Saturday Morning Session
3 October 2009
Welcome to Conference
President Thomas S. Monson
My dear brothers and sisters, I send extend my greetings to all of you at the beginning of as we commence this, the 179th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
How grateful I am for the time age in which we live, a time an age of such tecnological advances advanced technology that we are able to speak to address you on the other side of across the world. While As the General Authorities and auxilary leaders are stand here in the Conference Center, our voices come to will be reaching you through various methods means, namely: including radio, television, satellite transmission and the internet; and although we speak will be speaking to you in English, we are heard you will be hearing us in some 92 languages.
Since last we met in April of this year, we have dedicated the beautiful Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, in South Jordan Utah. In conjunction with Sandwiched between the dedication of the Draper Utah Temple in March, and this most recent dedication of the Oquirrah Mountain Utah Temple, in August, A spectacular two-night cultural event
We continue to build temples. We desire that as many members as possible have the an opportunity to attend the temple without having to travel excessive inordinate distances. Worldwide, 83% of our members throughout the world live some within 320 kilometers from of a temple. This That percentage continues will continue to grow increase through the construction of as we contruct new temples around the world. At the present time Currently there are 130 functioning temples in operation, with 16 announced or under construction. This morning, I have the pleasure of announcing am pleased to announce 5 additional temple for which we are acquiring the land sites are being acquired and, in the coming months and years to come, we will build will be built in the following locations: Brigham City, Utah; Concepcion, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sapporo, Japan.
In the temples are performed thousands Millions of ordinances are performed in the temples each year* on behalf of our decease loved ones. I ______ that we continue to be diligent? May we continue to be faithful in the performing of these such ordinances for those persons who were not are unable able to do so for themselves. I love the words of President Joseph F. Smith on the subject as he spoke of temple service and of the spirit world ___? beyond mortality. He said Said he, "Through our efforts on behalf of these persons, they will be freed from the grip of ______________ and the mists of darkness will be dispersed and will shine over them the light and the world of those spirits who know about the work that has been done for your people here, and the will recognise rejoice with you the completion of these comandments. ?!?!?!?!?!?
*There was no equivalent for "each year" in the Spanish text."Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from
them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may
shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that
has been done for them by their people here, and will rejoice with you in
your performance of these duties."
Brothers and Sisters, the Church continues to grow, as it has since it was being organized more than over 179 years ago. It is changing the life lives of more and more people every year and is extending spreading far and wide (! got it!) over the earth through our missionaries as our missionary force who work to meet seeks out those who are seeking looking for the truths which are found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We emplore each member we call upon all members of the church to befriend new converts, that they would extend a hand to reach out to them, to enfold surround them in with love and help them feel at home.
I would ask that you continue exercising your faith and prayers continue to be offered on in behalf of those regions areas where our influence is limited and where we are not permited allouwed to preach share the gospel freely at this time; miracles will happen if we do this can occur as we do so.
Now, my brothers and sisters, we are anxious to listen to the messages that which will be presented to us over during the next two days. Those who will speak to address us have sought heaven's help and divine guidance direction in preparing as they have prepared their messages; they have recieved inspiration been impressed regarding concerning what to that which they will share with us. That the Spirit of the Lord will accompany us in listening and learning 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.
