During the Sunday afternoon session of general conference, newly called apostles Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares shared touching testimonies of modern prophets and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
"Dear brothers and sisters, we belong to each other. We can be knit together in unity and love in all things and in all places," Elder Gerrit W. Gong told the congregation.
He continued, "Everything worthy and eternal is centered in the living reality of God, our loving Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement, witnessed by the Holy Ghost. . . . I reverently witness and solemnly testify of the living Christ—He who died, was buried, and rose again the third day and ascended into heaven. He is Alpha and Omega. With us in the beginning, He is with us to the end."
Elder Gong also shared his testimony of prophets. "I testify of latter-day prophets from the prophet Joseph Smith to our dear President Russell M. Nelson, who we joyfully sustain," he said.
He concluded, "I witness the Lord’s kingdom is once again on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah."
Elder Ulisses Soares spoke following Elder Gong, and he likewise testified of prophets and the Atonement.
"President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of God on earth. I’ve never seen anyone more kind and loving than he is," Elder Soares said.
He continued, "Having prophets is a sign of God’s love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to their people. . . . Brothers and sisters, I testify from the bottom of my heart that the prophets speak by the power of the Holy Spirit. They testify of Christ and His divine mission on earth. They represent the mind and heart of the Lord and are called to represent Him and teach us what we must do to return to live in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed as we exercise our faith and follow their teachings. By following them, our lives are happier and less complicated, our difficulties and problems are easier to bear, and we create a spiritual armor around us that will protect us from the attack of the enemy in our day."
Elder Soares concluded, "On this Easter day, I solemnly testify that Jesus Christ is risen. He lives. And He directs this church on earth through His prophets, seers, and revelators. I testify that He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world and that through Him, we can be saved and exalted in the presence of our dear God. I love Him. I adore Him. I want to follow Him and do His will and become more like Him.