President Russell M. Nelson began his discourse by sharing how shocked he was with the passing of the three beloved apostles.
He showed his care and compassion for them as he emotionally said, “I miss them more than I can say.”
President Nelson spoke during the Sunday morning session of the October 2015 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The President of the Quorum of the Twelve then spoke about the the wives of two of the apostles who have passed on, Sister Barbara Perry and Sister Donna Packer.
“Etched in my mind are the serene images of sister Donna Smith Packer and Sister Barbara Dayton Perry at their husbands’ bedsides, both women filled with love, truth, and pure faith.”
President Nelson explained how these “stalwart women have shown the strength and courage that covenant-keeping women always demonstrate.”
The apostle explained the important role that women in the LDS Church have.
“It would be impossible to measure the influence that such women have, not only on families, but on the Lord’s church, as wives, mothers, and grandmothers; as sisters and aunts; as teachers and leaders; and especially as exemplars and devout defenders of the faith.”
A prophesy made by President Spencer W. Kimball in 1979 has now been fulfilled, according to President Nelson.
They prophesy said, “Much of the major growth that is coming to the church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the church are seen as distinct and different, in happy ways, from the women of the world.”
President Nelson described the importance women have and the dependence that men have on the women of the church.
“We, your brethren, need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices.”
He went on to explain the importance of the righteous women in the church and encouraged them to be more involved.
“The Kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants, and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God.”
President Nelson went on to ask the women of the church if they truly understand the power and strength that they offer as they follow the spirit.
“Sisters, do you realize the breadth and scope of your influence when you speak those things that come to you heart and mind as directed by the Spirit?”
President Nelson continued to emphasize the important role of women on this earth and their divine origins.
“We know that the culminating act of all Creation was the creation of woman. We need your strength!”
He finished his remarks by bearing his testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and a plea to the women of the church.
“So today, I plead with my sisters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to step forward. Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community, and in the kingdom of God, more than you ever have before.”
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
