Elder Patrick Kearon of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke during the Saturday afternoon session of April 2022 general conference. He encouraged anyone who is the victim of abuse or oppression to find hope in Christ’s healing. The following is a summary of what he said.
Notable quotes from Elder Kearon
“You are not defined by these terrible things that have been done to you. You are, in glorious truth, defined by your eternally existing identity as a son or daughter of God.”
“Healing can come through the miracle of the redemptive might of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
“Our merciful Savior, victorious over darkness and depravity, has power to right all wrongs.”
Summary of Elder Kearon’s talk
Those experiencing abuse, violence or oppression may ask if they are beyond repair or are eligible for the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement.
“Whatever has happened to you, He is not ashamed of you or disappointed in you. He loves you in a way you have yet to discover. And you will discover it as you trust in His promises.”
Healing comes through the Atonement. All who have been wounded or are victims of life’s injustices can find hope and rest in Christ.
“With arms outstretched, the Savior offers the gift of healing to you. With courage, patience and faithful focus on Him, before too long you can come to fully accept this gift. You can let go of your pain and leave it at His feet.”
Survival is possible — even during the most difficult circumstances, challenges or trials.
“You can survive. You have, in fact, already been rescued. You have already been saved — by the One who has suffered the very torment you are suffering and endured the very agony you are enduring.
“Jesus has overcome the abuses of this world to give you power to not only survive, but one day, through Him, to overcome and even conquer.”
About Elder Kearon
- Elder Patrick Kearon was sustained as a General Authority Seventy during the April 2010 general conference. Elder Patrick Kearon has served as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since 2017; he became senior president of the Seventy in August 2020.
- He married his wife, Sister Jennifer Hulme Kearon, on Jan. 12, 1991, in the Oakland California Temple. They are the parents of a son, who died at 3 weeks old from a heart condition, and three daughters. Prior to being called as a general authority, he and Sister Kearon owned a public affairs consultancy.
- After joining the Church on Christmas Eve 1987, Elder Kearon served in numerous Church callings — including Area Seventy, branch president, bishopric counselor and ward Young Men president.
Elder Kearon in the news
- Elder Kearon participated in a live Facebook broadcast in November that was viewed by youth and young adults from dozens of African nations. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other general authorities and their wives also participated.
- In October, Elder Kearon accompanied Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during ministry with local leaders and members in the United Arab Emirates.
- A foundation in becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is to have a clear understanding of the identities of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and, in particular, “how They feel about us,” Elder Kearon taught BYU–Pathway Worldwide students during a devotional on Nov. 9, 2021.
