President Nelson joked about his tease last October about this conference being “memorable” and “unforgettable” as he opened conference. No, he did not anticipate not having any conference attendees except for the speakers. But as they say, the show must go on.

Despite the elephant virus in the air so to speak the conference still focused on the promised 200th anniversary of the First Vision. The purpose of any General Conference is to help us hear God as we strive to become like Him and prepare to meet Him, explained President Nelson. It’s that simple.

We are Christian. We believe in Christ. We follow Christ. We know He is our way back to our heavenly home with God. The only difference is we believe in living prophets of God to help point the way. Modern day prophets started with Joseph Smith and has continued on until our current prophet Russell M. Nelson.

President Ballard gives a great summary of the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Focusing on the anniversary we are celebrating this year.

At the end of his talk, President Ballard invites us to “consider what offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness in the coming days.” If I were sharing this talk in Relief Society I would end the lesson on this note and give the sisters time to reflect and write something down.

Some discussion questions to help prompt your own.

• How do you hear Him?
• How do you follow the prophet?
• Why is conference important to you?
• How did conference provide peace for you?
• When did you first hear about the restoration of the gospel? How has it changed your life?
• What offering did you present to the Lord while listening to conference?

Opening Message by President Russell M. Nelson

Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause? By President M. Russell Ballard