Throughout the history of the Church, Latter-day Saints and the curious have gravitated toward conferences. During the early years following the restoration of the gospel, many were drawn to personally visit the Prophet Joseph Smith to see for themselves what manner of man God had chosen to restore the keys of the kingdom and direct His work here on the earth.

Hundreds traveled many miles to hear the Prophet Joseph deliver inspiring messages of hope, renewal and peace. To those who read the Book of Mormon and chose to partake of Moroni's invitation to "ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true," they received their answer. "If ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:4-5).

Latter-day Saints who gather in the Conference Center for the 176th Semiannual General Conference or access it through various media will receive words of peace, renewal and hope by inspired leaders who testify of the Savior and the restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

President Gordon B. Hinckley marks another milestone at this conference — it was 25 years ago at the 1981 October conference he was sustained by the membership as a counselor in the First Presidency to President Spencer W. Kimball. President Hinckley's leadership, his capabilities and his devotion to the leadership of the Church and to the Savior are well chronicled. As Elder Mark E. Petersen noted in the Church News at the time of his call: "He is truly one of the great men of the Church and has been for years ... his close association with the First Presidency from the days of President David O. McKay ... qualify him for his new task. But his own great and humble spirit, his intelligent approach to the work, his remarkable consideration for his fellowmen, especially endear him to the people of the Church" (Church News, Aug. 1, 1981, p. 16).

Since 1981, no one has helped direct the work longer. He has delivered timely counsel to three Church presidents and has been a tireless testifier of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. President Hinckley's accomplishments are great, his vision and good humor infectious and his counsel well-received as he keeps his eye on the mission of the Church.

His tireless devotion to the gospel is an inspiration, not just to the nearly 12.8 million Church members, among whom he is revered as the Lord's prophet to the world, but also to those not members who see him as a remarkable human being who carries an enormous schedule cheerfully and without complaint.

As we turn our lives over to the Savior and follow His example as expressed by the inspired leadership in this day, let us go forward cheerfully and unafraid, determined to abide the Savior's teachings and commandments and reflect well upon the Church.

As we listen to the prophet's voice and his counsel, may we show forth the love and example of the Savior to a world in desperate need of leadership. President Hinckley has laid forth the vision; may we choose to follow his prophetic example.