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Sunday afternoon session: See photos and talk summaries for the October 2020 general conference

Robert Sabino wrote, "A week ago, while we were studying, Come, Follow Me. My 8-year-old sister Krisbel asked us what are our favorite colors? And we responded without knowing what she was thinking of doing. Yesterday, Saturday (Oct. 3, 2020), she surprised us with these handmade booklets to record our impressions of general conference." The Sabino family is a Venezuelan family living in Panama. Credit: Robert Sabion
A family in Italy listens to the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Church leaders are seated in the Conference Center Theater during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
President Russell M. Nelson speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
President Russell M. Nelson waves to church leaders before the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
President Russell M. Nelson speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
President Russell M. Nelson speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Anders Bjorn, of the Van Alstyne Ward, Sherman Texas Stake, shows a picture he drew of President Russell M. Nelson during the Sunday morning session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Jessica Bjorn
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Kelly R. Johnson, General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Talia and Brooklyn Bjorn, of the Van Alstyne Ward, Sherman Texas Stake, watch the Sunday morning session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Jessica Bjorn wrote, "Brooklyn was having a rough morning and throwing a fit. Talia, who has not been feeling well, called her sister over to come watch with her. After a minute or so, Talia told Brooklyn to go grab her notebook and a pencil so she could 'get more out of it.'  Talia did this last night during women's [session] with her other little sister. Just when I think we are failing at everything, moments like this make me realize how wonderful our youth are. Other than trying our best as parents, Seminary this year via zoom has really made all the difference." Credit: Jessica Bjorn
Elder Paul V. Johnson, General Authority Seventy, gives the opening prayer for the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Robert Sabino wrote, "A week ago, while we were studying, Come, Follow Me. My 8-year-old sister Krisbel asked us what are our favorite colors? And we responded without knowing what she was thinking of doing. Yesterday, Saturday (Oct. 3, 2020), she surprised us with these handmade booklets to record our impressions of general conference." The Sabino family is a Venezuelan family living in Panama. Credit: Robert Sabion
Elder Kelly R. Johnson, General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
The Beeman family — Chris and Tiffaney with baby Savannah — of the Lithia Ward, Brandon Florida Stake, watch the Sunday morning session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Chris Beeman
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, converse before the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Brother Milton Camargo, first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Brother Milton Camargo, first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Clay Cook, of the Lake Pleasant Ward, Peoria Arizona North Stake, holds Kinder Cook, who is “taking notes” while listening to President Russell M. Nelson during the Sunday morning session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Clay Cook
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles converse before the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder David A. Bednar, left, Elder Neil L. Andersen, Elder Ulisses Soares and Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles converse before the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

A key theme of the now-completed 190th Semiannual General Conference — the Lord’s Church is moving forward — was epitomized Sunday afternoon by President Russell M. Nelson’s concluding announcement of six new temples.

Temples will be built in:

  • Tarawa, Kiribati
  • Port Vila, Vanuatu
  • Lindon, Utah
  • Greater Guatemala City, Guatemala
  • Sao Paulo East, Brazil
  • Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Meanwhile, the Church president signaled a coming day “when all worthy members of the Church can again serve their ancestors, and worship, in a holy temple.”

Blessings, he added, await all who obey God’s laws.

President Russell M. Nelson waves to church leaders before the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020.
President Russell M. Nelson waves to church leaders before the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. | Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

 “I promise that as you do, you will be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes and joy even amid uncertainty.

“May we go forward together to fulfill our divine mandate — that of preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.”

President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, taught the importance of demonstrating “unshakeable faith” in Christ and becoming more like Him.

Even during trials, individuals can remain faithful to sacred covenants. Exercise faith and repentance and look for opportunities to lift the burdens of others.

“Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know and love you. They want you to return to Them  and become like Them. Your success is Their success.”

A General Authority Seventy, Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, taught that patience truly is a divine virtue — and that being a “disciple of Jesus Christ” should be one’s most affirming affiliation.

Patience allows one to find joy, even amid the trials that are defining the year 2020.

 “Just as the trying of our faith works patience within us, when we exercise patience, our faith increases. As our faith increases, so does our joy.”

Remember, the Lord commands: Be of good cheer — not “be of good fear.”

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said Latter-day Saints can follow Nephi’s example by finding they are “highly favored” of the Lord, even during the challenges of the pandemic.

“Times of affliction and disappointment do not change the watchful eye of the Lord as He favorably looks upon us, blessing us.”

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. | Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

Many key adjustments, made by a living prophet long before COVID-19, are now allowing people to endure the trials of the day — including improved home-centered gospel study and ministering, along with finding increased joy and appreciation in temple service.

Receive increased personal revelation by learning to “ask, seek and knock” taught Brother Milton Camargo of the Sunday School general presidency.

Jesus Christ taught this timeless principle when he invited: “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (3 Nephi 14:7).

Diligent prayer may not always yield a desired outcome, said Brother Camargo. But “if we then speedily align our plan with His plan, He will open the way for us.”

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged his listeners Sunday afternoon to follow the direction of the ancient prophet Micah and “do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” (Micah 6:8).

“A broken heart and contrite spirit prompt us to joyfully repent and try to become more like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we do so, we receive the Savior’s cleansing, healing and strengthening power. 

“We not only do justly and walk humbly with God, we also learn to love mercy the way that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do.”

Follow Their example by loving one another and follow the covenant path.

Elder Kelly R. Johnson, a General Authority Seventy, spoke of the importance of keeping temple covenants, even though regular temple attendance is not possible at the moment.

“There is no expiration date associated with the power God bestows upon those who make and keep temple covenants or a restriction from accessing that power during a pandemic; His power diminishes in our lives only if we fail to  keep our covenants and do not live in a way that allows us to continually qualify to receive His  power.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles promised a “monumental” reward to all who tenaciously walk the path of holiness and happiness.

Modern-day burdens such as COVID-19, illness, doubt, financial troubles and family trials will be lifted “by and by.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020. | Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

“Whether that be a short period or a long one is not always ours to say, but by the grace of God, the blessings will come to those who hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ. That issue was settled in a very private garden and on a very public hill in Jerusalem long ago.”

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency conducted the concluding session of general conference. Elder Paul V. Johnson, a General Authority Seventy, and Brother Jan E. Newman of the Sunday School general presidency offered prayers.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square provided music via prerecorded performances. Choir selections included “Oh Say, What is Truth?,” “Softly and Tenderly,” “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah,” and “God Be with You Till We Meet Again.”

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