General Conference Topline Report (part 2)

Saturday PM Session

During this session new Sunday School and YM presidencies were called. For the Sunday School it was Oscarthorpe (P), McConkie (1C), and Richardson (2C). And in the YM it was Beck (P), Gibson (1C), and Quintanna (2C).

Speaker 1: M. Russell Ballard
President Ballard described his talk as an "important message" for the youth of the Church. "When you are willing to listen and learn, some of life's teachers can help guide you." He discussed the importance of being willing to learn from others' experiences, as well as from the past. The cyclical nature of righteousness/wickedness as seen in the Book of Mormon can easily be seen in modern society as well. The youth will have to decide for themselves if they will ignore the past or try to learn from the "noble example" of the "faithful followers of Christ." There is no new technology that will help one to gain a testimony of the gospel.

Speaker 2: Quentin L. Cook
Faith in the gospel was the topic of President Cook's talk. He focused on two aspects of faith: 1. stumbling blocks to faith (a. inaccurate media reports; b. the teaching of incorrect principles, such as the belief in no modern revelation; and c. the juxtaposed views of a loving Heavenly Father and the belief that most mankind is doomed to an eternity of hell) and 2. Heavenly Father's plan is big enough for all of mankind. We should not judge others, especially family members.

Speaker 3: Kevin W. Pearson
(Of the Seventy)
Elder Pearson spoke on having faith in Jesus Christ; "there is never a greater need for faith." To have faith is to have confidence in someone or something. Our faith should be centered in Jesus Christ. Faith increases as our personal righteousness increases; we must continually strive to build our faith. Our NET (total) amount of faith can be viewed as our faith minus all our doubts and disbelief. There are 6 Ds that can "erode and destroy" our faith: 1. Doubt; 2. Discouragement; 3. Distraction; 4. lack of Diligence; 5. Disobedience; and 6. Disbelief. We must choose to live by faith and not by fear.

Speaker 4: Rafael E. Pino
(Of the Seventy)
Elder Pino told a story of a friend whose 3-year old daughter drowned in an accident. The friend was greatly comforted by the thought that his children were born under the covenant. The family became more determined than ever to endure to the end to be worthy to be with this daughter again. "When adversity arises in our lives, the only true source of comfort is in the Lord." Times of adversity are when we should most show loyalty to God and our willingness to follow Him. Adversity enables us to better understand the Savior's atonement.

Speaker 5: Richard G. Scott
These latter days have brought increased access to the temple for most people in the world. Those who live in the "shadow of the temple" need to set specific goals for temple attendance. We should not let things get in the way of the goals we set in regard to the temple. President Scott gave the following suggestions in relation to temple attendance:
1. Strive to participate in all of the different ordinances regularly
2. Seek to understand the doctrines taught in the temple, especially the atonement
3. Express gratitude for temple blessings in your prayers
4. Schedule regular visits to the temple
5. Remove your watch when in the temple
6. Listen carefully to each element of the ordinances
7. Pray for the person for whom the ordinance is being completed
President Scott then related the main reasons the temple is meaningful to him is that he had two children die in infancy, who were born in the covenant. Also, his wife has been deceased for 14 years now.

Speaker 6: Russell M. Nelson
The Lord's Prayer and other prayers cited in the scriptures give great insight into how we should pray to our Heavenly Father. All open with a salutation to the Father. "Hallowed be thy name" is a reference of respect for our Heavenly Father. Closing with "amen" signifies our affirmation or agreement with the words of the prayer. "If we really care for others we should pray for them." We should pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and its vital force for good. Things that enhance our prayers include 1. the song of the righteous; 2. fasting (but not too often/too much); and 3. formal language (thee, thy, thine, etc.). Public prayers should be brief.