Saturday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 194th Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6. This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday afternoon session.

Follow along with our blog updates below, or watch each session here.

Here is a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog.

Saturday, 04:06 pm

Elder Ulisses Soares — Aligning our will with his

Elder Ulisses Soares, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, encouraged church members to set aside self-centered pursuits and fully commit to the Lord.

He shared Christ's parable about a merchant who sold all his possessions for a priceless pearl, representing the kingdom of God. Elder Soares said God's kingdom is "truly the most precious treasure that should be desired over all else."

"During our sojourn in mortality, we often wrestle with what we think we know … as opposed to comprehending what Heavenly Father actually knows," he said.

Elder Soares said there is a growing trend for people to be consumed with themselves, justifying behaviors as living their own truth.

"If we let our heart and mind embrace this way of thinking, we can create significant stumbling blocks for ourselves in acquiring the most priceless pearl that God has lovingly prepared for his children — eternal life," he said.

Elder Soares told members they need to be careful and vigilant so they are not tempted to adopt this philosophy. He said doing "what works for me" is not a new trend, but is an "old trick of the adversary."

He encouraged members to let God be the most powerful influence in their lives and to follow Christ. He said it takes courage to choose God's plan, calling it "the ultimate test of our discipleship" for members to submit their hearts and souls to God.

"To irrevocably and unquestioningly make the Lord's will our own requires majestic and heroic discipleship! At that sublime moment, we become consecrated to the Lord, and we totally yield our wills to him. Such spiritual submissiveness, so to speak, is beautiful, powerful and transformational," Elder Soares said.

— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:42 pm

Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante — The wind did never cease to blow

Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante, of the Quorum of the Seventy, recounted an initiative in 2015, during which members of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society collaborated with the State Prosecutor's Office in Brazil to investigate the legal issues of elderly residents in nursing homes. The team uncovered various abuses, including abandonment and mistreatment.

Elder Cavalcante emphasized that service to others is a form of service to God. He shared an experience with a 93-year-old resident named Lúcia, who expressed her gratitude by jokingly asking him to marry her. Despite ongoing challenges, the residents felt known and loved by a Heavenly Father who answers prayers.

Elder Cavalcante illustrated how individuals, regardless of recognition in society, can serve as a guiding force in others' lives, just as the winds blew the Jaredites in the direction of the promised land in the Book of Mormon.

"Each of us, and those around us, faces our own storms of opposition and waves of trials that submerge us daily," he said.

He encouraged members, particularly the youth, to accept the call to serve missions, assuring that they would not be forgotten, even in moments of self-doubt.

Elder Cavalcante testified of his belief in Jesus Christ as a guiding force, urging all to be part of the wind that helps others reach their promised lands, reinforcing the idea that no one is truly forgotten by God.

— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:37 pm

Elder D. Martin Goury — Be thou clean

Elder D. Martin Goury, of the Seventy, spoke of the importance of spiritual purity. He testified of the power of the Atonement and the responsibility we have to repent, seek forgiveness and become clean.

Elder Goury emphasized the importance of repentance. He reiterated President Russel M. Nelson's invitation to not procrastinate your repentance.

Elder Goury shared about how his wife was born with a hearing impairment and must wear hearing aids. He likened her need for daily cleaning of her hearing aids to the need for daily repentance.

"When she overlooks this daily ritual, her ability to hear suffers throughout the day, spoken words gradually fade and eventually become inaudible," he said. "Just like her daily hearing aid cleaning allows her to hear clearly, daily repentance allows us to discern the guidance of the Lord through the Holy Ghost."

He spoke of the power of the Holy Ghost and the need we have to heed his counsel. Elder Goury warned that we will only be receptive to the soft voice of the Holy Ghost if we repent daily and are worthy of his companionship.

Elder Goury shared an example of being worthy to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost and how it blessed a woman he and other church leaders were inspired to visit. They were able to bless and administer to a sister in need.

"When we are receptive to the guidance of the still small voice, we are better equipped to more effectively minister to those in need," he said.

— Sicily Stanton

Saturday, 03:29 pm

Elder David L. Buckner — Ye are my friends

In his message, Elder David L. Buckner, of the Seventy, encouraged church members to strive to be unified and welcoming.

"There is a clear, simple and divine example we can look to for unity, love and belonging. That example is Jesus Christ," he said. He said the Savior used the word "friend" to refer to his followers. He said this type of friendship is a sacred, cherished relationship.

Elder Buckner said in May 2020 he met virtually with members of the New York City Commission of Religious Leaders to discuss the challenges they faced at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said they rallied each other, prayed and focused on their similarities.

"No longer were we looking across the table at each other, but heavenward with each other," he said.

Elder Buckner said on a recent trip to Ghana he was told "you are welcome" when arriving at a church or home and "you are invited" when food was served.

"The sign 'Visitors Welcome' is not enough. Do we warmly welcome all who come through the doors? … It is not enough to just sit in the pews," he said.

He told members his invitation to welcome others is not only for Sundays.

"This to me is church — a place of gathering and recovery, repair and refocus," he said.

Elder Buckner said there is room for everyone in God's church.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is the perfect place for us. Coming to church offers the hope of better days, the promise that you are not alone, and a family who needs us as much as we need them," he said.

Elder Buckner invited members who have stepped away from the church to return, telling them they belong. He said Christ is "the great unifier."

— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:14 pm

Elder Patrick Kearon — Welcome to the church of joy

Elder Patrick Kearon, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, welcomed everyone, saying church is a "place of joy." He emphasized that members should embody the joy rooted in Heavenly Father's loving plan and Jesus Christ's redeeming mission.

Elder Kearon urged congregants to approach sacrament meetings as transformative experiences and worship opportunities, not just something routine. He introduced the idea of "joyful reverence."

"True reverence flows from a soul that rejoices in Christ's abundant love, mercy and salvation," he said. He also encouraged expressions of joy through smiles, singing and heartfelt participation.

Elder Kearon highlighted the sacrament as a sacred time for renewal, during which people can reflect on Christ's sacrifices — inspiring gratitude and hope. He acknowledged that parents with young children or those with special needs might not experience calm or quiet reverence at church, and he reassured them their efforts to foster love and gratitude are invaluable.

Elder Kearon invited everyone to embark on a quest for joy in Christ. He affirmed that discovering this joy could transform lives, echoing Ammon from the Book of Mormon: "There never were (a people) that had so great a reason to rejoice as we."

— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:02 pm

Elder Juan Pablo Villar — His hand ready to help us

Elder Juan Pablo Villar, of the Seventy, began by sharing a story from when he was a boy playing at the beach with his family. When he was pulled out to sea and feared for his life, he recounted that his brother came to his rescue. Not only did his brother save his life once that day, but came to his rescue, once again. Elder Villar related this story to President Nelson's invitation to "think celestial."

Elder Villar spoke of the many challenges we may face in our lives. He spoke of how we may feel powerless — like how he felt when being sucked in by the waves as a child. He reminded us that Jesus Christ is there to offer his hand when we feel like we are drowning.

"Those 'malicious waves' could jostle us from side to side. But, do not forget who has power over those waves and in fact, over all things. That is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He has the power to help us out of every miserable condition or adverse situation."

Elder Villar also encouraged church members to follow Christ's example in offering a hand to those in need. He encouraged an eternal perspective that may allow us to receive revelation to offer timely assistance and go above and beyond for those around us.

"We can rely on the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost to discern what kind of help is needed, whether it is temporal support like emotional comfort, food, aid with daily tasks, or spiritual guidance to help others in their journey to prepare, make, and honor sacred covenants," he said.

Elder Villar also shared the biblical story of when Peter walked upon the water. When he began to sink, the Savior reached out his hand to save him. Elder Villar testified that Christ's hand is also outstretched to each of us whenever and however many times we may need it.

— Sicily Stanton

Saturday, 02:51 pm

Elder José A. Teixeira — Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the salt of the Earth

Salt is made of two bonded elements, Elder José A. Teixeira, of the presidency of the Seventy, said, encouraging members to bind themselves to the Lord.

"If we are to be salt of the earth, we must be bonded to the Lord," he said.

He said church members around the world are committed to serving others and being the salt of the earth, and youth show "remarkable courage and devotion."

Elder Teixeira said that at the coastal salt marshes in Portugal, where he is from, crystals known as "flowers of salt" form on the top of the water. He said this salt is pure and flavorful — "a prized ingredient." He encouraged church members to strive to be like these small crystals.

"Like salt can lose its essence, we can also lose our spiritual vitality if our faith in Jesus Christ becomes casual. We may look the same on the outside, but without a strong inner faith, we lose our ability to make a difference in the world and bring out the best in those around us," he said.

Elder Teixeira said when members of the church fill their lives with purpose and service they improve themselves and those around them.

"We, too, can do simple things that, with consistent efforts in small and meaningful acts, can deepen our discipleship and commitment to Jesus Christ," he said.

He suggested four things to help members be the salt of the earth:

• Focus on temple worship.
• Strengthen others by living the gospel together.
• Accept a calling and serve in the church.
• Use communication tools with purpose.

"Just as salt in its purest form has the power to enhance and preserve, so, too, does our faith in Jesus Christ when it is nourished and protected by our dedication to Christlike service and love," Elder Teixeira said.

— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 02:30 pm

Elder D. Todd Christofferson — Burying our 'weapons of rebellion'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, reflected on the transformative Book of Mormon mission of the sons of King Mosiah, who successfully converted thousands of Lamanites to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He emphasized their sincere repentance and willingness to "lay down the weapons of their rebellion," both literally and figuratively.

"As they buried their physical weapons with changed hearts, they also buried their disposition to sin," he said.

Elder Christofferson talked about the difference between active and passive rebellion against God. He explained that active rebellion is seen in the actions of the antichrists Sherem, Nehor and Korihor. Passive rebellion is subtler and involves neglecting divine direction. He noted that even seemingly good pursuits, like a career or personal interests, could become "weapons of rebellion" if they distract individuals from their commitment to God.

Elder Christofferson asked believers to yield to the Holy Spirit and to prioritize their love for God, above all else. He assured that, through Christ's atonement, those who truly repented could have their sins forgiven and their desires transformed.

"Burying our weapons of rebellion leads to a unique joy," he said, inviting all to reciprocate God's love and commitment by replacing rebellion with devotion.

— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 02:00 pm

Saturday afternoon general conference session begins

Join us as the KSL.com team keeps you up to date with the latest talk summaries, announcements and events during the October general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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