Local Leader Message
General Conference: A Feast of Words from the Lord’s Servants
“Conference time is like refueling for another six months. As we continue to feast upon the words from the Lord’s servants, in reality it becomes our daily bread and a fountain of living waters to draw from that we may never thirst.”
Conferences have always been a part of the true Church of Jesus Christ since time immemorial. Adam, the mortal father of the human race, gathered his posterity and prophesied of things to come. Moses gathered the children of Israel and taught them the commandments he had received on mount Sinai. King Benjamin gathered his people to address them on matters of equity, fairness, justice and how to serve the Lord effectively. The Savior taught multitudes gathered both in the Holy Land and on the American continent. Disciples of Jesus Christ—like Peter and Paul—had their share of conferences as they gathered and preached to multitudes.
On October 9, 1875 in general conference, the Salt Lake Tabernacle was dedicated. President John Taylor (1808–1887) read from the pulpit the following words of petition and dedication in Brigham Young’s inspired dedicatory prayer: “We dedicate and consecrate that portion of this house where our President and thy servants now are, to be a holy and sacred place wherein thy servants may stand forth to declare thy words and minister unto thy people in the name of thy Son forever. . . . May thy holy angels and ministering spirits be in and round about this habitation, that when thy servants are called upon to stand in these sacred places, to minister unto thy people, the visions of eternity may be open to their view, and they may be filled with the spirit and inspiration of the Holy Ghost and the gift and power of God; and let all thy people who hearken to the words of thy servants drink freely at the fountain of the waters of life, that they may become wise unto salvation” (Millennial Star, 15 Nov. 1875, p. 724).
Twice each year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world gather in the magnificent Conference Center, stake centers, chapels and homes to listen to messages prepared after much reflection, contemplation, fasting and prayer from Church leaders. In essence these messages are from God as articulated in Doctrine and Covenants 1:38. The Lord cares deeply about the welfare of His sons and daughters, and hence takes time to warn, counsel, give direction and comfort to the inhabitants of this world.
It is always a repeated miracle to witness how conference can address the needs of millions of Church members at the same time and I think the secret lies with individual and family preparation. During the period preceding conference, we take time as a family to write down areas we would hope the conference speakers would address. These areas may vary from subject to subject. These may include areas where individual members of the family are struggling, they may be areas where we need more enlightenment, and petitions on behalf of loved ones and fellow church members.
As we compile our list, we also take time to study, pray and even fast about these topics. In the same vein we also pray for those who may be assigned to address us during the conference. As the Spirit moves across boundaries, each message becomes tailor-made to address the varying needs of different individuals. After every conference, we also take time to study each talk and to discover how it addressed our list of needs. This has been a revelatory experience for our family. It is also a faith promoting exercise to the family as we realize that God is in the minutest details of our lives. As we participate in this exercise, our capacity to trust the Lord is increased, our love for Him is deepened, and our disposition to do evil is diminished—resulting in a magnified desire to do good continually.
Conference time is like refueling for another six months. As we continue to feast upon the words from the Lord’s servants, in reality it becomes our daily bread and a fountain of living waters to draw from that we may never thirst. My sure witness is that as we approach conference prayerfully, seeking answers to life questions and comfort from challenges we may be experiencing in our lives, or simply a renewal of our faith, conference is the sure place to find all these things.
General conference is also a special time when we have an opportunity to sustain those called as prophets, seers and revelators—and other general officers of the church. This exercise is not simply a matter of raising our right hand to the square, rather indeed it is a sacred promise we make of supporting the brethren in all their endeavours to establish the kingdom of God wherever we are. It is a promise to heed all the invitations, warnings and exhortations extended to us. These may include ministering in a holier way, paying our tithes and offerings, making and keeping sacred temple covenants and sharing the restored gospel with our fellow brothers and sisters among a host of other things.
As we listen to conference messages, we cannot help but feel—through the Brethren—the love that the Savior has for us. We feel a greater hope for a brighter future. The scriptures teach us, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). The words of President Russell M. Nelson during the April 2020 general conference will also ring true, “Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. And we do that as we repent daily and receive His cleansing, healing, and strengthening power. Then we can feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times. This is exactly why the Lord has implored us to stand in holy places and ‘be not moved.’”1 Indeed general conference is one such holy places.
Dunstan G. B. T. Chadambuka was named an Area Seventy in April 2019. He is married to Pertunia Mudarikwa. They are the parents of three children.