Speakers shared messages of hope and growth during the Sunday morning session of the 195th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Members from around the globe gathered in the Conference Center to listen to inspired messages from the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve and other general officers of the church.
Elder David A. Bednar testified of the restoration of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the importance of the First Vision, Book of Mormon and restoration of the Priesthood to the earth.
He invited listeners to prove his message through a process of learning and prayer.
“As you pray earnestly with the expectation to both receive and act upon an answer from God, as did young Joseph Smith, your capacity to recognize and respond to that divine witness will be increased,” Elder Bednar said.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong spoke about the healing power of Jesus Christ and His role in this easter season.
“This is Easter in Jesus Christ: He answers the longings of our hearts and the questions of our souls. He wipes away our tears, except our tears of joy.” Elder Gong said.
Some participants came to the conference to find peace and answers to their questions, said Alberto Alvarez, a seminary and institute coordinator in Spanish Fork.
“I’m looking for answers from the conference,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez said he found these answers as he listened to both the speakers on the stand as well as the influence of the Holy Ghost.
“The spirit can talk with us through our hearts and our minds,” Alvarez said.
Daniel and Anne Smith were called to be mission leaders in the Paraguay Asunción North mission and will begin their service in July.
They felt emboldened and comforted as they heard Elder Steven D. Shumway speak about the power that comes from accepting callings and serving the Lord.
“Callings do not determine or validate a person’s worth or worthiness," Elder Shumway said. "Rather as we labor with God, in whatever way He asks, we grow into the measure of our own creation.”
The Smiths also shared that they enjoyed Sister Tamara W. Runia’s message.
Sister Runia spoke about repentance and dispelled the notion that shame is necessary for one to progress.
With lifted hands, Sister Runia testified that every one of God’s children has unchangeable divine worth.
“Your worth is constant; it never changes,” Sister Runia said. “It was given to you by God, and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do to change it.”
“We’re going to be using that a whole lot in our mission,” Daniel Smith said.
President Dallin H. Oaks was the concluding speaker during the session. He spoke about God’s plan and assistance throughout morality.
President Oaks listed sources of divine help children of God can access during this life: the Light or Spirit of Christ; commandments, ordinances and covenants; and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Other speakers included Bishop Gérald Caussé, presiding bishop, and Elder John A. McCune.
Attendees shared their gratitude for the conference and the messages that were shared.
“We felt the spirit touching our hearts and we are very grateful for the opportunity to be here today,” said Marcelo Hayashi of São Paolo, Brazil.
