In a historic address — offered by the oldest apostle to ever speak in general conference — Elder David B. Haight bore a powerful witness of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Elder David B. Haight

"God lives," said Elder Haight, 97, of the Quorum of the Twelve. "He is our Father, our Father in Heaven."

After a brief introduction from President Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Haight stood at the podium with a "humble heart, a heart that is full of love for the work, for you people who are here and who are listening."

He recalled attending the October 2003 general conference and standing at the podium and waving to the worldwide congregation.

"At our last conference six months ago, as I stood here by President Hinckley, he encouraged me to wave to you and I used all the energy that I had," Elder Haight recalled, waving to the congregation. "I have heard from some people who thought I was waving a farewell. But I have come here today to indicate to you and tell you, I am back."

With characteristic wit, Elder Haight continued, "I don't have anyone else pushing my arm for me."

Then he waved again to the congregation.

"I understand the power of prayer and of faith and devotion and acknowledging precious witnesses from heaven. And so as I stand here today, just to bear my testimony and say hello to you, I am hoping that by another conference I will be totally healed and able to do what I am asked to do."

Speaking of Eliza R. Snow who wrote numerous favorite sacrament hymns, Elder Haight quoted from the hymn, "How Great the Wisdom and the Love."

"Just run that through your mind for a second, because we were there," said Elder Haight. " 'How great the wisdom and the love that filled the courts on high, that sent the Savior from above to suffer, bleed and die.' And we chose to come here. So we are here assembled in this vast auditorium, where we can speak to each other and bear witness and bear testimony."

Elder Haight also offered Church members hope. "I assure you that in those sleepless nights that I have had at times, when you attempt to solve all of your problems and to make new resolutions of things that need to be done, you have heavenly thoughts that lift you.

"God, our Heavenly Father, loves us, as we should love Him. And He selected His Son, Jesus the Christ, to come to earth and institute, bring the gospel of Jesus Christ, of which is the name of this Church, which we bear witness to, and which I wanted to stand and bear (witness) of today."

In closing, Elder Haight also expressed love for President Hinckley. "The gospel is true. I know it. I am a witness of it."