Preparation for October 2024 General Conference

What a blessing it is to prepare to hear the Lord’s servants this time of year. A breath of fresh air from the minutia, invigorating the soul of every earnest listener.

Today I listened to the words of our dear prophet from his discourses in 2018 and here are some of my favorite highlights:

“We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others. We will refer to these efforts simply as “ministering.” – Ministering, April 2018

“We look to the future with enthusiasm. We have been motivated to do better and to be better. … During this conference we have strengthened our resolve to execute the essential effort to honor the Lord Jesus Christ every time we refer to His Church. … I leave my love and blessing upon you, that you may feast upon the word of the Lord and apply His teachings in your personal lives.” – Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints, October 2018

“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” … But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” – Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives, April 2018

“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. … It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them.” Ministering with the Power and Authority of God, April 2018

“Taking the Savior’s name upon us includes declaring and witnessing to others—through our actions and our words—that Jesus is the Christ. … If we as a people and as individuals are to have access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ—to cleanse and heal us, to strengthen and magnify us, and ultimately to exalt us—we must clearly acknowledge Him as the source of that power. We can begin by calling His Church by the name He decreed.” – The Correct Name of the Church, October 2018

“This gathering is “the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth today”! … My dear sisters [and brothers], we need you! We “need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices.” We simply cannot gather Israel without you.” – Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel, October 2018

“To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. Accordingly, we now want to put in place organizational adjustments that will further fortify our members and their families. … an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship.” – Opening Remarks, October 2018

“Our message to the world is simple and sincere: we invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life. – Let Us All Press On, April 2018

“We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. Jesus is the Christ! We are His humble servants! God bless you, brethren [and sisters], as we learn of and do our duty, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” – Introductory Remarks, April 2018

I heard these words six years ago as I was serving the Lord in Bahia, Brazil. While there I remember sitting in the chapel of the Cajazeiras Ward with Bispo Santiago as President Nelson announced that a temple would be built in Salvador, Brazil. To me it seemed that President Nelson paused, looked into the camera, and smiled when he said those words. Hoots, hollers, hoorays and hoorahs hallowed the halls as those around me jumped with joy and embraced each other after hearing the news. I rejoiced with them and felt blessed to be there in that moment. Six years later, that beautiful edifice, erected and endowed, is a dedicated house unto the Lord where thousands will be able to engage in the great work that President Nelson testified of that year, The Gathering of Israel!

The Salvador Brazil Temple. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints