Latter-day Saints have long understood the enormous blessings that come from having a modern prophet. Through this modern seer and revelator, the Lord can tell the world what He would have people know and do about current problems. General conference offers a wonderful opportunity to feast on these words, which come not only from the prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, but also from his counselors, members of the Quorum of the Twelve and other General Authorities as well.

The most recent conference was no exception. The Spirit was strong. The messages were clear.

Much was said about avoiding the evils so prevalent in the world, particularly in various media that can easily find their way into the average home. Pornography and unwholesome entertainment must be shunned. But the most overriding message was one of hope and peace, and that is a tremendous comfort, given the world's current circumstances.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a tremendous force for good in the world. As President Hinckley noted, the Church has joined with other charitable organizations to help immunize millions of children in Africa, where too many people die each year from diseases that have long been conquered in much of the rest of the world. The Church's Perpetual Education Fund, meanwhile, is offering hope to tens of thousands of young men and women in under-developed countries. These young people will receive education and training that will help them lift themselves out of despair and poverty.

"It was said that at one time the sun never set on the British Empire," President Hinckley said. "That empire has now been diminished. But it is true that the sun never sets on this work of the Lord as it is touching the lives of people across the earth. And this is only the beginning."

The Church will continue to grow, expand and be a force for great good in the world. It has a future, "of which we can scarcely imagine."

President Hinckley also spoke of his own struggles with difficult problems, and of his conviction that the Lord would not want His followers to despair.

"There are forces all around us that would deter us, . . ." he said. "The world is constantly crowding in on us. From all sides we feel the pressure to soften our stance, to give in, here a little and there a little. We must never lose sight of our objective. We must ever keep before us the goal which the Lord has set for us."

His struggles are very much like those every faithful Church member wages in some personal way. President Hinckley reminded Church members that "we are all in this together," and that "we are not alone. Unseen forces beyond the veil are helping us."

This is a tremendous, encouraging message of hope. Every person who is trying to make his or her way through a troubling world should lap up these words as though they were soothing water to a parched soul. They show that, above all, the Lord wants His followers to know that He loves them and cares about their troubles, and that He is anxious to help them.

What a wonderful blessing it is to hear from servants who are called and authorized by the Lord to speak on His behalf.