Saturdaymorningsession 190th Annual General Conference President Russell M. Nelson President M. Russell Ballard Elder James R. Rasband President of the Church Quorum of the Twelve Apostles General Authority Seventy The COVID-19 pandemic has Joseph Smith emerged from Alma taught that “God himself altered church meetings, mission- the Sacred Grove to begin his atoneth for the sins of the world, ary service and temple work. preparation to become a prophet to bring about the plan of mercy, to The Lord has promised that of God, with the First Vision appease the demands of justice, that those who are prepared shall not followed by the visits of heavenly God might be a perfect, just God, and fear (Doctrine and Covenants messengers, the translation a merciful God also” (Alma 42:15). 38:30). “Of course, we can store and publication of the Book of Through his atoning sacrifice, our own reserves of food, water Mormon, and the organization of Jesus Christ satisfied the demands and savings. But equally crucial the Church. of justice for all of God’s children. is our need to fill our personal Joseph and his elder brother Alma’s experience illustrates the spiritual storehouses with faith, truth and testimony.” Hyrum experienced rejection, opposition and persecution, healing power of this knowledge. He was tortured by the This year the Church commemorates the 200th anniver- ultimately ending with their deaths at Carthage Jail, reality that he had led many people away from God’s light, sary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, in which Heavenly Fa- becoming martyrs for Christ’s cause and name. but through faith and repentance he received peace. ther pointed to Jesus Christ and said: “This is my beloved “As we celebrate this joyous occasion, the 200th anni- Christ’s healing was extended not only to Alma for his son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith — History 1:17). versary of the First Vision, we should always remember sins, but also to those whom Alma had harmed through his “We pray that this conference will be memorable and the price Joseph and Hyrum Smith paid, along with so behavior. Alma’s joy and relief upon receiving forgiveness unforgettable because of the messages you will hear, many other faithful men, women and children, to establish were not only for himself, but for those he had wronged and the unique announcements which will be made, and the the Church so you and I could have and enjoy the many could never fully heal despite attempts to make restitution. experiences in which you will be invited to participate.” blessings and all these revealed truths we have today.” Through Christ’s healing power, all of God’s children will have At the conclusion of the Sunday morning session, As Latter-day Saints listen to the Spirit during the a fair opportunity to choose to follow him. Jesus Christ can right Latter-day Saints convened a worldwide solemn assembly weekend’s 200th anniversary celebration, “consider what any wrong and heal any hurt in a way that honors both justice and gave the sacred Hosanna Shout. offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness.” and mercy. Sister Joy D. Jones Elder Neil L. Andersen Brother Douglas D. Holmes President Henry B. Eyring Primary general president Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Young Men general presidency Second counselor, First Presidency Every woman’s Joseph Smith The Children In the faithful and knew many and Youth restoration of unique contribu- “difficult hours” initiative remains the gospel, each tions are vital. in the decades anchored to person’s part is “The Lord loves following the principles that vital. effort, and effort First Vision and help place the The work of the brings rewards” the restoration of gospel of Jesus Lord in the last as individuals Christ’s Church. Christ “deep in the days is one of keep practicing, But the Prophet hearts” of children vast magnitude progressing and never doubted and youths. and grandeur. striving to follow the Lord. “He doesn’t God’s love for him or his testimony of the “As we come to see these principles To participate in the work of the Lord, expect perfection today,” but, as in times things he had witnessed. more clearly, we will recognize this as each person has to grow in spiritual past, “our journey does, indeed, take Defining reminders of God’s love often more than a program for members ages power. “When we ... strive to obey and effort, hard work and study.” Such efforts come while learning about the gospel or 8 to 18.” live the commandments, we grow in our bring eternal rewards. sharing it with others. The Lord’s living The initiative’s first principle is relation- power to receive continuing revelation.” “Our continuing role is to receive con- prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, ships. “We are not expected to find or walk The key to receiving revelation from tinuing revelation.” With greater capacity has invited Latter-day Saints to ponder the covenant path alone. We need love God, as shown by Joseph Smith, is the and proficiency to receive revelation, indi- the essential question: “How do you hear and support from parents, other family prayer of faith. “As we face today’s chal- viduals receive more power to accomplish Him?” members, friends and leaders who are lenges and those yet to come, we too the work of salvation and exaltation. “We hear Him in our prayers, in our also walking the path.” will need to practice the same pattern.” “There is beautiful unity between women homes, in the scriptures, in our hymns, as Revelation, agency and repentance Latter-day Saints can turn to words and men in accomplishing God’s work we worthily partake of the sacrament, as also connect Latter-day Saint youths with from the sacrament prayers as descrip- today.” Men and women alike access we declare our faith, as we serve others, heaven. tors of daily life: “Always remember the power of the priesthood through and as we attend the temple with fellow The Children and Youth initiative is Him” and “keep His commandments.” covenants made with the Lord — begin- believers.” defined by a central invitation: Choose to A prayer offered with faith in Jesus ning with the covenants of baptism and One navigates his or her way through become more like the Savior by seeking Christ ushered in this last dispensation. culminating with those covenants made in life with constant prayer, keeping the guidance of the Holy Ghost and “And it will be at the heart of the part the temple. covenants and utilizing the gift of the Holy allowing Christ to “change us into the best each of us will play in its continuing “Sisters, I pray that we will recognize Ghost. version of ourselves.” unfolding.” and cherish priesthood power as we “Embrace your sacred memories. Be- Placing the gospel “deep in our hearts” Each person’s ability to make a vital ‘cleave unto our covenants,’ embrace lieve them. ... Share them with your family. requires engagement and sacrifice. contribution to the restoration will the truths of the scriptures and heed the Trust that they come to you from your “The Children and Youth program focuses increase as faith in Jesus Christ and words of our living prophets.” Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son.” on empowering the youth.” Heavenly Father grows. Saturdayafternoonsession 190th Annual General Conference Elder Ulisses Soares Elder John A. McCune Bishop Gérald Caussé Quorum of the Twelve Apostles General Authority Seventy Presiding Bishop Following the First Vision, the Even amid pain and struggles, The central message of the publication of the Book of Mormon followers of Christ can find joy Book of Mormon is to restore is the “second fundamental mile- in Him. Elder McCune learned knowledge of Jesus Christ’s es- stone” of the unfolding restoration this when he was serving as a sential role in mankind’s salvation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the mission president in 2014 and and exaltation. last dispensation. his son suffered a longboarding “Plain and precious truths “As we study the coming forth of accident that damaged his brain. about the Savior’s atonement this holy book of scripture in these The McCune family felt God’s resound throughout the Book latter days, we come to realize love and peace as they prayed in of Mormon.” These truths have that the entire undertaking was the hospital, despite not knowing changed or can change each miraculous — from the Prophet Joseph receiving the gold whether their son would survive his injuries. Over his two person’s life. plates from a holy angel, to its translation by the gift and months in the hospital and many sessions of physical, The Lord’s Atonement is a personal and intimate gift power of God, its preservation and publication by the hand speech and occupational therapy, the family stayed for each person individually. “Just as Jesus invited each of the Lord.” focused on Christ and recognized miracles that occurred one of the Nephite disciples to feel His wounds, He died The Book of Mormon’s translation marks yet another in the Lord’s way and according to His timing. for each one of us, personally, as if you or I were the only essential miracle. When it is difficult to have hope in anything, individuals person on Earth.” “We ought to look at the process more like a ‘revelation’ can find hope and peace in Christ. Church leaders desire The Book of Mormon also contains the conversion with the aid of physical instruments provided by the Lord.” all people to experience the comfort and joy that come stories of many individuals, showing how hearts and lives The coming forth of this latter-day scripture was made from a relationship with the Savior, and those who can be changed through the Lord’s goodness and mercy.