Southwest stakes addressed via satellite
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Members around the world gather in stake centers and meetinghouses to see and hear General Authorities address their stake conferences via satellite broadcasts.
Though the broadcasts are frequent, they are far from ordinary occurrences. Each is unique and the messages, though tailored for members worldwide, strike a chord in individual hearts.
Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve take turns presiding over and addressing the conferences, which include speakers from among members of the Seventy, Presiding Bishopric and auxiliary presidencies.
Since they began on Sept. 12, 2004, President Gordon B. Hinckley has presided over and addressed 20 of the broadcasts, including the latest, which was transmitted Feb. 25 to members in 68 stakes and four districts in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Others participating in the broadcast were Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy, Sister Julie B. Beck, first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, and Young Men General President Charles W. Dahlquist.
President Hinckley often has said that he prefers to be among the members but it isn't possible to personally attend all of the various conferences. Of the technology that makes possible the satellite broadcasts, he said, "What a wonderful thing it is that we are able to speak to you as though we were present with you."
In remarks to members in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, President Hinckley called attention to scriptures that teach of Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He also bore testimony of the Atonement, the restored gospel and the Book of Mormon.
His words sank deeply into the hearts of members viewing the broadcast.
President Charles L. Webb of the Abilene Texas Stake presides over 13 units, the farthest located 115 miles from the stake center. "Our members gathered in all the units so more could see the broadcast," President Webb said. "A few of our members saw President Hinckley when he dedicated the Dallas temple, but probably 95 percent of my stake will never see him in person. It was good to see him by satellite."
Norman Oklahoma Stake President Robert C. Keyes said that the conference broadcast had great meaning "to the saints out here. It was a special event." He said that the members have become accustomed to watching general conference broadcasts. "This had a different feeling from general conference," he said. "So much of this broadcast was addressed directly to our stake."
Alamagordo New Mexico District President Joe Magill reported, "One member said, 'Isn't it wonderful that President Hinckley came to our district conference?' That was how it felt, like President Hinckley was the concluding speaker in Alamagordo. It was the most wonderful district conference we've ever had."
Elder Hales spoke of "a few of the most important gospel principles you will need to live so that you can continue your growth and development in the Lord's kingdom." Topics that he addressed included baptism, the Holy Spirit, prayer, scripture study, pondering and quiet contemplation, faith, testimony, making correct choices, covenants, temples and tithing.
In remarks directed to the youth, he said, "One of the greatest blessings as well as the greatest challenges comes from our choice of friends....Good friends make it easier to live the commandments when you are with them. A true friend strengthens you and helps you live the gospel principles that will assist you to endure to the end.
"A true friend will not make you choose between the Lord's ways or his or her ways or desires which are opposed to the commandments, thus taking you off the straight and narrow path that, if we endure to the end, leads to eternal life."
Elder Hales also counseled, "Be a good example; be a light unto the world; lead and guide those around you on the paths of righteousness. They are depending on you."
Elder Walker said, "One of the great blessings that our loving Heavenly Father has given us in this dispensation is the presence of apostles and prophets on the earth today. Their great calling is to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ; additionally they give us guidance and direction for how we should live our lives."
He spoke of counsel given by latter-day prophets, especially in regards to scripture study. He told of the recent publication in Tongan of the triple combination and said that the First Presidency wrote a letter encouraging members to obtain their own copies of the scriptures and promised that as members learn and teach from the scriptures they will receive certain blessings: testimonies will grow, knowledge will increase, love of family and others will expand, the ability to serve will enlarge, and greater strength will be given to resist temptation and to defend truth and righteousness.
Sister Beck referred to the "For the Strength of Youth" booklet in addressing young people, their parents and leaders. She spoke of the liberation and freedom that come from keeping the commandments, and of the importance of maintaining high standards.
She said the booklet is "a great little tool" that answers the "why" questions that young people often ask. "It provides guidelines that protect and liberate us. If we choose correctly then we are promised some great blessings," she said.
Brother Dahlquist told the young people in the broadcast area: "This time in your lives is truly a time to prepare and meet the challenges of life." He said it won't be long before they're called as missionaries, ward and stake leaders and teachers, and marry and become parents. "And when the call comes, the time for preparation is past," he declared. "Someone once said, 'Five minutes before the dance is no time to learn the tango.' Now is the time to prepare."
He offered some small suggestions to help young people prepare to meet the challenges of the world. He counseled them to never forget who they are — Latter-day Saints who have taken upon themselves the name of the Savior — and to learn to control their thoughts. He also advised the youth to get as much education as possible.
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