Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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As a convert to the church during World War II in Germany, "I had no ancestors among the 19th century pioneers. However, since the first days of my church membership, I felt a close kinship to those early pioneers who crossed the plains. They are my spiritual ancestry, as they are for each and every member of the church, regardless of nationality, language or culture. They have established not only a safe place in the West, but also the spiritual foundation for the building of the kingdom of God in all nations of the world."
When he was a child, his family twice "lost all material belongings within only seven years. We were refugees with an uncertain future. However, during those same seven years, we gained more than any amount of money could ever buy. We found a supernal refuge, a place of defense from despair, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and his church, led by a true and living prophet. . . .
"Whatever our challenges in life may be, our burdens may become light if we not only believe in Christ, but also in his ability and his power to cleanse and console our lives, and accept his peace."
"God is speaking to us in a consistent voice. God will deal with all the human family equally. We might be in a large ward or a small branch, our climate or vegetation may differ, the cultural background and language might vary and the color of our skin could be totally different. But the universal power and blessings of the restored gospel are available to all, irrespective of culture, nationality, political system, tradition, language, economic environment or education."
