In today's world of turmoil, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can find peace and happiness by turning to Jesus Christ and his gospel, leaders of the church proclaimed Saturday from the Conference Center.
A number of speakers during the first day of the 173rd Annual General Conference — carried to much of the world via satellite in 56 languages — spoke of living in a world full of conflict and contention. Others addressed the need to strengthen homes and families, share the gospel and keep commandments and covenants.
The conference began amid increased security at the Conference Center, as long lines of conferencegoers waited in the snow flurries for their turn to pass through metal detectors and bag checks. On the sidewalks outside, protesters braved the weather to voice their opposition to the church.
President Gordon B. Hinckley opened the conference by giving members a status report on the church, saying it "is in good condition." Despite war, unrest and failing economies, the church continues to increase in membership as a result of missionary work — so much so that the church is busy constructing some 400 new chapels a year, he said.
Sacrament meeting attendance "gradually edges up," the payment of tithing has increased and there has been an increase in temple activity and family preparedness, he said.
"With all the troubles with which we are confronted, I am pleased to report that the work of the church moves forward," President Hinckley said.
He also said that the Perpetual Education Fund, established by the church two years ago to help members in less advantaged countries to obtain an education, is helping about 8,000 members gain job skills that on average are boosting their incomes by 4 1/2 times.
He assured members that the church's recent purchase of the Crossroads Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City was not done with tithing funds but funded by the church's commercial entities and investments.
"We feel we have a compelling responsibility to protect the immediate environment of the Salt Lake Temple," he said. "We have felt it imperative to do something to revitalize this area."
In a world of turmoil
Personal spirituality and faithfulness were emphasized throughout the day as a key to greater happiness.
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve compared Jesus Christ calming the storm when sailing on the Sea of Galilee to his role for members as a source of calm in today's world.
"The winds of wickedness howl about us; the waves of war beat against our ship," Elder Hales said. "It is true that ominous clouds gather around us, but just as the Savior's words brought peace to the Apostles in the boat, they bring peace to us today. . . . If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."
Sister Kathleen H. Hughes, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, spoke of Christ as the living water that can heal, nourish and sustain.
There is much suffering in the world due to illness, fear, temptations and other factors, she said, but church members are never left to their own resources. As they live righteously and do all they can, they are blessed with confidence. Even in a world of turmoil, living waters offer peace and joy, she said.
"We must listen for the spirit that tells us all is well, just as the early saints had to do. There is cause to be concerned, but there is grater reason to be at peace."
Strengthening families
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve said in a world of uncertainty and turmoil it is more important than ever to strengthen families and the home.
"We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left, unintended negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes.
"Our families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do on Earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to become heavenly parents."
He reiterated a long-standing request by top church leaders that Sundays and Monday evenings be reserved for families to be together, and urged members to use church publications and the church Web site — lds.org — to find tools for family home evening.
Sharing the gospel
Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the baptismal obligation of members of the church to share the gospel with others. Effective member missionaries know for themselves that the Atonement is real and are grateful disciples of Christ.
"Those who speak easily and often of the restored gospel prize what it has meant to them," he said, his voice full of emotion. "They think of that great blessing often. It is the memory of the gift they have received that makes them eager for others to receive it."
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve said members must be more faithful and more spiritually in tune to help the church's missionaries find "those of our Heavenly Father's children who will embrace the message of the Restoration."
The idea of sharing the gospel with others can be intimidating, but it can be accomplished through faith, leading by example and praying for assistance in finding those interested in gospel principles.
"Missionary work does not require the development of strategies or gimmicks. It does require faith — real faith and trust in the Lord. It also requires love," he said.
Keeping commandments
Loyalty to the church, its principles and leaders was stressed to male members during the evening priesthood session.
President Hinckley issued a challenge to "Run from the tide of sleaze that would overcome you. Flee the evils of the world. Be loyal to your better self. Be loyal to the best that is in you. Be faithful and true to the covenants that are associated with the priesthood of God."
"You cannot wallow about in lasciviousness, you cannot lie, you cannot cheat, you cannot take advantage of others in unrighteousness without destroying that touch of divinity which each of us received as a child of God."
President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, counseled priesthood holders to stand firm in their responsibilities and follow the prophet.
"I strongly urge you that if there is any question in your minds or hearts about whether your personal conduct is right or wrong, don't do it. Each of us has moral agency and the gift of the Holy Ghost will sharpen our impressions of what is right and wrong, true and false," he said.
President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, said God expects those who hold his priesthood to spend their lives in service to others as an "agent of the Lord," looking upon their responsibilities "as though he were on the Lord's errand."
"May we reach out and rescue those who have fallen by the wayside, that not one precious soul will be lost."
E-mail: ehayes@desnews.com
