Over three sessions, totaling approximately five and a half hours, over a dozen speakers touched on a wide variety of topics from the growing church presence around the world to a full embrace of the Easter season.

A growing presence

During the morning session, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles touted “the Lord hastening his work”, noting the rise of additional temples and missionary work around the world.

“In my assignments this year, I have had a front-row seat to the Lord hastening his work,” he said. “The church is building temples at an unprecedented pace, giving more members an opportunity to worship in the house of the Lord. Second, missionary work is gathering record numbers to the fold of the Good Shepherd,”

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He noted that there are currently 367 temples in various stages of design, construction or operation.

Additionally, Rasband said the future of the church is also taking shape at an unprecedented level.

“Currently, more than 800,000 students worldwide are enrolled in seminary and institute, the highest enrollment in the history of the church,” he said. “Our youth gather in a variety of ways from early morning, daytime and evening classes, to online and in-home study. They are a mighty and righteous battalion, gaining strength from each other as they learn of Jesus Christ, follow and testify of him as the Son of God.”

Also among the early speakers was Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who shared three recommendations that he called “particularly relevant for our day.

First, do not underestimate the importance of doing what we can to rescue others from physical and especially spiritual challenges,” he said. ” Second, gratefully accept the Savior’s atonement. We all should strive to exhibit joy and happiness even as we face the challenges of life. Our goal should be to live optimistically on the sunny side of the street. I have observed my precious companion, Mary, do this her entire life. I have appreciated her sparkling, uplifting approach even as we have faced problems throughout the years. My third counsel is to set aside consistent time to faithfully contemplate the Savior’s atonement. There are many ways to do this in our personal religious observance. However, attending sacrament meeting and partaking of the sacrament is especially significant.”

Photo supplied, Intellectual Reserve

The morning session also included contributions from Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Ricardo P. Giménez of the Seventy and President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency.

An invitation to return

During the afternoon session, Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy likened the story of replanting a fallen willow tree near his home to those who may have questions about their faith or have even lost it for a period.

“While meeting saints around the world, I am reminded of this willow tree and how there is hope even when all seems lost. Some once had testimonies of the gospel that were strong and vibrant like the willow,” he said. “Then for uniquely personal reasons those testimonies became weakened, leading to a loss of faith. Others hang on with the slimmest of roots tapping into gospel soil.”

He added that all who may find themselves drifting away have an open invitation to return.

Photo supplied, Intellectual Reserve

“My message today is especially to all who once felt the spirit, but question whether there is a way back, or a place for you, in the restored church of Jesus Christ,” he said. “It is also for any who are barely hanging on or tempted to step away. This message is not a challenge, and it is not a condemnation. It is an invitation, extended with love and a sincere desire to welcome you back to your spiritual home.”

Also during that session, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the second coming of Jesus Christ.

“When President Nelson speaks about the second coming, it is always with joyful optimism,” Renlund said. “However, a girl in primary recently told me that she becomes anxious whenever the second coming is mentioned. She said, ‘I’m scared because bad things are going to happen before Jesus comes again.'”

However, he said there’s little to fear.

“It is not just children who may feel this way,” he said. “The best advice for her, for you and for me is to follow the Savior’s teachings. His instructions are neither mysterious nor complex. When we follow them, we do not need to fear or be anxious.”

The afternoon session also featured Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Young Men General President Steven J. Lund, Elder Sandino Román of the Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Hans Boom of the Quorum of the Seventy and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Easter season

During the Saturday evening session, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the importance of the coming Easter season.

“In recent First Presidency messages concerning Easter, we have been challenged ‘to celebrate the resurrection of the living Savior by studying his teachings and helping to establish Easter traditions in our society as a whole, especially within our own families,'” he said. “In short, we have been encouraged to move to a higher and holier celebration of Easter.”

He said he’s seen the season greatly elevated.

“I love continuing revelation concerning Easter and am gratified for your many efforts to make Easter a sacred and holy occasion. In addition to holding a one-hour sacrament meeting on Easter Sunday, other examples of worthy activities include ward and stake devotionals and activities on Palm Sunday as well as during Holy Week. These remembrances include activities with children and youth and often incorporate interfaith choirs. Others have held Living Christ open houses for members and friends and have participated in multidenominational community Easter events. Such activities mirror the multitudes in the city of Jerusalem whose voices joined together to praise the Savior during his triumphal entry. Equally impressive are reports of your responses to the First Presidency’s invitation to worship at home as families to commemorate this most important holiday.”

Stevenson said this change is especially noticeable at the family level.

“I believe that family worship surrounding Easter has elevated remarkably,” he said. “Two years ago, I spoke about our family’s determination to improve the way we honor Easter. Admittedly, this is still a work in progress. We have always enjoyed a special Easter Sunday meal, Easter baskets and an Easter egg hunt, and we still do. However, adding an intentional spiritual dimension that focuses on Jesus Christ and his atonement to our celebration has brought a sweet balance to our commemoration of these most holy of all events.”

Other speakers Saturday evening included Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary General Presidency, Elder James R. Rasband of the Seventy, Elder Sergio R. Vargas of the Seventy and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.