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President Jeffrey R. Holland invited thousands of young single adults in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, August 31, 2025, to continue following the path of Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
Speaking at the conclusion of the three-day “Together in Christ” conference, the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared three pivotal moments from his youth that helped him come closer to the Savior of the world: 1) His missionary service, 2) his education and 3) his marriage.
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Missionary Service
A major reason President Holland served a mission to Great Britain in the 1960s was because of the shining examples of four of his older friends who had served missions: Stephen Jones, Wendell Gray, Mervin Cox and R. J. Snow.
“It was obvious that on their missions they had experienced a mighty change,” President Holland said. “They had come closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. The manner and example of these friends substantially affected my decision to serve a mission. … Whenever I saw them out on a date or at a ball game or heard them speak in Church, I simply said: ‘I want to be like that. If that is what a mission does, making friends like this even greater disciples of Christ, then I want to serve a mission.’”
The lesson of their continued faithfulness after their missions is a lesson for everyone, the Apostle said — especially young adults.
“We have all kinds of work to do before the Savior comes,” President Holland said. “I hope no sister or elder ever comes home from a mission and says, ‘Well, what does the Church have for me now? I've served a mission.’ Well, I hope I will hear you ask instead, ‘What more can I do for this Church after it has given me the greatest spiritual experience I could ever have, customized training, a powerful launch into maturity more powerful than anyone has seen since one of those incredible detonations from Cape Kennedy?’”
Education
President Holland said his parents expected him to succeed in school. The work he put in as a child led to important educational opportunities later, including revelation from God just for him about where to pursue his graduate studies.
The same can be true for young adults today, he said.
“If you are trying to draw close to the Savior and you have a relationship started with your Father in Heaven and you are striving to improve every year, you can count on revelation to guide you,” President Holland said. “Be strong. Be patient. Stay the task. Keep your head up!”
Pursuing education of all kinds is essential to help us help ourselves and the rest of the world, he added.
“We have to learn everything we can for the benefit of our spouse, our children, our communities and the Church,” President Holland said. “We owe it to the great causes of life still before us that we get as much learning as we can get for as long as we can get it. … All forms of education are part of the gospel plan to elevate the soul and improve one’s personal life.”
Marriage
President Holland was married to Pat for 60 years (she died in 2023). He said she helped make him a better disciple of Jesus Christ — first by encouraging him to serve a mission and later by being a stalwart follower of Christ in their home.
“Your ideal friendship (should you have one!) will be enhanced dramatically as you keep trying to come to Christ —progress you make first alone, then next as a couple, even if it means waiting for a long time to find this partner and see the power of a righteous marriage in action,” President Holland said.
The only solace he has found in her passing is the promise that because of Christ he will see her again.
“If I thought I was not going to see her and be with her in eternity, I would be inconsolable regardless of who tried to extend that consolation,” he said. “But I will see her, and if I am worthy, I will be with her in eternity.”
There’s a lesson in this too for young adults, he said. Make the life and teachings of Jesus Christ your foundation to withstand the storms that will come, he explained, reading from Helaman 5:12 of the Book of Mormon.
“I am sure you noticed [in the verse] references to mighty winds and whirlwinds, hail and mighty storms that beat upon you,” the Apostle said. “We have to be prepared to experience those challenges because they will come. Many of you know that already. The rest of you shouldn’t be surprised when they arrive.”
“Our theme tonight, ‘Together in Christ,’ drawing near to Christ, being bound to Christ, that's what we have enjoyed here.” President Holland concluded, “I bear witness of Him, the living Son of the living God, the Alpha and Omega of our lives, the framer of heaven and earth who, through His Atonement and unfailing obedience to the Father, makes our dreams a reality.”
