Susainted as a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve a day earlier, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf bore on Sunday morning a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, including the story of his family's conversion.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A native of Germany, he said, "My life was eternally blessed by one choice member who reached out more than 50 years ago. Some days after World War II, my grandmother was standing in line for food, when an elderly single sister, with no family of her own, invited her to sacrament meeting in Zwickau, East Germany. My grandmother and my parents accepted the invitation. They went to Church, felt the Spirit, were uplifted by the kindness of the members, and edified by the hymns of the Restoration.

"My grandmother, my parents, and my three siblings all were baptized. I had to wait two years because I was only 6.

"How grateful I am for a spiritual, sensitive grandmother, teachable parents and a wise, white-haired, elderly single sister who had the sweet boldness to reach out and follow the Savior's example by inviting us to 'come and see.' Her name was Sister Ewig, which translates in English to Sister Eternal. I will be eternally grateful for her love and example."

In an emotional address, Elder Uchtdorf shared his feelings about being "given a sacred trust that will completely influence my life forever."

Early in his remarks, he spoke of his wife, saying, "After President Gordon B. Hinckley had extended the call to me to become an apostle and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, I left my busy office to share this totally unexpected news with my beloved Harriet. At this most important time in our life we cherished the quiet sacredness of our home as a place of refuge and of defense. How grateful I am for my wife, for the loving comfort and strong support she has been throughout my life. Next to the gift of life itself and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, Harriet is the greatest blessing which came into my life."

Elder Uchtdorf expressed appreciation to many people, including his children and grandchildren who "are building the kingdom of God in our homeland," friends and teachers, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.

He also spoke highly of the members of the Quorums of the Seventy with whom he had associated for 10 years, the last two as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy. "I will cherish the example and friendship of the Quorums of the Seventy forever," he said.

He extended thanks to members of the Church throughout the world "for your faithfulness — despite temptations — for your love, for your dedication to the principles and doctrine of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, for your willingness to follow the living prophet in making the wards and branches grow, for your sacrifices by giving of your time, energy, your emotional, spiritual and temporal substance. Thank you for paying an honest tithing and not neglecting the poor and the lonely.

"I have seen the face of Christ in your faces, in your deeds, and in your exemplary lives. You are a modern miracle."

Thanking members for their sustaining support for Church leaders, Elder Uchtdorf said the leaders pray for the members, love them and sustain them in their willingness to serve the Lord.

"In the Lord's Church, every calling is important," he said.

Looking forward, Elder Uchtdorf said, "With these tender feelings of gratitude for all who have influenced my life in past years, I commit myself to the future. My heart and mind are filled with joy that for the rest of my life I will have the opportunity to 'talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, and prophesy of Christ (2 Nephi 25:26).' All this as a special witness of our Savior, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ."

He pledged to members of the Church, to his brethren and to the Lord "that I will live to be worthy to know the will of the Lord and to act accordingly."