SALT LAKE CITY-Sunday afternoon, from the Conference Center Theater north of Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, the final session of the October general conference occurred.
President Dallin H. Oaks, the first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church conducted this session.
President Oaks confirmed that Church President Russell M. Nelson is presiding over this session.
The first speaker of this session was President Oaks’ colleague in the First Presidency, second counselor Henry B. Eyring.
President Eyring spoke of his experiences as a boy in New Jersey when he was pulling weeds. He recounted his mother telling him that this is how life is supposed to be, fraught with difficulty.
President Eyring said Latter-day Saints will not be lacking for opportunities to prove themselves amid afflictions throughout the course of daily life.
Furthermore, he exhorted members of the Church to lift the burdens of others that they may be lightened thereby.
“People are driven to their knees by adversity. By their faithful endurance and effort, they become evermore like the Savior and our Heavenly Father.” #PresEyring | #GeneralConference
— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 4, 2020
Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, a General Authority Seventy, then spoke of how he and his family have waded through the arduous trials of covid-19. However, he also exhorted Latter-day Saints to be stronger disciples of Christ during these difficult times.
“Of all the zealous social, religious, and political endeavors of our day, let ‘disciple of Jesus Christ’ be our most pronounced and affirming affiliation.” —#ElderJaggi #GeneralConference
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 4, 2020
Elder Jaggi also spoke of his daughter’s experiences as a missionary in the Netherlands and how she was affected by covid-19. Elder Jaggi explained that his family became swift friends with the investigators that she began teaching.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorumof Twelve Apostles then spoke of his previous experiences as a missionary in Japan.
At this time, August 9, 1975, the Tokyo Temple, the first in Japan, was announced.
He then spoke of how a sister missionary, during covid-19 this past August, hoped to enter the temple for her endowment before departing for her mission.
At 2:00 am and with her parents with her, this was able to come to pass. Elder Stevenson concluded his remarks by saying that the Lord will consecrate our afflictions for our gain.
By means of exhortation, Elder Stevenson gave his convictions to the Latter-day Saints on this point:
“I believe that one day, each of you will look back at the canceled events and the sadness, disappointment, and loneliness attendant to the pandemic to see it overshadowed by blessings and with increased faith and testimonies.” —Elder @StevensonGaryE #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/XcjENnl3Oh
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 4, 2020
Brother Milton Camargo, the first counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency then spoke to us about recording the impressions we receive when revelation is obtained.
“We pay attention to thoughts and feelings that come to our minds and hearts, and we write them down, as our prophet has counseled us to do. Recording our impressions is an important part of receiving.” #BroCamargo | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/HLk3KhtuSf
— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 4, 2020
Elder Dale G. Redlund of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles then spoke of how our works are insufficient in obtaining redemption as we all need Christ’s grace to obtain redemption.
Furthermore, Elder Renlund unfurled what it entails to be Christlike as we go about our respective lives. He encouraged the Latter-day Saints to remember that by falling prey to temptation or sinning, we fall from Christ’s grace.
Nevertheless, shoud we repent, he continued, we can obtain these blessings once again.
“To be Christlike, a person loves mercy. … They are gracious, kind, and honorable. These individuals treat everyone with love and understanding.” —Elder @DaleGRenlund #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/37kDkYfGu2
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 4, 2020
Elder Kelly R. Johnson, a General Authority Seventy, then spoke of how his daughter once set the family microwave on fire to set a timer for her piano practice before she could play with friends.
Elder Johnson then reminded Latter-day Saints to remain hopeful for the opportunity to return to the temple being restored.
The next speaker was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, who confirmed that covid-19 is indeed obnoxious and burdensome to many.
Elder Holland continued, giving an Apostolic promise that the Lord does indeed hear our prayers should we not ask amiss.
“Our prayers … are heard and they are answered, though perhaps not at the time or in the way we wanted. But they are always answered at the time and in the way an omniscient and eternally compassionate parent should answer them.” —Elder @jeffreyrholland #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/ctoUdK7qs7
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 4, 2020
Elder Holland said that those who wish for lives devoid of affliction fail to understand that such an existence can never lead us closer to the Savior.
Continuing in his address, Elder Holland said that the Lord has ensured that while Christianity is comforting, it is not necessarily a comfortable journey for the faithful.
In conclusion, President Nelson then spoke of the future being bright and how the Latter-day Saints should embrace a proverbial “new normal” by increasingly turning to their Father in Heaven.
President Nelson also announced the following new temples.
President @NelsonRussellM announced plans to build temples in the following six locations:
– Tarawa, Kiribati
– Port Vila, Vanuatu
– Lindon, Utah
– Greater Guatemala City, Guatemala
– Sao Paulo East, Brazil
– Santa Cruz, Bolivia #GeneralConference— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 4, 2020
President Nelson gave these remarks in conclusion.
“I bless you with an increased desire and ability to obey the laws of God. … As you do, you’ll be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes, and joy, even amid uncertainty.” —President @NelsonRussellM pic.twitter.com/bhhYGL3npw
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 4, 2020
