Leaders

[This is] a 10-minute video originally produced for the large number of journalists visiting Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics has been updated and posted on Newsroom today to help counter persistent myths about the Church.

Myths & Reality was developed as a primer on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was shown to a large gathering of NBC producers and reporters before the 2002 Games to help orient them to Mormon beliefs, practice and culture. NBC was the official media sponsor of the Olympics in 2002 and invited the Church to make a presentation to its large Olympic Games team.

The topics in the video reflected the kinds of questions journalists were then asking —questions about polygamy, the Church’s openness and whether Church members are Christian.

Former NFL quarterback Steve Young and former Miss America Sharlene Hawkes, both Mormons, talk the viewer through three major misperceptions the public has about the Church.

The video tackles polygamy first. “Groups that practice polygamy and claim they are Mormons are not associated with the 13-million-member Church headquartered in Salt Lake City,” Steve Young says. He adds that the term “Mormon” should never be applied to these other religions and there is no such thing as a “Mormon Fundamentalist.”

The video also acknowledges that perceptions that Mormons are a closed society, only caring for their own members, still linger. Yet most of the Church’s humanitarian and welfare efforts, all funded by Church-member donations, benefit people of all faiths.

Sharlene Hawkes addresses the issue of whether Mormons are Christian, saying that Church members are “Christian to our core.” Surrounded by her family, she talks about why her faith is so important to her.

First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thomas S. Monson is a living apostle, Navy veteran of World War II and an accomplished businessman and publisher. He has served in the First Presidency under three prophets of God: Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter and now, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Known for his marvelous stories and poems which teach the principles of God, Thomas S. Monson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 21, 1927. Even from childhood, the compassion within him was immense, and that compassion has only grown decade by decade. Always loyal to those he's known, his willingness to serve the Lord has found him serving as bishop, mission president, apostle and first counselor in The First Presidency, he is never too busy when prompted by the Spirit to visit someone. Often, the stories he's told have involved those he's known in his life.

A story I wish to share with you, to give you the true measure of the boy who became an apostle of the Lord:

When I was a boy in Primary, one day as we left the chapel for our classrooms I noted that our Primary president, Melissa Georgell, remained behind, sitting alone on the front row of benches. I paused and observed her and saw that she was weeping. I walked up to her and said,

"Sister Georgell, why are you crying?"

She wiped her eyes with her lace handkerchief and said, "I feel that I'm a failure as a Primary president. I can't control the Trail Builders. Could you help me, Tommy?"

I promised her I would. What I didn't know then is that I was the source of her tears. She had effectively enlisted me to aid in achieving reverence in our Primary. And we did achieve it.

The years flew by. Melissa, now in her nineties, lived in a nursing facility in the northwest part of Salt Lake City. Just before Christmas I determined to visit my beloved Primary president. Over the car radio, I heard the song "Hark! the herald angels sing; Glory to the newborn King!" I reflected on the visit made by wise men those long years ago. They brought gifts of gold, of frankincense, and of myrrh. I brought only the gift of love and a desire to say thank you.

I found her in the lunchroom. She was staring at her plate of food, teasing it with the fork she held in her aged hand. Not a bite did she eat. As I spoke to her, my words were met by a benign but blank stare. I gently took her fork and began to feed her, talking all the time I did so about her service to boys and girls as a Primary worker and the joy that was mine to have served later as her bishop. There wasn't so much as a glimmer of recognition, far less a spoken word. Two other residents of the nursing home gazed at me with puzzled expressions. At last they spoke, saying, "She doesn't know anyone -- even her own family. She hasn't said a word for a long, long time."

Lunch ended. My one-sided conversation wound down. I stood to leave. I held her frail hand in mine and gazed into her wrinkled but beautiful countenance. "God bless you, Melissa," I said, "and Merry Christmas."

Without warning, she spoke the words, "I know you. You're Tommy Monson, my Primary boy. How I love you."

She pressed my hand to her lips and bestowed on it the kiss of love. Tears coursed down her cheeks and bathed over our clasped hands. Those hands, that day, were hallowed by heaven and graced by God. The herald angels did sing, for I heard them in my heart." (Thomas S. Monson, "Inspiring Experiences That build Faith," Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 1994 3-4)

The boy who grew into the man teaches us of love, loyalty, and compassion in this sweet story.

As a man, he graduated from the University of Utah, received his MBA and honorary doctorates from Brigham Young University. He served in the Navy near the end of World War II, a time of which he speaks very rarely, and upon his return married Frances Beverly Johnson on October 7, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple.

He had a distinguished career in publishing, printing and assorted business. He serves as a trustee of Brigham Young University and sits on the board of the Church Education System. He has served as a member of the National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America since 1969. In 1981, he was asked by U.S. President Ronald Reagan to serve on a President’s Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives. He fulfilled this role on the task force until 1982 when they completed its work.

But of all he has done in his life, the most important he serves is that of husband, father and apostle of the Lord, a special witness of Jesus Christ. He joined with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to deliver the Living Christ statement and testimony to the world, and along with the prophet and the second counselor, issued a proclamation to the world on families.

Of President Monson, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:

Positioned on the wall of President Thomas S. Monson’s office directly opposite his astonishingly clean desk (astonishing only because of the legendary amount of work he processes every day, sometimes requiring up to three secretaries at a time to handle it), a lovely artwork of the Savior greets the gaze of the Second Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Monson loves the painting, which he has had since he was a 22-year-old bishop and which he has taken with him wherever he has been assigned to labor. “I have tried to pattern my life after the Master,” President Monson says in a quiet, reflective mood, gazing at the portrait. “Whenever I have had a difficult decision to make, or perhaps have had to measure the request to give a blessing against the endless demands of some of my paperwork, I have always looked at that picture and asked myself, ‘What would He do?’ Then I try to do it.” With that characteristic smile breaking through, President Monson adds, “I can assure you the choice has never been to stay and do paperwork!” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “President Thomas S. Monson: Finishing the Course, Keeping the Faith,” Ensign, Sep 1994, 12–13)

He has indeed, in all he has done throughout his life, conducted himself with honor, love and compassion. It fairly emanates from him as this apostle of the Lord stands at the pulpit of the Conference Center and speaks to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A friend of President Monson shared this about his character:

His lifelong friend John Burt says, “Tom’s care of the widows who lived in his ward—eighty-seven of them—is an example of his loyalty and devotion to people. When the rest of us were released as bishops, we just kind of moved on to the next task and left the widows to our successors. Not Tom. He somehow found time to keep visiting them. He is the most loyal man I know. He never forgets where he came from, and he never forgets the people who knew him before he was ‘somebody.’ ” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “President Thomas S. Monson: Finishing the Course, Keeping the Faith,” Ensign, Sep 1994, 12–13)

I have included quotes in this post, far more than normal, because I feel they give the true measure of this apostle of the Lord far better than I ever could. I wish to simply share one more:

Not long ago a telephone call came to President Monson’s office from the son of an 82-year-old woman who was nearing death. The mother’s final and only request was that she might meet her “favorite General Authority” before she passed away. When such calls come, the secretaries hope they will be able to get to the telephone before President Monson does, because otherwise his entire life would be spent on such visits, for requests of this kind come in to his office by the score. One of the secretaries did take this particular call, carefully noting the details and promising to relay the message to President Monson. She also courteously mentioned that President Monson’s time commitments were overwhelming, so the elderly sister would certainly be in President Monson’s prayers even if he were not able to make a personal visit. The faithful son hung up the telephone, very grateful for and fully satisfied with the response he had received.

The message was relayed. The schedule, overflowing as always, precluded a visit. A day went by, and President Monson began to be restless. That night he was more restless still. On the second day, he could not resist. He got into his car and headed for an unfamiliar address to visit a dying woman he had never met.

Wending his way through streets and side roads and neighborhoods totally unfamiliar, President Monson eventually arrived at his destination. Knocking at the door, he introduced himself to that very surprised son and handed him a green planter purchased for the visit. He was then ushered into a modest bedroom where a newfound friend was entering a comatose state, hovering between life and death. Quietly President Monson sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand. He talked softly and lovingly to her at great length about a wide variety of gospel principles. Although her eyes were essentially closed and she could make no verbal response, her son—witness to every detail of this great apostolic gesture—testified that he was certain that his mother not only knew who was visiting her but also understood every word he said. A blessing was given, and then President Monson, noting but not mentioning a framed picture of himself on the modest mantlepiece, excused himself from the room. The sweet sister died nine hours later, having realized the one final wish she had in this life. The next day the local newspaper obituary read, “Alice Petersen Tingey, 82, passed away of natural causes at her home. [She] was a loving person who touched the lives of many people. We would like to thank President Thomas S. Monson for his special blessing and the influence he shared with her and her family.” Following such spiritual promptings, often in the briefest and most crucial window of opportunity, has become one of the most important hallmarks of Thomas S. Monson’s life and ministry. (Thomas S. Monson, "Inspiring Experiences That build Faith," Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 1994 3-4)

Of this I bear testimony, President Thomas S. Monson has lived his life as a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Beloved by many, he loves all he comes into contact with, and certainly loves every child of God as only an apostle of the Lord could do. I testify he lives up to and administers to every aspect of his apostolic calling. The day will come when he will take on a heavier mantle, should the Lord call him, and he will, as always, accept that calling with gratitude and determination to serve in that capacity to the very best of his ability.

Born July 1, 1855 in Salt Lake City, Orson F. Whitney, a poet, historian and apostle, was the grandson of one of the original twelve apostles under Joseph Smith, Jr., Heber C. Kimball. One of his earliest memories was the family moving as Johnson's Army approached Salt Lake City. Which is a whole other story pertaining to Mormon History and is better told at another time.

Raised in Salt Lake City, a city flourishing with literature, art, drama, architecture and certainly, and more importantly, the gospel of Jesus Christ, Whitney showed a propensity for music and drama, and later showed latent talents for poetry, writing and preaching. He taught himself to play the flute early in life and his love of music and drama swirled in and around every part of that life.

Determined to pursue a life on the stage in New York City, Whitney's mother offered to sell a tract of land to finance her son's endeavor. It was to no avail, the land would not sell. It was not until he made the decision to serve a mission for the Lord that the land sold and financed his mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. At twenty-one he was called to serve a mission to preach in Pennsylvania, the first of his many mission fields over the years.

Elder Whitney admitted that during this time he was still not fully committed to the work of spreading the gospel. He wrote of a dream that completely turned him around:

"I thought I was in the garden of Gethsemane, a witness of the Savior's agony. I seemed to be standing behind a tree in the foreground of the picture, from which point I could see without being seen. The Savior, with the Apostles Peter, James and John, entered the garden through a little wicket gate at my right, where he stationed them in a group, telling them to pray. He then passed over to my left, but still in front of me, where he knelt and prayed also. His face, which was towards me, streamed with tears, as he besought the Father to let the cup pass, and added, 'not my will but thine be done.' Having finished his prayer, he arose and crossed to where the Apostles were kneeling fast asleep. He shook them gently, they awoke and he reproved them for their apathy. Again he bade them pray, and again crossed to his place and prayed, returning as before to find them sleeping. This happened three times, until I was perfectly familiar with his face, form and movements. He was much taller than ordinary men, and though meek, far more dignified than any being I had ever beheld; and he wore a look of ineffable tenderness and compassion, even while reproving His disciples. My heart went out to him as never before to anybody or to anything; I loved him with all my soul. I wept at seeing him weep, and felt for him the deepest sympathy.

"Then of a sudden the circumstances changed, though the scene remained the same. Instead of before the crucifixion, it was after. The Savior and the three Apostles, whom he had beckoned to him, now stood in a group at the left, and were about to take their departure, ascending into heaven. I could endure it no longer, but rushed out from behind the tree, fell at his feet, clasped him around the knees and begged him to take me also. With a look of infinite tenderness, as of a father or an elder brother, he stooped, lifted me up and embraced me, saying as he did so in the kindest and gentlest manner possible, while slowly shaking his head and sweetly smiling, 'No, my son, these can go with me; for they have finished their work; but you must stay and finish yours!' Still I clung to him, and the contact was so real that I felt the warmth of his bosom as I rested upon it. Gazing up into his face, I once more besought him, 'Well, promise me that I will come to you at the last.' Again he smiled sweetly, and there was a look as if he would have gladly granted my request had it been wise to do so. He then said, 'That will depend entirely upon yourself.' I awoke with a sob, and it was morning. This dream made a wonderful impression upon me, paving the way to my thorough conversion, which soon followed. Among the things it taught me was not to sleep at my post, and to regard first the duties of my mission, and not allow anything to interfere with them." (Source: Jensen, Andrew, "Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," Oct 2005)

His efforts redoubled, Orson F. Whitney served an honorable mission in Pennsylvania and Ohio before returning home to Salt Lake City. Fully committed to the faith now, Elder Whitney sought work which would not require him to work on Sunday, which killed the journalist job he'd been offered. He prayed diligently for a job and weeks later was offered a position at the Deseret News through the influence of Elder Brigham Young, Jr., an apostle at the time.

In 1878 he was called to the office of bishop at the age of 23 and unmarried, virtually unheard of, and became much beloved as Bishop Whitney. On December 18, 1879, he married Zina Beal Smoot in the Salt Lake City Endowment House. While serving as a bishop, and as a husband and eventually new father, he was called to serve on the city council. Nominated and elected without his knowledge, he found out the same way everyone else did, while reading his morning paper.

It wasn't long before he was called to serve in the European mission as editor of the Millennial Star, a Mormon publication. He served throughout Europe, preaching of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel for two years, from 1881 to 1883.

Upon his return, he accepted an appointment on the city council and remained in that office until 1890, being re-elected every two years. He declined nomination in 1890 and turned his efforts to other pursuits. Although, throughout the remainder of his life, he remained very active politically.

His first book, "The Life of Heber C. Kimball," was published in 1888. His second, "Poetical Writings," was released 1888/1889.

Through a very troubled time in Mormon Church history Whitney developed a close relationship with the prophet, Lorenzo Snow, and much of the preaching of the Church fell on his shoulders.

A defender of Womens Suffrage, Orson F. Whitney fought hard for the right of women to vote, and he won. It was written into the constitution of Utah, and he was one of the committee that rewrote the entire constitution before it was submitted to Washington, D.C.

Ever true to his deep and abiding love of the Savior, he taught theology and English at Brigham Young Academy in Provo, and was then elected to the state senate in the fall of 1898. In 1899 Whitney, still bishop, began work in the Church Historian's office. "His duties comprised the keeping of the Church journal, the answering of correspondence, the writing of special articles for the press and such other service as may be necessary. In literary work, discourses, lectures, orations, funeral sermons and miscellaneous addresses, along with his ecclesiastical labors, his mind, tongue and pen were kept constantly busy." (Ibid)

In April of 1906 he was called to the office of apostle and wept a little as he shed the mantle of bishop he'd held for so long. As an apostle, a special witness of Jesus Christ, he preached across America and Europe for years, again spreading the word of the restoration of the Savior's gospel. Of this gospel he loved so much, he said:

“The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience. We should honor the Savior’s declaration to be of good cheer. (In Conference Report, Apr. 1917, 43)

- and -

“To whom do we look, in days of grief and disaster, for help and consolation? … They are men and women who have suffered, and out of their experience in suffering they bring forth the riches of their sympathy and condolences as a blessing to those now in need. Could they do this had they not suffered themselves?

“… Is not this God’s purpose in causing his children to suffer? He wants them to become more like himself. God has suffered far more than man ever did or ever will, and is therefore the great source of sympathy and consolation.” (“A Lesson from the Book of Job,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1918, 7)

After a long and fulfilling life as a servant of God, son, husband, father and grandfather, Orson F. Whitney passed away May 16, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah and was finally, as he'd longed for during his mission, gathered into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and welcomed home.

One of my favorite apostles in this modern age is Elder John A. Widtsoe. Born January 31st of 1872 in Dalöe, Island of Fröyen, Norway, his mother, who worked as a seamstress, and siblings joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) and they emigrated from Norway to America in 1883, where he was baptized April 3, 1884.

Born with a deep hunger for knowledge, Elder Widtsoe became a renowned and well-respected scientist. He graduated from Brigham Young University and then Harvard, graduating from there with honors in 1894.

Married June 1st, of 1898, to a granddaughter of the prophet Brigham Young, Leah Eudora Dunford, Elder Widtsoe and his wife became a force to be reckoned with in the education and agriculture fields in the state of Utah. He taught the farmers more efficient farming skills and Leah taught the wives how to better use what they harvested.

Widtsoe taught at Utah State University, Brigham Young University, was the president of University of Utah (1918-1921) and taught a religion class at the University of Southern California. Respected for his grasp of science and theology, it was a given the Lord would call him into service in His kingdom.

From Wikipedia we learn a little more about Elder Widtsoe's time in Europe after he was called as a seventy:

In 1898, he was ordained to the office of a seventy and set apart to do missionary work in connection with his studies in Europe. He entered the University of Goettingen, Germany, and after applying himself diligently to his studies he graduated from that institution, with the degrees of A. M. Ph.D. in 1899. For part of his time in Europe, Widtsoe lived in Switzerland. The police wanted proof that he and his wife were married, and since they had neglected to bring their wedding license they got married a second time. (Source: Widtsoe, John A. "In A Sunlight Land")

Elder John A. Widtsoe was called to the office of an apostle by the prophet, Heber J. Grant, in 1921. He served the Lord in many capacities during his tenure as an apostle: Associate Editor of the Improvement Era (now split into two magazines, the Ensign and the New Era,) Genealogy Committee, President of the European Mission, and continue to preach across the world as a special witness of Jesus Christ.

I came to develop my deep love and appreciate of this apostle of the Lord through his teachings and writings. A prolific and inspiring author of numerous books, John A. Widstoe wrote:

• The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation
• Teachings of Brigham Young
• A Rational Theology as Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (my favorite of all his books,)
• Evidences and Reconciliations
• Priesthood and Church Government
• The Message of the Doctrine and Covenant
• Seven Claims of the Book of Mormon: A Collection of Evidences
• Joseph Smith: Seeker After Truth Prophet of God
• Joseph Smith as a Scientist: A Contribution to Mormon Philosophy
• In the Gospel Net
• In a Sunlit Land

He also wrote a couple of volumes regarding agriculture and geography.

Elder Widtsoe has inspired me in so many ways, here's just a little of what he taught as an Apostle of the Lord:

On Eve, the Mother of All Living:

:In life all must choose at times. Sometimes, two possibilities are good; neither is evil. Usually, however, one is of greater import than the other. When in doubt, each must choose that which concerns the good of others --- the greater law --- rather than that which chiefly benefits ourselves --- the lesser law. The greater must be chosen whether it be law or thing. That was the choice made in Eden." ~ Elder John A. Widtsoe (Beverly Brough Campbell, Eve and the Choice Made in Eden, Deseret Book, 2003 vii)

On War:

“Above the roar of cannon and airplane, the maneuvers and plans of men, the Lord always determines the tide of battle. So far and no farther does He permit the evil one to go in his career to create human misery. The Lord is ever victorious; He is the Master to whose will Satan is subject. Though all hell may rage, and men may follow evil, the purposes of the Lord will not fail.” (John A. Widtsoe, in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, p. 34.)

On Truth:

Elder John A. Widtsoe On Truth: “Truth, had always been my first love. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I had found, used, and enjoyed truth.” (Lawrence Cummins, “John A. Widtsoe—Master Teacher,” Friend, May 1990, 48)

On Happiness:

“As I have come to fully realize; that, I am as weak as all other mortals—perhaps weaker than many; and realizing that happiness in life is only obtained by having a pure heart, a clear conscience; and fearing the Lord and keeping his commandments; also as I realize that happiness in old age consists of reviewing a life devoid from great sins; the gratification of noble desires manfully carried out; and finding that my life up to this time has not been as I should like it to have been: I lay down the following regulations by which I shall try to conduct my life hereafter; to which end may the Lord Almighty, my Creator, help me.” (G. Homer Durham, “Faith, the Greater Knowledge,” New Era, Aug 1978, 4)

On Patriarchal Blessings:

“In giving a blessing the patriarch may declare our lineage—that is, that we are of Israel, therefore of the family of Abraham, and of a specific tribe of Jacob. In the great majority of cases, Latter-day Saints are of the tribe of Ephraim, the tribe to which has been committed the leadership of the Latter-day work. Whether this lineage is of blood or adoption does not matter (Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 2:10.) This is very important, for it is through the lineage of Abraham alone that the mighty blessings of the Lord for His children on earth are to be consummated (Genesis 12:2-3; Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 2:11.)

“Then, the patriarch, looking into the future, enumerates the blessings and promises, some special, others general, to which the person of the proper lineage … is entitled; and through his authority seals them upon him, so that they may be his forever through faithfulness.” (John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 3 vols. (1943–51), 1:73–74.)

I could go on and on, but I won't. Being a writer by profession, the written word, especially the written word of the gospel, speaks so deeply to my heart, resonating deep inside where my spirit is forever touched by truth. Elder Widtsoe had a command of the gospel, science and the written word. His writings and teachings continue to instruct and inspire in Mormon homes across the world. I have seen the gospel through the eyes of Elder Widtsoe and it is a beautiful, beautiful thing.

I'll admit it, I have a soft spot in my heart for Elder Russell M. Nelson, a living Apostle of God. What an incredible phrase that is, "living apostle of God." The power in that alone speaks to the veracity that God still speaks to man and will continue to do so for eternity. But this is not what I'm writing about today.

I wish to tell you about Elder Nelson. On MormonWiki.com we read:

Elder Nelson entered medicine in college and by the time he'd graduated from the four year program in 1945, he was already a year into medical school. He was an M.D. in 1947 [at] twenty-two [years of age].

-- and further . . .

Elder Nelson interned at the University of Minnesota and rather promptly went on to make medical history. He worked on the team that developed the first machine which could perform the functions of a patient's heart and lungs, while the patient was undergoing heart surgery. In 1951, it was used for the first time in surgery (the first open heart surgery in history), where it performed well. Four years later, he would perform the first successful open heart surgery (using the heart-lung machine) in Utah.

Elder Nelson would perform a number of firsts in Utah related to heart surgery. He was nationally known as an exceptional surgeon, as well, even elected president of the Society of Vascular Surgery.

You may wonder why this part is particularly important to me . . . I'll tell you. When I was 15-years-old I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. My health was spiraling downward, although it did not stop me from living life to the fullest, and by the time I was 18 it was very clear I needed open heart surgery or I would die.

My mother and I had heard about Elder Nelson. He was the doctor to the prophet and apostles, on top of having a thriving medical practice and global reputation. I was certain if a prophet of God entrusted his medical care to Dr. Russell M. Nelson I could do the same. Without going into a lot of detail, what they thought was wrong with me was not, and what was wrong with me was far worse than any of them had imagined. But, I was blessed to be operated on by a future apostle of the Lord. Through inspiration, he said, he'd been able to discern the actual problem and repair it. He also stated that he'd only seen this physical anomaly once, thirty years prior. If anyone else had operated on me I'm not sure I'd still be here. I am alive today because of the sure and inspired hands, mind and heart of Elder Russell M. Nelson.

So yes, I have some interest in this Apostle. From my own experience of being under his care for 15 days, I came to know a soft, gentle, humble man who, first and foremost, loved the Lord and adored his family.

In 1984, three years after my surgery, Dr. Nelson became Elder Nelson and was called, ordained and sustained as a special witness of Jesus Christ, an apostle. Now a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, my access to him became nil. But I received my own witness of his apostolic calling when I petitioned the Lord for confirmation. In my heart, I knew the Lord had need of the special skills and giant spirit of my surgeon. 21-years-old and I was panicking about who would do any future heart surgeries I would need and Elder Nelson very sweetly told me, "I have trained thousands better than I." I doubted anyone was as skilled AND inspired as he was, but his statement did help a little . . . however, it was the witness from the Holy Ghost that gave me the peace I needed.

Elder Nelson has become known for speaking about life, death, hope, divinity of Jesus Christ, so much . . . all offered in that soft and tender voice. Let's enjoy just a few of his thoughts:

“Come unto me,” the Savior said, “all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). So you come unto Christ to be yoked with Him and with His power, so that you’re not pulling life’s load alone. You’re pulling life’s load yoked with the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and suddenly your problems, no matter how serious they are, become lighter. That’s what we mean by coming unto Christ, being yoked to Him." (Russell M. Nelson, “The Mission and Ministry of the Savior: A Discussion with Elder Russell M. Nelson,” Ensign, Jun 2005, 16–19)

-- and --

We’ve all had that experience. We’ve prayed for something to happen, and it didn’t happen. Farmers pray for moisture, but moisture is parceled out so partially. I think we need to learn a lesson from the Lord Himself who taught us how to pray. In the Lord’s Prayer He said: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9–10). If we can train ourselves to pray to God that we might conform to His will rather than have Him conform to our will, that problem will disappear. It’s a matter of learning who is the Father and who is the son or the daughter. You pray to be consonant with the will of God and to let your life be consonant with His will and direction for you. Maybe that means you have to suffer through a death or an illness in the family in order to get the growth and the experience that will be to your eternal advantage. Remember who you are when you pray and to whom you’re praying. Blessings are always granted upon obedience to the law upon which those blessings are predicated. I learned in doing surgery that all the prayers in the world could be undone by a single mistake because blessings are predicated upon obedience to laws. Therefore, if you really want a certain blessing, you’d better find out what the laws are that govern that blessing and then work on becoming obedient to those laws (see D&C 130:20–21). (Russell M. Nelson, “The Mission and Ministry of the Savior: A Discussion with Elder Russell M. Nelson,” Ensign, Jun 2005, 16–19)

-- and --

As I go around to visit the members of the Church in stake conferences and regional conferences, often I ask them what they know about the life of the Savior. How can you describe what you know about the Savior in a word or two? And maybe I don’t phrase the question very well, but quite often their answers are rather nebulous. I’ve learned that generally people in the world do not understand who the Lord is, what His mission was, or what His ministry meant. The Lord’s mission in mortality was to accomplish the Atonement, which is a gift of immortality to every individual who has ever lived. That is an incredible gift. Part of that mission was to make eternal life a possibility for anyone who would qualify for it. That is a gift conditioned upon obedience to the laws and temple ordinances and covenants. What was His ministry? His ministry was everything else that He did—His miracles, His teachings, His love, His focus on ordinances, His teaching us how to pray. His mission—the Atonement—was uniquely His. Only one was required to do that. He did it once for all. On the other hand, His ministry was to be an example for us. There is no limit to the number of people who can learn to love as He loved, to serve, obey, pray, and endure to the end as He did. We can all emulate that example. We need to make a clear distinction between the things we can do that the Lord did and the things we need not worry about that the Lord did once for all. If we can understand that, then we can really emulate the Lord in our own lives and follow the example He set for us. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Mission and Ministry of the Savior: A Discussion with Elder Russell M. Nelson,” Ensign, Jun 2005, 16–19)

Whenever this man stands at the pulpit, my spirit stills, my heart opens a little more and I simply drink in the words of inspiration, hope and wisdom which come from one who played a direct role in my continued existence on the earth. I testify to you that he is indeed an apostle of God, a special witness of Jesus Christ.

We are so blessed in this day and age. We have a living prophet of God in Gordon B. Hinckley as well as living apostles, of which Elder Russell M. Nelson is one. I testify that God does speak to man through His mouthpiece, Gordon B. Hinckley, and that His gospel does roll forth to every land. Under the guidance and direction of these holy men, our path to eternal salvation is clearly and often pointed out and defined. And through our God, Jesus Christ, immortality is assured and eternal life is a possibility.

One of the original twelve apostles called under Joseph Smith, Jr. was Elder Parley P. Pratt. I have always felt an affinity to this man because of the strength and power of the words he has written.

A particular story I recall was when Parley was staying at a hotel on one of his many journeys. A man, particularly interested in hearing how a apostle would pray, quietly followed him up to his room and listened outside the door. There was silence for a moment and then he heard, "Lord, poor Parley is worn out. Good night."

I still giggle every time I think of that story.

One of the most articulate apostles of that day, the Lord chose well in Parley P. Pratt. He read the Book of Mormon in a single night and determined that it was true and set out to find the church. Elder Pratt joined the church in October of 1830, baptized by Oliver Cowdrey. From that day forward he was a valiant and steadfast missionary for the Lord.

The words he wrote in a letter, while in Richmond Jail, are forever imprinted in my memory,

"In one of those tedious nights we had lain as if in sleep, till the hour of midnight has passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies, and filthy language of our guards, Col. Price at their head, as they recounted to each other their deeds of rapine, murder, robbery, etc., which they had committed among the “Mormons,” while at Far West, and vicinity. They even boasted of defiling by force, wives, daughters, and virgins, and of shooting or dashing out the brains of men, women, and children.

"I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice, that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards, but had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

“SILENCE—Ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute, and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS MINUTE.”

"He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon,--calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked down upon the quailing guards, whose weapons were lowed or dropped to the ground; whose knees smote together, and who, shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon, and remained quiet till a change of guards.

"I have seen the ministers of justice, clothed in magisterial robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was suspended upon a breath, in the courts of England; I have witnessed a Congress in solemn session to give laws to nations; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of thrones, and crowns; and of emperors assembled to decide the fate of kingdoms, but dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains at midnight, in a dungeon, in an obscure village of Missouri." -- [Deseret News, Nov. 12, 1853] [Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nov. 7, 1853, 1]

A more vibrant, powerful image of the prophet has yet to be painted in my mind. For these were men of God, not given to salacious or unbecoming behavior, listening to evil men cackle about their foul deeds committed upon the innocent.

Parley P. Pratt lived out his life in service of Jesus Christ and His church. He never faltered, he never failed. A strong speaker at general conferences, his words inspired the Saints to action. Elder Pratt lived during the early days of the church. He suffered the atrocities, the unjust imprisonments, driven from state to state and finally out of country, just as every other Latter-day Saint at the time. He carved, along with the rest of the Saints, Salt Lake City out of the desert, building a haven for the Saints deep within the valleys of the Rocky Mountains and a temple unto the Lord. He served countless mission without complaint converting many who later became leaders of the church, including President John Taylor, the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mary Fielding who married Hyrum Smith and whose son President Joseph F. Smith and grandson, Joseph Fielding Smith, were called to be prophets as well.

On May 14, 1857 Elder Pratt "fell a noble martyr for the cause of truth which he had advocated with such untiring perseverance for nearly twenty seven years. His last great and magnanimous act, in trying to rescue helpless innocence from the fury of her savage persecutors, will be handed down to unborn generations, as an imperishable monument to his praise; while his wicked brutal murderers, and all that gave countenance to the diabolical deed shall gnaw their tongues for pain, and perish, and be forgotten. Millennial Star - 1857

With the passing of our beloved President James E. Faust this past summer and the calling of Elder Henry B. Eyring to step into his shoes and office, a vacancy was created in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

Latter-day Saints began their wild speculation as to who the new apostle would be . . . and it is a favorite pastime. Names are suggested at the dinner table, on email lists, at the work place . . . even in the park where parents are keeping a close watch on their playing children. Who will the new apostle be? But it is not up to the general membership of the church, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or even the prophet. A new apostle is called by the Lord, and only the Lord.

From Selecting an Apostle we read:

Members of the Quorum of the Twelve serve for their lifetimes, unless removed from their position for iniquity or through resignation. When there are fewer than twelve men in the quorum, it is necessary for a new apostle to be chosen.

New apostles for the Quorum of the Twelve are selected by the First Presidency, by revelation. The position is not open to lobbying or application, although several candidates may be considered. The selection is made by applying the same general principles as were followed by the ancient apostles in New Testament times, that is, the First President and the remaining members of the Twelve meet and prayfully consider new candidates. They voice their opinions on who it should be and the finally selection can only be unanimous. (See Acts 1:15-26.)

Once a decision is reached, the individual's name is submitted to the remaining members of the Quorum of the Twelve for their approval. The individual is then interviewed by the President of the Church and a calling is issued. The name is announced in a conference of the Church for the sustaining vote of the membership as a whole. Such vote does not constitute an election in the political sense of the word; it indicates that the calling is approved by the membership and that the membership accepts the new apostle as such.

The newly sustained individual is then ordained as an apostle by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, who bestow upon him the keys (authority) of the holy apostleship. These keys are the same as were given by Christ to the ancient apostles and restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in modern times by Peter, James, and John. The keys given to the new apostle include the authority to preach the gospel in all the world and to seal ordinances on earth that will be sealed eternally. (See Matthew 16:19, 28:19-20).

Apostles are special witnesses of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world; they possess a knowledge, by revelation, of the literal resurrection of Christ and a knowledge that he directs the affairs of His Church.

Since the church was restored and formed on April 6, 1830, 95 men have been called, sustained and have served as apostles of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

From that same article www.mormonwiki.com we find Joseph Smith's definition of an apostle.

They are the Twelve Apostles, who are called to the office of the Traveling High Council, who are to preside over the churches of the Saints, among the Gentiles, where there is a presidency established; and they are to travel and preach among the Gentiles, until the Lord shall command them to go to the Jews. They are to hold the keys of this ministry, to unlock the door of the Kingdom of heaven unto all nations, and to preach the Gospel to every creature. This is the power, authority, and virtue of their apostleship. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols. 2:200)

And so, last Saturday in General Conference, October 6, 2007, a new apostle was called, Quentin L. Cook.

Now here is what sets The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apart from the rest of the world. We believe in personal revelation.

Revelation is communication from God to His children. This guidance comes through various channels according to the needs and circumstances of individuals, families, and the Church as a whole. When the Lord reveals His will to the Church, He speaks through His prophet. Prophets are the only people who can receive revelation for the Church, but they are not the only people who can receive revelation. According to our faithfulness, we can receive revelation to help us with our specific personal needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help us strengthen our testimony.

The scriptures are filled with prophet after prophet after apostle encouraging the reader to learn to communicate with heaven. (1 Corinthians 2:9-14, Revelations 19:10, Alma 5:43-48, Alma 17:2-3, D&C 76:5-10, D&C 121:26-33)

We are expected to pray to our Father in Heaven and ask for confirmation of the calling of Henry B. Eyring to the First Presidency and of Quentin L. Cook to the Quorum of the Twelve. It is a wonderful and enlightening privilege given unto the followers of Jesus Christ. And so I prayed, and I asked, and as these men spoke in the Sunday Morning session of General Conference, it was testified unto me that the Lord had indeed called these men to serve in these roles and my spirit sighed. Once again confirmation had been given to me when I petitioned the Father and I was, and am, so grateful for this continual reminder of the love our Father in Heaven has for each of us. We ask, He will answer.

Interestingly, all of Heavenly Father's children have this right. We'll discuss more of personal revelation under the Learning About the Church section of this site. In the meantime I'd like you to stop, ponder and pray and exercise this tremendous privilege you hold. When was the last time you petitioned the Father?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored on a beautiful spring day -- April 6, 1830. Over the course of time, a prophet was called, Joseph Smith, Jr, as were twelve apostles, who later became known as the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Since that time and to this very day, there is still a prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley and his two counselors, drawn from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Thomas S. Monson and Henry B. Eyring, who comprise the First Presidency. This office oversees all affairs and manners of the church, both religious and secular. Jesus Christ remains, as always, "the chief cornerstone."

This type of organization of church leadership was not new. As described in Ephesians 1:19-20 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone."

So now we see that Jesus Christ established apostles and prophets in the meridian of time.

Exactly what is an apostle you ask? The specific definition of an apostle is "one sent forth to serve as a special witness of Jesus Christ. There are 15 Apostles living on the earth today. They make up the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of [T]he Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.]"

Furthermore, in the definition of prophet we find, "We sustain the President of the Church (Gordon B. Hinckley) as prophet, seer, and revelator -- the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators."

While apostles are also prophets, seers and revelators, only Gordon B. Hinckley, the current prophet, receives revelation for the entire church. The job of an apostle is to expound upon or explain that doctrine.

The modern-day apostles, whose roles and admonitions have not changed since the beginning of time, are: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oakes, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar and Quentin L. Cook. Gordon B. Hinckley while holding the office of prophet, is also considered an apostle - and this rounds out the fifteen.

As time goes on, we will learn more about each of these men in addition to all who held that office since the dawn of earth's first day.