Seven Thousand Attend Singles Conference

Elder Dean L. Larsen, of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, addressed approximately seven thousand single members attending the Utah Valley Single Adult Conference in Provo, Utah, July 30 through August 2.

Elder Robert L. Simpson, of the First Quorum of the Seventy, was the featured speaker at a fireside concluding the four-day conference. John M. Madsen, regional representative, also spoke to those in attendance.

“Everyone, regardless of circumstances, will eventually have the opportunity to be a part of a husband-wife-and-children family,” Elder Larsen said. “Some will have a longer time to prepare than others.

“The Lord expects us to do the very best with the preparation time we have, not just wait and endure,” he added, then cited prayer, scripture study, and service as essential parts of preparation.

“One of the most essential things for us to nurture is a disposition to be aware of the needs of others, and then to respond to those needs,” Elder Larsen said.

Elder Simpson told the audience that change is with us constantly and that “we need to be ready for the changes, recognize them, and make those changes that will keep us close to the gospel.”

He focused his remarks on the Savior’s example. “Each of us needs to be an extension of the Savior and help people in an appropriate way,” Elder Simpson counseled. “Some are held captive by bad habits, debt, and immorality. Some are blind because they have lost their vision of truth. We set at liberty the bruised when we teach them to repent, and let them know that we forgive them,” he said.

Elder Simpson encouraged single members to “do a little better” in becoming self-reliant and developing greater faith, obedience, and loyalty to the Lord. “We can improve because we are foreordained,” he concluded. “Heavenly Father wants each who hears the truth to become eligible to receive all that he has, and that can only be imposed upon those with broad shoulders, bright minds, and spiritual sensitivity.”

Correspondent: DeLynn Decker is a member of the Pleasant View Fifth Ward, Sharon East stake, Provo, Utah.