President Nelson opens general conference, decrying contention and asking every worthy, able young man to serve a mission
President Russell M. Nelson, second from right, sit with other Church leaders during the Saturday morning session of the 192nd Annual General Conference on April 2, 2022.
|Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Nelson opens general conference, decrying contention and asking every worthy, able young man to serve a mission
President Russell M. Nelson, second from right, sit with other Church leaders during the Saturday morning session of the 192nd Annual General Conference on April 2, 2022.
|Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
In the opening moments of the 192nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson addressed a world in conflict, asking members to preach the “gospel of peace.”
“As followers of Jesus Christ, we plead with leaders of nations to find peaceful resolutions to their differences,” he said. “We call upon people everywhere to pray for those in need, to do what they can to help the distressed, and to seek the Lord’s help in ending any major conflicts,” said President Nelson.
Since Latter-day Saints worldwide last gathered in a general conference, in October 2021, difficulties in the world have continued, said President Nelson. “The global pandemic still affects our lives. And now, the world has been rocked by a conflict that is raining terror on millions of innocent men, women and children.”
President Nelson said prophets “have foreseen our day when there would be wars and rumors of wars, and when the whole earth would be in commotion (Doctrine and Covenants 88:91).”
“Brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ has never been needed more than it is today. Contention violates everything the Savior stood for and taught. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and testify that His gospel is the only enduring solution for peace. His gospel is a gospel of peace (Doctrine and Covenants 27:16).
President Russell M. Nelson speaks during the Saturday morning session of general conference on April 2, 2022.
Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“His gospel is the only answer when many in the world are stunned with fear” (Luke 21:26).
Latter-day Saints have the sacred responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ with all who will listen and who will let God prevail in their lives, he said.
“Every person who has made covenants with God has promised to care about others and serve those in need,” he said, noting that every Church member has a role to play in the gathering of Israel.
“Today I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. You young men have been reserved for this time when the promised gathering of Israel is taking place. As you serve missions, you play a pivotal role in this unprecedented event!
“For you young and able sisters, a mission is also a powerful, but optional opportunity. We love sister missionaries and welcome them wholeheartedly. What they contribute to this work is magnificent! Pray to know if the Lord would have you serve a mission, and the Holy Ghost will respond to your heart and mind.
“Dear young friends, you are each vital to the Lord.”
The Church also welcomes senior couples to serve when circumstances permit, he said. Their efforts are simply irreplaceable.
“All missionaries teach and testify of the Savior,” concluded President Nelson. “The spiritual darkness in the world makes the light of Jesus Christ needed more than ever. Everyone deserves the chance to know about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Every person deserves to know where they can find the hope and peace that “[passes] all understanding” (see Philippians 4:7).
