Sunday Morning Session

President Henry B. Eyring conducting. Discourses by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder Paul B. Johnson, Bishop H. David Burton, Sister Silvia H. Allred, Elder David A. Bednar and President Thomas S. Monson. Perhaps even more so than previous sessions, the theme of this session was the Church Welfare program. President Eyring mentioned the 75th anniversary of Church Welfare in his opening remarks, and the remarks of both Bishop Burton and Sister Allred focused on Welfare.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

• Referred to the story of Saul on the road to Damascus, using it as a metaphor.
• Observed that there are those who look for a traumatic event like that of Saul, they spend their days waiting on the road to Damascus for that event.
• Instead, he said, we should take small and simple steps in faith along the road to Damascus. These steps include: Harken and Heed, Serve, Share
• “By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own.”
• “Some would rather pull a handcart across a thousand miles of prairie than bring up the subject of faith and religion to their friends and co-workers.”
• Jokingly, President Uchtdorf suggested that many members have texted: “He’s been speaking for 10 minutes and still no aviation analogy.”
• Cited St. Augustine: “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”

Elder Paul B. Johnson

• Spoke on the tests, trials and tribulations of Earth life.
• Talked about hiking Logan’s Crimson Trail, where the views of the valley are only visible from the top, after hiker’s pass through the tribulation of hiking the trail.
• Blessings come after the trial of our faith.
• We don’t seek out tribulations, our journey through life will provide just enough for our needs.
• We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that will give us exaltation.

Bishop H. David Burton

• Started with David O. McKay’s missionary experience: When he handed one lady his LDS pamphlets at her door, she replied: “Will this buy me any bread?”
• Welfare established by revelation to President Grant and maintained by revelation to succeeding prophets.
• “The commitment of Church leaders to relieve human suffering was as certain as it was irrevocable….. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this inspired welfare plan is its emphasis on personal responsibility and self-reliance.”
• One of the reasons for serving others is so that we may obtain a remission of our sins.
• No matter how many temples, we build… should we fail in welfare we are under condemnation.

Sister Silvia H. Allred

• Spoke about the principles of welfare and the Relief Society’s role in welfare.
• Welfare is Pure religion.
• Related personal story of being a Relief Society President in Chile during difficult times, and her observation of others in similar situations around the world.
• Let us each strive to be part of the Lord’s storehouse in helping others.

Elder David A. Bednar

• Began by observing the difference between turning on a light switch and the way the sun rises — a metaphor for how the spirit of revelation works.
• Revelation is available to all who are worthy and seek it. It is not restricted to authorities of the Church.
• “Revelations are conveyed in a variety of ways, including, for example, dreams, visions, conversations with heavenly messengers, and inspiration. Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly.”
• Some revelations are received immediately and intensely. Some are received gradually and subtly. Most frequently revelation comes in small increments over time.
• Gave examples from the scriptures and church history of how revelation works in small increments.
• We should not have doubts because we don’t have miraculous and intense revelations. “If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal.”
• On a cloudy or foggy day, it is often difficult to tell when the sun has risen. So too, we sometimes get revelation without really realizing or being able to identify when we received it.
• For many Church members this could be a very helpful and clarifying talk. Too many expect obvious revelation.

President Thomas S. Monson

• He was bishop over a ward of 1080 members, 84 widows. The welfare program was very helpful.
• 3rd anniversary of Pres. Monson sustained as President of the Church.
• 1830-1980, 21 Temples built
• 1980-2010, 115 Temples built and dedicated
• 26 additional Temples under construction or planning
• Group of 100 members left Manaus, Brazil to travel to São Paulo, 2500 miles away. 4 days by boat on the Amazon, by bus for another 3 days of travel to arrive at Temple. Return trip was the same.
• Story of Polynesian Mutam family, who saved for 4 years (husband worked in the nickel mines of New Caledonia) to be able to go to the Temple in New Zealand.
• “Some degree of sacrifice has ever been associated with temple building and temple attendance.”
• “Today most of us do not have to suffer great hardships in order to attend the temple. Eighty-five per cent of the membership of the Church now live within two hundred miles of a temple, and for a great many of us, that distance is much shorter.”
• “Your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly.… Your sacrifice may be bringing your life into compliance with what is required to receive a recommend, perhaps by forsaking long-held habits which disqualify you.”
• Temple in Rome: uniquely is being built in one of the most historical locations in the world. Where Peter and Paul taught the gospel of Christ and where each was martyred.
• “Each of our temples is an expression of our testimony.”