Days Never To Be Forgotten

Mar 35 min read

Written By April T Giauque

Elder Gary Stevenson General Conference Oct 2024

The future. What will be there? We have an idea from John the Revelator that the Last Days” will be a “bit dicey” for the wicked right before Christ’s Second Coming. The righteous will see, hear, and feel this angst and chaos, which is daunting and scary.

However, our prophet has taught us that He is coming soon, to be prepared and ready to repent, to listen to God, to find Him, etc. If we are [prepared, we shall not fear. We will see Christ’s Second coming as a welcomed event. I pray that we all are, and if anyone needs help, please reach out to God, to friends and family, to believers, and come unto Christ. repent, read, and pray…His light will be found.

With all that being said, Elder Gary Stevenson, an apostle of Jesus Christ, spoke about the future and our past in the recent General Conference. In the title, “Days Never to Be Forgotten,” Elder Stevenson only talked of hope, light, and the love that we can all experience even in the end of days! This hope-filled message turned my head. Hope, light, love in the last days? I wanted more!

1820-1830

Elder Stevenson laid the foundation by visiting the past: the decade from 1820 to 1830. He asked us to pause and think about all that happened during that decade:

Sacred Grove: Christ and the Father showing Themselves to young Joseph
The angel Moroni
Translated the gold plates
Published the Book of Mormon!
Christ's restoring the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods through Joseph.
Christ to Joseph, how to organize the Church!

In fact, Oliver Cowdery described that era well: “These were days never to be forgotten.”

2024-2034

Elder Stevenson did not stay in the past for long but used that as merely a jumping-off point to look at the decade 2023-2034! 2024. He punctuated a list focused on hope and light, not sin's chaos and craziness.

“We will experience seminal events that will result in extraordinary opportunities to serve, to unite with members and friends, and to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to more people than ever before.”

I listened to that, and my heart said the scripture that “shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” Isaiah 2:2.This scripture is on the plaque in the plaza at Temple Square. Then Elder Stevenson said, “The following 10 years constitute one manifestation of this prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled.” My mouth hung open listening to all of this revelation of the pulpit at Conference!

The World to Know Jesus and His Church

2024-2034 potential highlights for the World to know more about Jesus and His Church.

“World’s Oldest Religious Leader Turns 100.” They then listed the world’s 10 oldest faith leaders—with President Nelson first on a list that included Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama.
The plaza on Temple Square—featuring a display of international flags representing countries where the Church is recognized—was unveiled.
Temple Open houses for over 164 temples and counting
The rededication of the Salt Lake Temple and the activities associated with it.(we know this will now happen April-October 2027!).
2030 will be the bicentennial of the organization of the Church.
In 2034, thousands of dignitaries, visitors, and athletes worldwide will flood the streets of Salt Lake City, the stage for the Winter Olympic Games.

Again, Elder Stevenson emphasized, "The eyes of the world will be upon the Church and its members, affording a multitude of opportunities to volunteer, serve, and share glad tidings through kind deeds—an event never to be forgotten.”

Glad Tidings

After listing that magnificently positive list, President Nelson shared his thoughts about “Glad tidings.” On the face of it, he noted, the phrase rings of joy and happiness. But “glad tidings” conveys much more than that.

President Nelson explained that this phrase comes from the original Greek word “euangelion,” which literally means the “good news” or the “gospel.” Happiness and joy in this life and the next are always linked with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the scriptures, we read, “Men [and women] are, that they might have joy.” (As a side note, this is the 8th talk this conference has spoken about joy!) Heavenly Father has provided the “plan of happiness. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan to redeem us.

Youth Play a Vital Role in the Second Coming

To receive eternal life, we must come unto Christ. As we do so “and help others do the same, we participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.” Jesus enables joy through His blessings. These include living in His presence eternally as families, and guess who is Vital to this part? The Youth of the church—His Rising Generation!

“God has reserved spirits for this dispensation who have the courage and determination to face the world and all the powers of the evil one [and to] … build up the Zion of our God fearless of all consequences.”—Elder Cannon

The youth have four critical parts to play in this decade, “never to be forgotten:”

First, living the gospel of Jesus Christ;
Second, caring for those in need;
Third, inviting all to receive the gospel and
Fourth, uniting families for eternity.

As youth live, they make choices that show they love God and that sets them apart in normal and natural ways.

Second, these kids reach out compassionately and care for those in need. I agree with Elder Stevenson, “your generation is unusually mindful of the less fortunate. It is in your nature ‘to bear one another’s burdens’ and ‘comfort those that stand in need of comfort.’”

Thirdly, this generation (along with the rest of us) need to invite all to receive the gospel. The Church opened 36 new missions worldwide to accommodate all who desire to serve full-time missions. Whether serving full-time or not, please realize your immense capacity to influence your peers as you love, share, and invite them to explore the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Fourth, unite families for eternity is the goal. I love attending the House of the Lord and go weekly as I can. Elder Stevenson said, “I marvel at the standing-room-only crowds of youth waiting at the baptistry and the increased numbers of young adults serving as ordinance workers.”

Temples and their Power to Prepare the World For Christ's Return

I had to develop a pattern in my life, and I help my own children (who are at home) go to the temple monthly. I post about our trips to inspire my older children to return to God and to know that they are prayed over and for in the House of the Lord weekly. I want the House of the Lord and the Spirit they feel there to shape them and remind them that helping Jesus find Heavenly Father’s children is foundational to their joy!

In these crazy and chaotic days ahead, we can find peace as we “look to God and live!” The difficulties will be bearable with Jesus. And with this coming decade of unprecedented moments, may we share glad tidings through the simple activities of living, caring, inviting, and uniting. As we do so, the Lord will bless us with experiences “never to be forgotten.”