Speakers conclude Sunday afternoon session with messages of love, hope

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lined the rows of the Conference Center for the Sunday afternoon session, the concluding session of the 196th Annual General Conference.

President Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints waves to the crowd. Thousands gathered in the Conference Center. (Myriam Danielson)

The Sunday sessions fell on Easter Sunday, marking the end of Holy Week. Many speakers gave Easter-centered messages focused on Jesus Christ, His love and hope found only through Him.

Many messages focused on the principles the Savior taught, as well as the peace that He offers despite trials and struggles.

“When life feels infuriatingly unfair, and finding the strength to glory in the Lord seems difficult, reflect on the meaning of His divine names, and let Him restore peace to your soul,” Elder Aaron T. Hall, General Authority Seventy, said.

Other speakers focused their messages on promises and miracles.

Sister Steiner, a service missionary, hands out translation devices. Dozens of service missionaries assisted with General Conference. (Myriam Danielson)

“The Lord honors patient faith. And it is never too late for miracles,” Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, a General Authority Seventy, said.

Ryan Tupea, a conference attendee and Hawaii native, said Elder Wakolo’s talk was his favorite.

“This patience, just with you know friends and family converting to the gospel or coming unto Christ. I think that was my favorite part,” Tupea said.

Members gathered from across the world for the messages given.

Abbey Steiner, a service missionary, was one of the sisters who helped hand out translation devices to attendees.

The translation devices were available in 50 languages and allowed many members to hear the talks in real-time in their own language.

“I hear we have record attendance right now, which is incredible, and that we handed out all our translation devices,” Steiner said.

While each talk was different, all were an invitation for listeners to turn their focus to Christ and love as He did.

At the conclusion of the Easter season, members were invited to remember the Savior in all that they do.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve and President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, as they sing the intermediate hymn together. The congregation was invited to stand and sing. (Myriam Danielson)

“Let us see and walk together in His love so He can abide with and in us, and us in Him, at this Eastertide and each day,” said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve.

All were invited to come unto Christ and find strength and peace in Him.