Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Sunday morning session of October 2023 general conference. He encouraged those striving to be “peaceable followers of Christ” to focus on Him amid trials, tribulation and adversities. The following is a summary of what Elder Cook said.

Elder Cook’s talk summary

It has never been easy for followers of Jesus Christ. Those who believe in, worship and testify of Him have always experienced trials, tribulation and adversities. As part of God’s great plan of salvation and exaltation, His children are blessed with agency and subject to the trials of mortality. Mormon, quoted by his son, Moroni, commended “the peaceable followers of Christ … because of your peaceable walk with the children of men” (Moroni 7:3-4). 

For those striving to be “peaceable followers of Christ,” a brighter day awaits as one focuses on Him. “We do not know all the answers; however, we do know important principles that allow us to face trials, tribulation and adversities with faith and confidence in a bright future that awaits for each of us.” 

God knows and loves His children personally and understands their suffering perfectly. Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. “He invites, ‘Come unto me,’ and as we do, He gives us rest, hope, strength, perspective and healing” (“Preach My Gospel” second edition).

“As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I testify that peaceable followers of Christ will find personal peace in this life and a glorious heavenly reunion.”

Notable quotes

See the full text of Elder Cook’s talk: ‘Be Peaceable Followers of Christ’

Who is Elder Cook?

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Elder Quentin L. Cook was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 6, 2007. He is a great-great-grandson of Heber C. Kimball, who was among the first missionaries to preach the gospel in this dispensation outside North America.
• He married Mary Gaddie on Nov. 30, 1962, in the Logan Utah Temple. They are the parents of three children. 
• Elder Cook was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s mission companion in summer 1962 during their full-time mission service in the British Isles.
• Elder Cook worked as an attorney and business executive in California, including as vice chairman of Sutter/California Healthcare System — a California health care company with 25 hospitals and more than 26,000 employees — at the time of his calling as a General Authority Seventy in 1996.

What has Elder Cook done recently?

• During April 2023 general conference, Elder Cook taught the doctrine of the gathering of Israel and invited all to review President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel to help gather Israel.
• At the 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, Elder Cook used “Preach My Gospel” chapter 1 to emphasize a missionary’s purpose. 
• Elder Cook spoke at BYU’s 2023 University Conference on Aug. 28 about the Church’s doctrinal purposes and commitment to education.
• He dedicated the Moses Lake Washington Temple on Sept. 17. 
• In March, Elder Cook told missionaries at the Provo MTC to approach missionary work with urgency.

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