Five sessions of inspiring messages were shared worldwide as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints held the 195th annual General Conference April 5th and 6th.  The conference included talks by the general leadership including the President Russel M. Nelson, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Seventy as well as leadership of the General Young Women, Primary and Relief Society.

The conference opened with the morning session Saturday at 10 AM with Elder Jeffery R Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, speaking to the importance of becoming like a child who “demonstrate faith, loyalty, trust, courage and honor for ‘whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven’.”

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson talked about becoming both healed and whole.  “Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can seek to be spiritually whole while we wait and hope for physical and emotional healing,” she said.

Teaching from the example of the pioneers, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the rescue of handcart pioneers, saying, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate rescue from the trials we face in this life.”

President Henry B. Eyring closed the session with words of encouragement for followers to improve their communication with Heavenly Father.  He said, “More communication with Him will strengthen our bonds with Him and give us assurance that He knows and loves us.”

Saturday afternoon, Elder Neil L. Andersen boldly said, “Nurturing and protecting life that is yet unborn is not a political position. It is a moral law confirmed by the Lord through His prophets.  The diminishing love for unborn children worldwide is a grave concern. God cherishes life. … As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cherish life.

Elder Dale G. Renlund spoke on the topic of the Second Coming, an often frightening subject.  But he encouraged followers to recognize the joy and blessings that will happen in the day leading up to Jesus Christ’s return.  

Closing the Saturday sessions, Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught about worshiping as he said, “How we live may be the best, most genuine form of worship. Showing our devotion means emulating the Father and the Son — cultivating Their attributes and character in ourselves.”

Teaching about mercy, Elder James R. Rasband, a General Authority Seventy, said, “For those who sometimes struggle to feel answers to prayer, seeking the Lord’s mercy is one of the most powerful ways to feel the witness of the Holy Ghost,” he said.

Continuing Sunday morning, Elder Bednar spoke of the miraculous and crucial experiences the Prophet Joseph Smith had that led to the formation of the Church and ushered in the restoration of the gospel.

Sister Tamara W. Runia, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, said, “The invitation to repent is an expression of God’s love. Imagine if instead of saying ‘Repent ye, repent ye!’ He is saying ‘I love you, I love you!’”

Elder John A. McCune, General Authority Seventy, taught that keeping our covenants blesses us with spiritual power. “As we make and keep covenants, we will naturally turn outward and have a desire to help others feel the measure of joy and love we feel in our covenental relationships.”

In the final session of the conference Sunday afternoon, Elder Patrick Kearon shared an experience that he received a beautiful, long sought after gift.  He compared his experience with the gift all of God’s children have received, saying, “Accepting this “all-encompassing gift” with humility and gratitude can “transform every aspect of your life.”

“When we harden our hearts, we are blinded, and good things cannot come into our hearts or our minds,” shared Elder Christopher H. Kim. He continued by encouraging daily repentance, humility, and trusting and relying on the Savior to soften one’s heart.

President Nelson closed the session by inviting listeners to “grow in your confidence before the Lord” by diligently seeking to have charity and virtue, and to prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ.  He spoke covenant confidence found by making, keeping and learning of temple covenants.

To end his remarks, President Nelson announced the building of fifteen new temples.  The location of the announced temples include Reynosa, Mexico; Chorrillos, Peru; Rivera, Uruguay; Campo Grande, Brazil; Porto, Portugal; Uyo, Nigeria; San Jose del Monte, Philippines; Nouméa, New Caledonia; Liverpool, Australia; Caldwell, Idaho; Flagstaff, Arizona; Rapid City, South Dakota; Greenville, South Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia and Spanish Fork, Utah.