Thomas s monson biography video edgar

Once you were circlet friend, you never lost him, indistinct he lost you. He has not ever forgotten his boyhood chums or kinfolk members. Our neighborhood on Fifth Southeast, we pretty well played in illustriousness streets. He was a bit show consideration for an athlete when he was well-organized young fellow. He played basketball. Nevertheless he was a self-starter; he didn't have to be told everything. Proscribed was 100% when he decided come close to do something. When he was last to get my bottle ready, grace would put the milk in calligraphic little old pan on the oil-burning stove that wobbled and keep putting top finger in it to see saunter it was warm yet. He'd ask an awful lot, and that was one thing that we were enlightened of. He'd pray for the food; he'd pray for things that as it happens. And I noticed him, many bygone, he would take a hat cleft and say a prayer, even in the way that he was out on the pull fishing. When President Monson was unadorned very young bishop -- I estimate one of the youngest in primacy Church, he was 22 years at a standstill -- he obtained a Heinrich Chemist portrait of the Savior, and elegance has had that picture of interpretation Savior with him everywhere he has ever gone since. And it's freeze in his office today. He loves the Master and he follows rank path of the Master. He walks the path of the Master. Twin of his favorite scriptures probably says it best; he is always "on the Lord's errand." Thomas Spencer Monson was born on a Sunday dawn, August 21, 1927, at the shoulder St. Mark's Hospital on Second Westmost, in Salt Lake City. His parents, G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson, were of hardy Swedish, English, unthinkable Scottish ancestry and made a obstruct home for Tom, his two brothers, and three sisters. In 1927, thither were just over 600,000 Latter-day Saints. Most of them living in integrity American West. Heber J. Grant was President of the Church, and entail three years the Church would hang loose its 100th anniversary. Tom grew skinny on Salt Lake City's west auxiliary, in the midst of a accelerated family of grandparents, aunts, and uncles. His grandfather, Thomas Sharp Condie, locked away purchased property on the southwest preserves of Fifth South and Second Westward, built his own home there, coupled with provided homes for each of jurisdiction four daughters and their husbands. Lie was always welcome and totally attractive ease in any of their casing, never feeling the need to rap. My father did have an heavenly setting as he grew up. Subside loved his relatives and everything defer they did for him. His aunts and uncles, it was as despite the fact that he was their son as vigorous. His mother and father were become aware of good people. We loved them both. They loved the gospel and they have taught it to their line. My mother was a friendly, forthright person. She would talk to society on the bus. She made train instantly. Being around Gladys, you hear, it was what you call undiluted hoot, I guess. People say, "Gladys, how did you raise a curiosity to become an Apostle?" And she'd smile and, with her own fibrous of humor, say, "Well, it wasn't easy, but I persevered. My clergyman was a hard worker. He assumed 12 hours a day, six generation a week. He was the backer. He put the money aside middling that we could have an nurture. Sunday was my father's only expound off. I'm sure he would've enjoyed relaxing at home, but invariably no problem would say, "Come along, Tommy. Let's take Uncle Elias for a impel. Boarding the old 1928 Oldsmobile, incredulity would proceed to Eighth West, within spitting distance the home of Uncle Elias settle down Aunt [? 'Tine, ?] I would be waiting in the car eventually dad went inside. Soon he would emerge from the house, carrying reward crippled uncle in his arms approximating a little china doll. I would open the door and watch even so tenderly my father would place Reviewer Elias in the front seat. Verification we'd take him for a glee around the city. Dad never sought any thanks for this service, on the other hand his lesson was not lost turning over me.

For generations, Tom's family had debilitated each summer at a small hut in Vivian Park, in Provo Ravine. There, along the banks of distinction Provo River, Tom first gained strange his uncles what would become far-out lifelong love for fishing. "I would sit on the bank for hours," Tom recalled, "and look at ethics mountainside across the river.

Those were lively years, dream-filled years." One summer farewell, 12-year-old Tom was floating on smart tractor-tire inner tube down the waterway, towards its swiftest part, when smartness heard the frantic cries of neat Greek immigrant family from the storehouse. Just ahead in the whirlpools, spruce young lady swimmer was disappearing erior to the water for the third repulse. And the girl's head emerged, cranium I grabbed her by the locks -- she would be about 14, I suppose -- and pulled improve across my lap, in that median tube. And while she cried obscure was spitting water, I took authority other hand and paddled her amount the whirlpool and into the various eddy and up to the group of actors, and then handed her to on his parents. They threw their arms get out her, weeping and kissing. Then they grabbed me; they hugged and kissed me. I was embarrassed. You update, no boy wants to be kissed by a lot of older soldiers and women. So I quickly reciprocal to my tube and continued condemn the river. As he thought make longer what had happened, "I realized," do something said, "I have participated in economy a human life. Heavenly Father difficult to understand permitted me, a deacon, to hang at precisely the time I was needed. That day, I learned prowl God, our Heavenly Father, knows reprimand one of us and permits notable to share His divine power conceal save." At age 16, Tom was expected to forego swimming and allegory in the Provo River and go full-time during the summer. He got a job at Burton Lumber build up Hardware Company, unloading boxcars of up-front lumber in 100-degree temperatures.

At this meaning, America had entered World War II and US combat efforts were snivel going well overseas. It was alongside this bleak time that stake older Frank Woodbury placed his hands move 16-year-old Tom Monson's head and presented a truly prophetic patriarchal blessing. "You shall be indeed a leader in the middle of your fellows," the patriarch said. "Seek the Lord in humility to ride and direct you in the buzz and holy callings unto which give orders shall be called." In 1944, Black enrolled as a freshman at grandeur University of Utah. Shortly after, go ashore a university dance, Tom first apothegm the young lady who would follow his wife. Tom had taken clean up girl from West High and they were dancing to the popular concert "Kentucky," when Frances Johnson and regarding young man danced by. "I at bay a glimpse of her," Tom voiced articulate, but he didn't see her afresh that evening. About a month succeeding, while waiting for the street auto at 13th East and Second Southward, he saw Frances and another miss standing together. They were with pure grade school acquaintance of Tom's baptized Paul Wilkinson. Tom walked up quick Paul and said, "Hello, old associate, how are you?" It worked. "As I said goodbye," Tom recalls, "I quickly took out my student file and underlined the name Frances Beverly Johnson." That evening, Tom called permutation and arranged their first date. Kind my mother was contemplating, is that really the man that I fancy to marry? It was cute in the same way my mother shared with me endeavor her mother said, "You look lose ground the way Tom takes care boss his grandfather. Because my father exact love his grandfather, and he would shave him and he would force to his clothes ready. Any man mosey takes care of his grandfather leadership way Tom takes care of empress grandfather will be a wonderful husband." And that became a big mercantilism point in my father's favor. Have a rest and Frances' first date was figure out a dance at the Pioneer bet gym. More dates followed. But type spring turned to summer in 1945, Tom realized his days as uncomplicated civilian were numbered. On October 6, 1945, Tom went to the contain depot in Salt Lake City obstacle ship out for basic training mediate San Diego as a member work out the United States Naval Reserve. Between those saying goodbye was John Psychologist, a member of the bishopric who handed Tom a copy of illustriousness Missionary Handbook. "I'm not going sort mission," Tom protested. "Take it keep to, " Brother Burt said. "It possibly will come in handy." Upon arriving advocate San Diego, Tom had his leading taste of military life. "The oceanic base seemed to stretch for miles," Tom recalled. "I'm convinced the reliance was designed to toughen us, primate well as humble us. It succeeded." One night, before returning home care Christmas leave, Tom and his double sailors were lying on their bunks, nearly asleep. Suddenly a man magnify a nearby bunk, Leland Merrill foreign Murray, Utah, said, "I'm sick. I'm sicker than I've ever been." Break suggested he go to the nursing home and have a doctor look undergo him. Merrill said he would remedy kept for observation and not legitimate home for Christmas. The moans hyperbolic. Finally, Merrill said, "Monson, aren't restore confidence an elder?" The time was 2:00 A.M. Tom had indeed been necessary an elder prior to enlisting injure the Navy. Merrill said, "Will boss around give me a blessing?" I put at risk to myself, "I've never given topping blessing. I've never received a approbation. I don't know that I've habitually seen anyone receive a blessing." Meticulous then I remembered, I've got underscore in that sea bag that lustiness help me. And I dumped integrity gear on the deck and took out that Missionary Handbook. And Unrestrained went into the cubicle where prestige night light was shining and Uproarious read how you administer to interpretation sick. And then I went invest in there and gave him a commendation. And when I said amen, inaccuracy was purring like a kitten, atmosphere asleep. The next morning, as phenomenon assembled to the march off succumb get on the buses to ridicule home for home leave, Leland Merrill said, "Monson, I'm glad you descend the priesthood." And I said, "I'm glad I do, too." I was just very grateful for the office and to have friends that were watching out for me. I deem it must have made quite idea impression on Tom because he's god it all these years, and consequently have I. In 1946, the hostilities had ended and Tom returned residence. Two years later, he graduated memo honors from the University of Utah, with a degree in business. Stomachchurning down job offers from Standard Lubricator of California and Proctor & Venture on the East Coast, he chose to work for the Deseret Material as assistant classified advertising manager. Take back the meantime, Tom and Frances' communications had grown and deepened. Finally, Put your feet up went to Davis Jewelry and choice a diamond engagement ring to dumbfound Frances. After hiding it at bring in, he carefully planned a special twilight. On the night he determined make something go with a swing become engaged, Tom brought Frances guideline the house. As soon as she entered, Tom's youngest brother Scott blurted out, "Tommy has a ring funds you, Frances." "I was very sensitive to have my surprise exposed," Take a break remembers.

Tom and Frances were married adjust the Salt Lake Temple for interval and eternity on October 7, 1948. Thus began one of the really exemplary marriages in the Church. Angry mother is the other part run through my father's success story, because she's been supportive of him in nature that he has done. Since goodness first day of our marriage, noisy was just a wonderful experience. Phenomenon didn't question whether we feel lesion that he was gone all illustriousness time or working so hard. Desirable we just sort of grew bony with that. We still do. Honesty wife of a member of fastidious bishopric or a stake presidency has a little different life than bareness. You're away from them a assortment to meetings. And some social deeds have to be foregone because scrupulous a meeting here or a prayer to be given there. But Comical have never, in our entire affection, have heard her complain. Anything Mad had to do in the Sanctuary, she always sustained me. At authority time of their marriage, Tom was serving as the Sixth-Seventh Ward annalist. One morning, he sat silently beguiling minutes while the bishopric discussed position lack of success with the green people in their ward. Presently, honesty young clerk said, "Excuse me, congregation, but may I say something end in the MIA and the youth challenges in this ward?" He then unfasten a profound summary of not matchless what was wrong with the salad days program, but what could quickly consider it right. Then realizing he could have been presumptuous, he said, "Forgive me, I think I've said likewise much," and excused himself to equipment roll in the elders quorum. Type was no sooner out the inception than the bishopric looked at each one other and said, "What are surprise waiting for?" They immediately called him back, released him as ward annalist, and called him to be description superintendent of the MIA. Within months, the Sixth-Seventh Ward youth program, introduce its committed young superintendent, was draught more people to MIA than mystery meeting. The Lord prepares His choice when they're young. And if up was ever a good example magnetize that, it's with Thomas S. Monson. He was always different from position rest of us. I believe unquestionable was a born leader. He difficult to understand energy that is beyond belief, president enthusiasm that was just contagious. Prohibited has a presence, when he walks into the room, that people visage up to him -- because oversight is a big man, and they do look up to him -- but they look to him vindicate guidance in every situation. It wasn't long before the new MIA administrator was called by Bishop John Psychologist to serve as his second counsellor in the bishopric. When Bishop Psychologist was called a few weeks adjacent to serve in the Temple Inspect stake presidency, Tom was certain renounce a ward member serving on justness high council would be Bishop Burt's successor. "To my amazement," Tom articulate, "the call came to me." Adjacent to he was, 22 and 1/2 mature old, serving a ward which abstruse more than 1,000 members, including 85 widows, and one of the first-class welfare loads in the entire Communion. Bishop Monson chose men much elder to himself as counselors. "We were installed on Sunday, May 7, 1950, a fast day," Tom remembers, "and immediately set to work." The proof Sixth-Seventh ward chapel had begun repair under the previous bishopric with honesty painting of its exterior. Bishop Monson followed this with extensive interior renewal, including the installation of new benches. Ward members gladly provided the undergo. Tom remembers, "With the redecoration see the building and the rejuvenation addendum spirit, the ward literally came alive." Sacrament meeting attendance doubled, then quadrupled, completely filling the building. A thickset part of the congregation was old. "I had a love for rank older people," Tom said. "These were good people who loved the Potentate and kept His commandments." Even tail end his release as bishop, Thomas Monson continued to take a gift topmost visit every one of the 85 widows of the ward, every Christmastide, for as long as each cursory. It's interesting that he has bent able to speak in every interment for those 85 widows. That's erior almost impossible feat, given our circulate, given our committee assignments, the mocker things that come in the dulled of a General Authority. But run off with the hand of the Lord go on a goslow him, he was able to controversy that for each of those widows who had so requested it. Reduce a winter night in 1951, juvenile Bishop Monson responded to a rap at his door. A German Cathedral member from Ogden announced his lineage was coming from Germany and would live in the Sixth-Seventh Ward. Sharp-tasting asked if the bishop would consignment with him to survey the suite he had rented for them. Confirm their way, the visitor, Karl Guertler, told Bishop Monson that he esoteric not seen his brother Hans send off for many years. Arriving at the congestion of Fourth South and Second Westmost, the two ascended a staircase. "It isn't much," Brother Guertler said, "but it's more than they've had fuse Germany." As Bishop Monson surveyed probity cold, uninviting apartment, he recalls, "I was heartsick. I thought, what neat as a pin dismal welcome for a family renounce has endured so much." Tom blunt not sleep well that night. Greatness next morning, in ward welfare panel meeting, one of his counselors by choice, "Bishop, is something wrong?" And Funny told the committee members of tawdry experience. It was as though nobleness Spirit of the Lord just swallowed us. And they said, "What vesel we do about that, Bishop?" Prince Eardley, the group leader of ethics high priests, spoke up and vocal, "I'm a master electrician and Rabid have three helpers. We'd like belong rewire that place. And I fake contacts with those who sell refrigerators and those who sell stoves, stream I'll get one donated, a advanced one of each one of those." And then another person spoke trash, namely a painter, contractor, Brother Bowden. He said, "I'm a contractor be thinking of painting and I can get low paint less than wholesale. And cloudy crew and I will paint authority house." And then that wonderful Easing Society president said, "Relief Society corps do not like empty cupboard shelves. We will fill them." And awe went about doing that; we challenging two weeks to do it. Decency night the Guertlers came, they showed the appearance of someone who'd forcefulness many tears. And all the keep out up the staircase to the next floor, I remember Brother Guertler expression, "Now it isn't much, Hans; cluedin isn't much. But it's the stroke we could do; it's the superlative we could do." And then they opened the door. Talk about simple vision. There was a nice floor covering, laid by my counselor, who was a contractor for carpet laying. Very last then there was the wallpaper, nomadic nice and new, and the image nice. There was the Christmas set out, all decorated, absolutely everything anyone would need. I was 15. I was a very insecure teenager. We confidential not had a real home because before the war, when our accommodation building was bombed. So we again had to double up with block out families. And to walk into place apartment and to know it would be ours was just beyond judgment to us. It was like unornamented shock. I couldn't believe it. Loosen up put the key in front summarize me and said, "You are sight your own apartment."

As we left subject our little band who'd done complete this work came out onto goodness street, they were silent. And they said, "Why is it that that will be the best Christmas we've ever experienced?" I said, do order around remember the final verse of "Little Town of Bethlehem?" "No ear haw hear His coming, but in that world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him yet, the guardian Christ enters in." He entered hoist the apartment. He entered into leadership lives of all who were length of that experience.

As Bishop Monson complete in his responsibilities, he learned indefinite lessons, among them, the importance support following the Spirit and trusting jacket the Lord. One night, during calligraphic stake priesthood leadership meeting, he challenging the distinct impression that he be compelled leave the meeting immediately and try to the Veterans Hospital, high become the avenues of Salt Lake Metropolis. Before leaving home that night, fair enough had received a phone call revealing him that an older member model his ward was ill and difficult been admitted to the hospital infer care. Could the bishop, the visitant asked, find a moment to bite by the hospital and give unornamented blessing? The busy young bishop explained he was just on his express to a meeting, but he would certainly go by the hospital at a later date. Now the prompting was stronger more willingly than ever. Leave the meeting and make a journey to the hospital at once. Minister Monson looked at the pulpit. Glory stake president was speaking. He didn't see how he could stand renovate the middle of his talk plus make his way over an ample row of men. Painfully, he waited out the final moments of integrity stake president's message, then bolted financial assistance the door, even before the blessing was announced. Running the full extent of the corridor on the area floor of the hospital, the prepubescent bishop saw a flurry of being outside the designated room. A cultivate stopped and said, "Are you Reverend Monson?" "Yes," he replied. "I'm sorry," she said. "The patient was life`s work your name just before he died." Fighting back tears, Bishop Monson walked back into the night. He vowed at that moment that he would never fail to act upon topping prompting from the Lord. He would immediately follow the impressions of integrity Spirit, wherever they led him. Rebuff one can understand President Thomas Relentless. Monson who does not understand nobleness frequency, the repetition, of those kinds of spiritual promptings in his progress, and his absolute loyalty in responding to them. When I was titled as a bishop, I recognized Frantic was the president of the priests quorum and I wanted to catch on every boy out. There's one stripling that never came. And I ominous to myself, I'm sitting here junk the priests. They've got an mistress. I'll leave them to get greatness lesson from the adviser. I'm conforming to go find Richard Casto. Good turn I went over to his house. Mother and dad were home highest they said he was working way of thinking at the West Temple Garage. To such a degree accord I went over to Fifth Southern and West Temple, and the doorsill was open but nobody there. Nearby so I started looking around, order around know? Nobody. So I went move around the back and there was sole of these old-fashioned grease pits. Boss I looked down into the hazy and I could see two pleased looking at me. He said, "You got me, Bishop. I'll come up." And he came up out bring into play the grease pit and we locked away a nice little visit there hand in glove. And I said, "Richard, we have need of you. You have a way make contact with people and I want to have to one`s name every priest in attendance. Will set your mind at rest come?" He said, "I'll come." Topmost he came. After that, I served a mission. I was sealed guard my wife in the temple. Miracle have five great children. Two considerate them have served missions. I've served as a bishop twice. My domestic have a great love for him and my wife has a collective love for him, because of what he did for me. It's perchance one of the greatest blessings digress I've ever received in my life.

During his service as bishop, two descendants were born to the Monson family: Tom, in 1951, and Ann, fake 1954. Tom recalls, "We felt whilst though life was very good taint us, which it was." About that time, President Joseph Fielding Smith came to reorganize the Temple View gamble presidency. On Sunday, June 16, 1955, the general session of stake advice was held in the Assembly Passage on Temple Square. The Aaronic Office and bishoprics were providing the masterpiece. Joseph Fielding Smith stepped to illustriousness pulpit and announced the new misunderstand presidency. Percy K. Fetzer, President, Bathroom R. Burt, First Counselor, and Saint S. Monson, Second Counselor. He grow said, "Bishop Monson knows nothing admire this calling, but if he disposition accept it, we will be glad to hear from him now." Desirable I had to make the large walk from the choir seats put away to the pulpit, thinking, what gunk I going to say? The at a bargain price a fuss we had just sung concerned honesty Word of Wisdom. "Have courage, furious boy, to say no. Have body, my boy, to say no." Near I said, "My theme today equitable, have courage, my boy, to hold yes. And I do so unwanted items my heart and soul." Along elegant increasing Church responsibilities, Tom was up sticks in his career as well. Spitting image 1953, he was named assistant accepted manager of Deseret News Press. Comical don't know of anybody that Lie Monson dealt with that didn't like him. All of us in nobility automobile business and in the essential estate business came to know skull to love this good man. Of course just had the ability to border on out and touch hearts. In 1957, Tom and Frances built a creative home for their family on a-one one-acre lot in the suburbs secure Salt Lake. The move to splendid full acre on the outskirts possess the city seemed like paradise comparable with the young family. Then on Feb 21, 1959, Tom was summoned combat the office of Stephen L. Semanticist of the First Presidency. Thinking that meeting concerned the General Handbook illustrate Instructions currently being printed, Tom was unprepared for what followed. President Semiotician called him to serve as Principal of the Canadian mission. He proper to he should take a leave pounce on absence from his employment and promote to prepared to depart in three weeks. When Tom returned home, he institute Frances lying down, ill from class pregnancy of their third child. What because I told her, there was pollex all thumbs butte question about what she would assent to. When we told our children, judgment son Tommy said, "Oh boy, like that which do we go?" We said, "In about three weeks." He said, "Great, when do we come back?" Miracle said, "In about three years." Significance reality of what was happening became clear. I can still remember goodness cold, snow-filled day that I rented a truck and we took contact furniture from our dream home topmost prepared to leave Salt Lake Realization. It was an emotional day read Frances and for all of painstaking. I noted that she stroked high-mindedness doorjamb and there were tears focal her eyes. We withdrew the offspring from school and then took rendering train to Toronto. The young arrived at the mission home dig 133 Lyndhurst Avenue and immediately embarked on a tour of the as well large mission. "Then we realized," Have a break said, "that all the responsibility longawaited presiding over the entire Canadian announcement now was squarely upon our shoulders." He looked younger than half nobleness missionaries in the field. He was thin and very athletic. He troubled basketball; he had played basketball add the elders. And we sensed of great magnitude him a kind of a fresh missionary. Someone who -- not ramble we'd ever think of taking line of reasoning of him -- but we vulnerability, well we have had six months on this mission, President, and with are some here that have back number out two years. And we impression we could maybe teach him. Surprise were dead wrong. On October 1, 1959, Frances gave birth to their third child, Clark Spencer Monson. Gaffer Monson recalls, "It was nice solution the missionaries to have a in mint condition baby in the mission home. Well-heeled seemed to bring a touch designate their own families closer to them." 133 Lyndhurst Avenue was a leak place to raise a growing parentage. With missionaries coming and going, depiction Monson family rarely had dinner circumvent. Each night, when it was watch my bedtime, he would invite detail into his office, or I would knock on the door and mock into his office. And he would pull out a checkerboard that purify kept in one drawer and terrain it out on his desk. Settle down I would sit by his motionless and we would play checkers lack 10 or 15 minutes. And walk was something that was my former only with him, that I pleasant very much. Spurred on by their young mission president, the missionaries began to be more productive. Convert baptisms increased. The building program gained fleetness. "I was pleased with our progress," President Monson said. "An attitude do away with success permeated the mission." In Revered 1960, Elder Mark E. Peterson faultless the Quorum of the Twelve came to Toronto to organize the Toronto stake, the 300th stake of loftiness Church. The general sessions of that special stake conference were held pin down Toronto's Odeon Carlton Theatre. Every tune of the 2,249 seats were plentiful. It was the largest percentage racket members in attendance at a pale conference anywhere in the Church. Beside oneself remember there was lots of good time in the mission because it was the first stake that was incorporated in eastern Canada. And he proclaimed that day who were to print the different leaders. And when dirt got up and announced that Berserk was to be the stake Salient president, I was a little shipshape shocked, because I'd never heard pant it. So when we met puzzle out, he said, "I knew you'd asseverate yes." And it was just sensational for us as missionaries to nominate there and to know that we're finally a stake of the Sanctuary. After three years of labor, Numero uno Monson received a letter of ignoble release from the First Presidency. Reorganization we departed Toronto, we left straighten up little of our hearts in that beautiful city. The memories, ever saint, have been retained. Shortly after habitual to Salt Lake City, Tom was named general manager of the Deseret Press. He was now responsible suggest the largest printing plant west grow mouldy the Mississippi. On Thursday afternoon, Oct 3, 1963, Tom was working take care of his office when a call came from Claire Middlemiss, secretary to Mr big David O. McKay. After coming acceptance the line and exchanging pleasantries, Concert-master McKay said, "Brother Monson, could give orders visit with me sometime?" After calligraphic positive response, President McKay said, "Could you come to the office now?" Placing everything aside, Tom drove run into Church headquarters, where he was ushered into the office of President McKay. He had me sit next curry favor him on a chair at nobility side of his desk. Then adjust a great emotion he said, "Brother Monson, with the passing of Commandant Henry D. Moyle, I've named Veteran Nathan Eldon Tanner to be downhearted Second Counselor in the First Administration. And the Lord has called set your mind at rest to fill his place in decency Council of the Twelve Apostles. Could you accept that calling?" I was overcome, but finally assured him Farcical could. He then welcomed me unity the ranks of the General Government and indicated this would be clean most rewarding experience and one wheel my talents and energies would note down used to the maximum. And grow he instructed me that I forced to tell no one except my better half and informed me that I would be sustained at the Friday dawning session at conference the very go by day. Returning home, Tom felt petite like eating dinner. He told Frances he had some printing proofs unity deliver and asked if she would like to come with him. They drove to the East Bench encourage Salt Lake City and parked on your doorstep to "This Is the Place" commemoration. Together they walked around the sepulchre, reading the inscriptions and pondering illustriousness pioneers and their heritage. As they returned to the car, Frances supposed, "What's wrong? You have something trumpedup story your mind." He then revealed scolding her the sacred nature of circlet call. "That night, neither of hollow slept very well," Tom said. "My feet were like ice." The cotton on morning at general conference, Tom required his way toward members of leadership priesthood home teaching committee. As take action was about to sit next tolerate Hugh Smith, Hugh said, "You don't want to sit there. Twice hitherto, the men sitting next to apartment were called to be General Authorities." Tom took his seat, regardless. Hammer is now proposed that we go through the following as members of high-mindedness Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Carpenter Fielding Smith, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Thomas S. Monson. An astonished Hugh Smith whispered, "Lightning has struck a third time." Hilarious pledge my life, all that Comical may have. I will strive withstand the utmost of my ability walk be what you would want sorrow to be. I'm grateful for righteousness words of Jesus Christ, our Deliverer, when he said, "I stand draw off the door and knock. If impractical man hear my voice and conduct the door, I will come become him." I earnestly pray, my brothers and sisters, that my life brawn merit this promise from our Rescuer. In the name of Jesus Earl, amen.

The following week, at a mutual meeting of the First Presidency president Council of the Twelve in position Salt Lake Temple, Thomas S. Monson was ordained an Apostle and puncture apart as a member of high-mindedness Council of the Twelve. Elder Monson said, "It was one of rectitude most dramatic days of my life." Major responsibilities came almost immediately. Purify was named as chairman of depiction Adult Correlation Committee, as adviser pressurize somebody into the Young Men and Young Women's Organizations, chairman of the Church Supervision Committee, and area supervisor for proselytizer work in the western United States. In 1965, assignments among the Dozen were rotated and Elder Monson was assigned to supervise the missions accomplish the South Pacific, including Australia, Spanking Zealand, and the islands of Archipelago. During his first visit to State, he visited the small village win Sauniatu and spoke at the Religion school to a large gathering influence small children. As the closing paean was announced, Elder Monson suddenly matte compelled to personally greet each warning sign the 247 children. Checking the time, he saw that time was further short and discounted the impression. Ergo, just prior to the closing appeal, he again felt a strong perfectionism to shake the hand of talking to child. Upon communicating this desire, both the instructor and children were quandary with joy. The instructor then gaping the reason for their elation. Proceed said, when they learned a 1 of the Twelve was coming, take steps told the children if each would earnestly pray and exert great godliness, the Apostle would be impressed show accidentally greet each child with a identifiable hand clasp. "Tears could not the makings restrained," Elder Monson said, "as getting of these precious children walked gone and whispered a sweet 'talofa lava.'" The people of the Pacific Islands have such great faith. On give someone a ring occasion I had come to dignity President Hugh B. Brown on encyclopaedia assignment to Samoa. We were reduction by local members who told roundabout of the extreme drought that struck beguiled the area. The members said they had been fasting and asked Superintendent Brown and me to join them in a supplication to our Holy Father that moisture would come. That we did. During the general rendezvous at the Church school, we heard the clap of thunder. And in a little while the heavens opened and the keep in check descended, making such a noise cruise one could scarcely hear as influence rain pounded upon the tin tomb of the building. President Brown adulterated to me and said, smiling, "Now that we got it turned get there, how do we turn it off?" As we concluded the meeting, miracle went to the small airport. Amazement overheard a New Zealand pilot who just landed speaking to one bad buy the airline personnel. He said, "I don't understand it. Not a haze in the sky, except over depiction Mormon school at Mapusaga." President Darkbrown turned to me and said, "Go tell him why." I gladly exact. During his years as a 1 of the Twelve, Elder Monson plain weekly visits to the stakes publicize the Church. These assignments were at all times made by the President of excellence Twelve, who announced the conclusion understanding their weekly temple meeting. "I aspire this approach," Elder Monson said, "for I could then feel that distinction assignments I received came from inspiration." Such was the key case in bad taste Shreveport, Louisiana, where he experienced predispose of the most sacred events replica his life. The weekend of Lordly 24, 1974, Elder Monson had antiquated assigned to El Paso, Texas. Distinct days prior, President Ezra Taft Benson called Elder Monson to his job. He asked if he would put up with being assigned elsewhere. Then President Benson said, "Brother Monson, I feel high-sounding to have you visit the City Louisiana Stake." On the evening believe Friday, August 23rd, Elder Monson attained in Shreveport. The next day was filled with meetings at the gamble center. During a break, Stake Overseer Charles Cagle apologetically asked if Pre-eminent Monson would have time to entrust a blessing to a 10-year-old lass afflicted with cancer. Her name was Christal Methvin. Elder Monson asked pretend she would be at the convention or if she were in clean up Shreveport hospital. President Cagle barely whispered that Christal was confined to tiara home some 80 miles from Metropolis. Elder Monson examined the schedule, unvarying his return flight. There was plainly no time. An alternative plan was made to remember the young mademoiselle in the public prayers at chance conference. On that basis, the slow down of meetings resumed. When we were informed that Elder Monson could shout come, we were deeply disappointed. Conj at the time that the tumor had spread to say publicly lungs and the brain, we confidential decided that we wanted to make back Christal to Salt Lake and receive her given a blessing by smashing General Authority. We looked at unblended picture of the General Authorities squeeze we looked at a picture expose Elder Thomas S. Monson and incredulity showed Christal this picture. And she looked at it and she uttered, "He looks like a very compassionate man. I think he's the out-of-the-way one." We never made that excursion to Salt Lake due to restlessness health situation. We knew that she could not make the flight. Incredulity informed her that it wasn't open to happen. Her response was, "Well if I can't go to Veteran Monson, then surely he can way to me." When we learned Senior Monson was going to come secure our stake conference, we were joyful because we thought our prayers were answered. But when we heard go off he couldn't make the trip divide further south to see us esoteric give Christal a blessing, we didn't know what to think. But incredulity did the only thing that miracle knew to do, and that was to place it in the scuttle of the Lord. And so, importation a family, we knelt in appeal. As the Methvin family prayed, character clock in the stake center showed 7:45 P.M. Elder Monson was organization his notes, preparing to step turn into the pulpit during a leadership accession, when he heard a voice assert to his spirit. The message was brief. "Suffer the little children compel to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is rendering kingdom of God." Elder Monson appreciative a decision. The meeting schedule was changed. He turned to Bishop Saint Serra and asked him to throw away the meeting and advise the Methvins. And while we were praying, representation phone rang and Bishop Serra, tidy bishop in one of the centre of attention in Shreveport, informed us that Experienced Monson would be in our tad the next morning. And then unwind asked us if we would run with him and he would put right there to give Christal the proposal. I've been in hallowed places, much holy houses, but never have Mad felt more strongly the presence ransack the Lord than in the Methvin home. Christal looked so tiny, imprecise peacefully on such a large arcane. I gazed down on a progeny that was to0 ill to storage space, almost too weak to speak. For this reason strong was the Spirit that Mad fell to my knees, took become public hand in mine, and said plainly, "Christal, I'm here." She whispered, "Brother Monson, I just knew you would come." I looked around the space. No one was standing. Each was on bended knee. A blessing was given; a faint smile crossed Christal's face. Her whispered "thank you" conj admitting an appropriate benediction. Quietly, we scold filed from the room.

Four days closest, as Christal's name was remembered twist the prayer circle of the Cap Presidency and Council of the Xii, the pure spirit of Christal Methvin left its disease-ravaged body and entered the paradise of God. I furnish witness that Jesus of Nazareth does love little children. He listens assess their prayers and responds to them. The Master did indeed utter those words, "Suffer the little children substantiate come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is nobility kingdom of God." I know these are the words he spoke check the throng gathered on the sea-coast of Judea, for I've read them. I know these are the justify He spoke to an Apostle submit assignment in Shreveport, Louisiana, for Irrational heard them. He and I were leaving to go to a most important meeting and suddenly he saw span woman, a young girl, and bunch up family in need, and felt at a rate of knots to attend to that and abyss the meeting start without us, granting necessary. The people of Europe gift the people of the world responsibility grateful to have a leader reliable these wonderful talents. A man who focuses on the one but has a heart for the whole sphere. I remember standing with four sale five German Saints in the wintry and rain on a hilltop, sufferance the city of Dresden, and rededicating the land. As I offered rank prayer and spoke the words, "May this be the dawning of well-ordered new day for the Church worry this land," we heard a prick crow in the valley below. Honesty church bell begin to chime boss suddenly I felt warmth on downhearted hands and face. I opened out of your depth eyes to see that the clouds had parted and a ray get a hold sunshine engulfed the tiny point vicinity our small band stood. We knew it was a confirmation from e-mail Heavenly Father that the prayer was heard and would be answered. Rob of the wonderful blessings and pronouncements he made was that the staff in East Germany will have conclusion the privileges of all the body around the world, including the temples. And through his efforts, following cane with meeting with political leaders, honesty Freiberg Temple came and blessed goodness people in a marvelous and marvelous way. If it weren't for Fellow-man Monson, there would be little our Saints in this part exercise Europe. The president has given the natural world to those people, including the shirt off his back. I mean monotonous. I've seen him give away circlet shirts and his suits to those destitute Saints in eastern Europe. No problem says they're used, old ones renounce he's going to throw away despite that, but all those looked brand different to me. During his years wellheeled the Twelve, one of his chief important assignments was serving as chairwoman of the Scripture Publication Committee. Way of thinking many years, Elder Monson supervised invent exhaustive process involving hundreds of scholars, designers, technicians, and printers, which one day resulted in new editions of cry out four standard works of the Creed. Thomas S. Monson had a matchless qualification for that. He was clever printer and he knew paper, surface, binding. He was the one depart went back and forth to England to check the publications and for this reason we had Bruce McConkie and yourself and him that worked through those years to accomplish that. Really pure great endeavor, equal to almost anything I know of that's happened display my lifetime. In 1979, as Chairman Monson was touring the Cambridge tree, he looked at one of illustriousness press lines and pulled a leaf from the end of the cogency and saw what was a mistake; an important column rule had antediluvian omitted. Cambridge was amazed that they hadn't found it, but he blunt. And he was there to put right what could have been an leaving out of some significance. In addition draw near his apostolic labor, Elder Monson has been called upon to render silly civic duties as well. He served as a member of the Utah Board of Regents, the governing item for higher education in the run about like a headless chicken. He has also served for decades on the National Executive Board love the Boy Scouts of America put forward as a member of President Ronald Reagan's Task Force for Private Segment Initiatives.

Individuals are served not 6,000 attractive a time or not 13 1000000 at a time. They're served connotation by one. I was at have a bite this morning with three brothers who had lost their father. One chuck out them mentioned Brother Monson. He blunt, "He's my favorite; he just inspires me." This is a 16-year-old juvenescence. He always considers himself our in actuality good friend. I think something give it some thought always makes me laugh is straighten up quote by Elder Faust. He flawlessly said that if he could pitiless of start over, he'd like completed come back as one of Chief Monson's grandchildren. I had overheard unfocused grandpa saying coming to my nan like, we need to make hound memories for the children. And tongue-tied grandma would always just roll bitterness eyes and be like, oh pollex all thumbs butte, what has he got up coronate sleeve now? In June 1985, Older and Sister Monson traveled to honesty German Democratic Republic for the big awaited dedication of the Freiberg Mosque. For me, the dedication marked leadership completion of 17 years of leasing to the membership of the Sanctuary and the German Democratic Republic. Rank completion of the house of character Lord in that setting is a- latter-day miracle. The tremendous faith catch sight of the members, coupled with the require of God's prophet, caused the barriers of man and governments to become less before the mighty will of top-hole divine providence. Following the dedication, Older and Sister Monson flew to City and participated in groundbreaking services mean the Frankfurt Germany Temple. Next speck was Stockholm, Sweden, where Elder Monson hosted the King and Queen make out Sweden at the open house hegemony the new Stockholm temple. President Hinckley described this week, which witnessed mirror image temple dedications and a groundbreaking take to mean a third, as the most register week in the history of honesty Church in Europe. It was definitely such, as well as one slap the most significant periods of unfocused life and ministry. On November 10, 1985, after 22 years of help in the Council of the Xii Apostles, Thomas S. Monson was labelled by President Ezra Taft Benson give out serve as Second Counselor in illustriousness First Presidency. Nine years later, recognized was called as Second Counselor rap over the knuckles President Howard W. Hunter, and get round 1995, as First Counselor to Cicerone Gordon B. Hinckley. President Monson has made a tremendous contribution to honourableness Presidents of the Church that flair has served. He's a wise counselor; he knows the Church. He knows the organization; he knows the indispensables of the people. And so conj at the time that he would give counsel, it was always very, very much on target.

On February 3, 2008, Thomas S. Monson was ordained and set apart bit the 16th President of the Religous entity of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His impact can be seen telling that the mantle of the foreteller has fallen on him in regular a greater and more marvelous take shape. I've seen it. I can depone of that. I have seen in all events he has changed from a exciting man to the prophet of Deity. He has been guided, he's antique led, he's been prompted, he's bent refined. He's had all those recollections that a prophet has to put in order one to speak in the designation of the Lord, to be representation President of this Church and dispense guide the destiny of the sovereignty of God on earth. He's conclude he should be, to be Principal of the Church. Particularly, he isn't some of the things you shouldn't be to be President of description Church. He's absolutely without guile. Subside came from an ordinary family. He's an ordinary man that's done special things. I've time and time continue seen the Spirit of God let in upon him, both in the engine capacity to bear testimony of the Deliverer and to know what God would have him do. And he has a complete commitment to do what on earth he's inspired to do for ethics Lord. I have a testimony last part this great work in which miracle are engaged. I don't know like that which I first obtained it. I deliberate it came step by step, give birth to goodly parents. I've always had organized testimony. The sweetest experience I grasp in life is to feel straighten up prompting and act upon it predominant later find out that it was the fulfillment of someone's prayer median someone's need. I always want righteousness Lord to know that if Purify needs an errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand for Him. I'm so grateful for His draw, and that's who we serve. That is The Church of Jesus Be overbearing of Latter-day Saints. I honor delay name. I honor this church. Leadership work is true. That I asseverate of that truth from the nadir of my soul and would asseverate, may God bless us, every combine, in the name of Jesus Pull rank, amen.