When Elder Clark G. Gilbert spoke during Saturday’s morning session of the 196th Semiannual General Conference. He shared three stories of converts overcoming struggles and “finding their way home.” Four members visiting the temple grounds shared how they were spiritually strengthened and how they help strengthen others.

Strengthening others

Addy Rindlisbacher, who goes to BYU-Idaho, wanted to feel the spirit more in her apartment. So, he started a scripture study. From that, she was able to see how her friends and roommates were strengthened.

"It doesn't mean we stop our efforts to grow those [around us]," Rindlisbacher said.

Ruby Rodriguez, from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, and her family took turns driving to attend General Conference. She is helping a close friend back home better understand the gospel, and both share a deep love for Jesus Christ. Rodriguez strives to bear her testimony whenever she can.

"I try my best to explain the differences by relating to her doubts and relating to her questions," Rodriguez said. "I feel like everybody who is trying to find more or seek Christ, they usually have similar questions."

Luke Westwood, a software engineering major, and Liv Robinson, an aviation major at Utah State University, strive to be examples of Jesus Christ.

Westwood said he tries “to be an example of someone who loves Jesus Christ and not rub it in anybody’s face.” He continues to serve others even when he doesn’t feel like it. “We cannot give up service when we think we’ve done enough,” he said.

Robinson shared that two coworkers showed her she could love the gospel without being “weird about it.”

Others strengthening them

Elder Gilbert shared in his talk how people were able to convert because they were able to find support. Even though Rindlisbacher, Rodriguez, Westwood and Robinson were able to strengthen others, they also needed to care for their own testimony.

Rindlisbacher had a young women's teacher who loved and nurtured her testimony.

"I felt God's love and [it] was an answer to prayers in a lot of ways," Rindlisbacher said.

Even though Rodriguez grew up in the Church, she considers her faith a conversion story in itself. She attributes her strong testimony to her father, who guided her spiritual growth.

She described him as a wise man and a role model for her faith. At the time, Rodriguez was attending a Protestant church, and it was her father who first initiated attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her father also share scriptures and General Conference talks addressing topics she was experiencing doubts about.

"The fact that he was so persistent with me genuinely helped a huge part of my testimony," Rodriguez said.

Westwood struggled to adjust at the Missionary Training Center, but friends sent him a scripture that helped: Romans 8:18.

“[I knew] everything will be okay because the times right now are not to be compared with the ones in the future,” he said.

Robinson said a trustworthy roommate and a supportive bishop helped her as she began returning to Church.

"To those who are struggling, know you are loved and the Savior is calling you home. But in the end, everyone must make their own choice to come home," Elder Gilbert said.