Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
By Jim Greer
LW contributor
Twice a year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convenes its semi-annual General Conference. The first of these conferences was held on June 9, 1830, shortly after the Church’s formal organization. Only 27 members were present at that first gathering. But on Oct. 3–4, as many as 16 million Latter-Day Saints worldwide will watch or listen in dozens of languages via television, Internet stream, or radio.
Since that first conference, the gatherings have been celebrations of prayer and hope. Church leaders share inspiring sermons, and when combined with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, hope and peace are showered on all who participate.
On March 28, earlier this year, President and Prophet Russell M. Nelson declared, “During trying times, few things are as reassuring and comforting as truth. Amid the gloomy darkness of a troubled world, the light of Jesus Christ shines ever brighter. He can speak truth to our hearts and minds as we seek Him and learn to hear Him.”
Earlier this year, the April conference sessions celebrated the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s first vision. On that day in Palmyra, New York, Joseph knelt and uttered his first spoken prayer. As many of us feel today, Joseph felt the weight of his worries. He sought God’s peace as he expressed concern for his soul and spiritual salvation. He sought to know which church was indeed the Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph’s prayer was answered with the appearance of Jesus Christ and God the Father, who said, “this is my beloved son, hear him!”
The First Vision marked the beginning of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this, the last dispensation. Over time, the Lord restored his authority and church through Joseph Smith. This event marked the restoration of revelation through living prophets. And today, revelation continues through inspired men and women who speak the words of Christ at every General Conference.
In times of darkness and uncertainty, we all crave light and clarity. Our souls need the nourishment of light and truth. Without spiritual nourishment, we can easily forget that God knows and loves each of us. God speaks to us in many ways every day. If we listen, we can hear his voice despite our challenges.
Society has many sources of truth and light, and we value them all. That is why we join with all seekers of truth in their search for hope and peace. As we worship together, the healing power of the Holy Spirit can infuse each of us with the courage and optimism we need to move forward in hope.
We know we are not alone during this pandemic, nor are we without inspired leadership. God continues to speak to us, and through living prophets and personal revelation, we are guided through life’s challenges.
Tune in to all the sessions of General Conference online at https:// newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org.
