People gathered inside the Conference Center for the Saturday afternoon session of the 195th Annual General Conference.
They gathered from all over the world to listen to the voice of apostles and other Church leaders.
President Russell M. Nelson viewed the afternoon session from home and Elder Ulisses Soares conducted the session.
Elder Neil A. Andersen spoke on forgiveness pertaining to abortion.
“Forgiveness can come through the miracle of His atoning grace, as you turn to Him with a humble and repentant heart,” he said.
He also shared his concern for the diminishing love for unborn children.
“God cherishes life. It is His work and His glory to bring immortality and eternal life to His children,” Andersen said.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke on how to be better prepared for the second coming of the Lord.
“My invitation to the anxious Primary child I mentioned earlier, and to each of you, is to
follow Jesus Christ and to trust the Holy Ghost as you would a cherished friend. Rely on those
who love you and who love the Savior," Renlund said.
Recently released Young Men’s General President Steven J. Lund spoke about the Aaronic Priesthood.
“When deacons, teachers and priests help with the sacrament, they receive its blessings just like everyone else: by keeping the covenant they make as they individually partake of the bread and the water,” Lund said.
Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy used an analogy of the willow tree to speak to those who have left the Church or are tempted to.
“I witness that there is rejoicing in heaven over those who return. You are needed, and you are loved,” Palmer said.
Conference attendee Sharoon Anjum, originally from Pakistan, enjoyed Elder Palmer’s talk and gave his thoughts on it.
“It really reminded me of, like, it doesn’t matter who, how much broken a person can be. He’s not as far gone as he thinks he is,” Anjum said.
Elder Sandino Román of the Seventy spoke to children and young people on having faith in Jesus Christ.
“Believe and trust in Jesus Christ. He will enable you to truly become His disciples,” Román said.
He also invited them to begin today to nourish their relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Your loyalty, love and trust in Christ will shape your character and identity after His. You will gain confidence and strength to overcome Satan’s attacks. And when you make mistakes, you will yearn for His forgiveness,” Román said.
Ryan James Reed, a freshman at BYU, said Elder Román was his old mission president and said he was amazing.
“I was tapping my friend on the way and saying, ‘He’s going, he’s going.’ It was awesome to see,” Reed said.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve concluded by speaking on being disciples of Christ.
“The Lord invites us not just to join His kingdom but also to be anxiously engaged in building it. God envisions a people who are of one heart and one mind,’” Uchtdorf said.
BYU student Taryn Bashford said that some of the insights she gained are that she is worth it to Heavenly Father, and it’s worth it to stick it out.
This was her first time going to General Conference—and an answer to a prayer.
“I didn’t have a ticket to this session, but I said a prayer and asked God to give me a ticket somehow, and I got one. A missionary came up and gave me one, so it was incredible,” Bashford said.
The Saturday afternoon session of General Conference will be followed by the Saturday evening session, the Sunday morning session and the Sunday afternoon session.