178th Annual General Conference - Saturday Afternoon Session

April 5, 2008

I’m sure there were a large number of people who watched/listened to the morning session because of the sustaining. I would guess that the afternoon session has significantly less people listening. We watched the morning session at the Church, but watched the afternoon session on BYU.tv.

Audit report
- As always, everything is a-ok. I know back in the day they actually used to share numbers/values here. But for something like 30 years or more they have not shared any dollar values. I wonder what the purpose is now. If there were any problems, would they actually say so in the report?
Statistical report
- 2,790 stakes
- 348 missions
- 618 districts
- 27,827 wards/branches
- 13,193,999 membership
- 93,698 child of record
- 279,218 converts
- 52,686 full time missionaries
- 124 operating temple
Elder Dallin H. Oaks ** may use this as a lesson **
- testimony
- facts of eternal significance
- not a travel log, a sermon
- recognize child for their growing testimony, not just for schooling
- relationship between obedience and knowledge
- we can follow leaders, but for still know for ourselves
Elder Robert D. Hales ** may use this as a lesson **
- solemn assembly was not a vote
- it was a commitment to uphold the commandments and a prophet of God
- knowing God and Jesus
- learned through Articles of Faith
- talk was all about Jesus
Elder Gerald N. Lund
- opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit
- the Spirit will enter our heart only if we allow it
- Pride desensitizes our hearts
Elder Carlos A. Amado ** may use this as a lesson **
- 3 purposes for the Saviour
- assignment to carry out infinite/eternal sacrifice
- teach the doctrine
- build the kingdom by serving others
Elder William R. Walker
- organization of presidencies
- virtually all leaders serve in a presidency… a president with two counsellors
- you can’t be a one-man operation
- won’t use as lesson, but will probably discuss at Ward Council Meeting
Elder Richard G. Scott
- speaking to those who suffer from or cause various causes of abuse
- tough topic; gave a lot of “disclaimers” at the start; I assume he was asked to give a talk on this topic
- healing can come through atonement
- won’t use as lesson, but will keep on hand as a reference if the need arises
Elder L. Tom Perry
- gospel of Jesus is a recipe for eternal life
- enduring to the end is not a “do it yourself” project