --> 01:39:01.060 align:middle line:84% took upon Himself every pain, every sin, and all 01:39:01.060 --> 01:39:08.180 align:middle line:84% of the anguish and suffering ever experienced by you and me 01:39:08.180 --> 01:39:11.490 align:middle line:84% and by everyone that has ever or will ever live. 01:39:11.490 --> 01:39:14.360 align:middle line:90% 01:39:14.360 --> 01:39:17.640 align:middle line:84% Under the weight of that excruciating burden, 01:39:17.640 --> 01:39:20.620 align:middle line:90% He bled from every pore. 01:39:20.620 --> 01:39:24.830 align:middle line:84% All of this suffering was intensified as He was cruelly 01:39:24.830 --> 01:39:30.360 align:middle line:90% crucified on Calvary's cross. 01:39:30.360 --> 01:39:33.960 align:middle line:84% Through these excruciating experiences and His subsequent 01:39:33.960 --> 01:39:39.400 align:middle line:84% Resurrection--His infinite Atonement--He granted 01:39:39.400 --> 01:39:45.270 align:middle line:84% immortality to all and ransomed each one of us from the effects 01:39:45.270 --> 01:39:48.660 align:middle line:84% of sin, on condition of our repentance. 01:39:48.660 --> 01:39:51.360 align:middle line:90% 01:39:51.360 --> 01:39:53.200 align:middle line:84% Following the Savior's Resurrection 01:39:53.200 --> 01:39:55.510 align:middle line:84% and the death of His Apostles, the world 01:39:55.510 --> 01:39:59.940 align:middle line:84% plunged into centuries of darkness. 01:39:59.940 --> 01:40:04.020 align:middle line:84% Then in the year 1820, God the Father and His Son, 01:40:04.020 --> 01:40:07.600 align:middle line:84% Jesus Christ, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith 01:40:07.600 --> 01:40:13.970 align:middle line:84% to initiate the Restoration of the Lord's Church. 01:40:13.970 --> 01:40:19.120 align:middle line:84% After all He had endured--and after all He had done 01:40:19.120 --> 01:40:26.730 align:middle line:84% for humankind--I realize with profound regret that we have 01:40:26.730 --> 01:40:32.890 align:middle line:84% unwittingly acquiesced in the Lord's restored Church being 01:40:32.890 --> 01:40:38.770 align:middle line:84% called by other names, each of which expunges the sacred name 01:40:38.770 --> 01:40:39.725 align:middle line:90% of Jesus Christ! 01:40:39.725 --> 01:40:44.950 align:middle line:90% 01:40:44.950 --> 01:40:48.360 align:middle line:84% Every Sunday as we partake worthily of the sacrament, 01:40:48.360 --> 01:40:52.160 align:middle line:84% we make anew our sacred promise to our Heavenly Father 01:40:52.160 --> 01:40:58.010 align:middle line:84% that we are willing to take upon us the name of His Son, Jesus 01:40:58.010 --> 01:40:59.370 align:middle line:90% Christ. 01:40:59.370 --> 01:41:04.580 align:middle line:84% We promise to follow Him, repent, keep His commandments, 01:41:04.580 --> 01:41:08.640 align:middle line:90% and always remember Him. 01:41:08.640 --> 01:41:11.480 align:middle line:84% When we omit His name from His Church, 01:41:11.480 --> 01:41:15.170 align:middle line:84% we are inadvertently removing Him 01:41:15.170 --> 01:41:17.790 align:middle line:84% as the central focus of our lives. 01:41:17.790 --> 01:41:20.380 align:middle line:90% 01:41:20.380 --> 01:41:23.510 align:middle line:84% Taking the Savior's name upon us includes declaring 01:41:23.510 --> 01:41:25.880 align:middle line:84% and witnessing to others--through our actions 01:41:25.880 --> 01:41:30.860 align:middle line:84% and our words--that Jesus is the Christ. 01:41:30.860 --> 01:41:36.640 align:middle line:84% Have we been so afraid to offend someone who called us "Mormons" 01:41:36.640 --> 01:41:40.600 align:middle line:84% that we have failed to defend the Savior Himself, 01:41:40.600 --> 01:41:45.400 align:middle line:84% to stand up for Him even in the name by which His Church is 01:41:45.400 --> 01:41:45.900 align:middle line:90% called? 01:41:45.900 --> 01:41:48.640 align:middle line:90% 01:41:48.640 --> 01:41:52.070 align:middle line:84% If we as a people and as individuals are to have access 01:41:52.070 --> 01:41:56.590 align:middle line:84% to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ--to cleanse 01:41:56.590 --> 01:42:00.890 align:middle line:84% and heal us, to strengthen and magnify us, 01:42:00.890 --> 01:42:07.810 align:middle line:84% and ultimately to exalt us--we must clearly acknowledge Him 01:42:07.810 --> 01:42:09.630 align:middle line:90% as the source of that power. 01:42:09.630 --> 01:42:12.300 align:middle line:90% 01:42:12.300 --> 01:42:15.390 align:middle line:84% We can begin by calling His Church by the name He decreed. 01:42:15.390 --> 01:42:18.530 align:middle line:90% 01:42:18.530 --> 01:42:20.820 align:middle line:84% For much of the world, the Lord's Church 01:42:20.820 --> 01:42:27.770 align:middle line:84% is presently disguised as the "Mormon Church." 01:42:27.770 --> 01:42:29.800 align:middle line:84% But we as members of the Lord's Church 01:42:29.800 --> 01:42:34.095 align:middle line:84% know who stands at its head: Jesus Christ Himself. 01:42:34.095 --> 01:42:36.850 align:middle line:90% 01:42:36.850 --> 01:42:39.490 align:middle line:84% Unfortunately, many who hear the term Mormon 01:42:39.490 --> 01:42:42.530 align:middle line:90% think that we worship Mormon. 01:42:42.530 --> 01:42:44.840 align:middle line:90% Not so! 01:42:44.840 --> 01:42:50.230 align:middle line:84% We honor and respect that great ancient American prophet. 01:42:50.230 --> 01:42:54.240 align:middle line:84% But we are not Mormon's disciples. 01:42:54.240 --> 01:42:55.970 align:middle line:90% We are the Lord's disciples. 01:42:55.970 --> 01:42:58.740 align:middle line:90% 01:42:58.740 --> 01:43:01.740 align:middle line:84% In the early days of the restored Church, 01:43:01.740 --> 01:43:07.820 align:middle line:84% terms such as Mormon Church and Mormons were often used 01:43:07.820 --> 01:43:13.980 align:middle line:84% as epithets--as cruel terms, abusive terms--designed 01:43:13.980 --> 01:43:17.720 align:middle line:84% to obliterate God's hand in restoring the Church of Jesus 01:43:17.720 --> 01:43:19.220 align:middle line:90% Christ in these latter days. 01:43:19.220 --> 01:43:22.680 align:middle line:90% 01:43:22.680 --> 01:43:25.260 align:middle line:84% Brothers and sisters, there are many worldly arguments 01:43:25.260 --> 01:43:28.760 align:middle line:84% against restoring the correct name of the Church. 01:43:28.760 --> 01:43:34.630 align:middle line:84% Because of the digital world in which we live and with search 01:43:34.630 --> 01:43:38.660 align:middle line:84% engine optimization that helps all of us find information we 01:43:38.660 --> 01:43:42.710 align:middle line:84% need almost instantly--including information about 01:43:42.710 --> 01:43:48.290 align:middle line:84% the Lord's Church--critics say that a correction at this point 01:43:48.290 --> 01:43:50.590 align:middle line:90% is unwise. 01:43:50.590 --> 01:43:55.180 align:middle line:84% Others feel that because we are known so widely 01:43:55.180 --> 01:43:57.510 align:middle line:84% as "Mormons" and as the "Mormon Church," 01:43:57.510 --> 01:43:59.500 align:middle line:90% we should make the best of it. 01:43:59.500 --> 01:44:02.140 align:middle line:90% 01:44:02.140 --> 01:44:04.740 align:middle line:84% If this were a discussion about branding 01:44:04.740 --> 01:44:10.000 align:middle line:84% a man-made organization, those arguments might prevail. 01:44:10.000 --> 01:44:12.040 align:middle line:84% But in this crucial matter, we look 01:44:12.040 --> 01:44:15.950 align:middle line:84% to Him whose Church this is and acknowledge 01:44:15.950 --> 01:44:20.960 align:middle line:84% that the Lord's ways are not, and never will be, man's ways. 01:44:20.960 --> 01:44:27.010 align:middle line:84% If we will be patient and if we will do our part well, 01:44:27.010 --> 01:44:31.425 align:middle line:84% the Lord will lead us through this important task. 01:44:31.425 --> 01:44:34.110 align:middle line:90% 01:44:34.110 --> 01:44:36.770 align:middle line:84% After all, we know that the Lord helps 01:44:36.770 --> 01:44:39.970 align:middle line:84% those who seek to do His will, just 01:44:39.970 --> 01:44:42.960 align:middle line:84% as He helped Nephi accomplish the task of building a ship 01:44:42.960 --> 01:44:43.820 align:middle line:90% to cross the sea. 01:44:43.820 --> 01:44:47.330 align:middle line:90% 01:44:47.330 --> 01:44:51.250 align:middle line:84% We will want to be courteous and patient in our efforts 01:44:51.250 --> 01:44:53.510 align:middle line:90% to correct these errors. 01:44:53.510 --> 01:44:58.100 align:middle line:84% Responsible media will be sympathetic in responding 01:44:58.100 --> 01:44:59.355 align:middle line:90% to our request. 01:44:59.355 --> 01:45:03.530 align:middle line:90% 01:45:03.530 --> 01:45:05.740 align:middle line:84% In a previous general conference, 01:45:05.740 --> 01:45:10.300 align:middle line:84% Elder Benjamin De Hoyos spoke of such an event. 01:45:10.300 --> 01:45:13.080 align:middle line:90% 01:45:13.080 --> 01:45:15.370 align:middle line:90% Benjamin said: 01:45:15.370 --> 01:45:18.920 align:middle line:84% "Some years ago while serving in the office of public affairs 01:45:18.920 --> 01:45:23.090 align:middle line:84% of the Church in Mexico, [a companion and I] were invited 01:45:23.090 --> 01:45:26.320 align:middle line:84% to participate in a radio talk show. ... 01:45:26.320 --> 01:45:30.190 align:middle line:84% [One of the program directors] asked [us], 01:45:30.190 --> 01:45:33.690 align:middle line:84% 'Why does the Church have such a long name?' ... 01:45:33.690 --> 01:45:36.680 align:middle line:90% 01:45:36.680 --> 01:45:41.400 align:middle line:84% "My companion and I smiled at such a magnificent question 01:45:41.400 --> 01:45:45.020 align:middle line:84% and then proceeded to explain that the name of the Church 01:45:45.020 --> 01:45:47.340 align:middle line:90% was not chosen by man. 01:45:47.340 --> 01:45:50.070 align:middle line:90% It was given by the Savior. 01:45:50.070 --> 01:45:50.870 align:middle line:90% ... 01:45:50.870 --> 01:45:56.070 align:middle line:84% The program director immediately and respectfully responded, 01:45:56.070 --> 01:46:05.100 align:middle line:84% 'We will thus repeat it with great pleasure.'" 01:46:05.100 --> 01:46:08.250 align:middle line:84% Well, that report provides a pattern. 01:46:08.250 --> 01:46:13.430 align:middle line:84% One by one, our best efforts as individuals 01:46:13.430 --> 01:46:15.740 align:middle line:84% will be required to correct errors that have 01:46:15.740 --> 01:46:18.100 align:middle line:90% crept in through the years. 01:46:18.100 --> 01:46:20.920 align:middle line:84% The rest of the world may or may not 01:46:20.920 --> 01:46:24.150 align:middle line:84% follow our lead in calling us by the correct name. 01:46:24.150 --> 01:46:28.680 align:middle line:84% But it is disingenuous for us to be frustrated 01:46:28.680 --> 01:46:31.150 align:middle line:84% if most of the world calls the Church and its members 01:46:31.150 --> 01:46:34.410 align:middle line:84% by the wrong names if we do the same. 01:46:34.410 --> 01:46:37.610 align:middle line:90% 01:46:37.610 --> 01:46:40.340 align:middle line:84% Our revised style guide is helpful. 01:46:40.340 --> 01:46:44.320 align:middle line:84% It states: "In the first reference, 01:46:44.320 --> 01:46:46.730 align:middle line:84% the full name of the Church is preferred: 01:46:46.730 --> 01:46:50.530 align:middle line:84% 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.' 01:46:50.530 --> 01:46:54.280 align:middle line:84% When a shortened [second] reference is needed, 01:46:54.280 --> 01:47:00.620 align:middle line:84% the terms 'the Church' or the 'Church of Jesus Christ' 01:47:00.620 --> 01:47:03.690 align:middle line:90% are encouraged. 01:47:03.690 --> 01:47:05.970 align:middle line:84% The 'restored Church of Jesus Christ' 01:47:05.970 --> 01:47:11.090 align:middle line:84% is also accurate and encouraged." 01:47:11.090 --> 01:47:15.950 align:middle line:84% Now, if someone should ask, "Are you a Mormon?" 01:47:15.950 --> 01:47:19.240 align:middle line:84% you could reply, "If you are asking 01:47:19.240 --> 01:47:22.120 align:middle line:84% if I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 01:47:22.120 --> 01:47:25.260 align:middle line:90% Saints, yes, I am!" 01:47:25.260 --> 01:47:30.400 align:middle line:90% 01:47:30.400 --> 01:47:34.410 align:middle line:84% If someone asks, "Are you a Latter-day Saint?" 01:47:34.410 --> 01:47:36.450 align:middle line:90% you might respond, "Yes, I am. 01:47:36.450 --> 01:47:39.775 align:middle line:84% I believe in Jesus Christ and am a member of His restored 01:47:39.775 --> 01:47:40.275 align:middle line:90% Church." 01:47:40.275 --> 01:47:43.370 align:middle line:90% 01:47:43.370 --> 01:47:45.900 align:middle line:84% My dear brothers and sisters, I promise 01:47:45.900 --> 01:47:48.510 align:middle line:84% that if we will do our best to restore 01:47:48.510 --> 01:47:53.690 align:middle line:84% the correct name of the Lord's Church, He whose Church this is 01:47:53.690 --> 01:47:56.990 align:middle line:84% will pour down His power and blessings 01:47:56.990 --> 01:48:01.730 align:middle line:84% upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we 01:48:01.730 --> 01:48:02.995 align:middle line:90% have never seen. 01:48:02.995 --> 01:48:05.800 align:middle line:90% 01:48:05.800 --> 01:48:08.050 align:middle line:84% We will have the knowledge and power of God 01:48:08.050 --> 01:48:11.770 align:middle line:84% to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus 01:48:11.770 --> 01:48:17.700 align:middle line:84% Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people 01:48:17.700 --> 01:48:23.200 align:middle line:84% and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. 01:48:23.200 --> 01:48:26.930 align:middle line:90% So what's in a name? 01:48:26.930 --> 01:48:29.790 align:middle line:84% When it comes to the name of the Lord's Church, 01:48:29.790 --> 01:48:31.610 align:middle line:90% the answer is "Everything!" 01:48:31.610 --> 01:48:34.690 align:middle line:90% 01:48:34.690 --> 01:48:37.810 align:middle line:84% Jesus Christ directed us to call the Church by His name 01:48:37.810 --> 01:48:41.760 align:middle line:84% because it is His Church, filled with His power. 01:48:41.760 --> 01:48:44.510 align:middle line:90% 01:48:44.510 --> 01:48:46.440 align:middle line:90% I know that God lives. 01:48:46.440 --> 01:48:49.200 align:middle line:90% Jesus is the Christ. 01:48:49.200 --> 01:48:53.270 align:middle line:90% He leads His Church today. 01:48:53.270 --> 01:48:58.096 align:middle line:84% I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. 01:48:58.096 --> 01:49:10.496 align:middle line:90% 01:49:10.496 --> 01:53:37.452 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC PLAYING - "IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"] 01:53:37.452 --> 01:53:47.868 align:middle line:90% 01:53:47.868 --> 01:53:52.850 align:middle line:84% Our Father in Heaven, we have gathered this Sabbath morning 01:53:52.850 --> 01:53:56.240 align:middle line:84% as members and friends of The Church of Jesus 01:53:56.240 --> 01:53:58.820 align:middle line:90% Christ of Latter-day Saints. 01:53:58.820 --> 01:54:05.330 align:middle line:84% We are indeed--thank Thee, thank God for a prophet, 01:54:05.330 --> 01:54:08.520 align:middle line:84% who guides us in these latter days. 01:54:08.520 --> 01:54:13.950 align:middle line:84% We are grateful for this season of abundant revelation. 01:54:13.950 --> 01:54:17.150 align:middle line:84% We understand with great blessing 01:54:17.150 --> 01:54:18.990 align:middle line:90% comes great responsibility. 01:54:18.990 --> 01:54:21.380 align:middle line:84% And we pray that each of us, individually 01:54:21.380 --> 01:54:25.170 align:middle line:84% and within our families, may have the capacity 01:54:25.170 --> 01:54:28.310 align:middle line:84% to rise and stand tall and to seek 01:54:28.310 --> 01:54:30.650 align:middle line:84% to understand not simply what we should do 01:54:30.650 --> 01:54:34.070 align:middle line:84% but why we should do it, to understand that the principles 01:54:34.070 --> 01:54:36.960 align:middle line:84% and doctrine that have been taught in this conference 01:54:36.960 --> 01:54:41.610 align:middle line:84% session this day and throughout this weekend are of Thee 01:54:41.610 --> 01:54:46.650 align:middle line:84% and of Thy Son, and as each of us follow it, 01:54:46.650 --> 01:54:49.710 align:middle line:84% we may be blessed and come unto Thy Son 01:54:49.710 --> 01:54:52.570 align:middle line:84% and through Him gain eternal life. 01:54:52.570 --> 01:54:56.740 align:middle line:84% We thank Thee for all who bear the apostolic authority 01:54:56.740 --> 01:54:58.440 align:middle line:84% and for the privilege and blessing 01:54:58.440 --> 01:55:02.440 align:middle line:84% it is within this Church to have the priesthood of Thy Son 01:55:02.440 --> 01:55:03.590 align:middle line:90% and of Thee. 01:55:03.590 --> 01:55:07.910 align:middle line:84% We now dismiss ourselves for a time 01:55:07.910 --> 01:55:12.800 align:middle line:84% so that we might contemplate and understand and do those things 01:55:12.800 --> 01:55:14.650 align:middle line:84% that we have understood this day. 01:55:14.650 --> 01:55:16.150 align:middle line:90% We love Thee, Father. 01:55:16.150 --> 01:55:19.800 align:middle line:84% We love Thy Son, and we pray in His name, 01:55:19.800 --> 01:55:22.180 align:middle line:84% in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 01:55:22.180 --> 01:57:35.810 align:middle line:90% 01:57:35.810 --> 01:57:40.620 align:middle line:84% This has been a broadcast of the 188th Semiannual General 01:57:40.620 --> 01:57:44.160 align:middle line:84% Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 01:57:44.160 --> 01:57:45.040 align:middle line:90% Saints. 01:57:45.040 --> 01:57:48.940 align:middle line:84% Speakers were selected from the General Authorities and General 01:57:48.940 --> 01:57:50.640 align:middle line:90% Officers of the Church. 01:57:50.640 --> 01:57:53.690 align:middle line:84% Music was provided by the Tabernacle Choir 01:57:53.690 --> 01:57:56.950 align:middle line:90% at Temple Square. 01:57:56.950 --> 01:57:59.800 align:middle line:84% This broadcast has been furnished as a public service 01:57:59.800 --> 01:58:01.560 align:middle line:90% by Bonneville Distribution. 01:58:01.560 --> 01:58:04.680 align:middle line:84% Any reproduction, recording, transcription, 01:58:04.680 --> 01:58:08.000 align:middle line:84% or other use of this program without written consent 01:58:08.000 --> 01:58:09.900 align:middle line:90% is prohibited. 01:58:09.900 --> 01:58:29.632 align:middle line:90%