LIVE BLOG: 189th Semiannual General Conference - Afternoon Session, Day 1
(KUTV) — Members and leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are gathering at the faith's Conference Center for the 189th Semiannual General Conference.
This live blog is covering the conference's afternoon session on Saturday, Oct. 5. Submit your pictures from the LDS conference here.
3:55 p.m.
The final speech was given by Elder Ronald A. Rasband Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He urged members to stand by promises and covenants. Additionally, he invited others to consider the promises they have made to the Lord and others.
I promise you, as you do this, the Lord will establish your words and sanction your deeds as you strive with unwearied diligence to build up your lives, your families, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
3: 38 p.m.
Elder Jorge M. Alvarado discussed the trail of faith that members experience.
No matter the obstacles we face in life, we can trust that Jesus Christ will prepare a way forward as we walk with faith in doing His will.
He continued by speaking to the importance guardians have to ensure their children to learn the gospel.
3:30 p.m.
Elder L. Todd Budge, a Seventy, began his speech with a short story about his son getting sick while on his mission. The underlining message to the story was to be "consistently and resiliently happy" regardless of the circumstance. He explained the gospel should promise a life full of meaning, compared to a life free of sorrow and tribulation.
3:15 p.m.
Brother Mark L. Pace, Sunday School General President, spoke about the importance of having a foundation is for new temples and each person's life. He said:
A spiritual foundation needed for our journey through mortality and back to our heavenly home.
Brother Pace reiterated some of the points made by Elder Cook and how it will help, "study the scriptures, the doctrine of the gospel, and the teachings of the prophets and apostles. It is a marvelous resource for us all."
2:59 p.m.
Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Twelve, spoke about the organizational changes to be expected for youth at ward and stake levels. He discussed how bishops will be more focused on the youth in their respective wards. He also showed his gratitude for the faithful youth and their ability to remain strong.
Elder Cook discussed how he felt the youth are living in a challenging time period in regards to smartphones. Positive remarks about smartphones include easy access to scriptures and family history. In contrast, smartphones contain, "foolishness, immorality, and evil not readily available in the past."
Three initiatives were introduced by Elder Cook in an effort to help guide the youth with the abundance of choices they have to make including stronger curriculum in the home and bishops putting more focus on the youth.
The bishopric is the presidency of this [Aaronic] priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same.
The resource to help strengthen the youth is called Come, Follow Me and is set to be in effect in January 2020.
2:50 p.m.
President Russell M. Nelson began by talking about changes that allow any temple recommend holder to be an official witness for sealings and baptisms, now including women and children. He then spoke about a bishop's role in each ward and how important it is for them to care for the young men and women of the ward. Nelson used the remainder of his time to set up Elder Quentin L. Cook to talk about the adjustments that will relate to young men. Additionally, he said Sister Bonnie H. Cordon will discuss the adjustments that will involve young women later today at the general women's session.
2:40 p.m.
Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, a Seventy, started his speech with an anecdotal about the positive encounters he has with converts. He emphasized that all stories of conversion always deal with "how we are found." Additionally, he spoke about the power of the Book of Mormon while sharing a personal story when he was younger.
2:20 p.m.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the first speaker of the afternoon session.
He reminds the crowd of three key points:
- Beware of evils beguiling strategy.
- Stay awake and be alert
- Understand the intent of the enemy
2:00 p.m.
The General Conference resumed on Saturday afternoon.
Updates will be published as the session continues throughout the afternoon.