Regardless of what lies ahead in this world of uncertainty, said President Gordon B. Hinckley in his closing remarks, "One thing we do know. Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives."

Photo by Jason Olson

President Gordon B. Hinckley, with President Thomas S. Monson and Elder M. Russell Ballard, waves to congregation at conclusion of conference Sunday afternoon.

President Hinckley concluded the 172nd Annual General Conference Sunday afternoon with his testimony of the Savior, the last of 33 conference addresses that uplifted, edified and testified.

President Hinckley's testimony of the Savior continued: "He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us. . . ."

"Man would walk the ways of the world and sin and stumble. But the Son of God would take upon Himself flesh, and offer Himself a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all men. Through unspeakable suffering He would become the great Redeemer, the Savior of all mankind. With some small understanding of that incomparable gift, that marvelous gift of redemption, we bow in reverent love before Him."

In his opening remarks Saturday morning, President Hinckley discussed the recent Olympic Winter Games held in the city where the Church headquarters are located, observing that Brigham Young's prophecy of 1849 has been fulfilled, a prophecy in which he said of Salt Lake City: "This will become the great highway of the nations. Kings and emperors and the noble and the wise of the earth will visit us here."

President Hinckley's address was one of several that referred to the successful 2002 Winter Games during which, he said, "visitors came by the hundreds of thousands" and "television carried the picture to billions of people across the earth. Newspapers and magazines ran story after story."

"They found something they never expected. They discovered not only the scenic wonder of this area, with its magnificent mountains and valleys, they found not only the wonderful spirit of the international Games at their best, but they found beauty in this city. They found hosts who were gracious and accommodating and anxious to assist them."

And, "out of all this came something wonderful for the Church." He noted that the Church has grown from six members to 11 million-plus members, and is now the fifth largest in the United States, even though there are more members outside the United States than in it.

"No other church to come out of the soil of America has grown so fast or spread so widely."

The Olympic theme was echoed by President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, in his priesthood address, who quoted the stirring first words of the musical theme of the Games, "Call of the Champions," which are citius, (swifter), altius, (higher), and fortius (stronger).

"It is time for the call to the champions," said President Faust. "In God's work we too must be swifter, working with greater urgency; higher, striving for lofty spiritual goals; and stronger, relying on God's strength."

However, mighty strengths can be weakened and wasted by hidden wedges of hurt and unforgiveness, counseled President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency as he delivered one of a number of addresses given on matters of the soul.

"The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul," President Monson affirmed. "In many families there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn't really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals."