General Conference Is for You

Testifying of Jesus Christ

Tsunami in Samoa

Presiding Bishop H. David Burton, Elder Tad R. Callister, and I were able to meet with the Saints who had lost family members as a result of the tsunami that hit the eastern side of Samoa last September. The chapel was full, and it was an emotional meeting. We were able to assure these choice members that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they can be reunited with the loved ones they have lost.

The stake president, Sonny Purcell, was driving his car when he saw the enormous wave coming far out at sea. He honked his horn and stopped children on the road walking to school and warned them to run for higher ground and safety as fast as they could go. The children followed his instruction. He frantically drove, reached his four-year-old daughter, put her in the car, and then tried to get to his mother. Before he could reach his mother, the wall of water picked up his car and swept it over 100 yards (91 m), where it lodged in a tree. He scrambled to secure his daughter on top of the car and then swam to rescue his mother, who was clinging to a branch of another tree near their house. With great effort he swam with her to the car and safety. Many were not as fortunate. They did not have time to get to higher ground and safety. Many lost their lives, particularly the young and the elderly.

We told the Samoan families that members all over the world expressed love and concern and had prayed for them and contributed fast offerings and humanitarian aid for both the members and their neighbors. The same is true for the members and their neighbors in Chile and Haiti. We do this because we follow Jesus Christ.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Hope comes from faith in Jesus Christ. …

Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope. If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith.

Elder Wilford W. Andersen of the Seventy

We manifest our love for God when we keep His commandments and serve His children. We don’t fully comprehend the Atonement, but we can spend our lives trying to be more loving and kind, regardless of the adversity we face.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The best way to make a permanent change for good is to make Jesus Christ your model and His teachings your guide for life.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

With all my heart and soul I give thanks … for the life and example of Jesus the Christ, and for His sinless and selfless sacrifice. I rejoice in the fact that Christ is not dead but risen from the grave! He lives and has returned to the earth to restore His authority and gospel to man. He has given us the perfect example of the kind of men and women we should be.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

A talk I really enjoyed was Elder Neil L. Andersen’s. Although it was directed to the parents and leaders of children and youth, I felt I could apply his talk to my life. It is now my goal to keep Jesus Christ in my mind at all times and contemplate on His life before making decisions for my own. Throughout the day I imagine that Christ is at my side. It changes my behavior.

Elisabeth H., 15, New York, USA

I saw the conference from my stake center. It was a wonderful experience. I learned once again that the Savior has taught and spoken about how I can return to the presence of the Father. Without a doubt I know now more than ever that He lives and loves us.

Marin C., 17, Peru