Elder and Sister Martin Micronesia and India Missions: India Bengaluru Stake Conference

We wrote this story about a wonderful stake conference we attended November 9 - 10, 2019

Bengaluru Stake Choir led by Brother Jubal, left - The Choir sang in three part harmony: Soprano, Alto and Tenor

Hundreds of saints from the Bengaluru Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gathered to hear messages from their local leaders and other brothers and sisters who prepared and presented messages. Buses arrived bringing members from as far away as KGF. Elder David F. Evans, General Authority Seventy and President of the Asia Area presided at the Saturday and Sunday sessions of the conference.

Elder David F. Evans, General Authority Seventy spoke at all sessions of the Stake Conference

Elder Evans spoke on many topics, but many were anxious to hear if he brought news of the future temple to be built in Bengaluru, India. He said that temple details and announcements come from the First Presidency and he didn’t know exactly when that announcement will happen. He did say that we will know more details including an artist’s rendition of the temple, “very soon”, “sooner than you think.”

The Stake Presidency, President Sampson, President Sunderaj, President Anthony, President and Sister Thomas and others enjoying Elder Evans’ address

Elder Evans spoke to everyone about how he takes notes during conference and then proceeded to give short recaps of the talks that were given. He talked about covenants that we make including at baptism, detailed in Mosiah 18:8-10 in the Book of Mormon where Alma and many gathered at the “Waters of Mormon” where people agreed to “mourn with those that mourn.” He then shared a recent experience about his nephew and his wife’s baby named “Charley” who was born with a serious heart problem. The family was very concerned and asked all to fast and pray for him. He received Priesthood blessings. Charley received two operations, but it was Heavenly Father’s will that Charlie should return to his heavenly home and died after living only ten days. Hundreds attended the funeral. He said this experience brought the family very close. Many “mourned with those that mourned” and “comforted those that stand in need of comfort.” He quoted Mosiah 18:10 where it says, “…being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?”

Elder Evans urged all the brethren to listen to the Women’s session of the October 2019 General Conference. He also said that your children need to see and hear you pray, adding that Fathers need to be there for morning and evening family prayers. He also talked about how fathers and husbands should speak kindly with love to their family.

The Stake President, President Sunderaj, spoke about President Nelson’s challenge for us to walk the covenant path. He said we need to do this because we are God’s covenant children. He added that we have made covenants at baptism, receiving the Priesthood, and covenants in the temple. He said that keeping these covenants opens the door to spiritual blessings and that we may receive, “All that the Father Has.”

President Sunderaj and Elder Evens Greeting a member after the Saturday evening session

Sister Sabita Isaac, who grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal spoke of seeking for truth, many challenges and adversities, and then countless blessings received from the Lord while serving full time in the India Bangalore Mission and later being eternally sealed to her husband in the holy temple.

President Thomas, India Bengaluru Mission President, spoke about traditions in our homes leading to conversion during the Saturday evening session. He talked about both good and bad traditions and gave examples from the Bible and other sources.