Moving Forward by Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference

These are the notes that I have record as I have listened to Elder Nelson opening talk:

Grateful for the technology that let us be connected as one world wide gathering of disciples of Jesus Christ.

The General Conference last April was viewed by more people than any conference preceding it and we have every expectation that that will happen again.

Global pandemic

raging wildfires

other natural disasters

have turned our world upside down

I grieve with each of you who have lost a loved one in this time and I pray for all who are currently suffering.

Meanwhile the work of the Lord is steadily moving forward amid social distancing, face masks, and Zoom meetings.

We have learned to do some things differently and even some things more effectively.

Unusual times can bring unusual rewards.

Our missionaries and mission leaders have been resourceful, resilient and truly remarkable. Although most missionaries have had to find new and create ways to do their work, some missions are doing more teaching than ever.

We had to close temples for a time and some construction projects were briefly delayed. But they are all now moving forward.

In the calendar year 2020, we will have broken ground for 20 new temples. Family history work has increased exponentially. Many new wards and stakes have been created. And we are gratified to report that the Church has provided pandemic humanitarian aid for 895 projects in 150 countries.

Increased gospel study in many homes is resulting in stronger testimonies and family relationships.

One mother wrote: We feel much closer to our children and grandchildren now that we gather on Zoom every Sunday. Each takes a turn on giving their thoughts on 'Come Follow Me'. Prayers for our family members have changed because we better understand what they need.

I pray that we as a people are using this unique time to grow spiritually. 

We are here on earth to be tested. To see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ. To repent regularly, to learn and to progress. Our spirits long to progress and we do that best by staying firmly on the covenant path.

Through it all our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, love us, They care for us, They and their holy angels are watching over us. I know that is true.

{And I feel that is true.}

As we gather to hear the words the Lord has inspirited His servants to deliver, I invite you to ponder a promise the Lord made. He declared that, whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunny and the wiles of the devil and lead the disciple of Christ in a straight and narrow course. See Helaman 3:29.

I pray that you will choose to lay hold upon the word of God as it is declared during the General Conference. And I pray that you may feel the Lords perfect love for you

{ I feel it for me and those whom I serve.}

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.