2017-4-10 General Conference

April 10, 2017 – General Conference

Kumusta po!

So this last Saturday and Sunday we got to watch General Conference, which is held in Salt Lake so if it was live here (april 1 was the real date) it would be in the middle of the night. Hence we get to meet to watch it a week later! So if you already forgot about General Conference or don't even know what it is, here is your friendly reminder!

First off, it was awesome. It went by so much faster than when I was a kid. I think the stories were all that used to keep me interested, everything else didn't stick as much. The more gospel background we have, the more we can get out of listening to apostles and prophets. 10 hours well spent! 

Sunday morning session we had an investigator, someone who wanted to experience church and see if this is the true church, come. Her story is remarkably similar to Joseph Smith's in some aspects, she started going to different churches at age 13-14 and in the past 4 years has investigated many churches. Her parents are Catholic, and have given her all freedom to search, they just kind of see it as part of her nature to search for churches and they are happy with the religion they grew up in. So far she hasn't found the one. She has some preferences but hasn't quite found the church which matches what she believes Christ's church should have. So we were happy to share Joseph Smith's story with her, how he too was confused and sought for answers. Then, having her with us at general conference was a great opportunity. It really changed my whole mindset while listening, I tried to imagine if I sat down in a Stake Center filled with hundreds of strangers, watched some more strangers speak for 2 hours, then went home. What would seem weird or strange while I watched? Is that guy really a prophet? Wow, the choir really rocks! These old men cry pretty often. But man, something really touched me, maybe that's what's making them cry...

I think one of the best blessings we can enjoy is getting living revelation, and every 6 months having talks to study to improve our life and avoid the hazards of life. Something that stuck out to me this conference was how the talks all relate, how there are similar points made, similar doctrines highlighted. For example, John 3:16-17 was quoted 3 times, which stresses it's importance to me. The Plan of Salvation seemed to be the theme on Saturday, and understanding the light of Christ. Seeing the potential in others, and helping them seeing it in themselves. There are many more principles that were repeatedly taught, and even though it's great to have a favorite talk, I feel it's important to have some awareness of what was repeatedly mentioned. There are numerous speakers, and they don't collaborate on who will say what, it's just based on their personal revelation. So when 3 apostles talk about the Holy Ghost in one session, maybe it means we should pay extra attention there! 

I'm so thankful for the church, and that it is truly the Church of Jesus Christ as He established it. I'm grateful to be here to help those who are earnestly seeking for Christ's church. I will always be grateful for the answers it has given me. I love you all, thanks for reading! Pictures next week, promise :)

Elder Fish