Go Forward in Faith

Hear, hearken to, and heed the words of Christ.

… even when you feel like you’re not particularly successful … that’s me now.

Great promises requested from the dedication of the Kirkland temple.

Use this time when the temples are closed to live a temple-worthy life.

New temples:

• Argentina
• Tallahassee, FL
• Congo
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Nigeria
• Syracuse, UT
• Dubai
• Shanghai

We unveiled a new symbol signifying our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and for visual recognition of official Church information and materials.

That symbol might be the most far reaching thing to come out of this conference – unless it proves to be the phrase “Hear Him.”

Thank you for your desire to make your homes true sanctuaries of faith, where the Spirit of the Lord may dwell. Our gospel study curriculum, Come, Follow Me, will continue to bless your lives. Your consistent efforts in this endeavor—even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful—will change your life, that of your family, and the world. We will be strengthened as we become even more valiant disciples of the Lord, standing up and speaking up for Him, wherever we are.

That is encouraging to know that our worst will affect us and our families even when we don’t feel particularly successful.

Brothers and sisters, during times of our distress when temples are closed, you can still draw upon the power of your temple covenants and endowment as you honor your covenants. Please use this time when temples are closed to continue to live a temple-worthy life or to become temple worthy.

Talk about the temple with your family and friends. Because Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do in the temple, as you think more about the temple you will be thinking more about Him. Study and pray to learn more about the power and knowledge with which you have been endowed—or with which you will yet be endowed.

I need to find ways to talk about the temple. Maybe sharing temple news with the kids would be a way to start.

The plan for a temple in Dubai comes in response to their gracious invitation, which we gratefully acknowledge.

Context for the plan for Shanghai is very important. For more than two decades, temple-worthy members in the People’s Republic of China have attended the Hong Kong China Temple. But in July 2019, that temple was closed for long-planned and much-needed renovation.

In Shanghai, a modest multipurpose meeting place will provide a way for Chinese members to continue to participate in ordinances of the temple—in the People’s Republic of China—for them and their ancestors.

In every country, this Church teaches its members to honor, obey, and sustain the law. We teach the importance of the family, of being good parents and exemplary citizens. Because we respect the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, the Church does not send proselyting missionaries there; nor will we do so now.

Expatriate and Chinese congregations will continue to meet separately. The Church’s legal status there remains unchanged. In an initial phase of facility use, entry will be by appointment only. The house of the Lord in Shanghai will not be a destination place for tourists from other countries.

Dubai and China are two of the most unlikely places for the church to build temples. I love the fact that President Nelson pulled back the curtain a bit on both of those – and especially China – and have us a peek at what limits are in place for the church there.