General Conference Lifts, Inspires, and Encourages Greater Diligence and Heed By Nicole Seymour, Church Magazines Latter-day Saints worldwide gathered to hear the 175th Semiannual General Conference from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City this weekend—a set of meetings that President Gordon B. Hinckley called "a spiritual feast." Among many gospel truths, the conference stressed spiritual and temporal preparedness in light of recent calamities and perilous times; the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the significance of his life, testimony, and example; and in support of President Hinckley's challenge to read the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ by the end of the year, the significance and blessings that the book holds for those who read it. The conference also emphasized various other doctrines and principles, including the Atonement, charity, endurance, missionary work, temple work, and the strengthening of the Church in all the earth. Preparation and Heed In light of the December Tsunami in Thailand and Indonesia, and with the more recent Hurricanes Katrina and Rita along the Gulf Coast of the United States, many General Authorities warned that spiritual and temporal preparedness are essential. Bishop Keith B. McMullin said that as calamities increase in frequency and in intensity, spiritual preparedness and strength is most essential. He said, "The gospel of Jesus Christ provides answers and solutions to all of the world's problems." Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged all to spiritually "journey to higher ground." He said that none are immune to calamities, and that they must be learned from. Elder Wirthlin also said the scriptures show the consequences of following or not following the Lord's counsel, and that the LordÕs words should be heeded. Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in order to endure the spiritual and temporal storms that will come, "You must reconcile yourselves to the will of God." Gratitude for the Prophet Joseph Smith In commemoration of the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth 200 years ago, many speakers recognized the impact of his life and actions. Concerning the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said, "'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us love—by example. . . . "Although those who sought to take away his life felt that the Church would collapse without him, his powerful testimony of truth, the teachings he translated, and his declaration of the Savior's message go on today in the hearts of over 12 million members throughout the world who proclaim him as prophet of God." In his closing remarks on Sunday afternoon, President Hinckley announced a special fireside to be held on December 23, the Prophet Joseph Smith's 200th birthday. "What the choirs sang so magnificently this morning in tribute to the Prophet will be but a dress rehearsal for the occasion in December," he said. President Hinckley plans to be at the Prophet's birthplace in Sharon, Vermont, but the other members of the First Presidency and other General Authorities will be at the Conference Center for the event "to [honor] the great Prophet of this dispensation." The Importance of the Book of Mormon Church leaders also focused on the power that comes with sincere study of the Book of Mormon. They reaffirmed the validity of President Hinckley's promises given in August to those who will finish reading the Book of Mormon by year's end. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that one should ask "Why did the writer include this for us?" while reading the Book of Mormon. He said the book is not just a history of a fallen people, but inspired prophets wrote it specifically for our benefit in this modern era. Sister Cheryl C. Lant, Primary general president, said, "When we read the scriptures, we are hearing the voice of the Savior." Elder Eyring said in order to maintain faith in the Lord, we need to be strengthened and nourished continually. "Go to the scriptures early, consistently, and heed the personal revelation that comes," he said. "Faith doesn't store well." Other Milestones This conference was translated into five additional languages: Aymara, Kuna, Quechua, Serbian, and Spanish-Castillian, making a total of 80 languages that conference is translated into. President Hinckley said the fact that conference was translated into so many languages proves that all Ònations, kindreds, tongues, and peopleÓ are learning Joseph Smith's name. In the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, Elders Neil L. Anderson and Ronald A. Rasband were sustained as members of the Presidency of the Seventy, while others were released from the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy. In his opening remarks, President Hinckley announced that a new temple will be built in the western part of the Salt Lake Valley. The temple will be the fourth in the Salt Lake valley and the thirteenth in Utah. He also announced that a fifth temple lot has been identified in the southwestern part of the Salt Lake Valley for development upon further member growth in the area. To read the sidebar, "Impressions of Conference," click here.