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President Russell M. Nelson: A plea to my sisters

President Russell M. Nelson began his discourse by sharing how shocked he was with the passing of the three beloved apostles.

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President Russell M. Nelson addressed the Saints about the role of women in the LDS Church during the Sunday morning session of the 185th Semiannual General Conference of the church. (Mormon Newsroom)

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