179th Annual General Conference Sunday morning
Published: Sunday, April 5, 2009
During the Sunday morning session of the 179th Annual General Conference, newly sustained apostle Elder Neil L. Andersen addressed a worldwide Church congregation for the first time as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve.
President Thomas S. Monson conducted and spoke at the session. Elder Daryl H. Garn and Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, both of the Seventy, offered the invocation and benediction, respectively.
Music for the session was provided by the Tabernacle Choir, under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ed Thompson, with Andrew Unsworth and Clay Christiansen on the organ.
Following are quotes from addresses delivered during the Sunday morning session of conference:
President Thomas S. Monson
Since last we met together in a general conference six months ago, there have been continuing signs that circumstances in the world aren't necessarily as we would wish. The global economy, which six months ago appeared to be sagging, seems to have taken a nose dive, and for many weeks now the financial outlook has been somewhat grim. In addition, the moral footings of society continue to slip, while those who attempt to safeguard those footings are often ridiculed and, at times, picketed and persecuted. Wars, natural disasters and personal misfortunes continue to occur.
It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future — or even fearful of what might come — if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today, however, I'd like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the Church. The Apostle Paul declared, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).
None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges — and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25).
How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again, from the scriptures: "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you" (Doctrine and Covenants 68:6).
The history of the Church in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times, is replete with the experiences of those who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the Gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges, to meet them head on and to emerge victorious.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency
We live in a time when many worry about their livelihood. They are concerned about the future and doubt their ability to resolve the challenges that confront them. Many have experienced personal misfortune and sadness. They hunger for meaning and purpose in life.
Because there is such great interest in these issues, the world is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls. They attend seminars and buy books, CDs, and other products. They get caught up in the excitement of looking for something new. But inevitably, the flame of each new theory fades, only to be replaced by another "new and improved" solution that promises to do what the others before could not.
It's not that these worldly options don't contain elements of truth — many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secrets of happiness.
In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to our problems. It is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel— a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone we do not have to do so. His solitary journey bought great company to us for our little version of that path — the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, and friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, "I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you]" (John 14:18, 23).
My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ's lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial, abandonment, and at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. May I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find unresponsive onlookers when he sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week — Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb — may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times, but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ "at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death" (Mosiah 18:9), for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely alone.
Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
I profoundly thank you for your sustaining vote. In so many dimensions, I feel inadequate and humbled. I take solace that in one qualification for the holy apostleship, where there can be no latitude extended, the Lord has deeply blessed me. I do know with perfect and certain clarity through the power of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ the beloved Son of God....
I express deep gratitude for you the faithful members of the Church. As a young missionary in France my testimony blossomed as I witnessed members giving their full devotion for the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the past 20 years, we have lived 10 years outside of the United States on Church assignments. In lands and languages different from my own, I have seen the power of God at work in your lives. How wonderful you are, the great family of believers in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Elder Steven E. Snow, Presidency of the Seventy
It would be nice if we could anticipate all the changes that would occur in a lifetime. Some changes we see coming. Certainly all Latter-day Saint young men are taught to prepare for a full-time mission, a life changing experience. Every worthy young single adult understands the importance of choosing a spouse and being sealed in the holy temple. We know these changes are coming and we can plan for them. But what about the changes which are thrust upon us rather unexpectedly? These are challenges over which we seemingly have no control. Economic downturn, unemployment, debilitating sickness or injury, divorce and death are examples of change we do not expect, anticipate or welcome. How do we deal with such unexpected setbacks in life's journey?
The answer is the same. By listening to the prophets, keeping an eternal perspective, having faith and being of good cheer we can face life's unexpected challenges and "get on with our lives."
Sister Barbara Thompson, second counselor in General Relief Society Presidency
President Spencer W. Kimball said, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other."
Last summer when I was away from home a fierce wind and rain storm blew through our neighborhood. A huge tree had fallen from my neighbor's yard filling my yard and knocking down power lines. The tree needed to be removed before the damage could be repaired and power restored to my home.
Early in the morning I called my brother who planned to find some equipment and come as soon as he could. I also called my bishop. Within minutes, my bishop, home teacher, former stake president, and ten men from my ward were there with their chain saws and made quick work of this disaster. My visiting teachers brought in dinner that evening. Many more men from the high priest group, the elders quorum and the neighborhood came on subsequent evenings to assist me and my family in cleaning up the mess.
I was needy on that occasion. I needed help from others. My discouragement turned into joy and gratitude. I felt loved and cared for. These people were quick to recognize one in need. They lived their testimony and demonstrated the reality of their covenants.
At Church headquarters we often receive thank-you notes from people not of our Church who have been served by you after a flood, hurricane, earthquake, or other disaster. Thank you for always being willing to serve, love, give, and, thus, be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
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