Dale G. Renlund

I encourage you to remember and always focus on Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and Redeemer, the “mark” to whom we should look, and our greatest treasure. As you come to Him, you will be rewarded with strength to face life’s challenges, courage to do what is right, and the ability to fulfill your mission in mortality.

Earlier this month, at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, I was so enthralled by the children who sang so beautifully, I just wanted to thank each of them individually. This picture was captured of my attempt to do that. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to shake hands with each of them, so I send this post to tell each of them, “Thank you for your preparation, both physically and spiritually. You touched my heart deeply. I pray you will never forget that what you sang and testified of is true: Jesus loves each of you!”

The testimonies of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints in Honduras run deep. Honduras was named so by Christopher Columbus because “hondo” in Spanish means “deep.” This depth of faith and faithfulness of the people who live there is the reason the Lord directed his prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, to build another beautiful temple in the wonderful country of Honduras.

Jesus Christ wants nothing more than for us to repent and come unto Him so that He can justify and sanctify us. In this desire, He is relentless and unwavering. #GeneralConference

Since President Russell M. Nelson’s 99+1 invitation, I’ve been thinking about people in my life who have come to my rescue and treated me like “the one.” Let me tell you about Becky, a saintly neighbor. When I was a child, if I sat reverently during a Church meeting, she sought me out, grabbed my cheek in an affectionate way, patted me on the head, and said, “You’re a good boy.” Later when I was 12 or 16 when I passed the sacrament, she found me, grabbed my cheek, patted me on the head, and said, “You’re a good boy.” At age 21, after I had reported my mission in a sacrament meeting, she did the same thing, saying, “You’re a good boy.” Every time Becky did this, it made me feel good, and it motivated me to be good. A few years ago, I returned to the ward in which I grew up. Becky still lives there—she was then 90 years old. As I was seated on the stand, presiding, then at age 68, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, she came up. She blindsided me—it was a sneak attack. She grabbed me by the cheek, patted me on the head, and said, “You’re a good boy.” This simple act brought me great joy and peace. I am now—and have always been—pleased by her encouragement. Her applause for my efforts to be good make me want to be good and to be better. Becky’s influence on me helps me understand the importance of seeing individuals and motivates me to take President Nelson’s invitation seriously and seek out individuals that I can help. #99Plus1

The Savior’s job is to heal. Our job is to love—to love and minister in such a way that others are drawn to Jesus Christ. Let us bring all our compassion, empathy, and love as we interact with those around us. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that those who are struggling “need to experience the pure love of Jesus Christ reflected in [our] words and actions” (“Peacemakers Needed,” general conference, Apr. 2023). As we minister, we encourage others frequently and offer help. Even if someone is not receptive, we continue to minister as they allow. The Savior taught that “unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them” (3 Nephi 18:32).

I had the opportunity to speak at a conference of the Utah Coalition Against Pornography (UCAP) at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, May 4th. UCAP brings together people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to help those affected by pornography. I appreciated immensely participating in a panel with two remarkable individuals who have extensive experience in helping those who are affected by pornography. Dan Gray, MSW is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in addictions counseling. Jill Manning, PhD is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in treating individuals who have been sexually betrayed through infidelity or compulsive sexual behavior. The title for my talk and for the panel was “Hope, Help, and Healing – Not an Impossible Dream.” Some of the great points Mr. Gray and Dr. Manning made were that those affected by pornography in any way can receive help, hope and healing. It is critical, though, to remember that loved ones have also suffered with a breach in trust and feelings of betrayal. I can sum up what I learned about pornography: 1. If you don’t view pornography, don’t start. 2. If you view pornography, stop. 3. If you can’t stop, get help. 4. If you have hurt someone by viewing pornography, recognize the hurt you have caused and with a broken heart and contrite spirit work to earn their trust again. 5. If you have been hurt by a loved one, it’s not your fault and you, too, can heal.

We will undoubtedly have times in our lives when we flip over in our kayaks and find ourselves in deep water. Through repentance, we can get back on top and continue, no matter how many times we have fallen off. The important part is that we do not give up as we continue to “row” toward the Savior and come unto Him. #GeneralConference

Because Jesus Christ endured the infinite atoning sacrifice, He empathizes perfectly with us. The marks in the palms of His hands continually remind Him of you and your circumstances. Jesus Christ overcame the world and “absorbed” all unfairness. Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. For those who come unto Him, joy and gladness will replace grief and sorrow. #BecauseofHim

It was most sobering to visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center in Cambodia. I’m grateful the Kingdom of Cambodia shows and remembers what occurred during the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s to respect and honor those who were killed.      An important question is, does the Atonement of Jesus Christ cover even this?   The answer is yes. Everything that is unfair about life can and will be made right by the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know this to be true.

At the Samdech Euv Samdech Mé Referral Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has partnered with leaders of the hospital to help increase the level and quality of care they are able to provide. The healthcare providers here are deeply committed to helping people, and it’s an honor to see the success of this facility.   This is just one example of how the Church of Jesus Christ, its missionaries, and its members are striving to follow the example of Jesus Christ and go about doing good. All of us, all over the world, can make a difference because of our faith.

It was such an honor to meet with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hun Manet. He was so gracious to take the time to meet with us. It was a privilege to be with him. The prime minister is a remarkable individual. He is very humble and has an incredible vision for the country to help people and lift them. I have felt that something special is going on here in Cambodia—something remarkable. Through our working relationship with the government and humanitarian partnerships, the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to progress, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.