BYU NewsNet - General Conference: Saturday Morning

President Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson opened the church's 178th Semiannual General Conference Saturday by recounting the recent dedications of the Curitiba, Brazil; Panama City, Panama; and Twin Falls, Idaho temples. He then announced five new temples to be built in the greater Kansas City area; Philadelphia, Pa.; Calgary Alberta, Canada; Cordoba, Argentina; and Rome, Italy; bringing the total temple count to 145.

President Monson then recalled President Spencer W. Kimball's council to pray for missionary experiences in these new temple areas.

"As we prayed then in response to President Kimball's pleadings, we saw miracles unfold as country after country, formerly closed to the Church, was opened," President Monson said. "Such will transpire again as we pray with faith."

Elder L. Tom Perry

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Recounting instances of visiting Walden Pond with his wife, Elder L. Tom Perry emphasized the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle. Citing the For Strength of Youth pamphlet and Doctrine and Covenants 88-89, Elder Perry expounded on the four basic needs of life: food, clothing, shelter and spiritual fuel.

"When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life," Elder Perry said. "You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind and the guidance of the Holy Ghost."

With regard to shelter and the current economic housing crisis, Perry reminded saints not to live beyond their means but to live within their income, stay out of debt and save for a rainy day.

"We can't predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner," Elder Perry said, quoting Robert Browning. "But we, as persons of faith and hope, know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and 'the best is yet to come.'"

Sister Silvia H. Allred

First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency

Sister Silvia H. Allred testified of the tradition of missionary work as the "lifeblood" of the church.

"There is no greater work, no more important work," Allred said.

Citing "Preach My Gospel," Sister Allred explained the fourfold endeavor of missionary work: finding investigators, teaching and baptizing, fellowshipping new members and fellowshipping and teaching less-active members. She then suggested ways members can be missionaries in their everyday lives.

"We can all participate in missionary work," Sister Allred said. "This is the Lord's work and he will help us do it. His gospel has to go to every nation and we can be instruments in his hands to bless the lives of others by sharing with them his truth."

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Presidency of the Seventy

Elder Neil L. Andersen talked about how our lives are spiritual journeys, recalling his feelings of inadequacy and limited knowledge as he prepared to serve a mission 40 years ago.

"I believed in the church, but I felt my spiritual knowledge was very limited," Elder Andersen said. "As I prayed, the feeling came: 'You don't know everything, but you know enough.'"

He explained faith is not just a feeling, but a decision.

"As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us," he said. "We must sink them deep into the chambers of our soul. Fear and faith cannot coexist in our heart as the same time. Jesus said, 'Be not afraid, only believe.'"

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

Of the Seventy

Expressing his gratitude for his own father's conversion, Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis said we must act on the truths found in the Book of Mormon.

"The Book of Mormon is proof that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true," Elder Aidukaitis said. "'Preach My Gospel' teaches that the Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is the most powerful resource in conversion."

Elder Aidukaitis reaffirmed statements by President Gordon B. Hinckley, and added his own, saying when one knows the Book of Mormon is true, he or she will have a testimony in God, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, latter-day prophets and the perfection of the Plan of Salvation.

"To those who may argue that we cannot know these things, I testify that we can, when we are humble enough to do as God has instructed us through his prophets on earth," he said. "To believe otherwise would be to accept the absurd notion that God does not know where truth can be found or does not have the power to show it unto us. Just because someone has not acted on the promise of this book does not mean that others have not done so."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Dallin H. Oaks emphasized the commandment and blessings of the sacrament ordinance. Declaring it "the greatest blessing to man," Elder Oaks explained the significance of sacrament meeting and the importance of individual reverence and worship in it. He outlined the proper dress and behavior needed for both partakers and officiators of the sacrament, saying the act should be revered as like temple attendance.

"Young people, it is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting persons at other locations," Elder Oaks said. "When we partake of the sacrament, we make a sacred covenant that we will always remember the Savior. How sad to see persons obviously violating that covenant in the very meeting where they are making it."

He also addressed priesthood holders, saying they should be appropriately dressed and groomed, and ultimately, worthy to perform the "very sacred act."

Elder Oaks said that by participating in weekly sacrament, church members can always have the Spirit, "the foundation of testimony," to be with them.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Second Counselor, First Presidency

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf defined and outlined the infinite power of hope, saying that together with faith and charity, it can provide a stabilizing influence in rough or uneven life circumstances.

"Hope is not knowledge, but rather, the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us," President Uchtdorf said. He then explained that the opposition of hope - doubt, despair and failure to care for fellowmen - can be overcome with confidence, optimism, enthusiasm and patient perseverance in the Lord's promises.

"No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ we may hope for and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations," he said.

President Uchtdorf expounded on things hoped for and things hoped in.

"The things we hope for lead us to faith, while the things we hope in lead us to charity," President Uchtdorf said. "These three qualities working together, grounded on the truth and light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, lead us to abound in good works."