They Spoke to Us

Report from the 169th Annual General Conference, April 3–4, 1999

President Gordon B. Hinckley: [The priesthood] is the authority of God in the earth. It comes from Him as a divine bestowal. It carries with it the power and the authority to govern in the affairs of the Church. It carries with it the power and the authority to bless in the name of the Lord, to lay hands upon the sick and call down the powers of heaven. It is sacred and holy.

President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency: If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself. … May our light so shine that we glorify our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, whose name is the only name under heaven whereby we might be saved.

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: Obedience brings peace in decision making. If we have firmly made up our minds to follow the commandments, we will not have to redecide which path to take when temptation comes our way.

Elder Dallin A. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: The scriptures state that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Cor. 13:1; D&C 6:28; see also Deut. 19:15). The most important ordinances of salvation—baptism, marriage, and other ordinances of the temple—are required to have witnesses (see D&C 127:6; D&C 128:3).

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: A word to you children: Never be disrespectful to your parents. You must also learn to listen, especially to the counsel of your mom and dad and to the promptings of the Spirit.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: The Savior, who set the pattern for us, is pleased with those who “remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted” (D&C 52:40). He is pleased with those who hearken to His admonition to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (D&C 81:5).

Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: The word of God is the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ and by His prophets. Alma knew that words of doctrine had great power. They can open the minds of people to see spiritual things not visible to the natural eye. And they can open the heart to feelings of the love of God and a love for truth.

Elder Stephen A. West of the Seventy: In the meridian of time, among other things, the Savior gave a touch here, a kind word there, food (both real and spiritual) to the hungry, advice and counsel to those in need. He gave prayers with the frightened, kindness to the passed-over, respect and affection for the children, loving care for those who are burdened. “And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Ne. 16:29). “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).

Elder Robert J. Whetten of the Seventy: As His true followers, the Savior wants us to love others as He loves them—more unconditionally, more purely, more perfectly.

Sheri L. Dew, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: Is it possible to be happy when life is hard? … Yes. The answer is yes because of Jesus Christ, whose Atonement ensures that we need not bear the burdens of mortality alone.

Photo by Shelli Livingston