President Eyring announced the passing of Elder Robert D Hales.

Elder M Russell Ballard

Brigham Young – This is the right place.

Among the first saints to arrive in Utah was Jane Manning James.

She said: I want to say right here, that my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is as strong today, nay, it is if possible stronger than it was the day I was first baptized. I pay my tithes and offerings, keep the word of wisdom, I go to bed early and rise early, I try in my feeble way to set a good example to all.

If we lose our ties to those who have gone before us…we will lose a very valuable treasure.

When they could they lifted the downtrodden.

We need to remember that the trek through life continues for each of us.

More than 30,000 congregations around the world.

Many of us are on amazing journeys of discovery…some of us however are on a trek that leads to sorrow, sin and despair.

The trek back to our Heavenly Father is the most important trek of our lives.

Keep the doctrine of Christ pure and never be deceived by those who tamper with the doctrine.

Do not listen to those who entice you with get rich schemes.

“We urge Church members to be cautious about participating in any group that promises-in exchange for money-miraculous healings or that claims to have special methods for accessing healing power outside of properly ordained priesthood holders.”

Stay on the gospel path by having faith in every footstep.

Welcome and embrace anyone who is making his or her own trek today no matter where they are on their journey.

We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice.

Elder Tad R Callister

The Book of Mormon is not only the keystone of the Church, it can also be the keystone of our testimony.

Emma Smith: He had neither manuscript nor book to read from.

God’s fingerprints are all over the Book of Mormon.

The critics must make the argument that he was a theological genius.

The critics must also make the claim that Joseph was a skilled writer.

Use of cement in ancient America.

Joseph must have been a very, very lucky guesser.

The Book of Mormon is one of God’s priceless gifts to us.

It is God’s compelling witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ

[A great defence of the  Book of Mormon]

Elder Joni L Koch

Be one.

As we enter a meeting house we should leave behind our differences.

Oftentimes we put permanent labels on people.

We have no right to portray anybody…as a badly finished product.

Symonds Ryder.

Story of his father supporting bishop following a disagreement about construction of a new chapel.

Elder Stanley G Ellis

The Lord trusts us.

Do we trust him?

It seems clear that ‘hard’ is ‘good’.

The hard things in our lives should come as no surprise…Joseph Smith:  “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”

We all have challenges. The variable is our reaction to the ‘hard’

We each choose our reaction to ‘hard’.

Do we have the faith to trust him? …Do we have sufficient faith that he will visit us in our afflictions…He wants what is best for us, he will answer our prayers.

The Lord’s answer to hard times is to go forward with faith.

Hard can be good for those who will move forward with faith and trust the Lord.

Elder Adilson Parella de Paula Parrella

Story of conversion to the church.

The First Vision. 3 truths:

1. God calls prophets…By strictly following their counsel we will be protected…

Story of seeking a wife in Brazil. Making a list of 10 girls.

2. The true nature of God. God is a being with flesh and bones as tangible as ours…He is a God who hears and answers our prayers..A God who gave us agency to decide for ourselves to follow him and obey his commandments without coercion…

3. The role of Jesus.

Elder Ian S Ardern

Caterpillars who eat away at our spiritual roots.

We must do all we can to fortify ourselves spiritually.

The increase in sabbath day observance is just one example of people fortifying themselves spiritually.

Robert D Hales: Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel—living it with all of your “heart, might, mind and strength”—you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back the darkness.

Story about the converting power of the Book of Mormon – missionaries in Fiji. Fisherman converted by the Holy Ghost.

As we study from the best books we protect from the menacing jaws of those who seek to gnaw at our spiritual roots.

Jeffrey R Holland: “Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. You have more faith than you think you do.”

Elder Jose L Alonso

‘As I have loved you’

The greatest example of God’s love for his children is found in the atonement.

Love is a combination of actions as well as deep feelings.

Love without service is like faith without works – it is dead.

Story of young boy killed by car. Forgiveness of young driver.

Our Heavenly Father loves us. He knows that being able to forgive is as sweet as being forgiven.

We can have joy and happiness as we forgive and serve others.

What kind of family are we? We are a happy family!

Elder Neil L Andersen

Yes, this is the last session and yes, I am the last speaker.

Trusting and believing in the words of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve is vital.

We come to be taught from on high.

When and how does the inspiration for General Conferences come?

At times the central idea may come quickly…direction often comes in the night…specific words and phrases flow as pure revelation.

Thoughts and feelings will come into your mind.

The teachings of General Conference are the considerations that the Lord would have before us now and in the months ahead.

A message from Elder Hales: When we choose to have faith we are prepared to stand in the presence of God….Our faith prepares us to be in the presence of the Lord.

Elder Nelson prompted to quickly leave the Conference to be at Elder Hales’ bedside.

There is a treasure chest of heavenly direction awaiting your discovery in the messages of General Conference.

Story of Elder Nelson learning Mandarin at age 54 in response to President Kimball’s suggestion that we should reach out to China.

Reference to Elder Nelson and Pesident Eyring responding to President Monson’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon.