Saturday Afternoon Session | April 2026 General Conference

Welcome to the 196th Annual General Conference

Opening Remarks

• The session is conducted by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, welcoming attendees both in-person and via broadcast.

• President Dallin H. Oaks presides over the conference, emphasizing inclusivity for all participants regardless of their mode of attendance.

• The music is provided by a combined choir from Brigham Young University–Idaho, directed by Atina Coates and others.

Musical Presentation

• The choir performs "Press Forward, Saints," highlighting themes of faith and perseverance in Christ.

• Lyrics emphasize enduring through life's challenges with steadfastness and proclaiming God's love.

Opening Prayer

Invocation

• Elder Scott D. Whiting offers a prayer expressing gratitude for church leadership and guidance from prophets.

• The prayer acknowledges Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the role of the Holy Ghost in affirming truthfulness within the Church.

Sustaining Votes for Church Leadership

Presentation of Authorities

• President D. Todd Christofferson presents General Authority Seventies, General Officers, and Area Seventies for sustaining votes.

• Attendees are invited to express support or opposition regarding church leaders' assignments.

Releases and New Callings

• Several General Authority Seventies will be released effective August 1, 2026; gratitude is expressed for their service.

• The Primary General Presidency will also see changes with new appointments announced.

Sustaining New Leaders

• A proposal is made to sustain new General Authority Seventies; attendees are asked to manifest their support or opposition.

• Notably, 91 new Area Seventies were sustained during previous leadership meetings earlier in April.

Sustaining New Leadership in the Church

Announcement of New Primary General Presidency

• The Church announces the new Primary General Presidency, effective August 1, 2026: Rosemary K. Chibota as President, Nina M. Garfield as First Counselor, and Theresa A. Collins as Second Counselor.

• Members are invited to sustain these leaders by raising their hands in favor or opposition during the announcement.

Sustaining Other Authorities

• The congregation is asked to sustain other General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church as currently constituted.

• Gratitude is expressed for the sustaining vote on behalf of Church leadership.

Church Auditing Department Report

Overview of Financial Expenditures

• The report directed by revelation outlines that the Council on the Disposition of Tithes authorizes expenditures from Church funds.

• Funds are disbursed according to approved budgets and policies; independent audits ensure compliance with financial practices.

Audit Findings

• The Church Auditing Department confirms that contributions received and expenditures made for 2025 were recorded accurately per established budgets.

• Emphasis is placed on living within a budget, avoiding debt, and saving for future needs.

Reflections on Lost Luggage

Personal Anecdote about Travel

• The speaker shares a relatable experience about anxiety over lost luggage at an airport.

• An estimated 33 million bags were mishandled last year; this common concern resonates with many travelers.

Insights from Kansai International Airport

• Kansai International Airport has not lost any luggage in its 30 years of operation due to meticulous attention to detail.

• Tsuyoshi Habuta attributes this success to a commitment to thoroughness and a cultural principle known as "kaizen," which focuses on continuous improvement.

Kansai Airport: A Model of Care and Responsibility

Commitment to Passenger Care

• Staff at Kansai Airport take pride in improvements that stem from the everyday work of employees, ensuring a high standard of service.

• The airport has developed a rigorous training process for staff, focusing on tracking and caring for every passenger's bag.

Attention to Detail

• Employees perform meticulous manual checks alongside an automated system to ensure no bags are lost. Fragile items are often hand-delivered to passengers for added care.

• Small actions, such as placing bags with handles facing outward on conveyor belts, enhance passenger experience during retrieval.

Trust and Responsibility

• When passengers check their luggage, they feel a sense of trust that their belongings will be cared for until returned safely. This moment reflects deeper themes of responsibility and care.

• The speaker draws parallels between this trust in airport staff and the divine care provided by a Heavenly Father towards His children as they navigate life's challenges.

Stewardship of Precious Lives

• Just as parents entrust their children to others' care during significant journeys, God entrusts His children to earthly stewards who nurture them through life’s trials. This highlights the sacredness of stewardship over others’ well-being.

• The notion that each individual is marked by divine truth emphasizes their worth and the importance of nurturing relationships within communities.

Roles in Ministering

• The speaker discusses two key roles where individuals can magnify their responsibilities: serving as ministering brothers and sisters within the Church community, emphasizing love and support for one another.

• Effective ministering involves providing Christlike love, comfort during hardships, seeking spiritual guidance, and preparing families for sacred covenants with God through ordinances.

Nurturing Future Generations

• There is a universal charge to strengthen the rising generation by investing time in teaching young people about faith amidst challenging times; this investment yields significant returns when focused on youth development.

• Teaching young people about Jesus Christ helps them develop crucial spiritual skills necessary for navigating life’s challenges while fostering potential beyond measure within them.

Collective Responsibility

• As disciples of Jesus Christ, there is a renewed commitment to support those around us; we all belong to one family needing assistance along our journeys through life together.

• Each person carries a spiritual promise indicating their worthiness before God—a reminder that no one is forgotten or neglected in His eyes.

• The ultimate goal remains redemption—celebrating participation in this divine work until everyone safely returns home to God’s presence.

Faith and Personal Testimony

The Nature of Faith

• Faith is not inherited; true discipleship begins with a personal decision to follow Christ.

Spiritual Heritage vs. Personal Decision

• Observations of multi-generational gospel families highlight that faithfulness stems from individual choices, not just spiritual heritage.

• Family traditions are beneficial but cannot replace the need for a personal testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Role of Personal Testimony

• A personal testimony is revealed through sincere quests for knowledge and acting on divine impressions.

Family Legacy in Faith

• The speaker shares their family history, emphasizing the impact of their grandmother's conversion in 1957 on subsequent generations.

• Growing up in a faithful home was foundational, but the speaker needed to seek their own understanding.

Gaining Personal Understanding

• Serving as a missionary led to a profound personal testimony through active engagement with Christ’s teachings.

Welcoming New Members

Embracing New Disciples

• A warm welcome is extended to new members of the Church, celebrating their choice to follow Christ.

Hope and Potential in Christ

• New members may face imperfect circumstances but can find hope and become blessings for future generations.

Enduring on the Covenant Path

• Encouragement is given to press forward with steadfastness in faith, regardless of one's background or recent baptism.

The Journey of Discipleship

Individual Responsibility in Faith

• Each person's journey requires diligent seeking and nourishment by God's word for spiritual growth.

Nephi's Teachings on Perseverance

• Nephi emphasizes pressing forward with hope and love as essential components for eternal life.

The Process of Becoming a Disciple

Patience in Building Faith

• Discipleship involves small daily actions; patience is crucial as overcoming doubt takes time according to President Oaks.

Choosing the Right Path

• The safest path may be longer; choosing Jesus Christ leads us toward our ultimate goals despite challenges faced along the way.

Testimony of Jesus Christ

Affirmation of Belief

• A strong declaration about Jesus’ resurrection signifies His victory over death and reinforces His role as the author and finisher of faith.

Personal Background: A Journey from Non-Christian Roots

Early Experiences with Religion

• The speaker reflects on childhood experiences accompanying their mother to Chinese temples, highlighting cultural rituals surrounding worship.

Understanding the Living God

Encountering Faith in Bolivia

• The speaker recounts their move to Bolivia and meeting missionaries who introduced them to a living God, emphasizing His physical form and parental love.

• They express amazement at learning about Joseph Smith's vision of God and Jesus Christ, feeling an unexplainable peace despite language barriers.

Decision for Baptism

• The speaker confidently declares their intention to be baptized, influenced by the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ that provided them with eternal purpose.

• A parallel is drawn with a story from the Book of Mormon about a king who sought knowledge of God after hearing from a missionary.

The Path to Eternal Life

• The king expresses his willingness to forsake everything for eternal life, highlighting the importance of sincere desire in seeking God.

• Aaron instructs the king on repentance and faith as prerequisites for receiving hope and knowing God.

Conversion Through Humility

• The king humbles himself before God, demonstrating that true conversion can lead not only to personal change but also influence entire communities.

• Emphasizes that knowing God and gaining eternal life is through Jesus Christ; belief must be accompanied by action.

Following Christ's Example

• Coming unto Christ involves more than knowledge; it requires faith, works, and genuine conversion leading to happiness and purpose.

• Reflecting on personal sacrifices necessary for spiritual growth, quoting President Dallin H. Oaks on transformation through repentance.

Invitation to All

• The Savior’s invitation is universal: regardless of background or status, everyone is encouraged to have faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

• Testimony given about Jesus Christ’s resurrection as foundational for hope in eternal life.

Lessons from Personal Experience

Cherishing Faith Through Simple Acts

• A personal anecdote about the speaker's son cherishing a picture of Jesus illustrates how simple acts can reflect deep faith.

Balancing Burdens with Belief

• During a family hike, the son prioritizes carrying his picture of Jesus over other items, symbolizing commitment to faith amidst life's burdens.

Learning Through Challenges

• As he struggles with carrying rocks alongside his cherished picture, it highlights lessons learned through perseverance and choices made in faith.

The Importance of Abiding with Jesus Christ

Youth and Their Commitment to Christ

• The Lord's promise to Enoch emphasizes the power of faith, stating that "mountains shall flee before you" as a metaphor for divine support in life's challenges.

• Today's youth are increasingly choosing to keep Jesus Christ in their lives, participating actively in church activities such as temple gatherings and seminary.

• A personal story from West Africa highlights how the gospel provides relief and hope, especially for families facing hardships.

Challenges on the Path of Discipleship

• Young disciples are reminded that life will present burdens ("rocks") that can weigh them down; however, removing Jesus from their lives is not a solution.

• The speaker warns against the temptations of Satan, who seeks to separate individuals from Christ by making them believe they can manage without Him.

The Role of Jesus Christ in Our Lives

• Jesus is described as a source of relief rather than a burden; His teachings provide strength during tribulations.

• The invitation to abide with Jesus is emphasized as essential for spiritual growth and resilience against life's adversities.

Daily Practices to Keep Christ Close

• Intentional daily worship practices—such as prayer, scripture study (especially the Book of Mormon), and sincere repentance—are vital for maintaining a close relationship with Jesus.

• Living covenants daily helps ease burdens and shapes character towards becoming more like Christ.

Encouragement for Lifelong Discipleship

• President Oaks' message underscores that "Jesus Christ is the way," encouraging young people to walk with Him through life's difficulties.

• In moments of doubt or struggle, individuals are urged to hold onto their resolve to keep Jesus close, allowing Him to alleviate their burdens.

Conclusion: Embracing Relief Through Faith

• The speaker concludes by reiterating that Jesus is not a weight but rather our strength and relief.

• A call is made for all individuals to walk with Him consistently throughout life’s journey.

What Have I Learned as an Apostle?

The Power of Love

• A journalist's question prompts a reflection on the profound realization that love can grow even more deeply, especially through the support and prayers from Saints worldwide.

• The speaker emphasizes that Christlike love multiplies when shared, enhancing both the giver's and receiver's capacity to love.

God’s Presence in Our Lives

• A personal anecdote illustrates how God's presence is often overlooked; like stars in a dark sky, He is always near if we take time to reflect.

• Reflecting on David’s psalm highlights humanity's worth in God's eyes, emphasizing that each soul is known and loved by the Creator.

The Miracle of Individual Worth

• Despite the vastness of the universe, every individual holds infinite worth; this relationship with God assures us of His personal attention and care.

Understanding Divine Love

• Civilla D. Martin’s hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” serves as a reminder of God’s attentive love for all creatures, reinforcing that no detail escapes His notice.

• The duality of God's love—universal (all) and personal (each)—is crucial; it manifests most clearly through Jesus Christ's Atonement.

Loving All vs. Loving Each

• Discipleship involves extending Christlike love universally while also recognizing individual needs; both aspects are essential expressions of divine love.

• The Lord challenges us to consider our inclusivity in loving others beyond familiar circles, urging us to embrace all as neighbors.

Service and Community

• Joseph Smith teaches that true discipleship seeks to bless not just family but all humanity; congregations should reflect diverse backgrounds united in devotion to Christ.

Personal Connections in Faith

• Genuine interactions within church communities foster deeper connections; serving others leads to authentic relationships rather than superficial encounters.

• Jesus exemplified focused attention on individuals amidst crowds, reminding us that everyone deserves recognition and care within our faith communities.

The Transformative Power of Love and Guidance

The Tale of Beauty and the Beast

• The speaker reflects on the depth and beauty found in every individual, drawing parallels to the story of "Beauty and the Beast," which illustrates profound truths about love.

• Belle's journey begins when she is imprisoned by a beast, who is revealed to be a prince cursed into a monstrous form. This sets up a narrative about looking beyond appearances.

• Belle discovers that the Beast’s anger and bitterness mask a wounded soul longing for love. Her kindness initiates his transformation, highlighting how love can change individuals from within.

• The breaking of the spell restores the prince, symbolizing joy and renewal. This mirrors how extending Christlike love helps others realize their divine potential.

• By serving others with love, we connect them to Christ's healing power, enriching our own lives in return as we become more like Him.

Following Christ's Example

• The speaker testifies to Jesus Christ's immense love for humanity, referencing a hymn that emphasizes His watchful care over us.

• A personal anecdote about running the Jungfrau Marathon illustrates life's challenges; despite its beauty, it requires perseverance through steep paths.

Life’s Journey: Challenges and Guidance

• The marathon course climbs significantly, representing life’s difficult journeys where one must navigate obstacles carefully.

• A blind runner completing this challenging race with guidance exemplifies how we all need support in navigating life's trials effectively.

• Just as runners rely on guides during tough stretches, individuals require divine guidance to successfully traverse life's difficulties toward eternal life.

Divine Support Through Covenants

• God provides essential help through Jesus Christ as our guide. His Atonement equips us for our mortal journey towards heavenly goals outlined by God’s plan.

• Jesus declares Himself as "the way," emphasizing that He is not just a guide but also the path leading to eternal life through covenant relationships with Him.

Importance of Covenants

• Walking the covenant path involves faith in Christ, repentance, receiving gospel ordinances, and enduring until the end—essential steps for spiritual progression.

• Covenants bind believers to Jesus much like tethering binds a blind runner to their guide; they are crucial for maintaining connection with Him throughout life’s challenges.

Faithfulness Amidst Trials

• Elder Bednar highlights that ongoing faithfulness strengthens our connection with God; severing ties leads to losing promised blessings during hardships.

• Remaining bound to Christ ensures access to His strength even during difficult times; turning away results in losing this promise of support and joy.

• Reflecting on Peter's response when many disciples turned away underscores loyalty amidst doubt—emphasizing commitment during challenging moments in discipleship.

The Role of Prophets in Following Christ

Understanding the Importance of Prophets

• The speaker emphasizes that only Christ offers eternal life, and to walk with Him means following His prophet. This connection is essential for understanding the true nature of Jesus.

• A quote from Jesus highlights that rejecting His prophets equates to rejecting Him. This underscores the significance of prophetic guidance in faith.

• Without apostles and prophets, personal interpretations of Christ can lead to confusion and a lack of unity within the Church, which is built on their foundation.

• The purpose of having prophets is not control but stability; they help believers avoid being swayed by varying doctrines.

• The speaker testifies that through covenant and following living prophets, individuals find a secure path back to God.

Personal Testimony and Connection to Christ

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his surname, which symbolizes overcoming challenges, reflecting on how Christ guides us through life's difficulties.

• Weekly opportunities for covenant-making during sacrament serve as reminders of our commitment to follow Jesus and receive strength amid trials.

• Emphasizing the power in taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus, the speaker notes that this act brings hope beyond mortal struggles.

God's Personal Knowledge and Care

• The Lord's intimate knowledge of each individual is highlighted through biblical examples where He calls people by name, reinforcing His personal relationship with humanity.

• Jesus understands our joys and sorrows deeply due to His Atonement; He knows our burdens intimately and offers solace during difficult times.

Comfort in Times of Struggle

• Alma’s teachings illustrate that Jesus bears our pains so He can empathize with us effectively during hardships we face daily.

• Many carry unseen burdens such as grief or anxiety; it's crucial to remember that God knows each person's struggles personally.

• In moments when life feels overwhelming or confusing, it’s vital to trust in God's promise that healing will come—“the sun will rise again.”

Personal Experience During Trials

• The speaker recounts a challenging period while serving as a stake president, highlighting feelings of inadequacy amidst personal loss and community responsibilities.

• An unexpected encounter with a child at church provided profound comfort; it reminded him he was seen and loved by both God and those around him.

Understanding the Love of God and Our Relationship with Christ

The Nature of God's Love

• A reminder that pain does not equate to a lack of divine love; God loves each individual deeply.

• Encouragement to draw closer to God during difficult times, as taught by President D. Todd Christofferson: “In the midst of [the] refiner’s fire, rather than get angry with God, get close to God.”

Walking with Jesus Christ

• Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd who guides us; the focus should be on our willingness to walk with Him.

• Emphasizes a deliberate and consistent choice to follow Jesus, transforming Him from an acquaintance into a trusted friend.

Finding Peace Through Faith

• Listening to scripture and following living prophets leads to peace amidst chaos; joy can be found even in trials.

• Trusting in Jesus' promises provides strength for a better future; faith in Him opens access to His enabling power.

The Importance of Covenants

• Discusses how covenants made through baptism and sacrament connect believers with Christ's power for life changes.

• Highlights that regardless of one's background in faith, the name of Jesus Christ is paramount for eternal identity.

Testimony of Restoration

• Affirms that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints carries the fullness of the gospel and binds members through covenants.

• Concludes with a testimony about Jesus as the Prince of Peace who offers healing and guidance back home.

Closing Remarks

• Acknowledgment for speakers and music provided during the session, setting up for upcoming broadcasts.

• Introduction to Elder Ulisses Soares as the concluding speaker, followed by choir performances.

Spiritual Nourishment Through Christ

The Role of Christ in Our Lives

• Christ serves as an essential source of spiritual nourishment, providing strength that allows us to not only survive but thrive through life's challenges.

• Just as branches must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, we must abide in Christ and His gospel to reach our full spiritual potential.

Abiding in Christ

• Abiding in Him involves allowing His teachings to elevate our thoughts and govern our actions, including interactions in digital spaces.

• While abiding does not eliminate life’s burdens, it lightens them through grace and strengthens our hearts with comfort and peace.

Scriptural Teachings on Abiding

• The Apostle John emphasizes that those who abide in Christ should walk as He did; Paul states that being in Christ makes one a new creature.

• Jesus’ declaration of being the True Vine highlights the importance of remaining connected to Him amidst competing voices.

Navigating Competing Voices

The Challenge of Many Voices

• In a world filled with many persuasive voices, some may appear legitimate but lead us away from the True Vine.

• These misleading voices can introduce doubt and division, ultimately leading to spiritual loss despite initial excitement.

Wisdom in Modern Times

• True wisdom lies in using modern tools with spiritual discernment through the Holy Ghost without replacing the voice of Christ.

• Jesus is presented as the sole path to happiness and eternal life; no other means can provide salvation.

The Invitation to Abide

Eternal Promises

• The promise offered by the True Vine is far greater than worldly acclaim; it includes dwelling with God in everlasting happiness.

• We are invited continually by Christ through His words and those He has called to testify of Him.

Transformative Power of Invitation

• To bring forth good fruit, we must receive nourishment directly from the True Vine for true light, life, and hope.

• Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus who invited Jesus to stay with them, we too must desire and invite Him into our lives for transformation.

Essential Connection for Spiritual Survival

Importance of Remaining Connected

• In a world filled with distractions, staying connected to Jesus is crucial for spiritual survival.

• Recognizing His voice is vital for guidance; this connection helps us navigate life's complexities effectively.

The True Vine: A Testimony of Faith

The Savior's Love and Assurance

• The speaker expresses a profound feeling of the Savior's love, conveyed through His anointed servants, emphasizing the peace and comfort derived from this connection.

• A strong testimony is given that Jesus Christ invites all to abide in Him, highlighting the importance of recognizing His power in our lives for God's love to be perfected within us.

• The speaker solemnly bears witness to eternal truths in the name of Jesus Christ, affirming faith in His resurrection and redeeming power.

Musical Reflection on Salvation

• A hymn begins with a declaration of Jesus as the "Rock of our salvation," inviting unity among believers as they strive for truth.

• The lyrics reflect optimism about daily battles against sin, encouraging perseverance and strength among youth in their spiritual journey.

• Continued themes of hope are expressed through music, reinforcing the idea that each battle contributes to spiritual growth and victory.

Closing Prayer and Gratitude

• A heartfelt prayer is offered, expressing gratitude for guidance from church leaders and a desire to emulate Jesus Christ’s love fully.

• The prayer concludes with an acknowledgment of divine support during challenging times, reinforcing community bonds through shared faith.

Conference Conclusion

• This segment marks the end of a session at the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, featuring messages from church leaders.

• Information is provided regarding access to conference materials online, promoting sharing and personal reflection on teachings.