Elder Neil L. Andersen: New apostle's testimony
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In his first public address to the Church after being called to the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Neil L. Andersen anchored his remarks in his witness and testimony of Christ.
"Above all, we proclaim our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ," he said Sunday morning. "All that we are, all that we will ever be, we owe to Him. While we gaze in awe at His majesty, He does not ask us to stay our distance, but bids us to come unto Him: 'I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him'" (Revelation 3:20).
Elder Andersen thanked the members of the Church for their sustaining vote following his apostolic calling. "In so many dimensions, I feel inadequate and humbled. I take solace that in one qualification for the holy apostleship where there can be no latitude extended, the Lord has deeply blessed me: I do know with perfect and certain clarity through the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Beloved Son of God."
The new apostle spoke of his love and support for President Thomas S. Monson. He asked the members for their faith and prayers. "I know that I am not what I must become. I pray that I might be willing and moldable to the Lord's tutoring and correction. I take comfort from the words of President Monson last night in the priesthood session that the Lord will shape the back to fit the burden placed upon it."
Over the past two decades, Elder Andersen and his family have spent 10 years living outside the United States fulfilling Church assignments. His travels have left him with a deep gratitude for the worldwide family of believers in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He spoke of his own personal blessings.
"[Heavenly Father] allowed me to marry one of His angels here on earth. My wife, Kathy, is my light and example, a precious daughter of God, full of purity and innocence. I would be nothing without her. For much of my life, I've been trying to become what she thought I already was."
Elder Andersen also expressed thanks for his four children, loving parents and his brethren of the Seventy. Sixteen years of service as a General Authority have provided him with a deep love and appreciation for the selfless service of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. "I have witnessed the fulfillment of their prophetic voice. I have seen the sick raised and nations blessed through their authority, and have stood with them in moments too sacred to recount."
Church members, he added, live in the day of the Lord's marvelous work and a wonder. God has called His people to be messengers of His gospel and prepare the way before Him.
"Our responsibility is not trivial. It is not by chance that we are who we are. The keeping of covenants in these days of destiny will be a badge of honor throughout all the eternities."
Faithful members, he said, must not shrink from those principles found only in the Lord's restored Church.
