The 193rd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held April 1 and 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah and broadcast for viewers and listeners around the world.  The conference consisted of five sessions over the two day period of words of inspiration, love, motivation and spiritual direction to all that would heed its council.  Speakers included members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, members of the Seventy, the Young Woman General President,  and many more leaders from around the world.

The Saturday morning session featured talks by three members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Young Women General President and two General Authority Seventies.  Elder Quentin L. Cook shared thoughts and testimony of gathering Israel while Elder Gerrit W. Gong spoke of the ministersing efforts he has seen around the world and the blessings from such efforts.  Elder Gary E. Stevenson discussed the Easter story, not found in the New Testament, but as it is found in The Book of Mormon.  He said, “The Book of Mormon shares the greatest Easter story ever told. Let it not be the greatest Easter story never told.”  Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon, who would later be released in the following session, spoke about looking for Christ, promising that “I promise He is there.” 

Saturday afternoon brought several changes to the General Authority Seventies, Young Women General Presidency and Young Men General Presidency.  Elder Dale G. Renlund spoke of the covenant path and the power that comes by staying on that path as he said, “Going against the flow may be difficult. But when we yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and put off the selfish tendencies of the natural man or woman, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power in our lives, the power to do difficult things.”   

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf addressed the parents of the youth, saying that while Jesus Christ is the “Strength of youth,” He is also the strength of parents. He said, “My message to all parents is this: The Lord loves you. He is with you. He stands beside you. He is your strength in guiding your children to make righteous choices.”  Also speaking in the session were General Authority Seventies, Elder Peter F. Meurs, Elder Randall K. Bennett, Elder Craig C. Christensen, Elder Evan A. Schmutz and Elder Benjamín De Hoyos.

Another general session was held Saturday evening, a session that has often addressed the Priesthood and the women of the church.  Speakers all touched on the power of Jesus Christ and through Him we can be wholly forgiven, we can help administer to the one, have a deeper relationship through daily gospel study, and withstand any trial we face in this life.

Day two of General Conference, held on Palm Sunday, featured talks from Apostles of the Quorum of the Twelve, the Relief Society General President, General Authority Seventies and the Prophet, President Russle M. Nelson.  Elder Neil L. Anderson taught from the story of Alma the Younger, sharing, “As you attentively catch hold of this thought of Jesus Christ, trust in Him and keep His commandments, I promise you not only heavenly guidance, but heavenly power.”  Several speakers addressed finding peace in this life through Jesus Christ.  President  Camille N. Johnson said that through His power we can find relief from our burdens, while Elder Ulisses S. Soares spoke of how we can also become instruments of peace. 

 President Nelson was the concluding speaker of the session, speaking of how each of us can be peacemakers. He said, “The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade and inspire — no matter how difficult the situation,” President Nelson said. “True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.”  Continuing on he talked of how everyone has a choice, to either contribute to contention or to bring reconciliation.  

The final session of the conference was held Saturday afternoon opening with remarks from Elder Dallin H. Oaks. He began his talk by saying, “We believe in Christ. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we worship Him and follow His teachings in the scriptures.”  He then went on to share scriptures spoken by Jesus, words that we all should study to learn directly from Him.  Other speakers also addressed what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe as Christians and how to “walk in him.”  Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared of an enlightening experience he had with the people of Ghana, learning just the day before that His Majesty, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II was in Salt Lake and would be attending the conference.

The conference concluded with final words by President Nelson, sharing that “Because of Jesus Christ, we can repent and be forgiven of our sins. Because of Him, each of us will be resurrected.”  He also announced 15 new temples, to be built in Retalhuleu, Guatemala; Iquitos, Peru; Teresina, Brazil; Natal, Brazil; Tuguegarao City, Philippines; Iloilo, Philippines; Jakarta, Indonesia; Hamburg, Germany; Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; San Jose, California; Bakersfield, California; Springfield, Missouri; Winchester, Virginia;  Charlotte, North Carolina; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.