They Spoke to Us

Report from the 172nd Semiannual General Conference, October 5–6, 2002

President Gordon B. Hinckley: Think of the wonder of it.

This is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. We as a people are Latter-day Saints. We testify that the heavens have been opened, that the curtains have been parted, that God has spoken, and that Jesus Christ has manifested Himself, followed by a bestowal of divine authority.

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of this work, and it is built upon a “foundation of … apostles and prophets” (Eph. 2:20).

President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency: Down through the generations of time, the message from Jesus has been the same. To Peter and Andrew by the shores of the beautiful Sea of Galilee, He said, “Follow me.” To Philip of old came the call, “Follow me.” … And to you and to me, if we but listen, will come that same beckoning invitation, “Follow me.”

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: I hope we can all be like the “Little Engine That Could.” It wasn’t very big, had only been used for switching cars, and had never been over a mountain, but it was willing. That little engine hooked on to the stranded train, chugged up to the top of the mountain, and puffed down the mountain, saying, “I thought I could.” Each of us must climb mountains that we have never climbed before.

Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: God lives. He is our Father. I testify to you that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and the Prophet Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration. President Hinckley is our inspired leader over this Church throughout the world today. Bless his heart for all that he does … as he leads the work forward.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Brothers and sisters, though living in a time of commotion, we can stand in holy places and not be moved (see D&C 45:32; D&C 87:8). Though living in a time of violence, we can have that inner peace that passeth understanding (see Philip. 4:7). Perplexing things will still happen, but, like Nephi, we can still know that God loves us. …

Of course we cannot know the meaning of all things right now. But we can know, right now, that God knows us and loves us individually!

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: The obedient payment of tithing fortifies our faith, and that faith sustains us through the trials, tribulations, and sorrows in our life’s journey.

Elder Robert K. Dellenbach of the Seventy: The Lord asks us to set aside one Sunday a month to fast for two meals. We are invited to contribute the money saved on the cost of those two meals to the Church so it can assist those in need.

Photo by Tamra H. Ratieta