Building a personal relationship with the Savior, living Christ-like lives and recognizing the infinite value of his atoning sacrifice were recurring themes in talks presented in Sunday's sessions of the 176th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tens of thousands again gathered in the Conference Center and the church's downtown campus to hear the words of leaders. Millions more around the world heard the messages via cable, satellite and Internet.

Unlike Saturday, when pelting rain sent umbrella-toting hundreds into the conference venues damp but undeterred, Sunday offered a pleasant spring day for many who remained outside, unable to find seats in the buildings.

President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, also focused on the universality of the plan of salvation for all of God's children. "Our message," he said, repeating a 1978 statement of the First Presidency, "is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and woman, regardless of religious belief, race or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters . . . "

He said the restored gospel contributes to the religious beliefs of other denominations, both Christian and non-Christian. The restoration of the church established by Jesus is fulfillment of ancient prophecy that there would be first a falling away from the original church and then a re-establishment before the coming of the Savior, he said.

"We believe the fulness of the gospel of Christ has been restored, but this is no reason for anyone to feel superior in any way towards others of God's children." Respect for the religious beliefs of others, in fact, is inherent in the understanding that the plan of salvation is for all, he said.

From the first of his earthly ministry to the last, the Savior's plea always was "Come unto me," Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the morning session.

He offered that plea as a solution to those "who are facing personal trials and family struggles, those who endure conflicts fought in the lonely foxholes of the heart, those trying to hold back flood waters of despair that sometimes wash over us like a tsunami of the soul . . . those who feel your lives are broken, seemingly beyond repair."

Coming to Christ begins simply with the desire to believe, Elder Holland said. Changing negative elements of life is a necessary second step. At times, the hardships of life come from outside the individual, but repentance of personal failings is essential to removing obstacles to a personal relationship with Jesus, "and we must forgive the rest."

Taking upon oneself the name of Christ is inherent in the ordinance of the sacrament and in temple covenants, Elder Holland said. They are buoyed by prayer and fasting, meditation, serving others and offering to them the pure love of Christ.

Elder Holland called for a more "straightforward personal experience" with the Savior. "Sometimes, we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important, but not as important as personal experience, true discipleship and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of his touch."

Those who battle addictions, family problems and other mortal challenges should first come to Christ, whatever other solutions they apply, he said. ". . . the Savior's atonement lifts us not only from the burden of our sins, but also from the burden of our disappointments and sorrows, our heartaches and our despair." Those who know the voice of the Savior and strive to do as he did can find strength.

In a similar vein, Sister Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the general presidency of the Relief Society, urged Latter-day Saints to choose to "put away childish things" and to "grow up unto the Lord." While physical growth is natural, there must be a conscious choice to become spiritually mature, she said.

Service to others, a willingness to press forward in the Lord's work and faithfully following callings are all avenues to spiritual growth, Sister Pingree said.

The universal blessing of the Atonement should be a welcome message to people in every corner of the world, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve, quoting numerous Book of Mormon scriptures that emphasize that God's love extends to all his children.

Elder Oaks recounted what he said were miraculous conversions of people to the church in Russia, Nigeria, India, Thailand, Cambodia and Mongolia. "The Lord provides a way for all his children and he desires that each of us come unto him."

A conviction of the saving power of the Atonement eases both physical death and the spiritual death that separates mankind from deity, said Elder Earl C. Tingey of the Presidency of the Quorums of the Seventy.

"The Atonement is an event that enables us to be reconciled to God . . . In terms of family, it means to be reunited with one another and with God and his son, Jesus Christ. It means sadness through separation will become happiness through reuniting."

Missionary work was the focus of two LDS apostles during afternoon session speakers.

The family should be a training ground for missionaries, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve said. "Experience has shown that the best teaching situations develop when our members participate in the finding and teaching process . . . Having a gospel-sharing home will not only be a blessing for those we bring into our homes, but for those who live within it."

Elder Richard G. Scott, also of the Quorum of the Twelve, echoed the need for well-prepared missionaries and urged that church members worldwide study and apply the concepts in "Preach My Gospel," a missionary guideline for teaching gospel truths. Parents should use the guide in teaching children, he said. Such early training is the best opportunity to qualify a young person to become a teacher at the right time, he said.

The teachings of the text are also useful to young women who may become wives and mothers rather than missionaries in the traditional sense, Elder Scott said. He praised the mission experience as one of the most rewarding possible and the foundation of a Christ-centered life.

Capping the two-day gathering, President Gordon B. Hinckley urged church members to incorporate the teachings they had heard into their lives during the six months until the semiannual conference in October is convened.

"Now, as we return to our homes and our vocational labors, may we remember and constantly express in our lives the counsel we have received. May we remain fortified against the wiles of the adversary. May our labors and many church responsibilities be not burdensome, but may they bring joy and satisfaction," he said.