They Spoke to Us

Report from the 164th Semiannual General Conference October 1–2, 1994

President Howard W. Hunter: We are at a time in the history of the world and the growth of the Church when we must think more of holy things and act more like the Savior would expect his disciples to act. We should at every opportunity ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and then act more courageously upon the answer. We must be about his work as he was about his Father’s. We should make every effort to become like Christ, the one perfect and sinless example this world has ever seen.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency: Simple and tremendously challenging are the words of the Scout Oath: “On my honor I will do my best.” If every one of us would make that effort, the world would be much better, and we would be much happier. It is so often the very small … acts of our lives that eventually make so great a difference.

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Some music is spiritually very destructive. You young people know what kind that is. The tempo, the sounds, and the lifestyle of those who perform it repel the Spirit. It is far more dangerous than you may suppose, for it can smother your spiritual senses.

Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: When we sustain the President of the Church by our uplifted hand, it not only signifies that we acknowledge before God that he is the rightful possessor of all priesthood keys; it means that we covenant with God that we will abide by the direction and counsel that comes through His prophet.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Our testimony is a knowledge of who we are—a child of God; where we come from—the presence of our Heavenly Father; and where we are going eternally if we are faithful—back to the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Elder Rex D. Pinegar of the Presidency of the Seventy: [Family prayer] unifies family members in a common direction and purpose. All we have to do is sincerely ask in faith in his name and [Heavenly Father] will hear and answer our prayers.

Elder Horacio Tenorio, recently released member of the Seventy: The greatest thrill for me, as his grandfather, was when [my grandson] told me that he knew who Jesus Christ was and bore his testimony of the Savior to me. Nowhere could you ever find more truth and purity than in the testimony of a three-year-old boy.

Sister Patricia P. Pinegar, General Primary President: To the Primary children of the world, I want you to know that there are many people you don’t even know who love you and care about you, who want you to be safe, happy, and feel peace. I love you and would want you to feel “encircled about … in the arms of his love” (2 Ne. 1:15) and my love. Listen carefully to every good thing you hear about Heavenly Father and Jesus our Savior and then try your very best to follow him by doing what he wants you to do.

Sister Michaelene P. Grassli, recently released General Primary President: Our children need to know that if we read the scriptures and the words of the prophets and heed the whisperings of the Spirit, we are learning from the source of all truth.

Photo by Lonni Davis