From the Conference Center at Temple Square in Salt Lake
City, we bring you the general priesthood session
of the 188th Annual General Conference
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Music for this session is provided
by a priesthood choir from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor
in the First Presidency of the Church,
will conduct this session.
Brethren, we welcome you to the priesthood session
of the 188th Annual General Conference
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Russell M. Nelson, who presides at the conference,
has asked me to conduct this session.
These services are being relayed by satellite transmission
to priesthood holders in many locations throughout the world.
The music for this session will be
provided by a priesthood choir from Brigham Young
University-Idaho under the direction of Randall Kempton,
Paul Busselberg, and David Lozano-Torres,
with Brian Mathias and Andrew Unsworth at the organ.
The choir will open this meeting by singing
"How Firm a Foundation."
The invocation will then be offered by Brother M. Joseph
Brough, Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency,
after which the choir will sing "Father in Heaven."
[MUSIC PLAYING--"HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION"]
Our loving and righteous Heavenly Father,
we gather the body of Thy priesthood to give Thee thanks.
We thank Thee most of all for sending Thy Son,
and the plan that allows us to return to Thee.
We are grateful to be holders of Thy priesthood.
We are grateful to be of service to Thee.
We're grateful to have a prophet, President Nelson,
and a First Presidency and a Quorum of the Twelve,
and the mantle that's upon them to be prophets, seers,
and revelators.
We pray, Father, that Thy Spirit will be with us this day,
that we'll have ears to hear and hearts that will be prepared
to receive, that we may be about Thy work
and receive instruction with a desire to change.
We ask Thee, Father, also, to bless our wonderful other half
that's not with us.
Bless our sisters, our mothers, our grandmothers,
our daughters, and bless our wonderful missionaries
throughout the world.
Again, we pray that Thy Holy Spirit will guide our hearts,
and this we do in the name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, amen.
[MUSIC PLAYING--"FATHER IN HEAVEN"]
We will now be pleased to hear from Brother Douglas D.
Holmes, First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency.
He will be followed briefly by our prophet, President Russell
M. Nelson.
We will then hear from Elders D. Todd Christofferson
and Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Brethren, it is a privilege to be with you
in this historic conference.
When I was a new mission president,
I was excited to receive our first group
of new missionaries.
A few of our more experienced missionaries
were preparing for a brief meeting with them.
I noticed that they had arranged children's chairs
in a semicircle.
"What's up with the little chairs?"
I asked.
The missionaries, somewhat sheepishly,
said, "For the new missionaries."
I believe the way we see others significantly
impacts their perception of who they are
and what they can become.
Our new missionaries sat on adult chairs that day.
Sometimes, I fear, we figuratively
give our young men of the Aaronic Priesthood children's
chairs to sit on rather than helping
them see that God has given them a sacred trust and a vital work
to do.
President Thomas S. Monson counseled us that young men
need to understand "what it means ...
to be bearers of the priesthood of God.
They need to be guided to a spiritual awareness
of the sacredness of their ordained calling."
Today I pray the Holy Ghost will guide us
to a greater understanding of the power
and sacredness of the Aaronic Priesthood
and inspire us to focus more diligently
on our priesthood duties.
My message is for all Aaronic Priesthood holders,
including those who also hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Elder Dale G. Renlund taught that the purpose
of the priesthood is to provide God's children
access to the atoning power of Jesus Christ.
To receive Christ's atoning power in our lives,
we must believe in Him, repent of our sins,
make and keep sacred covenants through ordinances,
and receive the Holy Ghost.
These are not principles we engage in just once;
rather, they work together, reinforcing and building
on each other in a continuing process of upward progression
to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him."
So what is the role of the Aaronic Priesthood in this?
How does it help us gain access to Christ's atoning power?
I believe the answer lies in the keys of the Aaronic
Priesthood--the keys of the ministering of angels
and of the preparatory gospel.
Let's begin with one aspect of the ministering of angels.
Before God's children can have faith in Jesus Christ,
they need to know Him and be taught His gospel.
As the Apostle Paul said:
"How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
and how shall they hear without a preacher?
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? ...
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing
by the word of God."
From the beginning of time, God has "sent angels to minister
unto the children of men, to make manifest ...
the coming of Christ."
Angels are heavenly beings bearing God's message.
In both Hebrew and Greek, the root word of angel
is "messenger."
In much the same way that angels are authorized messengers
sent by God to declare His word and thereby
build faith, we who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have
been ordained to "teach, and invite
all to come unto Christ."
To preach the gospel is a priesthood duty.
And the power associated with this duty
is not just for prophets or even just for missionaries.
It is for you!
So how do we get this power?
How does a 12-year-old deacon--or any of us--bring
faith in Christ to the hearts of God's children?
We start by treasuring up His word so its power is within us.
He has promised that if we do, we will have "the power of God
unto the convincing of men."
It may be an opportunity to teach in a quorum meeting
or visit the home of a member.
It may be something less formal, like a conversation
with a friend or a family member.
In any of these settings, if we have prepared,
we can teach the gospel the way angels do:
by the power of the Holy Ghost.
I recently heard Jacob, an Aaronic Priesthood
holder in Papua New Guinea, testify
of the power of the Book of Mormon
and how it has helped him resist evil and follow the Spirit.
His words increased my faith and the faith of others.
My faith has also grown as I have
heard Aaronic Priesthood holders teach and testify
in their quorum meetings.
Young men, you are authorized messengers.
Through your words and actions, you can bring faith in Christ
to the hearts of God's children.
As President Russell M. Nelson said, "To them
you will be as a ministering angel."
Increased faith in Christ always leads to a desire
to change or repent.
So it is logical that the key of the ministering of angels
would be accompanied by the key of the preparatory gospel,
"the gospel of repentance and of baptism,
and the remission of sins."
As you study your Aaronic Priesthood duties,
you will see a clear charge to invite
others to repent and improve.
That does not mean we stand on street corners
shouting, "Repent ye!"
More often, it means that we repent, we forgive,
and as we minister to others, we offer the hope that repentance
brings--because we have experienced it ourselves.
I have been with Aaronic Priesthood holders
as they visited fellow quorum members.
I have witnessed their care soften hearts and help
their brothers feel God's love.
I heard one young man bear testimony
to his peers of the power of repentance.
As he did, hearts were softened, commitments were made,
and the healing power of Christ was felt.
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught:
"It is one thing to repent.
It is another to have our sins remitted or forgiven.
The power to bring this about is found
in the Aaronic Priesthood."
The Aaronic Priesthood ordinances
of baptism and the sacrament witness
and complete our repentance for a remission of sins.
President Dallin H. Oaks explained it this way:
"We are commanded to repent of our sins and ...
come to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit
and partake of the sacrament. ...
When we renew our baptismal covenants in this way,
the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism."
Brethren, it is a sacred and holy privilege
to administer ordinances that bring a remission of sins
to repentant hearts.
I was recently told of a priest who
struggles to express himself blessing the sacrament
for the first time.
As he did, a powerful spirit came
over him and the congregation.
Later in the meeting he bore a simple but clear testimony
of the power of God that he felt during that ordinance.
In Sydney, Australia, four members of a priests quorum
baptized members of the Mbuelongo family.
The mother of one of these priests
related to me how this experience powerfully
impacted her son.
These priests came to understand what
it means to be "commissioned of Jesus Christ."
As you know, priests can now officiate
in performing proxy baptisms in the temple.
My 17-year-old son recently baptized me
for some of our ancestors.
We both felt deep gratitude for the Aaronic Priesthood
and the privilege of acting for the salvation of God's
children.
Young men, as you diligently engage
in your priesthood duties, you participate with God
in His work "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal
life of man."
Experiences like these increase your desire
and prepare you to teach repentance and baptize converts
as missionaries.
They also prepare you for lifelong service
in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Aaronic Priesthood holders, we have the privilege and duty
to be fellow servants with John the Baptist.
John was sent as an authorized messenger to bear witness
of Christ and invite all to repent and be baptized--that
is, he exercised the Aaronic Priesthood keys we have
discussed.
John then declared, "I indeed baptize you with water unto
repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I ...
: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."
Thus, the Aaronic Priesthood, with the keys
of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel,
prepares the way for God's children
to receive, through the Melchizedek Priesthood,
the gift of the Holy Ghost, the greatest gift we
can receive in this life.
What a profound responsibility God
has given to Aaronic Priesthood holders!
Parents and priesthood leaders, can you sense the importance
of President Monson's counsel to help young men understand "what
it means ...
to be bearers of the priesthood of God"?
Understanding and magnifying the Aaronic Priesthood
will prepare them to be faithful Melchizedek Priesthood
holders, power-filled missionaries,
and righteous husbands and fathers.
Through their service, they will understand and feel
the reality of priesthood power, the power
to act in the name of Christ for the salvation
of God's children.
Young men, God has a work for you to do.
Your Aaronic Priesthood ordination
is central to helping His children receive
Christ's atoning power.
I promise, as you put these sacred duties
at the center of your life, you will feel the power of God
as never before.
You will understand your identity
as a son of God, called with a holy calling to do His work.
And, like John the Baptist, you will help prepare the way
for the coming of His Son.
Of these truths I bear witness in the name
of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thank you, Brother Holmes, for your important message.
Dear brethren, we deeply miss President Thomas S. Monson
and Elder Robert D. Hales.
Yet we all press on in the work of the Lord.
I am very grateful for each man who bears the holy priesthood.
You are the hope of our Redeemer, who
desires "that every man might speak in the name of God
the Lord, even the Savior of the world."
He wants all of His ordained sons to represent Him,
to speak for Him, to act for Him,
and bless the lives of God's children
throughout the world to the end that "faith also might
increase in [all] the earth."
Some of you serve where the Church has been
established for generations.
Others serve where the Church is relatively new.
For some, your wards are large.
For others, your branches are small and distances are great.
Regardless of your individual circumstances, each of you
is a member of a priesthood quorum with a divine mandate
to learn and to teach, to love and to serve others.
Tonight we announce a significant restructuring
of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums
to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively.
In each ward, the high priests and the elders
will now be combined into one elders quorum.
This adjustment will greatly enhance the capacity
and the ability of men who bear the priesthood to serve others.
Prospective elders will be welcomed in and fellowshipped
by that quorum.
In each stake, the stake presidency
will continue to preside over the stake high priests quorum.
But the composition of that quorum
will be based on current priesthood callings,
as will be explained later.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Ronald A. Rasband
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
will now teach us more about these important adjustments.
These modifications have been under study for many months.
We have felt a pressing need to improve
the way we care for our members and report
our contacts with them.
To do that better, we need to strengthen
our priesthood quorums to give greater direction
to the ministering of love and support
that the Lord intends for His Saints.
These adjustments are inspired of the Lord.
As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we
have ever been previously.
We are engaged in the work of Almighty God.
Jesus is the Christ!
We are His humble servants!
God bless you, brethren, as we learn of and do our duty,
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Not long after the Church was organized
in this last dispensation, the Lord stated in a revelation,
"And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law,
that ye may know how to govern my church
and have all things right before me."
This principle has been followed in the Church--and that promise
has been honored by the Lord--ever since.
Patterns for priesthood organization and service
have been revealed from time to time,
beginning with the Prophet Joseph
Smith, when priesthood offices and quorums were
first established.
Significant refinements were revealed and implemented
during the tenure of Presidents Brigham
Young, John Taylor, and Spencer W. Kimball, among others,
with respect to the Quorum of the Twelve, the Seventy,
high priests, and other offices and quorums in both
the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods.
Now, in a historic statement just moments ago,
President Russell M. Nelson announced
a further crucial adjustment.
If I may repeat some of his statement,
quoting: "Tonight we announce a significant restructuring
of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums
to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively.
In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be
combined into one elders quorum ...
[and] the composition of [the stake high priests] quorum
will be based on current priesthood callings."
President Nelson added:
"These modifications have been under study for many months.
We have felt a pressing need to improve the way we care
for our members. ...
To do that better, we need to strengthen
our priesthood quorums to give greater direction
to the ministering of love and support
that the Lord intends for His Saints.
"These adjustments are inspired of the Lord.
As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we
have ... been previously."
At the First Presidency's direction,
Elder Ronald A. Rasband and I will add some detail
that we trust will respond to questions you may have.
First, to reiterate, what are the adjustments
for ward high priests groups and elders quorums?
In wards, members of elders quorums and high priests groups
will now be combined into one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum
with one quorum presidency.
This quorum, increased in numbers and unity,
will be designated the "elders quorum."
High priests groups are discontinued.
The elders quorum includes all elders
and prospective elders in the ward
as well as high priests who are not currently
serving in the bishopric, in the stake presidency,
on the high council, or as functioning patriarchs.
The high priests quorum in the stake
will be composed of those high priests who
are serving in the stake presidency,
in bishoprics, on the high council,
and as functioning patriarchs.
How is the presidency of the elders quorum to be organized?
The stake presidency will release current high priests
group leaderships and elders quorum presidencies
and will call a new elders quorum president and counselors
in each ward.
The new elders quorum presidency may
include elders and high priests, of varying ages and experience,
serving together in one quorum presidency.
An elder or a high priest may serve as the quorum president
or as a counselor in the presidency.
This is not a "takeover" of elders quorums by high priests.
[LAUGHTER]
We expect elders and high priests
to work together in any combination in the quorum
presidency and in quorum service.
These quorum adjustments should be implemented as soon
as conveniently possible.
Does this adjustment in quorum structure
change the priesthood office held by quorum members?
No, this action does not rescind any priesthood office
to which any quorum member may have been ordained in the past.
As you know, a man may be ordained
to different priesthood offices over his lifetime,
and he does not lose or forfeit any prior ordination
when he receives a new one.
While in some instances a priesthood bearer
may serve in more than one office at a time,
as when a high priest also serves as a patriarch
or as a bishop, he typically does not
function in all his priesthood offices at the same time.
Bishops and Seventies, for instance,
do not actively serve in those offices once they are released
or made emeritus.
Thus, whatever other priesthood office or offices a man
may hold, while he is a member of the elders quorum,
he serves as an elder.
Years ago, President Boyd K. Packer observed that
"the priesthood is greater than any of its offices. ...
The priesthood is not divisible.
An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle.
When a man [has the priesthood conferred upon him],
he receives all of it.
However, there are offices within
the priesthood--divisions of authority and responsibility.
...
Sometimes one office is spoken of as being 'higher ...'
or 'lower than' another office.
Rather than 'higher' or 'lower,' offices in the Melchizedek
Priesthood represent different areas of service."
Brethren, I devoutly hope that we will no longer
speak in terms of being "advanced" to another office
in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Elders will continue to be ordained high priests when they
are called to a stake presidency, high council,
or bishopric--or at other times as determined by the stake
president through prayerful consideration and inspiration.
When their terms of service in a stake presidency, high council,
or bishopric are completed, high priests
will rejoin the elders quorum in their ward.
Who directs the work of the elders quorum president?
The stake president presides over the Melchizedek Priesthood
in his stake.
Therefore, the elders quorum president
is directly responsible to the stake president, who
provides training and guidance from the stake presidency
and through the high council.
The bishop, as the presiding high priest in the ward,
also meets regularly with the elders quorum president.
The bishop counsels with him and gives appropriate direction
regarding how best to serve and bless
ward members, working in harmony with all ward organizations.
What are the purposes of the adjustments to Melchizedek
Priesthood quorums?
Having one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum in a ward
unifies priesthood holders to accomplish
all aspects of the work of salvation,
including the temple and family history
work previously coordinated by the high priests groups.
It allows quorum members of all ages and backgrounds
to benefit from the perspective and experience of one another
and those in different stages of life.
It also provides additional opportunities
for experienced priesthood holders to mentor others,
including prospective elders, new members, young adults,
and those returning to Church activity.
I cannot adequately express how excited I am to contemplate
the increasingly vital role that elders quorums will play
in the future.
The wisdom, experience, capacity, and strength
that will be found in these quorums
portend a new day and a new standard of priesthood service
across the Church.
Twenty years ago in general conference,
I related a story first told by Elder Vaughn J.
Featherstone of the Seventy that I believe bears repeating here.
In 1918, Brother George Goates was
a farmer who raised sugar beets in Lehi, Utah.
Winter came early that year and froze much of his beet crop
in the ground.
For George and his young son Francis, the harvest
was slow and difficult. Meanwhile, an influenza
epidemic was raging.
The dreaded disease claimed the lives of George's son Charles
and three of Charles's small children--two little girls
and a boy.
In the course of only six days, a grieving George Goates
made three separate trips to Ogden, Utah,
to bring the bodies home for burial.
At the end of this terrible interlude,
George and Francis hitched up their wagon
and headed back to the beet field.
"[On the way] they passed wagon after wagon-load of beets being
hauled to the factory ...
driven by neighborhood farmers.
As they passed by, each driver would wave a greeting: 'Hi ya,
Uncle George,' 'Sure sorry, George,' 'Tough break,
George,' 'You've got a lot of friends, George.'
"On the last wagon was ...
freckled-faced Jasper Rolfe.
He waved a cheery greeting and called out:
'That's all of 'em, Uncle George.'
"[Brother Goates] turned to Francis and said:
'I wish it was all of ours.'
"When they arrived at the farm gate,
Francis jumped down off the big red beet wagon
and opened the gate as [his father] drove onto the field.
[George] pulled up, stopped the team, ...
and scanned the field. ...
There wasn't a sugar beet [in] the whole field.
Then it dawned upon him what Jasper Rolfe meant when he
called out: 'That's all of 'em, Uncle George!'
"[George] got down off the wagon,
picked up a handful of the rich, brown soil he loved so much,
and then ...
a beet top, and he looked for a moment
at these symbols of his labor, as if he
couldn't believe his eyes.
"Then [he] sat down on a pile of beet tops--this man who had
brought four of his loved ones home for burial in the course
of only six days; made caskets, dug graves,
and even helped with the burial clothing--this amazing man who
had never faltered, nor flinched,
nor wavered throughout this agonizing ordeal--sat down
on a pile of beet tops and sobbed like a little child.
"Then he arose and wiped his eyes, ...
looked up at the sky, and said: 'Thanks, Father,
for the elders of our ward.'"
Yes, thanks be to God for the men of the priesthood
and for the service they will yet
render in lifting individuals and families
and in establishing Zion.
The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
and the Presidency of the Seventy
have considered these adjustments
over an extended period of time.
With much prayer, careful study of the scriptural foundation
of priesthood quorums, and confirmation
that this is the Lord's will, we are moving forward
with unanimity in what is in reality one more
step in the unfolding of the Restoration.
The Lord's direction is manifest,
and I rejoice in it as I bear witness of Him, His priesthood,
and your ordinations in that priesthood,
in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
My beloved brethren of the priesthood,
it is with great humility that I stand before you
on this historic occasion, under assignment
by our dear prophet and President, Russell M. Nelson.
How I love and sustain this wonderful man of God
and our new First Presidency.
I add my witness to that of Elder D. Todd Christofferson
and my other Brethren of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
that the changes announced this evening are
the will of the Lord.
As stated by President Nelson, this
is a matter that has been prayerfully
discussed and considered by the senior Brethren
of the Church for a long time.
The desire was to seek the Lord's will
and strengthen the quorums of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Inspiration was received, and this evening our prophet
made known the will of the Lord.
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing,
but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
How blessed we are to have a living prophet today!
Throughout our life, Sister Rasband and I
have traveled the world on various Church
and professional assignments.
I have seen nearly every type of unit configuration
in the Church--a small branch in Russia where the number
of Melchizedek Priesthood could be counted on one hand,
a new and growing ward in Africa where both high priests
and elders met as a single body because the overall number
of Melchizedek Priesthood holders was low,
and well-established wards where the number of elders required
the dividing of their quorum into two quorums!
Everywhere we have gone, we have witnessed
the hand of the Lord going before His servants,
preparing the people and the way ahead
so that all His children might be blessed
according to their every need.
Hasn't He promised that He "will go before [our] face"
and "be on [our] right hand and on [our] left"
and that His "Spirit shall be in your hearts,
and [His] angels round about [us]"?
Thinking about all of you, I am reminded of the hymn "Behold!
A Royal Army."
"Behold!
A royal army,
With banner, sword, and shield,
Is marching forth to conquer
On life's great battlefield.
Its ranks are filled with soldiers,
United, bold, and strong,
Who follow their Commander
And sing their joyful song."
Elder Christofferson has answered several questions that
are certain to arise from the announcement
that high priests groups and elders quorums at the ward
level are being combined into one
unified, mighty army of brethren of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
These adjustments will help elders quorums
and Relief Societies harmonize their work.
They will also simplify the quorum's coordination
and the bishopric and ward council.
And they allow the bishop to delegate more responsibilities
to the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents so that
the bishop and his counselors can focus on their primary
duties--particularly presiding over the young women
and the young men who bear the Aaronic Priesthood.
Changes in organization and functions of the Church
are not uncommon.
In 1883 the Lord said to President John Taylor:
"[Concerning] the management and organization of my Church
and Priesthood ...
I will reveal unto you, from time
to time, through the channels that I have appointed,
everything that shall be necessary
for the future development and perfection of my Church,
for the adjustment and rolling forth of my kingdom."
Now, a few words to you brethren who are high priests--know that
we love you!
Our Father in Heaven loves you!
You are a great part of the royal army of the priesthood,
and we cannot move this work forward without your goodness,
service, experience, and righteousness.
Alma taught that men are called to be high priests because
of their exceeding faith and good works
to teach and to minister to others.
That experience is needed now perhaps more than ever.
In many wards, we may have high priests
who are now going to have the opportunity
to be presided over by an elder as their quorum president.
We have a precedent of elders presiding over high priests:
elders are currently serving as branch presidents
in some regions of the world where high priests reside
in the branch, and there are branches
in which only an elders quorum is organized
and high priests are present.
What a joy it will be for all Melchizedek Priesthood holders
to have the blessing of teaching,
learning, and serving shoulder to shoulder with all
the members in their ward.
Wherever you are and whatever your circumstances may be,
we invite you prayerfully, faithfully,
and joyfully to accept new opportunities
to lead or to be led and to serve unitedly
as a body of priesthood brethren.
I will now address additional matters
which may need clarification as we move forward
to implement the will of the Lord regarding
the organization of His quorums of the holy priesthood.
What are the adjustments for a stake high priests quorum?
Stake high priests quorums will continue to function.
Stake presidencies will continue to serve
as the presidency of the stake high priests quorum.
However, as noted by Elder Christofferson,
members of the stake high priests quorum
will now consist of high priests currently serving in the stake
presidency, as members of a ward bishopric,
as members of the stake high council,
and the functioning patriarch.
Ward and stake clerks and executive secretaries
are not members of the stake high priests quorum.
When someone who is actively serving
as a high priest, patriarch, Seventy, or Apostle
is visiting a ward and desires to attend priesthood meeting,
he will meet with the elders quorum.
As brethren in these callings are released in due course,
they will return to their home units
as members of the elders quorum.
What is the role of the stake high priests quorum?
The stake presidency meets with members of the high priests
quorum to counsel together, to testify,
and to provide training.
Stake meetings as outlined in our handbooks
will continue with two adjustments:
One, wards and stakes will no longer
hold priesthood executive committee meetings.
If a special ward issue arises, such as a delicate family
matter or an unusual welfare challenge,
it could be addressed in an expanded bishopric meeting.
Other less-sensitive matters can be
addressed in the ward council.
What has been known as the stake priesthood
executive committee meeting will now be called the "high council
meeting."
Two, the annual meeting of all ordained high priests
in the stake will no longer be held.
However, the stake presidency will
continue to hold an annual meeting of the stake
high priests quorum as it has been announced today.
Can a ward have more than one elders quorum?
The answer is yes.
In the spirit of Doctrine and Covenants section 107,
verse 89, when a ward has an unusually large number
of active Melchizedek Priesthood bearers,
leaders may organize more than one elders quorum.
In such cases, each quorum should
have a reasonable balance in terms of age, experience,
and priesthood office and strength.
I testify that as we move forward
with this inspired quorum restructuring in our wards
and stakes that we will see a multitude of blessings.
Let me cite just a few examples.
Under the direction of the bishop,
more priesthood resources may assist
with the work of salvation.
This would include the gathering of Israel
through temple and family history work,
working with families and individuals in need,
and helping the missionaries to bring souls to Jesus Christ.
As previous presiding leaders return
to share their experience with the quorum of elders,
a stronger quorum membership will result.
There will be a greater diversity
of gifts and capacities within the quorum.
There will be more flexibility and availability
to meet current and urgent needs within the ward and quorum
and in fulfilling our various ministering assignments.
There will be an increase in mentoring and unanimity
as a new elder and an experienced high priest
share experiences, side by side, in quorum meetings
and assignments.
Bishops and branch presidents would hopefully
be liberated to magnify their callings
to shepherd their flocks and to minister to those in need.
We understand that each ward and stake is different.
While understanding these differences,
we are hopeful that you will follow through
with these changes promptly following
this general conference.
We have been given direction by a prophet of God!
What a tremendous blessing and responsibility.
Let us fulfill it with all righteousness and diligence!
I remind you, priesthood authority
comes by way of setting apart and ordination,
but real priesthood power, the power
to act in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
can come only through righteous living.
The Lord declared to the Prophet Joseph Smith,
the prophet of the Restoration:
"Behold, and lo, I will take care of your flocks,
and will raise up elders and send unto them.
"Behold, I will hasten my work in its time."
Indeed, this is a time when the Lord is hastening His work.
Let us each use this opportunity to reflect and improve
our lives to better align with His will
so that we may deserve the many blessings He has promised
to the true and faithful.
Brethren, thank you for all that you
are doing to be a part of this magnificent work.
May we go forward in this great and honored cause.
"Oh, when the war is ended,
When strife and conflicts cease,
When all are safely gathered
Within the vale of peace,
Before the King eternal,
That vast and mighty throng
Shall praise his name forever,
And this shall be their song:
Victory, victory,
Thru him that redeemed us!
Victory, victory,
Thru Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Victory, victory, ...
Thru Jesus Christ, our Lord!"
Today we all stand as witnesses of the Lord
revealing His will through His prophet, President Russell M.
Nelson.
I testify that he is God's prophet here on earth.
I bear my witness of the Lord Jesus
Christ, who is our great Redeemer and Savior.
This is His work, and this is His will,
to which I bear solemn testimony in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.
The congregation will now join the choir
in singing "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty."
It will then be my privilege to address you.
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor
in the First Presidency, will then speak to us.
[MUSIC PLAYING--"PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY"]
My beloved brethren, I am grateful for the privilege
of speaking to you in this historic general conference.
We have sustained President Russell M. Nelson
as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As I have had the blessing of working with him each day,
I have felt a confirmation of the Spirit
that President Nelson is called of God
to lead the Lord's true Church.
It is also my witness that the Lord
has called Elder Gong and Elder Soares to serve
as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
I love and sustain them.
They will, by their ministry, bless lives across the world
and across generations.
This conference is historic for yet another reason.
President Nelson has announced an inspired step forward
in the Lord's organized plan for His Church.
That plan includes a new structure
for priesthood quorums in wards and stakes
so that we may better fulfill our priesthood
responsibilities.
Those responsibilities all have to do with our priesthood care
of our Father's children.
The Lord's plan for His Saints to provide loving care
has taken many forms over the years.
In the early days of Nauvoo, the Prophet Joseph Smith
needed an organized way to care for the flood
of largely impoverished converts coming into the city.
Four of my great-grandparents were among them--the Eyrings,
Bennions, Romneys, and Smiths.
The Prophet organized the care of those Saints by geography.
In Illinois, those divisions of the city were called "wards."
As the Saints moved across the plains,
their care for each other was organized in "companies."
One of my paternal great-grandfathers
was returning from his mission in what is now Oklahoma when
he met a company on the trail.
He was so weak with disease that he and his companion
were on their backs in a little wagon.
The leader of the company sent two young women
to help whoever might be in that forlorn wagon.
One of them, a young sister who had been converted
in Switzerland, took a look at one of the missionaries
and felt compassion.
He was saved by that company of Saints.
He recovered enough to walk the rest of the way
to the Salt Lake Valley with the young rescuer by his side.
They fell in love and married.
He became my great-grandfather Henry Eyring,
and she my great-grandmother Maria Bommeli Eyring.
Years later, when people remarked
at the great difficulty of moving across a continent,
she said, "Oh no, it wasn't hard.
While we walked, we talked the whole way about what a miracle
it was that we had both found the true gospel of Jesus
Christ.
It was the happiest time I can remember."
Since then, the Lord has used a variety of ways
to help His Saints care for each other.
Now He has blessed us with strengthened and unified
quorums at the ward and stake levels--quorums that work
in coordination with all ward organizations.
Municipal wards, companies, and strengthened quorums
have all required at least two things
to be successful in the Lord's intent
to have His Saints care for each other in the way He
cares for them.
They succeed when the Saints feel the love of Christ
for each other above their self-interest.
The scriptures call it "charity ...
the pure love of Christ."
And they succeed when the Holy Ghost guides the caregiver
to know what the Lord knows is best for the person
that he is trying to help.
Time after time in recent weeks, members of the Church
have acted in my presence as if they somehow
had anticipated what the Lord was going to do
and has been announced here today.
Let me give you just two examples.
One, a simple sacrament meeting talk by a 14-year-old teacher
in the Aaronic Priesthood who understands
what priesthood holders can accomplish
in their service for the Lord.
Then the second story, a Melchizedek Priesthood holder
who, with the love of Christ, was inspired to serve a family.
First, let me give you the words of the young man speaking
to a ward sacrament meeting.
I was there.
Try to remember what you were like when
you were 14 years old, and listen
to hear him say more than so young a man could reasonably
know:
"I have really liked being a member of the teachers
quorum in our ward since I turned 14 last year.
A teacher still has all the responsibilities
of a deacon plus some new ones.
"Since some of us are teachers, others will be someday,
and everyone in the Church is blessed by the priesthood,
so it's important [to] all of us to know more
about the duties of a teacher.
"First of all, Doctrine and Covenants 20:53 says,
'The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always,
and be with and strengthen them.'
"Next, Doctrine and Covenants 20:54-55"--this 14-year-old
quoted these scriptures.
I don't think he even had a note,
if I've got it right--"'And see that there is no iniquity
in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying,
backbiting, nor evil speaking;
"'And see that the church meet together often,
and also see that all the members do their duty.'"
The young man continued:
"The Lord is telling us it's our responsibility
to not only care for the Church but to also care for the people
within the Church the way that Christ would
because this is His Church.
If we are trying to keep the commandments,
be kind to each other, be honest, be good friends,
and enjoy being together, then we
will be able to have the Spirit with us
and know what Heavenly Father wants us to do.
If we don't, then we can't fulfill our calling."
He went on to say:
"When a teacher chooses to set the right example
by being a good home teacher, greeting the members at Church,
preparing the sacrament, helping at home,
and being a peacemaker, he's choosing
to honor his priesthood and fulfill his calling.
"Being a good teacher doesn't only
mean being responsible when we are at church or at Church
activities.
The Apostle Paul taught, 'Be thou an example
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity.'"
Then the young man said, "No matter where we are
or what we are doing, we can be a good example of righteousness
at all times and in all places."
He said:
"My dad and I home teach the Browns.
Every time we go over there, I have a great time visiting
and getting to know them.
One thing I really like about the Browns is whenever we go
over there, they are ...
willing to listen and they always
have good stories to share.
"When we know people in the ward well because of home teaching,
it makes it easier to do the next duty of a teacher,
and that's greeting the members at church.
Helping people feel welcome and included at church
helps all the members of the ward feel loved and prepared
to take the sacrament.
"After greeting members who have come to church,
teachers help each Sunday by preparing the sacrament.
I really enjoy passing and preparing
the sacrament in this ward because everyone
is so reverent.
I always feel the Spirit when I prepare and pass the sacrament.
It's a real blessing to me that I'm able to do it every Sunday.
"Some service like passing the sacrament is something people
see and they thank us for doing it,
but other service like preparing the sacrament
is usually done without anyone noticing.
It isn't important if people see us serving; what's important
is that the Lord knows we have served Him.
"As teachers, we should always try
to strengthen the Church, our friends, and our family
by fulfilling our priesthood responsibilities.
It's not always easy, but the Lord gives no commandments
to us 'save he shall prepare a way for [us to] accomplish
the thing which he commandeth.'"
As that young man concluded, I continued
to be amazed and touched, as you can tell,
at his maturity and wisdom.
He summarized by saying, "I know we
will become better if we choose to follow [Jesus Christ]."
Another story of priesthood service
was told a month ago in a ward sacrament meeting.
Again, I was there.
In this case, the seasoned Melchizedek Priesthood holder
didn't know as he spoke that he was describing
exactly what the Lord desires to happen
with strengthened priesthood quorums.
Here is the gist of his account.
It's not in his words.
He and a home teaching companion were assigned
to serve seven families.
Almost all of them did not want visits.
This may sound familiar to some of you.
When the home teachers went to their apartments,
they refused to answer the door.
When they telephoned, they did not get an answer.
When they left a message, the call was not returned.
The senior companion finally resorted
to a letter-writing ministry.
He even began to use bright yellow envelopes
in the hope of getting notice and a response.
One of the seven families was a less-active single sister
who had emigrated from Europe.
She had two young children.
After many attempts to contact her,
he received a text message.
She abruptly informed him that she
was too busy to meet with home teachers.
She had two jobs and was in the military as well.
Her primary job was that of a police officer,
and her career goal was to become a detective
and then return to her native country
and continue her work there.
The home teacher never was able to visit with her in her home.
He periodically texted her.
Every month he sent a handwritten letter,
supplemented with holiday cards for each child.
He received no response.
But she knew who her home teachers were,
how to contact them, and that they would persist
in their priesthood service.
Then one day he received an urgent text from her.
She desperately needed help.
She did not know who the bishop was,
but she did know her home teachers.
In a few days, she said, she had to leave
the state for a monthlong military training exercise.
She could not take her children with her.
Her mother, who was going to care for her children,
had just flown to Europe to care for her husband, who
had a medical emergency.
This less-active single sister had enough money
to buy a ticket to Europe for her youngest child
but not for her 12-year-old son, Eric.
She asked her home teacher if he could
find a good LDS family to take Eric in their home
for the next 30 days!
The home teacher texted back that he would do his best.
He then contacted his priesthood leaders.
The bishop, who is the presiding high priest,
gave him approval to approach members of the ward council,
including the Relief Society president.
The Relief Society president quickly
found four good families, with children
about Eric's age, who would take him into their homes
for a week at a time.
Over the next month, these families
fed Eric, found room for him in their already crowded
apartments or small homes, took him
on their previously planned summer
family activities, brought him to church,
included him in their family home evenings, and on and on.
The families with boys Eric's age
included him in their deacons quorum meetings and activities.
During this 30-day period, Eric was in church every Sunday
for the first time in his life.
After his mother came home from her training,
Eric continued to attend church, usually
with one of these four volunteer LDS families or others
who had befriended him, including his mother's visiting
teachers.
In time, he was ordained a deacon
and began passing the sacrament regularly.
Now, let us look into Eric's future.
We will not be surprised if he becomes a leader in the Church
in his mother's home country when his family returns
there--all because of Saints who worked together in unity,
under the direction of a bishop, to serve out of charity
in their hearts and with the power of the Holy Ghost.
We know that charity is essential for us
to be saved in the kingdom of God.
Moroni wrote, "Except ye have charity ye
can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God."
We also know that charity is a gift bestowed
upon us after all we can do.
We must "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart,
that [we] may be filled with this love, which
he hath bestowed upon all who are
true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ."
It seems to me that we receive the Holy Spirit best
when we are focused on serving others.
That is why we have the priesthood responsibility
to serve for the Savior.
When we are engaged in service to others,
we think less about ourselves, and the Holy Ghost
can more readily come to us and help us
in our lifelong quest to have the gift of charity bestowed
upon us.
I bear you my testimony that the Lord has already
begun a great step forward in His plan for us
to become even more inspired and charitable
in our priesthood ministering service.
I am grateful for His love, which He so generously gives
us.
I so testify and express this appreciation
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
My beloved brethren, we have heard a revelatory announcement
from President Russell M. Nelson.
We have heard important elaborations
by Elders Christofferson and Rasband
and by President Eyring.
What will yet be said, including more from President Nelson,
will elaborate what you, the Lord's leaders
and priesthood holders, will now do in your responsibilities.
To help with that, I will review some fundamental principles
governing the priesthood you hold.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is the divine authority God has
delegated to accomplish His work "to bring to pass the ...
eternal life of man."
In 1829 it was conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
by the Savior's Apostles Peter, James, and John.
It is sacred and powerful beyond our powers to describe.
The keys of the priesthood are the powers
to direct the exercise of priesthood authority.
Thus, when the Apostles conferred the Melchizedek
Priesthood upon Joseph and Oliver,
they also gave them the keys to direct its exercise.
But not all priesthood keys were conferred at that time.
The entire keys and knowledge necessary
for this "dispensation of the fulness of times"
are given "line upon line."
Additional keys were given in the Kirtland Temple
seven years later.
These keys were given to direct priesthood authority
in the additional assignments being
given at that time, such as baptism for the dead.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is not a status or a label.
It is a divine power held in trust
to use for the benefit of God's work for His children.
We should always remember that men
who hold the priesthood are not "the priesthood."
It is not appropriate to refer to "the priesthood
and the women."
We should refer to "the holders of the priesthood
and the women."
Now let us consider what the Lord Jesus Christ expects from
those who hold His priesthood--how we are to bring
souls unto Him.
President Joseph F. Smith taught:
"It has truly been said that the Church is perfectly organized.
The only trouble is that these organizations are not
fully alive to the obligations that rest upon them.
When they become thoroughly [acquainted]
to the requirements made of them,
they will fulfill their duties more faithfully,
and the work of the Lord will be all the stronger
and more powerful and influential in the world."
President Smith also cautioned:
"The God-given titles of honor ...
associated with the several offices in and orders
of the Holy Priesthood, are not to be used
or considered as are the titles originated by man;
they are not for adornment nor are they
expressive of mastership, but rather of appointment
to humble service in the work of the one Master
whom we profess [or] serve."
Continuing the quote: "We are laboring
for the salvation of souls, and we
should feel that this is the greatest duty devolving
upon us.
Therefore, we should feel willing to sacrifice
everything, if need be, for the love of God,
the salvation of men, and the triumph of the kingdom of God
upon the earth."
In the Lord's Church, the offices
in the Melchizedek Priesthood have different functions.
The Doctrine and Covenants refers to high priests
as "standing presidents or servants over different stakes
scattered abroad."
It refers to elders as "standing ministers to my church."
Here are other teachings on these separate functions.
A high priest officiates and administers
in spiritual things.
Also, as President Joseph F. Smith taught,
"Inasmuch as he has been ordained a high priest,
[he] should feel that he is obliged ...
to set an example before the old and young worthy of emulation,
and to place himself in a position to be a teacher
of righteousness, not only by precept but more particularly
by example--giving to the younger ones the benefit
of the experience of age, and thus becoming individually
a power in the midst of the community in which he dwells."
On the duties of an elder, Elder Bruce R.
McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve taught:
"An elder is a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. ...
He is commissioned to stand in the place and stead of his
Master ...
in ministering to his fellowmen.
He is the Lord's agent."
Elder McConkie criticized the idea
that one is "only an elder."
"Every elder in the Church holds as much priesthood
as the President of the Church," he said.
"What is an elder?
He is a shepherd, a shepherd serving in the sheepfold
of the Good Shepherd."
In this important function to minister
in the sheepfold of the Good Shepherd,
there is no distinction between the offices of high priest
and elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
In the great section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants,
the Lord declares, "High priests after the order
of the Melchizedek Priesthood have a right
to officiate in their own standing,
under the direction of the presidency,
in administering spiritual things,
and also in the office of an elder [or any office
in the Aaronic Priesthood]."
The most important principle for all priesthood holders
is the principle taught by the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob.
After he and his brother Joseph were consecrated
priests and teachers of the people, he declared,
"And we did magnify our office unto the Lord,
taking upon us the responsibility, answering
the sins of the people upon our own heads
if we did not teach them the word of God
with all diligence."
Brethren, our responsibilities as holders of the priesthood
are serious matters.
Other organizations can be satisfied
with worldly standards of performance
in delivering their messages and performing
their other functions.
But we who hold the priesthood of God
have the divine power that even governs entrance
into the celestial kingdom of God.
We have the purpose and the responsibility
the Lord defined in the revealed preface
to the Doctrine and Covenants.
We are to proclaim to the world:
"That every man might speak in the name of God
the Lord, even the Savior of the world;
"That faith also might increase in the earth;
"That mine everlasting covenant might be established;
"That the fulness of my gospel might be
proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto
the ends of the world."
To fulfill this divine charge, we
must be faithful in "magnifying" our priesthood callings
and responsibilities.
Elder Harold B. Lee explained what
it means to magnify the priesthood:
"When one becomes a holder of the priesthood,
he becomes an agent of the Lord.
He should think of his calling as though he
were on the Lord's errand.
[This] is what it means to magnify the priesthood."
Therefore, brethren, if the Lord Himself were to ask you to help
one of His sons or daughters--which He has done
through His servants--would you do it?
And if you did, would you act as His agent,
"on the Lord's errand," relying on His promised help?
Elder Lee had another teaching about magnifying
the priesthood: "When you hold a magnifying glass over something
it makes that thing look bigger than you
could see it with the naked eye; that's a magnifying glass.
Now, ...
if anybody magnified their priesthood--that is,
makes it bigger than they first thought it was and more
important than anyone else thought it was--that is the way
you magnify your priesthood."
Here is an example of a priesthood holder magnifying
his priesthood responsibility.
I heard this from Elder Jeffrey D. Erekson, my companion
in a stake conference in Idaho.
As a young married elder, desperately poor and feeling
unable to finish his last year of college,
Jeffrey decided to drop out and accept an attractive job offer.
A few days later his elders quorum president
came to his home.
"Do you understand the significance
of the priesthood keys I hold?"
the elders quorum president asked.
When Jeffrey said he did, the president
told him that since hearing of his intention
to drop out of college, the Lord had tormented him
during sleepless nights to give Jeffrey this message:
"As your elders quorum president,
I counsel you not to drop out of college.
That is a message to you from the Lord."
Jeffrey stayed in school.
[LAUGHTER]
Years later I met him as a successful businessman
and heard him tell an audience of priesthood holders,
"That [counsel] has made all the difference in my life."
A priesthood holder magnified his priesthood and calling,
and that made "all the difference" in the life
of another child of God.
Up to now, I have been speaking of the functions
of the priesthood in the Church.
Now I will speak of priesthood in the family.
I begin with keys.
The principle that priesthood authority can only
be exercised under the direction of the one who
holds the keys for that function is fundamental in the Church
but does not apply to the exercise
of priesthood authority in the family.
A father who holds the priesthood
presides in his family by the authority
of the priesthood he holds.
He has no need to have the direction or approval
of priesthood keys in order to counsel
the members of his family, hold family meetings,
give priesthood blessings to his wife and children,
or to give healing blessings to family members or others.
If fathers would magnify their priesthood in their own family,
it would further the mission of the Church as much as anything
else they might do.
Fathers who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood
should keep the commandments so they
will have the power of the priesthood to give blessings
to their family members.
Fathers should also cultivate loving family relationships
so that family members will want to ask
their fathers for blessings.
And parents should encourage more priesthood blessings
in the family.
Fathers, function as "equal partners" of your wives,
as the family proclamation teaches.
And fathers, when you are privileged to exercise
the power and influence of your priesthood authority,
do so "by persuasion, by long-suffering,
by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned."
That high standard for the exercise
of priesthood authority is most important in the family.
President Harold B. Lee gave this promise just after he
became President of the Church: "Never is the power
of the priesthood, which you hold,
more wonderful than when there is a crisis in your home,
a serious illness, or some great decision that has to be made.
...
Vested in the power of the priesthood,
which is the power of Almighty God,
is the power to perform miracles if the Lord wills it so,
but in order for us to use that priesthood,
we must be worthy to exercise it.
A failure to understand this principle
is a failure to receive the blessings of holding
that great priesthood."
My beloved brethren, the magnifying
of the holy priesthood you hold is
vital to the work of the Lord in your families
and in your Church callings.
I testify of Him whose priesthood it is.
Through His atoning suffering and sacrifice and Resurrection,
all men and women have the assurance of immortality
and the opportunity for eternal life.
Each of us should be faithful and diligent in doing
our part in this great work of God, our Eternal Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Brethren, we are grateful for your attendance this evening.
We likewise thank the choir for the inspiring music
they have provided, and acknowledge
all those who have assisted in preparing for these proceedings
in any way.
The concluding speaker for this session
will be President Russell M. Nelson, followed by the closing
hymn "Rise Up, O Men of God."
The benediction will then be offered by Elder K. Brett
Nattress of the Seventy.
President.
My beloved brethren, thank you for your devotion
to the Lord and His holy work.
It is truly a joy to be with you.
As a new First Presidency, we thank you for your prayers,
for your sustaining efforts.
We are grateful for your lives and for your service
to the Lord.
Your devotion to duty and your selfless service
are just as important in your callings
as ours are in our callings.
Through a lifetime of service in this Church,
I have learned that it really doesn't
matter where one serves.
What the Lord cares about is how one serves.
I express deep gratitude for President Thomas S. Monson,
who was an example to me for more than 50 years,
and for his counselors, President Henry B.
Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
I express profound admiration for them.
I commend them for their service to the Lord and His prophets.
Both of these devoted servants have received new assignments.
They continue to serve with vigor and commitment.
I honor and love them both.
It is a remarkable blessing to serve
in the Lord's true and living Church with His authority
and power.
The restoration of the priesthood of God,
including the keys of the priesthood,
opens to worthy Latter-day Saints the greatest
of all spiritual blessings.
We see those blessings flowing to women, men, and children
throughout the world.
We see faithful women who understand the power inherent
in their callings and in their work in the endowment
and other temple ordinances.
These women know how to call upon the powers of heaven
to protect and strengthen their husbands, children, and others
they love.
These are spiritually strong women
who lead, teach, and minister fearlessly in their callings
with the power and authority of God!
How thankful I am for them!
Likewise, we see faithful men who live up to their privileges
as bearers of the priesthood.
They lead and serve by sacrifice in the Lord's way with love,
kindness, and patience.
They bless, guide, protect, and strengthen others
by the power of the priesthood they hold.
They bring miracles to those they
serve while they keep their own marriages and families safe.
They shun evil and are mighty elders in Israel.
I am most thankful for them!
Now, may I voice a concern?
It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters
do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power
and authority.
They act as though they would rather satisfy
their own selfish desires and appetites
than use the power of God to bless His children.
I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters
do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs.
Some of our brethren, for example,
act like they do not understand what the priesthood is
and what it enables them to do.
Let me give you some specific examples.
Not long ago, I attended a sacrament meeting
in which a new baby was to be given
a name and a father's blessing.
The young father held his precious infant in his arms,
gave her a name, and then offered a beautiful prayer.
But he did not give that child a blessing.
That sweet baby girl got a name but no blessing!
That dear elder did not know the difference between a prayer
and a priesthood blessing.
With his priesthood authority and power,
he could have blessed his infant, but he did not.
I thought, "What a missed opportunity!"
Let me cite other examples.
We know of brethren who set sisters apart as Primary,
Young Women, or Relief Society leaders and teachers but fail
to bless them--to bless them with the power to fulfill
their callings.
They give only admonitions and instructions.
We see a worthy father who fails to give
his wife and his children priesthood blessings when
that is exactly what they need.
Priesthood power has been restored to this earth,
and yet far too many brothers and sisters
go through terrible trials, insatiable trials in life,
without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing.
What a tragedy!
That's a tragedy that we can eliminate.
Brethren, we hold the holy priesthood of God!
We have His authority to bless His people.
Just think of the remarkable assurance
the Lord gave us when He said, "Whomsoever you bless
I will bless."
It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ
to bless God's children according to His will for them.
Stake presidents and bishops, please ensure that every member
of the quorums within your stewardship understands how
to give a priesthood blessing--including
the personal worthiness and spiritual preparation required
to call fully upon the power of God.
To all brethren holding the priesthood,
I invite you to inspire members to keep their covenants,
fast and pray, study the scriptures,
worship in the temple, and serve with faith
as men and women of God.
We can help all to see with the eye of faith
that obedience and righteousness will draw them
closer to Jesus Christ, allow them
to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost,
and experience joy in life!
A hallmark of the Lord's true and living Church
will always be an organized, directed effort to minister
to individual children of God and their families.
Because it is His Church, we as His servants
will minister to the one, just as He did.
We will minister in His name, with His power and authority,
and with His loving kindness.
An experience I had more than 60 years ago in Boston
taught me just how powerful the privilege of ministering
one-on-one can be.
I was then a resident surgeon at the Massachusetts General
Hospital--on duty every day, every other night,
and every other weekend.
I had limited time for my wife, our four children,
and Church activity.
Nonetheless, our branch president
assigned me to visit the home of Wilbur and Leonora Cox
with the hope that Brother Cox might come back
into activity in the Church.
He and Leonora had been sealed in the temple.
Yet Wilbur had not participated for many years.
My companion and I went to their home.
As we entered, Sister Cox welcomed us warmly,
but Brother Cox abruptly walked into another room
and closed the door.
I went to the closed door and knocked.
[LAUGHTER]
After a moment, I heard a muffled, "Come in."
I opened the door to find Brother Cox sitting
beside an array of amateur radio equipment.
In that small room, he lit up a cigar.
Clearly, my visit was not all that welcome.
I gazed about the room with wonderment
and said, "Brother Cox, I have always
wanted to learn more about amateur radio work.
Would you be willing to teach me about it?
I'm sorry I can't stay any longer tonight,
but could I come back another time?"
He hesitated for a moment and then said, "Yes."
That was the beginning of what became a wonderful friendship.
I returned and he taught me.
I began to love and respect him.
Through subsequent visits, the greatness of this man emerged.
We became very good friends, as did
our dear eternal companions.
Then, with the passage of time, our family moved away.
Local leaders continued to nurture the Cox family.
About eight years after that first visit,
the Boston Stake was created.
Can you guess who the first stake president was?
Yes!
Brother Cox!
During subsequent years, he also served as a mission president
and a temple president.
Years later, I, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve,
was assigned to create a new stake in Sanpete County, Utah.
During the usual interviews, I was pleasantly surprised
to encounter again my dear friend Brother Cox!
I felt impressed to call him as the new stake patriarch.
After I ordained him, we embraced each other and wept.
People in the room were wondering why these two
grown men were crying.
[LAUGHTER]
But we knew.
And Sister Cox knew.
Ours were tears of joy!
We silently remembered the incredible journey
of love and repentance that began more than 30 years ago,
one night in their home.
The account doesn't end there.
Brother and Sister Cox's family grew
to include 3 children, 20 grandchildren, and 54
great-grandchildren.
Add to that their impact on hundreds of missionaries,
on thousands more in the temple, and on hundreds more
who received patriarchal blessings
at the hands of Wilbur Cox.
His and Leonora's influence will continue to ripple
through many generations throughout the world.
Experiences such as this with Wilbur and Leonora Cox occur
every week--hopefully, every day--within this Church.
Dedicated servants of the Lord Jesus Christ
carry out His work with His power and authority.
Brethren, there are doors we can open,
priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal,
burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen,
lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes
of the Latter-day Saints--all because we hold the priesthood
of God.
We are the men who have been "called and prepared
from the foundation of the world according
to the foreknowledge of God, on account of [our] exceeding
faith," to do this work.
Tonight I invite you literally to rise up
with me in our great eternal brotherhood.
When I name your priesthood office,
please stand and remain standing.
Deacons, please arise!
Teachers, arise!
Priests!
Bishops!
Elders!
High priests!
Patriarchs!
Seventies!
Apostles!
Now, brethren, will you please remain standing
and join with our chorus in singing all three verses
of "Rise Up, O Men of God"?
While you sing, think of your duty
as God's mighty army to help prepare
the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.
This is our charge.
This is our privilege.
I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[MUSIC PLAYING--"RISE UP, O MEN OF GOD"]
Our Father in Heaven, we stand before Thee
with gratitude in our hearts for living prophets and apostles,
for our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.
Wilt Thou bless and continually sustain him.
We are grateful for Thine Only Begotten Son,
for His infinite Atonement.
We pray that we might always remember Him,
that we will follow His example of love and service.
That we will minister to all of Thy children
with love and devotion is our prayer
in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.