More than thirty years ago, I made the most important decision of my life: to enter into a covenant with the Lord through baptism in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At that time, I didn’t fully understand the depth of what that decision meant, but today, with gratitude and love, I can say it has been the greatest gift of my life. Over these three decades, I’ve grown spiritually, learned the gospel, built a family based on eternal principles, and witnessed how technology has transformed the way we live our faith. One of the experiences that has evolved the most — yet retains its spiritual power — is how we participate in General Conference.
The Beginning: VHS Recordings
I remember when I was new in the Church, watching General Conference was quite the logistical event. In my local unit, we didn’t have live satellite broadcasts, so we relied on members who recorded the sessions on VHS tapes. These recordings would arrive days later, and we’d gather as a ward to watch them. It didn’t matter if we already knew some of the messages from Church magazines — seeing and hearing the prophets and apostles on screen, with their voices full of authority and tenderness, filled our hearts.
Sometimes the audio quality wasn’t the best, the image might be fuzzy or distorted, but the Spirit was always there. It was a simpler time, but not any less spiritual. I was moved to see President Ezra Taft Benson, and later Howard W. Hunter and Gordon B. Hinckley, speak with a power that transcended technological limitations.
DVDs and Satellite Broadcasts
Eventually, VHS tapes began to disappear, and DVDs arrived. Many chapels, especially in Latin America, started installing satellite systems. We no longer had to wait days to watch Conference — we could gather the same weekend, live, and experience each message, each hymn, each prayer together.
I remember those years fondly. Going to the stake center to watch the broadcast became a tradition. Dressing in Sunday clothes even on a Saturday, bringing snacks to share between sessions, and meeting members from other wards we didn’t often see. It felt like a spiritual celebration.
And even though we now had better image and sound quality, the most important thing remained unchanged: hearing the living voice of the Lord’s servants. Whenever the prophet spoke, the room would fall into a reverent silence. We felt as though heaven opened slightly and the Lord spoke directly to us.
The Internet and YouTube Era
With the arrival of high-speed internet, access to General Conference became more personal. The Church began uploading videos to its official website and YouTube channel. Suddenly, we could watch any session, at any time, from anywhere. We no longer needed to wait for a tape or gather at the stake center. We could watch from home, on the computer, or even on our smartphones.
At first, I admit it was hard to get used to. Part of me missed the communal experience, the reverence of watching together. But I soon realized that the Lord was making His word more accessible. I remember watching Conference sessions on my phone while traveling, or on the computer with my kids at home. The ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch… was a blessing.
And above all, the message remained the same. I felt the same Spirit when President Thomas S. Monson shared touching stories or when Elder Holland spoke with his trademark passion. I realized that technology, when used properly, can be a sacred tool.
Being There in Person: A Unique Experience
This year, after so many years of watching General Conference through various formats — VHS, DVD, satellite, YouTube — I had the privilege of attending a live session in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nothing prepared me for the spiritual magnitude of that experience.
Walking into the building felt like walking into a temple. The architecture, the cleanliness, the organization — everything radiated holiness. I sat among thousands of Saints from around the world, each with their own stories, struggles, and faith. Seeing the apostles walk onto the stand, hearing their voices with no technological filter, knowing they were just a few meters away, was overwhelming.
And yet, I also felt how distant they are… not in physical distance, but in the spiritual height at which they live. They are ordinary men, yes, but set apart by God, filled with power and revelation. It was like seeing a star from Earth: close to the eyes, yet distant in its glory.
Each message I heard was nourishment for my soul. Word after word, testimony after testimony, I felt as if my spirit was being fed directly from heaven. It didn’t matter who was speaking or what topic they addressed — the Spirit confirmed they were messages from the Lord for me. It was like drinking pure water after a long journey. I felt comforted, strengthened, encouraged, and above all, renewed in my determination to keep going.
Reflecting on Time and Technology
Thirty years may seem like a lot, but they’ve flown by. What hasn’t changed is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Its principles are eternal, its prophets constant, and the Holy Ghost always testifies of truth. What has changed — significantly — is the way we receive that truth.
We’ve gone from waiting weeks for a videotape, to instant access to every talk on our devices. From gathering in small rooms, to global conferences watched by millions simultaneously. From hearing the prophets’ voices through analog devices, to seeing their faces in high definition from the palm of our hand.
And yet, what truly matters remains unchanged. General Conference is still a source of personal revelation. It’s a time to receive direct guidance from heaven. It’s an opportunity to renew our commitments, to let go of sin, to embrace truth, to draw closer to Christ.
The Nearness of the Sacred
Being present at a live session of General Conference made me reflect on the beautiful paradox of the gospel: the sacred is so close… and yet so far. So close because we feel it, live it, receive it in messages, hymns, and testimonies. So far because we are still in a fallen state, waiting to be lifted by grace.
But the Lord has built a bridge. He has given us apostles and prophets, General Conference, and inspired technology so that His voice is not lost in the noise of the world. In every era, He has used available means to reach us.
I am a witness of that. I’ve lived the transformation. I’ve felt the Spirit at every stage. And today, more than ever, I testify that the gospel is true, that prophets live, and that General Conference is a tangible manifestation of the Lord’s voice on the earth.
Conclusion
Thirty years after my baptism, I can say with certainty that every second has been worth it. I’ve witnessed the power of the priesthood, of modern revelation, and of the way the Lord adapts His methods so that no one is left without hearing His voice.
Today, as I look back, I don’t just see a technological evolution. I see a spiritual one. I see how the Lord has guided me at every stage, how He has used General Conference to speak to me, correct me, comfort me, and strengthen me.
And the best part is, this isn’t the end. The next Conference will come, and I will keep listening, learning, and growing. Whether it’s through the internet, on my phone, or — if the Lord permits — in person again, I will continue seeking that still, small voice that whispers: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him.”
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