Blessed by General Conference

“Oh, how we need general conference!” was the testimony of Elder Robert D. Hales (1932–2017) in 2013. “Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened.” In the same address, Elder Hales promised:

“If you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord will tell you what He wants you to do with your life.

“In conferences we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us.”

In this special feature, a few members of our Relief Society presidencies from around the Pacific bear witness of the personal instructions they received from the Holy Spirit through the words of General Authorities. Each sister shares one general conference message that was particularly memorable to her, and how it has made a difference in her life.

Sister Shireen A’Costa

Suva 1st Ward, Suva Fiji Stake

In September last year, I travelled abroad on a work-related mission and decided I’d take a couple of weeks off work while I could. Each week while I was away, I kept telling myself I’d pay my tithing when I got back. When I finally returned home several weeks later, I realized it had been three months since I last paid my tithing. My first Sunday back at church I paid my tithing only for the first month I was away and then I struggled in my mind. The festive season was upon us. Did I really need to pay?

To put my mind at ease I messaged my bishop and shared my dilemma hoping he would sympathize with me and tell me what I wanted to hear. He asked, “Do you want to go to the temple or not?” For as long as I can remember, this commandment was a prerequisite.

I knew in my heart that my faith was being tested and I was denying myself of the blessings that the Lord promised those who faithfully paid their tithes: “I will … open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

In his talk, “Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven”, Elder Neil L. Andersen shared:

“The windows of heaven open in many ways. Some are temporal, but many are spiritual. Some are subtle and easy to overlook. Trust in the Lord’s timing; the blessings always come.”

As a widow, a mother to a beautiful young woman, a single parent, and the first counsellor in our ward Relief Society, I rely profoundly on these promised blessings.

The joy I felt, the peace that overwhelmed me would not have been possible if I had not been honest and faithful in doing what’s right. I know with surety that these promises are certain and despite all the challenges I have endured, my life has been blessed over and over again.

Sister Marlène Aroita

Toahotu Ward, Tahiti Taravao Stake

In fact, all the general conference messages nourish my soul every time.

In the October 2023 conference, because I went through a very hard emotional time, the message of Elder Alan T. Phillips in his talk, “God Knows and Loves You”, gave me great relief. It helps me remember that I am a precious child of my Eternal Father and my Saviour Jesus Christ. He paid the price for my soul. Through His sacrifice, I can repent every time I do wrong and persevere to become the best version of myself.

Even if I do not have great self-esteem, with the Lord by my side, I have the strength to endure all situations. It’s okay to cry, to stop, to fall … because there will be a better day tomorrow with joy, love, and faith. I am grateful to know that God so loved each one of us that He prepared everything for our happiness. President Russell M. Nelson and all the leaders of the Church are instruments in the hands of our Heavenly Father to guide us through our tribulations.

These past two years, general conference messages were like a lifeline, answers to my prayers. They have helped me go through my sorrows with more patience as I continue on the covenant path. I’m trying my best to follow President Nelson’s advice to be kinder and to have celestial thinking. Things are getting better; the load is easier to carry. Without their love, I wouldn’t be able to continue on the path. I know that God loves us, and it is a balm for my heart and soul.

Sister Emma Alofipo Tanuvasa

Massey Park Ward, Auckland Papatoetoe Stake

President Russell M. Nelson’s general conference talk entitled “Joy and Spiritual Survival” has impacted my life tremendously. He taught that a key principle to spiritual survival, especially in our tragedies, is that “Men are, that they might have joy.”

In August 2014, my beautiful parents, Kalisi and Fa’amanatu Alofipo, passed away in the same week due to illnesses. My parents were both converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but once converted, endured to the end as true disciples of Jesus Christ. So how could I find joy in losing both my parents even though at times my grief felt overwhelming?

President Nelson reminded me that:

“We can start by ‘looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith,’ ‘in every thought.’ We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.”

I know this to be true and testify that true joy comes through Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement. It comes through keeping my covenants, which yoke me to my Saviour and grants me access to His higher power and to face any trials or tribulations. Joy comes through being sealed as an eternal family in the holy temple—to my parents, my husband, Alofa, and our daughter, Ane.

Joy also comes through faithful ministering brothers and sisters who buoy us up in times of need.

President Nelson testified that: “Joy is a gift for the faithful. It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.”