One of the highlights of the April 2020 General Conference for me is the renewed invitation extended by President Russell M. Nelson for all Latter-day Saints and followers of Jesus Christ everywhere to act in unity through a worldwide fast amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As followers of Jesus Christ living in a day when Covid-19 pandemic has put the whole world in commotion, let us not just talk of Christ or preach of Christ, or employ a symbol representing Christ,” he said during his Saturday evening address. “Let us put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ into action.”
The global pandemic has affected all facets of people’s lives everywhere. It also resulted in the 190th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is commonly attended by thousands of people in person, to be held in an empty auditorium.
Because of the deviations from routines and the continuous sufferings he sees everywhere, the 95-year old prophet has asked “” even those not of his faith, to pray and fast together on Good Friday, the 10th of April.
According to President Nelson, the worldwide fast is “the most natural thing for us to do” in these times of deep distress. As we call upon and plead to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Master Healer, for relief from the deadly virus, They will “show forth their marvelous power to bless all the people on the Earth,” he said.
This is the second time that President Nelson has requested for everyone to join him in fasting. Just this March 29, thru a video on social media, he implored all to go without food for 24 hours to obtain “physical and spiritual healing.”
The overwhelming response to the invitation and the many blessings experienced by those who heeded the call assured me that the Lord truly blesses those who follow the counsel of His servants given during General Conference. It got me thinking about the many other invitations extended by the various speakers and General Authorities during April 2020 General Conference.
I wonder how else we will be blessed if we will accept these invitations which are, essentially, calls to action from the Lord’s servants?
Saturday Morning Session
President Russell M. Nelson, ‘Opening Message’
President, First Presidency
“We are to seek, in every way we can, to hear Jesus Christ who speaks to us through the power and ministering of the Holy Ghost.”
President M. Russell Ballard, ‘Giving Our Spirit Control Over Our Bodies’
Acting President, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“As we celebrate this joyous occasion, the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, we should always remember the price Joseph and Hyrum Smith paid, along with so many other faithful men and women and children, to establish the Church so you and I could have and enjoy the many blessings and all of these revealed truths that we have today.”
“Let us, therefore, as a Church and a people and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. As we listen to the Spirit during this 200th anniversary celebration this weekend, consider what offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness in the coming days. Be courageous. Share it with someone you trust. And, most importantly, please take time to do it.”
Elder James R. Rasband: ‘Ensuring a Righteous Judgment’
General Authority Seventy
“Although the Savior has power to mend what we cannot fix, He commands us to do all we can to make restitution as part of our repentance.”
Sister Joy D. Jones: ‘An Especially Noble Calling’
President, Primary General Presidency
“Let us boldly declare our devotion to our Heavenly Father and our Savior with unshaken faith in Him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Let us joyfully continue this journey toward our highest spiritual potential and help those around us to do the same through love, service, leadership, and compassion.”
Elder Neil L. Andersen: ‘Spiritually Defining Memories’
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“Embrace your sacred memories. Believe them. Write them down. Share them with your family. Trust that they come to you from your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. Let them bring patience to your doubts and understanding to your difficulties.”
Brother Douglas D. Holmes: ‘Deep in Our Heart’
First Counselor, Young Men General Presidency
“Seeing others as God does is a gift. I invite all of us to seek for this gift.”
“As we plan activities, meetings, and other gatherings, let us remember [that] an overarching purpose of these gatherings is to build loving relationships that unite us and help get the gospel of Jesus Christ deeper in our hearts.”
President Henry B. Eyring: ‘Prayers of Faith’
Second Counselor, First Presidency
“As we face today’s challenges and those yet to come, we, too, will need to practice the same pattern [of prayers of faith like unto Prophet Joseph Smith].”
“I pray that we may all find joy in doing the work he invites each of us to perform.”
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder Ulisses Soares: ‘Take Up Our Cross’
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“May we choose to seek His forgiveness and His help, and take an important and difficult step by forgiving those who have hurt us so that our wounds may begin to heal.”
Elder John A. McCune: ‘Come Unto Christ — Living as Latter-day Saints’
General Authority Seventy
“As we labor with Christ, our most deeply focused efforts should be within our own homes. There will be times when family members and close friends will face challenges. The voices of the world and maybe their own desires might cause them to question truth. We should do everything we can to help them feel both the Savior’s love and our love.”
Bishop Gérald Caussé: ‘A Living Witness of the Living Christ’
Presiding Bishop
“Plain and precious truths about the Savior’s atonement resound throughout the Book of Mormon. As I list several of these truths, I invite you to reflect on how they have changed or could your life.”
“Just as Jesus invited each one of the Nephite disciples to feel His wounds, He died for each one of us, personally, as if you and I were the only person on earth. He extends to us a personal invitation to come unto Him and draw upon the marvelous blessings of His atonement.”
Elder Dale G. Renlund: ‘Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God’
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“I invite you to remember each day the greatness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and what They have done for you. Let your consideration of Their goodness more firmly bind your wandering heart to Them. Ponder Their compassion and you will be blessed with added spiritual sensitivity and become more Christlike.”
Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai: ‘The Power of the Book of Mormon in Conversion’
General Authority Seventy
“Each of us can study the Book of Mormon according to our circumstances.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: ‘A Good Foundation Against the Time to Come’
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“How could this extensive renewal of the Salt Lake Temple inspire us to undergo our own spiritual renewal, reconstruction, rebirth, revitalization or restoration?”
Saturday Evening Session
Elder Gerrit W. Gong: ‘Hosanna and Hallelujah — The Living Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter’
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“In these times, we can learn much of God’s goodness and our divine potential for God’s love to grow in us as we seek Him and reach out to others. In new ways and new places, we can do and become, line upon line, kindness upon kindness, individually and together.”
Laudy Ruth Kaouk: ‘How the Priesthood Blesses Youth’
Young Woman, Slate Canyon 14th (Spanish) Ward, Provo Utah Stake
“Don’t hesitate to ask for a blessing when you need extra guidance. It is in our difficult moments that we need the Spirit to help us the most. No one is perfect and we all experience hardships.”
Enzo Serge Petelo: ‘How the Priesthood Blesses Youth’
Young Man, Meadow Wood Ward, Provo Utah Edgemont Stake
“We must not wait for those who need our aid to seek us out, it is our duty…to exemplify and stand as witnesses of God.”
“I invite all of us to study the lives of these great priesthood holders and seek to improve ourselves daily so we can be ready to meet our maker.”
Sister Jean B. Bingham: ‘United in Accomplishing God’s Work’
President, Relief Society General Presidency
“Today, we need women who have the courage and vision of our mother Eve to unite with their brethren in bringing souls into Christ.”
“Will we strive to overcome cultural bias and instead embrace divine practices based on foundational doctrine?”
President Henry B. Eyring: ‘He Goes Before Us’
Second Counselor, First Presidency
“I invite all who hear this message or read these words to have faith that the Lord is leading the restoration of His gospel and His church.”
President Dallin H. Oaks: ‘The Melchizedek Priesthood and the Keys’
First Counselor, First Presidency
“We should follow the Savior’s invitation to seek and ask to understand the truths of eternity. He promises that our Father in Heaven is willing to teach everyone the truths they seek.”
President Russell M. Nelson: ‘Opening the Heavens for Help’
President, First Presidency
“How do we fast? Two meals for a period of 24 hours is customary. But you decide what would constitute a sacrifice for you as you remember the supreme sacrifice our Savior made for you.” ◼︎