Elder M. Russell Ballard
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"Joseph Smith knew that no enemy then present or in the future would have sufficient power to stop the purposes of God."
Latter-day Saints have been dealt many trials since the church was organized in 1830. During that decade, 597 missionaries were called and more than 15,000 converts were baptized.
"The faith of the Saints was tested in every footstep as Brigham Young led them to build temples and establish more than 350 colonies in the West. By the time Brigham Young died in 1877, worldwide church membership had grown to 115,000."
Despite persecution, the truth of God was going forth boldly and nobly.
Since then, membership in the church has grown to 13 million.
"But there is still much to do before the Great Jehovah can announce the work is done."
Challenges are different today, but they are no less demanding.
"Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, greed ... and spiritual apathy."
"This is not a time for the spiritually faint of heart. We cannot afford to be superficially righteous. Our testimonies must run deep, with spiritual roots firmly imbedded in the rock of revelation."
