Three reasons to celebrate

1 April 2018

Happy Easter—With the rest of the Christian world, we celebrate the empty tomb:  “He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.”  Matthew 28:6.  We are eternally grateful.  The sting of death is no more.  

The Risen Lord

It’s been quite a week of celebrations:  Normally the Church has General Conference with 8 sessions of instruction twice a year—April and October.  So that was already in the mix.  And we look forward to it with great anticipation as it fills us up spiritually for the next 6 months.  But then, add in Easter that happens to fall on General Conference weekend this year and top that with a newly sustained Prophet: we are just floating! 

General Conference Center in SLC, Utah

Seats 21,000; conference talks translated into 94 different languages

An Historic Moment in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—Prophets lead and guide the Church.  Just like in the Old Testament.  Prophets like Noah, Moses and Isaiah to name a few.  Because of the Restoration of the Gospel, this Divine Order of prophets speaking to God’s children is now once again on Earth.  What an incredible time to live on Earth!  When one passes on, the next one is sustained with an arm raised to the square signifying a vote to support.  This special portion of General Conference is called a Solemn Assembly.  The entire membership of the Church participates. 

It is a very unique proceeding in that:  first, each auxiliary group of the Church individually sustains the newly called Prophet:  first the First Presidency (group of 3) stands and sustains the Prophet (now Russell M Nelson).  After they are seated, the 12 Apostles stand as a group and sustain President Nelson, then they sit down and the Quorum of the Seventy stands and offers their sustaining vote, followed by Melchizedek Priesthood (worthy men over 18) holders then the Aaronic Priesthood (young men 12-18) holders, Relief Society (women’s organization) and the Young Women’s (young women 12-18) organization.  Then, the entire congregation is asked to stand as one body—15 million plus members of the Church all across the world—different nationalities, races and languages are asked to stand.  In one accord, as a body of believers, we agree, of our own free will, to sustain God’s next Prophet of the world.  It is an emotional, exhilarating and unifying moment as we all stand together to support God’s mouthpiece for the world.  The transition is smooth as smooth can be.  It is orderly and truly a marvel to be so united in purpose. 

 

Newly sustained Prophet:  Russell M Nelson

A little bit about Russel M Nelson—he is quite a remarkable and well-accomplished man at 93 years old.  He still skis with his grandchildren!  Yes, at 93.  In 4 days, he will leave on a global tour visiting London, Jerusalem, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and Hawaii.  We will have to peddle really hard and fast to keep up with his energy level!  Here are just a few highlights of his lifetime:  husband and father to 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and 116 grandchildren. He is an internationally renowned surgeon, has perfect pitch and learned Mandarin in his spare time.  That’s a lot for one lifetime, and that is a very condensed list.  At 93 and all those experiences, he seems well qualified to teach us about family, contributions to community and medicine.  And what a longer view of life who can well advise us on how to avoid the pitfalls in this life.  To Latter-Day Saints, he is a Prophet of God who receives revelation and inspiration to the world.   The Poussards add their personal witness of this newly called Prophet and to the role of Prophets.

Happy Easter to all.