President Thomas S. Monson: The living prophet an example of dedicated service
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181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
No living person has stood before more general conference congregations than President Thomas S. Monson.
Since being called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in October 1963, he has addressed 154 sessions of annual and semiannual general conferences. By the conclusion of the 181st Annual General Conference — which includes two general sessions Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3, and a priesthood session Saturday evening — he will have delivered 158 general conference addresses.
He has spoken in 23 conference sessions since he became President of the Church Feb. 3, 2008. He was sustained as president on April 5, 2008, during the 178th Annual General Conference of the Church. He spoke during three sessions of that conference; he has spoken four times at all other conferences since he became Church president. Called to the First Presidency in November 1985, he served as second counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson and President Howard W. Hunter and as first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. He spoke twice at each conference during their administrations.
President Monson also has addressed numerous general auxiliary meetings of the Church held in conjunction with general conferences.
Recently, the Church News visited President Monson in his office. The conversation, which touched on several topics, focused on what has become a theme of his administration and, indeed, his ministry as a bishop, stake presidency member, mission president, apostle and, now, President of the Church: serving and caring for the poor and the needy, reaching out to the lonely and downhearted and befriending those who seem to have few, if any, friends.
Putting his call as President of the Church in perspective, he said, "I believe that when we face our Maker, we will not be asked, 'How many positions did you hold?' but rather, 'How many people did you help?' "
Over the years, from the time he delivered his first address as an apostle in October 1963, President Monson has testified of Jesus Christ and encouraged people to emulate Him in serving and reaching out to others.
At general conference, Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to raise their hands to sustain President Monson as prophet, seer and revelator. Asked what members can do to show their support of him as President of the Church, he answered as he has on other occasions by quoting scripture: "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence" (Doctrine and Covenants 107:99).
He added, "If every member of the Church does his or her duty, the Church will remain on safe ground."
President Monson said he frequently asks members for their prayers. "I need them. I plead for them," he said.
More than 100,000 Latter-day Saints, friends and guests are expected to attend the 181st Annual General Conference. Millions will watch or listen to conference proceedings via television, radio, satellite and Internet broadcasts. While numbers might be compiled of those who see and hear President Monson speak, the impact of his messages will be beyond measure.
'Let us be kind, be aware of each other'
'Please pray for me'
"Let us be kind to one another, be aware of each other's needs, and try to help in that regard.
"My dear brothers and sisters, I love you, and I pray for you. Please pray for me. And together we will reap the blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for each one of us. This is my prayer, my plea as I add my testimony. This work is true." — April 2008 general conference
'Provide for those in need'
"There are those throughout the world who are hungry; there are those who are destitute. Working together, we can alleviate suffering and provide for those in need. In addition to the service you give as you care for one another, your contributions to the funds of the Church enable us to respond almost immediately when disasters occur anywhere in the world. We are nearly always among the first on the scene to provide whatever assistance we can. We thank you for your generosity." — October 2008 general conference
'Serve and lift
"I am confident it is the intention of each member of the Church to serve and to help those in need. At baptism we covenanted to 'bear one another's burdens, that they may be light' (Mosiah 18:8). How many times has your heart been touched as you have witnessed the need of another? How often have you intended to be the one to help? And yet how often has day-to-day living interfered and you've left it for others to help, feeling that "oh, surely someone will take care of that need. ...
"My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness — be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us." — October 2009 general conference.
