In the 2015 October General Conference, Elder David A. Bednar shared a story about Gordon B. Hinckley being interviewed on a national television program where the journalist remarked, “There are those who say… ‘This is a church run by old men.’” President Hinckley responded, “Isn’t it wonderful to have a man of maturity at the head, a man of judgment who isn’t blown about by every wind of doctrine?”

President Hinckley’s response contained 3 reasons why Mormon prophets and apostles are old.

Maturity—both temporal and spiritual

Mormon prophets and apostles are not exempt from trials and suffering that tests their faith and testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their circumstances at times are not easy. Some of them struggled at some point, lived as a child refugee, suffered heartaches and disappointments among many other things that helped build the foundation of their faith and form their character. Many of the prophets and apostles who have passed on have suffered physical conditions that eventually caused them to depart from this world, and yet with these physical frailties they dedicated their time to serving the Lord and His children. They have developed a love for the Savior and for all the people that they serve. They have learned wisdom that comes from a realization of the things that matter most.

They have also learned to understand the language of the Holy Ghost and the patterns by which the Lord reveals instructions for His people through decades of spiritual communion with the Lord. Their experiences on this earth have tested their faith but have not shaken their testimony that the Lord lives and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church. These men have centuries of temporal and spiritual maturity combined.

Good judgment

These men are educated on the things that happen around the world. They meet with leaders of nations, local leaders, other faiths, communities and even in humble homes to discuss issues in society. They then report what they experienced and the issues that have been raised to them to the prophet and other apostles. They read books, research and surveys. They have a good grasp of what’s happening in the world because they have lived in many different countries and worked with various people from diverse cultural backgrounds. They are very much aware of the issues that the world is facing because they have seen it and experienced it. The policies that they decide on and their judgment on the issues that we currently face are based on information that they have collectively gathered on their travels along with the information the research department of the Church has gathered for them. Above all, they decide after much prayer and fasting. They have good judgment on moral and societal issues because they are educated and informed.

Strong gospel foundation

These men have lived through decades of doctrinal whirlwinds and opposition. They have learned through these spiritual storms to not be swayed by the philosophies of the world. Some people might say that they are older men so they cannot really satisfy the needs of the younger generation. Perhaps this would be true if they were leading the Church by themselves but they are not. The Lord is at the head of the Church and He directs these noble men. These prophets and apostles understand that the principles of the gospel cannot be altered to gratify social and political norms. They have studied the scriptures and affirmed their testimony of its truthfulness. Their faith in the Lord is anchored in eternal truths found in the gospel. The foundation of their faith is built upon the Savior Jesus Christ. They have seen and experienced the blessings of following gospel principles and the consequences of disobedience.

Suffice it to say that Mormon prophets and apostles may be old in terms of age but never too old to lead and serve the Lord and His people.

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Excitement began when the San Pablo stake president, President Maligon gave us a heads up that the devotional would start in 10 minutes. Everyone was encouraged to observe silence and stay on their sits until the devotional ends. Everyone was so thrilled to see the apostle. Exactly 4:00 pm, Elder Russel M. Nelson, Elder Shayne M. Bowen, Elder Tobias, President Amistad with their wives entered the sacrament hall. It was a glorious scene for all of us. Everyone was smiling and could not hide the joy seeing from these wonderful leaders.

Talks of the wives of these great leaders filled the room with sweet spirit that lingered in the heart of many. Sister Tobias talked about motherhood and how choices in life affect eternally, followed by Elder Tobias who focused on gaining the spirit by pondering and reading the scriptures. Everyone was amazed when Sister Bowen delivered her talk in Tagalog! After her talk, Elder Bowen commended his wife for her wonderful service to the church and most especially to her family. He also talked about this generation’s loss of identity. He encouraged everyone to get a Patriarchal Blessing and make a life plan. He also spoke about tips for relationships. He said, “We, (Sister Bowen and himself) don’t compete against each other, rather we complete each other”. He also added, “The longer you stay single, the weirder you become”.

The whole congregation got excited when Sister Nelson stood. Her outgoing personality thrilled everyone. One thing she talked about was the 30-Day Challenge. For this challenge, everyday you will pray with a scripture on your chest and you will ask specific question. After your prayer, you will open the scripture and randomly pick a verse and that will be the answer! (cool huh?) After a humorous talk from Sister Nelson, the apostle of the Lord, Elder Nelson, spoke to us – the time everyone‘s been waiting for. I testify of this great man’s quiet spirit. It was empowering yet so calming. I would say I felt joy from the peaceful atmosphere brought by Elder Nelson. He started by inviting us to pray for the dedication that will be held in Fiji followed with a sad news that there will be a typhoon coming exactly that day too. Honestly I am not worried at all. I know that is the perfect time for the typhoon because I know God will protect them because Elder Eyring will be there. After that he started his talk about prayer and prophets. He quoted “pray to know what to stop doing and pray to know what to start doing” This stuck to my heart and made me contemplate. Am I living and doing what the Lord expects me to do?

It all ended as quietly as it started. Though we were not able allowed to take a selfie or shake hands with them, the spirit we’ve felt was better than taking a picture. Testimonies were strengthen and hearts uplifted, that’s the most important thing of all.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://faith.ph/files/2015/12/12387909_1013235232033072_383603014_n.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]A person with varied interest, personality built in by courage and joy, a woman who’s living in the reality of her own imagination and strongly believe that she is a daughter of a King. – Lyza Marie Suaybaguio[/author_info] [/author]

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It is an overwhelming feeling to see and hear the Apostles’ first testimonies to the public. Every single member of the Church feels the excitement from how the church is moving forward strongly. Though saddened from the passing of the previous apostle/s, everyone is strengthened by the hope that the Church can no longer experience an widespread apostasy or turning away of people from the truth. The first testimonies of the newly called apostles show the priesthood of God at work.

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The Church and the world are continuously blessed to have three new inspired men to complete the Quorum of the Twelve. Here are fun facts about the three apostles.

98th: Elder Ronald A. Rasband

1. Elder Rasband last spoke in general conference in April 2014. In his talk, he mentioned, “What [Jesus Christ] asks of each one of us is to be able and willing to take up the joyful ‘burden’ of discipleship“
2. He served a mission in the Eastern States Mission and later served as mission president of the New York New York North Mission.
3. He used to be the president and chief operating officer of Huntsman Chemical Corporation.
4. He was called as a general authority and member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in April 2000.
5. Elder Rasband married his wife, Melanie Twitchell, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have been married for 42 years.

Follow Elder Rasband on Facebook.

Article by Jamie Armstrong on LDSliving.com

99th: Elder Gary E. Stevenson

1. Elder Stevenson last spoke in general conference in April 2014. Memorably titled “Your Four Minutes,” he highlighted some of the great examples of LDS Olympians
2. He served his mission in Japan, and was later called to be the president of the Japan Nagoya Mission from 2004-2007.
3. Elder Stevenson started out selling imported kitchenware, tableware, and marble products, and later trampolines. He eventually cofounded and served as president of an exercise equipment manufacturing company.
4. Aside from serving as the Presiding Bishop, Elder Stevenson has served as a bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, ward Sunday School teacher, and as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
5. He was married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple in April 1979. He and his wife are the parents for four sons.

Follow Elder Stevenson on Facebook

Article by Jannalee Rosner on LDSliving.com

100th: Elder Dale G. Renlund

1. Elder Renlund is a powerful speaker, and his life has stood as an example to all those who know him of how to live a Christlike life. We can recall from April 2015 general conference his statement, “I’m no saint—that is, unless you think a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying.”
2. Elder Renlund has many ties to Sweden.
3. Prior to his calling as an Apostle, Elder Renlund was a Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah.
4. Elder Renlund lived in Johannesburg, South Africa for five years.
5. Elder Renlund is a family man and Salt Lake City native, having been born there in November 1952.

Follow Elder Renlund on Facebook

Article by Jannalee Rosner on LDSliving.com

The post 5 Things You Should Know About Our Newly Called Apostles – 2016 appeared first on morefaith.ph.

For almost 37 years since October 1, 1988, he displayed his fervor in serving and inspiring everyone as an Apostle of the Lord. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, another member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, mentioned:

His messages were filled with hope. And he was unapologetic about repentance and the Atonement because he knew that that’s where hope came from or what one could hope for as a consequence of true, full repentance and the effect of the Atonement, the grace of Jesus Christ, in one’s life.

(Ang kanyang mensahe ay puno ng pagasa. Walang pagdududa ang mga mensahe niya sa pagsisisi at sa pagbabayad-sala ni Jesu Kristo dahil alam niyang dito nanggagaling ang pagasa o kung saan pwedeng makahanap ng pagasa dahil sa buong pagsisisi at epekto ng pagbabayad-sala, ang pagpapala ni Jesu Kristo, sa buhay ng isang tao.)

He is a creditable embodiment of science’s harmonious relationship with faith. He worked as a nuclear engineer and served under Admiral Hyman Rickover for a “wide variety of naval and land-based power plants.” In his October 2007 conference talk, Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions, he displayed this symphonic understanding of the two, known to be opposing, fields. He said, “[To know the truth,] two ingredients are essential: first, unwavering faith in the source of all truth; second, a willingness to keep God’s commandments to keep open spiritual communication with Him.”

In a more personal note, Elder Scott has been a source of inspiration to many families. We were and are still blessed of his talks and his love towards his dearly missed Jeanene. During the September 2010 CES Fireside, he addressed young single adults, in particular, the blessings of building a Christ-centered family. He was, as if, talking to me directly. The following are excerpts from the conference which still guides me to this day as a father and a husband:

1. Young men, don’t waste time in idle pursuits. Serve a worthy mission. Then make your highest priority that of finding a worthy, eternal companion. Get on with life and work at it. Don’t just coast through this period of life. It goes by too rapidly.
2. Many women seldom hear a complimentary comment and are not thanked for the multitude of good they do. That’s a tragedy. As a husband, when you sense that your wife needs lifting, hold her in your arms and tell her how very much you love her.
3. As a husband, be aware of what you might unconsciously communicate by how you treat your wife in public… [Occasionally,] I note that a man is in line in front of his wife. That is inappropriate—as a matter of fact, it’s just plain stupid.… The simple gestures like opening the door on the car or in a room for a woman show you want to give her the respect she deserves.
4. I have seen men reject counsel from a wife who likely has struggled for a long time to find just the right moment to mention something the husband needed to change. Don’t do that.

His short story guides me to cherish what or who really matter most:

Once I learned an important lesson from my wife. I traveled extensively in my profession. I had been gone almost two weeks and returned home one Saturday morning. I had four hours before going to a meeting. I noticed that our little washing machine had broken down and my wife was washing the clothes by hand. Having an engineering background, I began to fix the machine.

Jeanene came by and said, “Rich, what are you doing?”

I said, “I’m repairing the washing machine so you don’t have to do this by hand.”

She said, “No. Go play with the children.”

I said, “I can play with them anytime. I want to help you.”

She said, “Richard, please go play with the children.”

When she spoke to me that authoritatively, I saluted and obeyed.

I had a marvelous time with our children. We chased each other around and rolled in the fall leaves. Later I went to my meeting. I probably would have forgotten that experience, were it not for the lesson that she wanted me to learn.

The next morning, about 4:00 a.m., I was awakened as I felt two little arms around my neck, a kiss on the cheek, and these words whispered in my ear, which I will never forget: “Dad, I love you. You are my best, best friend.”

Are you having that kind of experience with your children? If you are not, you are missing one of the supernal joys of life. If you have not yet married, you can decide now that when you are a parent the happiness of your children will be a very high priority in your life.

Let us keep Elder Scott living in our hearts by living the teachings of Jesus Christ through his words so that, like him, we can be reunited with our loved ones and with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The post You Are Dearly Missed, Elder Richard G. Scott appeared first on morefaith.ph.