With high expectations, BYU–Hawaii students and community members waited in line early Sunday morning to get a seat at the Hawaii Regional Conference. The Regional Conference, held at the Cannon Activities Center (CAC) on the BYU–Hawaii campus on November 22, was also broadcast by satellite to stake centers throughout Hawaii to the more than 68,000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the state. (pictured top: CAC attendees watch President Monson on two big screens, one shown here)
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles presided over the two-hour meeting. President Thomas S. Monson had been expected to attend, but remained in Salt Lake after his wife was hospitalized from the effects of a fall.
The chance to see Elder Perry and hear remarks by leaders prepared for this region was especially meaningful to members of the Church who live so far from Salt Lake City, where the majority of Church officials live.
Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Scott D. Whiting of the North America West Area Seventy, Brother David M. McConkie of the Sunday School General Presidency and his wife, Sister JoAnne McConkie, also spoke.
President Thomas S. Monson, in a taped message that was played at the conference, said, "How I wish Sister Monson and I could be there with you to extend our love to you in person and to partake of your spirit." He spoke of the 77th Infantry Division in World War I, which came to be known as the "lost battalion" because of their refusal to surrender and resulting total isolation. "Men volunteered more readily, fought more gallantly, and died more bravely," he said.
Likewise, there are "lost battalions" today, said President Monson. These lost battalions include the aged, the sick, the widowed, the handicapped, and those less active in church worship. President Monson urged members to reach out to these people, to extend help and show love. "Extend them the hand that helps and the heart that knows compassion," he said. "By doing so we will bring joy into their hearts. We ourselves will experience the rich satisfaction which comes to us when we help another along the pathway to eternal life."
Elder Perry also used historical events to illustrate gospel principles. "This Thanksgiving Day ... follow the counsel given to us by President George Washington as he established this day of national celebration," said Elder Perry. "To, first, make some course corrections in our lives to bring us in harmony with His eternal gospel teachings; second, share our knowledge of the message of the restored gospel; third, remember to give sincere thanks for the Lord's bounteous blessing to His faithful children."
Elder Perry urged Latter-day Saints to ask the Lord for forgiveness, share their witness of the Lord, promote virtue and to be thankful for the many generous blessings the Lord has bestowed.
For an extended report on the conference, visit Ke Alaka'i online.
--Photo by Ryan Bagley