Elder Gary E. Stevenson, one of the newest members of the Quorum of the Twelve, began his testimony during the Sunday morning session of the October 2015 General Conference by relfecting on the many memories of President Boyd K. Packer, Elder L. Tom Perry and Elder Richard G. Scott.
“Our memories of them are poignant, and I add my tribute to honor them, each so uniquely different, yet so harmonized in their witness and testimony of Jesus Christ and his atonement,” he said.
Elder Stevenson went on to explain his experience of meeting with President Thomas S. Monson as the prophet extended the call for him to be a member of the Twelve.
“President Monson described that acting on the will of The Lord, a call to the Quorum of the Twelve was being extended to me. He asked me if I would accept this call, to which, following what I am sure was a very undignified audible gasp, in complete shock, I responded affirmatively.”
Elder Stevenson described how President Monson comforted him by saying, “The Lord will qualify whom he calls.”
The apostle also shared his strong testimony of the Restoration of the gospel and the divinity of God.
“Our Heavenly Father and his Son Jehovah, with a knowledge of the end from the beginning, opened the heavens and a new dispensation to offset the calamities that they knew would come.”
Elder Stevenson recognized the struggles ahead of him but shared his faith that the Lord can work through him.
“As I agonized over my inadequacies this week, I received a distinct impression which both chastened and comforted me: to focus not on what I can’t do, but rather on what I can do. I can testify of the plain and precious truths of the gospel.”
The new member of the Quorum of the Twelve recalled how with his wife Lisa, he contemplated the calling at hand, which is when the couple was reminded how their faith is anchored in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Heavenly Father sent his Son to the earth to atone for the sins of all mankind and overcome death. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.'”
Other General Conference news:
LDS Church announces three new apostles
Three new apostles to represent Christ throughout the world
English only at LDS General Conference
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
Women’s general session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Now is a part of eternity
Sister Carol F. McConkie: The Lord’s agents
Sister Linda S. Reeves: Rewards will come
Sister Rosemary M. Wixom: Divine nature within you
Saturday morning session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: It works!
Elder M. Russell Ballard: God is at the helm
Elder Richard J. Maynes: The joy of living a Christ-centered life
Sister Neill F. Marriott: Yielding our hearts to God
Elder Francisco J. Vinas: The pleasing word of God
Saturday afternoon session:
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Elder Bradley D. Foster: It’s never too early and it’s never too late
Elder Robert D. Hales: Meeting the challenges of today’s world
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Behold thy mother
Priesthood session:
Sunday morning session:
President Thomas S. Monson: Be an example and a light
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: Love one another
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: Fulness of times
Elder Dale G. Renlund: Through God’s eyes
President Russell M. Nelson: A plea to my sisters
Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer: Let the clarion trumpet sound
Elder Claudio R.M. Costa: That they do always remember him
Sunday afternoon session:
President Henry B. Eyring: The Holy Ghost as your companion
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Why the church
Elder Von G. Keetch: Blessed and happy are those who keep the commandments of God
Sister Carole M. Stephens: If ye love me, keep my commandments
Elder Allen D. Haynie: Remembering in whom we have trusted
Elder Kim B. Clark: Eyes to see and ears to hear
Brother Devin G. Durrant: My heart pondereth them continually
Elder Koichi Aoyagi: Hold on thy way
Elder David A. Bednar: Chosen to bear testimony of my name
Other conference-related coverage:
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
LDS Church members anticipate counsel on LGBT acceptance
English only at LDS General Conference
Music and the Spoken Word: A Mormon gift to the world
Mormons encouraged to review past sessions before General Conference
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
