The Malad Idaho Stake held its annual conference January 24–25. The conference consisted of three meetings where leaders and members of the area testified through their personal experiences of the truthfulness of the gospel and the blessings that come from a faithful life.

The stake conference opened with an afternoon leadership meeting attended by the ward councils and organization presidencies. Bishop Justin Hatch of the Pleasantview Ward opened the meeting with remarks on being a disciple of Christ joyfully, one by one.

Quoting Elder Christofferson, he read, “The Savior taught one by one, and whatever we can do will be enough. We each contribute our grain of sand.” Bishop Hatch emphasized that by small, consistent efforts, great work can be accomplished, especially in efforts to minister to individuals in need.

Sharing a personal experience of how he helps teach his family to give their own grain of sand, Bishop Hatch spoke of a recent trip he and his family took to carry out humanitarian work. There, they built a very small, simple home for a family in need. Quietly, they testified of Christ through their actions, helping the family know they were watched over by a loving
Heavenly Father.

Sister Roxanne Albertson, Relief Society president of the Sixth Ward, spoke next, sharing her testimony of ministering to the one. Teaching from Christ’s parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son, she suggested that oftentimes what or who is lost is actually much closer than we think. It can be a lonely widow, a youth who doesn’t feel like they belong, or a young mother struggling with her children while her husband sits on the stand fulfilling his calling. In order to reach out to the one, Sister Albertson highlighted that members should ponder, seek the promptings of the Spirit, and then move forward with the tongue of angels.

President Brandon Ward, second counselor in the Malad Stake Presidency, spoke on the importance of every calling and role in the Church. No calling is more significant than another, and in each sphere, members should strive to serve with confidence, remembering the invitation to walk with Christ.

To close the meeting, Stake President David Jensen asked leaders to consider how to include the youth in ministering efforts. Instilling in them the importance of teaching and serving will set a foundation as they prepare to serve missions. As a chosen generation, the youth need strong examples and experiences before setting out as missionaries.

Saturday night featured the adult session, beginning with President and Sister Acevedo, missionaries from the Utah Ogden Mission. Sister Acevedo admitted that as members, we often question whether we can make a difference. She taught that if we love others as the Savior did, we will always make a difference. President Acevedo taught that as members come to know God, they will have the means to fulfill their covenant to gather Israel.

First Counselor President Sperry spoke of how attending the temple helps members prepare the world for Christ’s Second Coming. In a busy world, it may seem there is little time to worship in the temple, but President Sperry encouraged members to put the Lord first and trust that everything else will fall into place, reminding them that sacrifices bring forth blessings.

Testifying from his experiences as the Malad Stake patriarch, Brother Von Bean reminded members that they are loved sons and daughters of God, who is in “relentless pursuit” of them. He also reminded them that the purpose of this life is to come to know the Savior and to allow His atoning power to change and save them.

Once again, President Jensen closed the meeting, teaching from the story of a ranch wife in Arizona. Out in the field, she came upon a calf that reached out “to give a squeeze.” As she did, the calf let out a beller and, almost just as suddenly, she was surrounded by a number of concerned cows. She was impressed by the instinct the herd had to protect its young, especially with the many potential
predators nearby.

He shared, “We have been blessed with hearts that were meant to feel, and yet we too often ignore the cries of distress we encounter. How sad it is that we choose to keep grazing and not take the time to rescue, when doing so leaves space for a predator to prowl and destroy.” Using the example of the herd, President Jensen challenged the congregation to make continued efforts to minister watchfully.

The final session was held Sunday morning as a general session for all members. Sister Maggie Schow, a youth from the Seventh Ward, was the first speaker. She spoke of her excitement for the opportunity to attend the temple and perform baptisms for the dead, sharing the peace and comfort she felt during her first visit.

From the Brigham City Temple presidency, Sister and Brother Carter spoke of the blessings of temple attendance. Sister Carter testified of the central role Jesus Christ plays in temple worship and how every sincere seeker will find Him there. Recalling the days of shopping from the “good, better, best” buckets at Sears, Brother Carter shared how he eventually learned that while good tools were good, better ones were better, and the best tools were best.

He used this analogy to describe good, better, and best temple worship. Those who are good attend for events such as weddings or first-time endowments. Better are those who attend regularly, but mostly out of duty. The best are those who go with the intention of developing a relationship with the Lord in
His house.

Caleb Roe from the Second Ward Young Men group spoke next, sharing his experience attending Mission Prep. As he and others studied doctrine, attributes, and the character of disciples of Christ, he learned that the key to being a good missionary is effective communication, as their role is to invite others
to Christ.

President Ward spoke of the importance of continued study of the Book of Mormon, even when the Come, Follow Me curriculum focuses on other scripture. He noted the invitation to walk with Christ on every page of the Book of Mormon and quoted President Nelson, who said, “I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day.” President Ward shared reasons he is grateful for the Book of Mormon, including its teachings on the purpose of life, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the covenant path, gathering Israel, personal revelation, and the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

“He trieth your patience and your faith,” began President Sperry as he addressed the congregation. Acknowledging the many challenges faced by members of the Malad Stake, he spoke of the blessings that come as the Lord tests both patience and faith. He taught that moments of sacrifice will be “consecrated for your gain” and that peace and rest come from living covenants.

In his final message, President Jensen shared examples of discipleship he has witnessed, including his son’s mission president calling to assure him of his safety during an oncoming storm, visits made in preparation for stake conference, and seeing families simply sit with loved ones in times of pain and grief. He reminded members that they do not walk the covenant path alone but travel it together, with a responsibility to help others along the way.