Church members need to be thankful to God in our trials and afflictions, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"First and foremost we are thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ," he said.

Members of the church should be thankful for his wondrous plan, his prophets, his example, and his willingness to sacrifice his life for us, Elder Oaks said.

He said they should be thankful for God's commandments because people receive blessings if they obey.

"Commandments mark the path and show us happiness in this life and in the eternal life to come," Elder Oaks said.

He said church members benefit from trials because with them comes experience and growth.

"The revelations for which we are grateful show that we should even give thanks for our afflictions, because they turn our hearts to God and prepare us for that which is to come," Elder Oaks said.

He said he has learned from his experience in the Philippines to see the gospel in a new light and the importance of nourishing good members with the good word of God.

Elder Oaks said members are encouraged to challenge cultural traditions contrary to the Lord's commandments.

He said the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' worldwide gospel culture is based upon the foundation of the apostles, a prophet, and Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.

Elder Oaks said the teaching manuals used in Priesthood and Relief Society lessons, which focus on the teachings of the prophets, have great insight.

Wise teachers will focus on these inspired teachings instead of adding their own opinions to the lesson, he said.