Elder Neil L. Andersen: 'Preparing the world for the Second Coming'
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181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
Asking young priesthood holders age 12-25 years if they have ever thought about why they were sent to earth at this specific time, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve noted, "The priesthood of God has been restored to the earth, and the Lord has set His hand to prepare the world for His glorious return. These are days of great opportunity and important responsibilities. These are your days."
Speaking in the priesthood session, Elder Andersen told the young listeners that with their ordination to the priesthood, their talents and spiritual capacities have been increased.
"One of your important responsibilities is to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior," he said.
Citing President Thomas S. Monson's declaration that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission, Elder Andersen noted that missionary service requires sacrifice.
He told of New Zealand rugby player Sidney Going who, in 1961 at age 19, gave up a chance to play with the nation's top rugby team to serve a mission.
"For Sid, it was not what he was leaving behind, it was the opportunity and responsibility ahead," Elder Andersen said. "He had a priesthood duty to offer two years of his life to declare the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Nothing — not even a chance to play on the national team, with all the acclaim it would bring, would deter him from that duty....
"You're probably wondering what happened to Sid Going following his mission," Elder Andersen said. "Most important: an eternal marriage to his sweetheart, Colleen; five noble children, and a generation of grandchildren. He has lived his life trusting in his Father in Heaven, keeping the commandments and serving others."
He ended up playing for the same rugby team he had the chance to play with before his mission and became one of the greatest halfbacks in its history, playing for 11 seasons and serving for many years as team captain.
"Your mission will be a sacred opportunity to bring others to Christ and help prepare for the Second Coming," Elder Andersen said.
"The Lord has blessed this work, and the Church is being established across the world," he said, noting that the conference session was being translated into 93 languages. "We are grateful for the 52,225 full-time missionaries serving in more than 150 countries [as of Jan 1]. The sun never sets on righteous missionaries testifying of the Savior."
Some may wonder if they are too old to serve, Elder Andersen remarked. "Should your age concern you, pray and speak with your bishop. He will guide you."
