Saturday Morning Session

Introduction

Excerpts

By President Dallin H. Oaks

President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

My dear brothers and sisters, we meet as we mourn the death of our beloved President Russell M. Nelson. I speak to you as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, in which position I have already been sustained in each of our ward, stake, and general conferences for the past seven and a half years.

We go forward with this semiannual general conference, proceeding as planned and with speakers and music assigned by President Nelson after months of preparation. …

… President Nelson understood the value of general conference to provide direction to the Saints in the coming months. We honor him by following the planned conference schedule he approved. …

My own brief tribute—suitable to this conference and to the tributes we have already paid—is this: I loved Russell M. Nelson and have learned more about the gospel and gospel leadership from my long friendship and association with him than from any other leader I have personally known. He is our model as a servant and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“What’s Something President Nelson Taught That Changed Your Life?”

“He taught me to forgive even when it’s really hard. I struggled to forgive some of my extended family members for things they said. But after I listened to one of President Nelson’s talks, I was able to forgive them. It really opened my eyes.”

Whitney L., 17, Texas, USA

“Sometimes I feel like the Lord might forget who I am, but President Nelson taught me the Lord sees and cares for all of us. We all have a purpose.”

Nyah B., 15, Germany

“To add virtue to my thoughts, show charity to everyone, prioritize my discipleship, and to think celestial.”

Jacob Z., 17, Morelos, Mexico

“I learned just how important temples are. Whenever I make a decision, I try to keep the temple in mind. I do whatever I can to keep me worthy, because I want to be worthy.”

Elina S., 18, Thuringia, Germany

“President Nelson taught me that as a disciple of Christ I need to always try to be a peacemaker, be more patient with others, and not fight just to be right. Now, I try not to get upset or angry.”

Laura J., 15, Brazil

“I’m grateful President Nelson focused on temples. As I’ve made the temple a priority, I’ve grown an unbreakable testimony, received revelation, and want to go more often. I treasure how immensely I feel loved and cared for by my Heavenly Father in the temple.”

Jarom P., 18, Arizona, USA

“‘One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.’ Since praying about this President Nelson quote, I’ve been able to minister to my friends to help them feel my Savior’s love.”

Brayden H. 18, Colorado, USA

“I was going through a really hard time that felt like it was too much to endure. Thinking celestial helped me remember that my problems are only temporary. That really helped me get through that time in my life.”

Sophie A., 15, Arizona, USA

“My relationship with my brother wasn’t great. After President Nelson gave his talk ‘Peacemakers Needed,’ I was able to let go of my anger. Our relationship is so much better now.”

Roman D., 18, Oregon, USA