Opening Message

Understanding the Uniqueness of the April 2020 General Conference

President Nelson acknowledges the unique circumstances of the April 2020 general conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the physical restrictions, he expresses comfort in knowing that members are participating via electronic transmission.

My beloved brothers and sisters, as we welcome you to this historic April 2020 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for reasons you know, I stand before you in an empty auditorium!

Little did I know, when I promised you at the October 2019 general conference that this April conference would be “memorable” and “unforgettable,” that speaking to a visible congregation of fewer than 10 people would make this conference so memorable and unforgettable for me!

• What unique circumstances surrounded the April 2020 general conference?
• How did President Nelson feel about speaking to an almost empty auditorium?
• How did you feel participating in the general conference under these unique circumstances?
• What can you do to feel more connected to the conference and its messages, even when physical attendance is not possible?

Emphasizing the Importance of Spiritual Preparedness

President Nelson stresses the importance of spiritual preparedness, especially in times of trials. He encourages members to fill their spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony, and to strive daily to become more like the Savior.

How can we endure such trials? The Lord has told us that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” Of course, we can store our own reserves of food, water, and savings. But equally crucial is our need to fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony.

Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

• What does President Nelson say about the importance of spiritual preparedness?
• How can we prepare spiritually for trials, according to President Nelson?
• What steps can you take to increase your spiritual preparedness?
• How can striving to become more like the Savior help you in times of trials?

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the First Vision

President Nelson highlights the significance of the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, where God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith. He emphasizes the importance of seeking to hear Jesus Christ in our lives.

This year, we commemorate the 200th anniversary of one of the most significant events in the history of the world—namely, the appearance of God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to Joseph Smith.

That admonition given to Joseph is for each of us. We are to seek, in every way we can, to hear Jesus Christ, who speaks to us through the power and ministering of the Holy Ghost.

• What significance does President Nelson attribute to the 200th anniversary of the First Vision?
• What does President Nelson say about the importance of seeking to hear Jesus Christ in our lives?
• How can you seek to hear Jesus Christ more in your life?
• What does the First Vision mean to you, especially in this 200th anniversary year?

Inviting Participation in the Conference

President Nelson invites members to participate in a worldwide solemn assembly during the conference. He expresses his hopes for the conference to be a spiritual highlight for members as they express their gratitude to God the Father and His Son.

For example, at the conclusion of the Sunday morning session, we will convene a worldwide solemn assembly when I will lead you in the sacred Hosanna Shout. We pray that this will be a spiritual highlight for you as we express in global unison our profound gratitude to God the Father and His Beloved Son by praising Them in this unique way.

• What is President Nelson's invitation to members for the conference?
• What is the purpose of the worldwide solemn assembly, according to President Nelson?
• How can you prepare to participate in the worldwide solemn assembly?
• What can you do to make this conference a spiritual highlight for you?

Expressing Hopes for the Outcomes of the Conference

President Nelson expresses his hopes for the outcomes of the conference. He prays for the messages to bring peace, healing, illumination, and guidance to members, and for the conference to bring about lasting effects as members" hearts change and they seek to hear the Savior.

We pray that this conference will be memorable and unforgettable because of the messages you will hear, the unique announcements which will be made, and the experiences in which you will be invited to participate.

The most important lasting effects of this historic conference will be as our hearts change and we commence a lifelong quest to hear Him.

• What are President Nelson's hopes for the outcomes of the conference?
• What does President Nelson say about the lasting effects of the conference?
• How can you make the most of the messages, announcements, and experiences of the conference?
• What steps can you take to commence a lifelong quest to hear the Savior?