President Thomas S. Monson: Welcome to Conference

Welcome once again to the Breakfast of Champions. I have set an ambitious goal for myself. Starting today, Sunday, May 16, I plan to read and record one General Conference talk per day until I have read them all. This first talk is the traditional welcome by the Prophet. I always enjoy it because it sets such a positive tone for the entire conference.

This is a significant conference because it is the 180th general conference of the church. I remember listening to and viewing the sesquicentennial (150th) conference back in 1980 when I was at BYU. That was a big deal. Only 20 more years until the bicentennial conference!

Once again we call upon the members of the Church to reach out to the new converts or to those making their way back into the Church, to surround them with love and to help them feel at home.


A good reminder of one of the things we should be doing. I always appreciate the recognition for the work the members are doing: Thank you for all that you do in your wards and branches, in your stakes and districts. You serve willingly and well and accomplish great good. May the Lord bless  you as you strive to follow him and to obey His commandments.


President Monson talked about humanitarian efforts in the first three months of 2010 in French Polynesia, Mongolia, Bolivia, Peru, Arizona, Mexico, Portugal, and Uganda. Also, major help in Haiti and Chile following earthquakes and tsunamis in those areas.

He also talked about temple building and the announcement of a new temple in Payson, Utah and major renovation to the Ogden Utah temple. He talked about dedicating new temples in Vancouver, British Columbia, Gila Valley, Arizona and Cebu City in the Philippines in the next three months.

President Monson sums up his introduction with this endorsement of the conference:
Now, brothers and sisters, we have come here to be instructed and inspired. We welcome those of you who are new in the Church. Others of you are struggling with problems, with challenges, with disappointments, with losses. We love you and we pray for you. Many messages, covering a variety of gospel topics, will be given during the next two days. Those men and women who will speak to you have sought heaven's help concerning the messages they will give.  It is my prayer that we may be filled with His Spirit as we listen and learn.

Elder Russell M. Nelson: Generations Linked in Love

Elder Nelson's talk was about family history and temple work. He used his own family as examples, particularly his great-granddaughter "Dear Ruby", his granddaughter - "Dear Ruby's" mom, and his daughter - "Dear Ruby's" grandmother.

While the family is under attack throughout the world, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims, promotes, and protects the truth that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.


Without the Atonement, there would be no return to the presence of the Father and no continuation of the family beyond the grave.


In order for the Church's family history efforts to succeed, priesthood direction and leadership are essential. Leaders teach and testify of the doctrine undergirding this sacred work.  They issue callings and see that instruction is available. They view temple and family history activity as a way to elevate the spirit of their ward, strengthen the spiritual roots of new converts, and bless the lives of all members.


Temple and family history work . . . has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families.

President Thomas S. Monson: Welcome to Conference

How grateful I am for the age in which we live—an age of such advanced technology that we are able to address you across the world. As the General Authorities and auxiliary leaders stand here in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, our voices will be reaching you by various means, including radio, television, satellite transmission, and the Internet. Although we will be speaking to you in English, you will be hearing us in some 92 languages.


President Monson starts off on a positive note with the blessings of technology - which is a blessing when it is used appropriately. I was also impressed that the conference sessions were also being translated into over 90 languages.

Since last we met in April of this year, we have dedicated the beautiful Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan, Utah. We continue to build temples. We desire that as many members as possible have an opportunity to attend the temple without having to travel inordinate distances. Worldwide, 83 percent of our members live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple. That percentage will continue to increase as we construct new temples around the world. Currently there are 130 temples in operation, with 16 announced or under construction. This morning I am pleased to announce 5 additional temples for which sites are being acquired and which, in coming months and years, will be built in the following locations: Brigham City, Utah; Concepción, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sapporo, Japan.

Equally impressive is the growing number of temples and how close most members are to a temple. Before the Portland temple was constructed, we would have still been in that 200 mile radius of a temple. We are very blessed to have one just ten miles from our home. And now, new temples in the United States, Chile, Brazil, and Japan. The second in Florida! and another in Utah. We will be able to see the Brigham City Temple soon after passing through Tremonton on our way down the Wasatch Front. Soon our trips to Utah will involve passing temples in Boise, Twin Falls, Brigham City, Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Jordan River, Oquirrh Mountain, American Fork, and Provo. Eleven total if you count Portland. That's amazing!

I would ask that your faith and prayers continue to be offered in behalf of those areas where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely at this time. Miracles can occur as we do so.

This is similar to the request President Monson made one year ago, and similar to the one made by President Kimball - to pray for doors to be open around the world.

He concludes with this fitting introduction to the conference and a reminder to pay attention to the counsel that the Lord has for us at this conference.

Now, my brothers and sisters, we are anxious to listen to the messages which will be presented to us during the next two days. Those who will address us have sought heaven’s help and direction as they have prepared their messages. They have been impressed concerning that which they will share with us. That we may be filled with the Spirit of the Lord as we listen and learn is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.