Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints flooded the Conference Center in Salt Lake City for the first session of the 195th Annual General Conference on Saturday morning April 5.
The Saturday morning session featured messages centered on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ through service, personal growth and purposeful discipleship. Speakers included President Jeffrey R. Holland, President Camille N. Johnson, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Quentin L. Cook, Elder Ricardo P. Giménez and President Henry B. Eyring.
President Dallin H. Oaks announced 16 new General Authority Seventies and a new Young Men General Presidency. President Timothy L. Farnes, and counselors Brother David J. Wunderli and Brother Sean R. Dixon will begin service as the Young Men General Presidency on August 1.
People from all across the globe traveled to hear words from Church leaders in Salt Lake City, while millions more tuned into broadcasts.
Elder Frederick M. Kamya of the Seventy and his wife Stella are from Uganda, but came to Salt Lake City for conference and leadership training.
Elder Kamya said that President Holland’s talk stood out to him.
President Holland’s talk highlighted the purity and humility of children, noting that even Jesus Christ — the greatest teacher of all — taught the importance of becoming like them.
President Holland said that children’s purity, innocence, inborn humility and the potential benefits this could bring into one’s own life are why they are such great examples. He spoke of children’s true love for God and how it carries throughout their other relationships and interactions.
“Even in their youngest years, children love so easily, forgive so readily and laugh so delightfully, that even the coldest, hardest heart can melt,” President Holland said.
Elder Kamya said that President Holland’s story of a young man, Easton Darrin Jolley who had just been ordained as a Deacon, was incredibly moving.
Easton was diagnosed with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, a rare and very destructive illness that will soon put him in a wheelchair permanently, President Holland explained.
As a deacon, Easton set a goal to pass the sacrament to his father, the ward’s bishop, without any help. With determination, Easton climbed the three steps that stood between them and, on his own, delivered the sacrament to his dad.
“He had the will to do what his Father wanted him to do,” Elder Kamya said. “He did his best, despite his physical handicap. That was very touching to me.”
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson followed. President Johnson’s talk taught about the ability to become spiritually whole, even while seeking physical or emotional healing.
President Johnson taught that spiritual wholeness comes through choosing to follow Christ, keeping His commandments and making covenants with Him. She explained that by exercising faith and learning through life’s challenges, individuals can become whole spiritually before full physical and emotional healing.
“Wholeness is born of faith in and conversion to Jesus Christ and in letting the light of that conversion shine,” President Johnson said.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s talk was about hastening the work of the Lord.
Elder Rasband spoke about the Church’s recent accelerated growth and said he has witnessed the Lord hastening His work. He noted growth in members and families, missions and missionaries, meetinghouses, temples and educational programs worldwide.
Elder Rasband said that not only is the Church increasing in numbers and influence, but also in the hearts and lives of its members.
Elder Rasband shared statistics to highlight the Church’s rapid growth. He noted that 367 temples are in various stages of design, construction or operation. Last year, more than 80,000 missionaries served, which brought more than 30,000 new members to the Church.
“More than numbers, the spirit of the gathering is bringing souls to Jesus Christ and His gospel,” Elder Rasband said.
Elder Kamya said one of his favorite parts of the session was hearing the statistics telling of the Church’s growth.
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve shared stories from the Willie and Martin handcart companies, recounting the extreme weather, starvation and sickness they faced on their journey. Despite the hardships, rescuers came to their aid.
Elder Cook likened those rescuers to the Savior, teaching that Christ’s atoning sacrifice is the ultimate rescue for all of God’s children.
“The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate rescue from the trials we face in this life,” Elder Cook said.
Elder Ricardo P. Giménez emphasized the importance of understanding the “why” behind each action and linking every effort to a love for the Savior.
Elder Giménez explained that discipleship is not about checking off boxes on a to-do list, but about learning, feeling and building a relationship with Christ.
“The more we can connect reason with our love for the Savior, the more we will be able to receive what we need or are seeking,” Elder Giménez said.
Using general conference as an example, Elder Giménez encouraged members to study and reflect on the messages — not to read them once and move on, but to learn from them and gain personal insight and spiritual growth.
Stella Kamya, wife of Elder Kamya, said her favorite part of conference was from President Henry B. Eyring’s talk, when he mentioned having loved ones that wander off the path to eternal life and the Lord’s ability to bring them back.
“All you have to do is ask Heavenly Father to get closer to that child,” Sister Kamya said.
President Eyring’s talk focused on coming closer to God and feeling His presence, love and help by accepting His invitation to draw near to Him.
President Eyring taught that Jesus Christ invites all to come closer to Him through prayer, listening for guidance and serving others. As individuals accept that invitation, they can experience the blessings of His presence and love.
“Every covenant-servant of Jesus Christ will receive His direction as they bless and serve others for Him,” President Eyring said. “Then they will feel His love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him.”