Few things are as harmonious as Easter and a Sunday morning session of general conference.
President Russell M. Nelson anchored the Sabbath day gathering of the 191st Annual General Conference, testifying to his vast audience that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ delivers hope to a divided, weary world.
“My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith,” the Church President said. “Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.”
Faith in the Savior, he assured, makes all things possible.
Sunday morning’s session was distinctly international, reflecting a global Church. Each speaker hailed from a different country — and the prerecorded music was performed by a variety of choirs from around the world singing in their native languages.
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and a native of Brazil, said Easter is a joyous celebration of “the most immeasurable act that has occurred in all of human history” — the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
“I assure you that as we put our trust in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, enduring in our faith to the end, we will enjoy the promises of our Beloved Heavenly Father, who does everything within His power to help us return to His presence one day,” he said
New Zealand native Elder S. Mark Palmer, a General Authority Seventy, said a knowledge of the Resurrection of Christ gives meaning and purpose to life. “I invite all who feel sorrow, all who wrestle with doubt, all who wonder what happens after we die, to place your faith in Christ.”
Sister Reyna Isabel Aburto, a Nicaraguan and second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, spoke of the pain of losing her brother to an earthquake when he was a child. But she testified that her brother will live again because of the “redeeming Atonement and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
A Zimbabwe native and a General Authority Seventy, Elder Edward Dube taught that individuals can face mortality’s challenges by pressing forward with faith in Heavenly Father and His Son.
My humble invitation to all of us is to never give up,” said Elder Dube.
Elder Jose A. Teixeira of the Presidency of the Seventy, a Portugal native, said the journey back to God requires a person to remember his or her heritage — and to remember to pray and serve others. “As we strive to follow Jesus Christ by serving and showing kindness to others, we make the world a better place.”
Fiji native Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, a General Authority Seventy, testified that God demonstrates His love by providing eternal relationships, calling prophets and, when necessary, chastising His children.
“Sometimes God manifests His love by chastening us,” he said. “It is a way of reminding us that He loves us and that He knows who we are.”
Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, a General Authority Seventy who was born in Hong Kong, taught that safety is found by anchoring one’s life to the Rock of Jesus Christ. “Our entire lives should be filled with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is not part of our life, but our life is actually part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Philippines native Elder Michael John U. Teh, a General Authority Seventy, declared that “knowing” the Savior is different than simply “knowing about” the Savior.
“I am realizing that how intimately I know the Savior significantly influences my ability to hear Him, as well as how I respond,” said Elder Teh.
Prayers at the Sunday morning session were offered by Elder Terence M. Vinson, an Australian-born member of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela, a General Authority Seventy from Mexico.