- Gave so much

- Held fast to convictions- Sustained by faith

Members of today owe a debt of gratitude to those who have gone before, "who have given so much to build the kingdom into the worldwide miracle that it is today," said Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve.

"Our debt of gratitude to our forebears is a `debt that can best be paid in service to this great cause,' " he said in the Saturday afternoon session.

"No matter who we are - no matter our talents, abilities, financial resources, education, or experience - we all can serve in the kingdom. He who calls us will qualify us for the work if we will serve with humility, prayer, diligence, and faith."

Elder Wirthlin praised the pioneer forefathers saying, "We can attribute much of the remarkable progress of the Church and of this state of Utah to their faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We stand in awe of their resolve and tenacity in holding fast to their convictions despite the obstacles they had to overcome."

He said that the religious freedom in America allowed the Church to flourish and "generations of faithful members have forged a firm foundation."

"The exciting global growth of the Church has focused our attention on the prophesied glorious future of the kingdom. At the same time that we look ahead with optimism, we should pause and look back on the faith of our humble pioneer forefathers."

A recent look back came in February, when the 150th anniversary of the exodus of the Saints from Nauvoo was commemorated, he said. This exodus comprised more than 10,000 people leaving their "City Beautiful" and heading into the American frontier.

"They did not know exactly where they were going, precisely how many miles lay ahead, how long the journey would take, or what the future held in store for them," said Elder Wirthlin. "But they did know they were led by the Lord and His servants. Their faith sustained them."

Heightened fear of mobs and swirling rumors of possible government intervention compelled Brigham Young to begin the exodus during the winter on Feb. 4, 1846.

"They drove their laden wagons and their livestock down Parley Street - a street that became known as the `Street of Tears' - to a landing where they were ferried across the river to Iowa," he related.

He told of looking over the Mississippi River during a recent visit to Nauvoo, and while there feeling a deeper sense of appreciation and gratitude for those Saints. "We wondered how they ever survived. What a sacrifice to leave behind so much for the uncertain future that lay ahead!"

Elder Wirthlin said that despite hardships caused by cold, snow, rain, mud, sickness, hunger and death, these pioneers were determined to do, "no matter the cost, what they believed fervently to be the will of God."

"Let us dedicate ourselves by doing the Lord's work to the best of our abilities," he said. "May we honor the faith of our fathers by giving our own faithful service to `this great cause.' "