Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Saturday morning session of October 2023 general conference. He expressed his love, admiration and gratitude for Latter-day Saints worldwide and described examples of those who are pressing forward “in the path of their duty.” The following is a summary of what he said.

Elder Bednar’s talk summary

Millions of Latter-day Saints are coming unto the Savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in “the last wagons” of their contemporary wagon trains. “Behold that the more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes” (Helaman 15:5).

The phrase “in the path of their duty” could describe those who sit next to people who are alone; those who support a companion, parent or child who serves in a Church leadership position; those who are humbly returning to God; and those who yearn to become yoked to the Savior through covenants and ordinances but may be prohibited by factors beyond their control. It could also include translators and interpreters, married couples having children, married couples trusting God when righteous desires are not realized, Nursery leaders and Primary teachers, children caring for aged parents, Church members who arrive early and stay late to set up, and individuals who share the gospel.

“They of the last wagon, all who are no less serviceable, and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church.”

Notable quotes

See the full text of Elder Bednar’s talk: ‘In the Path of Their Duty’

Who is Elder Bednar?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Elder David A. Bednar has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for nearly 18 years, having been ordained and set apart on Oct. 7, 2004. 
• He served as president of Ricks College during its transition to BYU–Idaho and has stated, “The creation of BYU–Idaho was one of the most important educational events of the Restoration.”
• He met his wife, Sister Susan Robinson Bednar, after returning from his mission to Germany and while playing flag football for family home evening at BYU. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1975, and are the parents of three sons.

What has Elder Bednar done recently?

• During April 2023 general conference, he taught how one can learn and come to abide in Jesus Christ.
• Elder Bednar joined the Church News podcast in April to talk about the temple and how covenants and ordinances connect Church members to the Savior Jesus Christ.
• At the 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders in June, Elder Bednar focused his talk on “Preach My Gospel” chapter 10 and focusing faith on Jesus Christ.
• Elder Bednar told BYU–Idaho graduates on July 19 to both “believe and see” and “see and believe.”
• At a Provo MTC devotional on Aug. 15, Elder Bednar shared three fundamental truths about repentance and the ongoing remission of sins.
• He shared a video on social media on Aug. 17 to show what his typical day looks like as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
• On Sept. 17, Elder Bednar dedicated the Bentonville Arkansas Temple — in an area where his family lived in the 1980s and 1990s.

Read more of Elder Bednar’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.