'Move forward'
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"Move forward" is among President Gordon B. Hinckley's most frequently given counsel. He takes his own counsel, seemingly never standing still and constantly on the go. He turned 95 on June 23, and shows no plans to slow down.
He announced at a press conference June 20 that he is planning travels that will take him around the globe in late July and early August, during which he will dedicate the Aba Nigeria Temple on Aug. 7.
Since the building of temples will be part of his legacy, it is fitting that he will dedicate a temple within two months of embarking upon his 96th year.
"President Hinckley will go down in history as a temple builder, not only for the blessing of people in the United States but worldwide," President Thomas S. Monson, who serves as first counselor to President Hinckley in the First Presidency, said in a Church News interview.
Though nearly 27 years younger than President Hinckley, President Monson is one of the prophet's longest-time associates, especially among the General Authorities.
"I've known President Hinckley for a period long before he and I were General Authorities," he said. While President Hinckley was executive secretary of the Missionary Department, President Monson had a similar position with Deseret Press. They met often with regard to publishing missionary literature and printing the Book of Mormon.
They served in stake presidencies about the same time. After President Hinckley was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1958 he still held responsibilities with the Missionary Department. President Monson was called to preside over the Canadian Mission in 1959. "On Sept. 30, 1961, my hand was raised high in sustaining vote, even though I was far away in Canada, when he was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve," President Monson said.
"His long service as a Church employee and as a General Authority has provided him as fine a view of Church administration as any living person."
President Monson said that if he were asked to state a singular trait or capacity that he has observed almost daily with President Hinckley it would be: "He does not rush to judgment; rather, he thinks the situation through methodically, carefully and prayerfully and then, when a decision is made, he moves the issue forward with skill.
"It has been my privilege to serve by his side in the Quorum of the Twelve, then together as counselors to President Ezra Taft Benson and President Howard W. Hunter, and now in President Hinckley's capacity as president."
President Monson said of President Hinckley: "He carries a mammoth workload as president of the Church but he leads out, showing the way for others to follow, which is the mark of a true leader, and particularly of God's prophet."
President Monson observed, "President Hinckley has many gifts. One of them is an insatiable appetite for world affairs, particularly as they may affect the Church worldwide, and, at the same time, has an instant grasp of financial matters, as though he were a major in business rather than English in his university training."
In addition to being remembered as a builder of temples, President Monson said that President Hinckley will be remembered for his leadership in the Perpetual Education Fund and in directing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation to assure that those who have been bereft of homes and sustenance, whether by earthquake, flood or other causes, are not left without help.
President Monson added: "I look forward to President Hinckley's 95th birthday celebration. Our beloved prophet, seer and revelator, of whom I testify, is everything he is sustained to be.
"My wife, Frances, and I join President James E. Faust and his wife, Ruth, other General Authorities and their wives, and the entire Church in extending to Gordon B. Hinckley our utmost respect and sincere greetings for a long life in health and strength on his 95th birthday. We love and sustain him."
President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, said, "It's hard to believe that President Hinckley is 95 because he's still so able and sharp. He wants to get things going and he keeps moving.
"The mantle of his office has fallen on him so that he now seems to be even more capable and intelligent. His sense of humor is just as sharp as it ever was. In terms of other gifts, they have been enhanced, increased so that he is one of the most remarkable men in our lives. I think I can sum up the whole thing in saying that he is, in every sense of the word, our prophet, seer and revelator of this time, in spite of his age. President Hinckley's physical strength and abilities are all so exceptional for a man his age.
"As the First Presidency, we have many ambassadors and other world leaders call on us. It's remarkable how President Hinckley relates to them. Almost without exception, they have a hard time believing that he's as old as he is. They are very deferential, very respectful toward him. I haven't seen anybody who didn't show the greatest appreciation for him. Really, it's quite remarkable."
President Faust, who will observe his 85th birthday July 31, said that he has known President Hinckley for 50 years. "He has always been intelligent and capable, and he has always had a wonderful insight."
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve, who observed his 88th birthday June 11, has known President Hinckley since childhood. He remembers going to hear Elder Hinckley, as a recently returned missionary, give his homecoming talk. "He reported on his wonderful experiences as a missionary in England," Elder Wirthlin said. "He impressed me with his deep spiritual strength. He was devoted to the Church, even at that early age. The young men and women who heard him speak, I'm sure, were motivated to fulfill missions."
Elder Wirthlin said of President Hinckley: "I think his greatest quality is the strong testimony he bears to the truthfulness of the gospel. Anyone, member or not, who hears his testimony is moved by the power of it, not only in delivery but also in great meaning and spirituality."
Of President Hinckley's vitality, Elder Wirthlin said: "He does not show his age. On the contrary, it seems that he is a man in his middle 40s who possesses tremendous energy. The Church is blessed with such a wonderful prophet who energizes everyone who listens to his teachings and testimony.
"He is a man who cares for every detail, as well as having an inspired vision of the broad future of the Church. He is one who firmly believes that the gospel should be taught and preached in every country in the world, regardless of language and culture. He will be known as truly a great missionary of the Church and yet also takes care of every important detail to enhance the growth of the Lord's Church.
"He was well prepared, serving as a counselor under three presidents. This extended experience, his great natural ability and deep spirituality — the Church is blessed with truly one of the great leaders since its restoration."
